Fred Astaire is one of my favorite entertainers of all time. For one of his later films, the romance Daddy Long Legs (1955), Johnny Mercer wrote Astaire a fantastic song entitled “Something’s Gotta Give” that has since become an often-covered American standard. “When an irresistible force such as you meets an old immovable object like me,” the song begins, “you can bet just as sure as you live — something’s gotta give, something’s gotta give, something’s gotta give.”
When it comes to romance, perhaps so. When it comes to funding highways and streets, definitely so.
The irresistible force in question is North Carolina’s continued growth and development. Over the past decade and a half, few states have attracted more net migration than ours. According to the latest Census Bureau data, the population of the Tar Heel State grew by 145,907 last year — a larger gain than all but two states (Texas gained 391,243 residents and Florida 196,690). Adjusting for preexisting population, the number of North Carolinians grew by 1.3% last year, faster than all but South Carolina (1.5%) and Idaho (1.4%).
With more people comes more workers, consumers, creators, taxpayers — and travelers. Increases in highway usage aren’t proportional, of course. Only some North Carolinians are daily commuters. Others work remotely or part-time, or are students, caretakers, or retirees. People increasingly do some of their shopping, playing, and congregating online. But to say demand for highway use in the 21st century doesn’t rise in direct proportion to population growth is not to say it doesn’t rise it all. Newcomers are still moving around, mostly on powered wheels. And shopping online for clothes, gifts, household supplies, and food doesn’t eliminate the need to deliver most of these goods by car or truck.
In other words, so long as North Carolina remains an attractive place to live, work, invest, and rear children, highway usage will go up.
As is now evident in Raleigh, Charlotte, Wilmington, and other fast-growing cities, however, there is a seemingly immovable object in the way: an outmoded system for building and financing roadways. In a recent cover story, Triangle Business Journal reported on a troubled project just outside my office window: a planned widening of Six Forks Roads near Raleigh’s North Hills development. Initially projected in 2020 to cost $31 million, its price tag had tripled to $93 million by the time it was nixed in 2025.
One reason was the skyrocketing cost of the asphalt cement used in North Carolina’s road projects. From 2020 to 2026, it increased 55%. The cost of other imported materials shot up, too, as did land-acquisition and labor costs.
Competing bidders, supply constraints, tariffs, threats to shipping through the Red Sea and Persian Gulf — all are factors. But so is the longstanding mismatch, in North Carolina and most other places, between the demand for new capacity and the revenue required to meet it. As vehicles grow increasingly fuel-efficient or electrified, states collect few fuel-tax dollars per mile traveled. As motorists hold onto their vehicles for more years, states collect fewer taxes on auto sales.
To say state policymakers have ignored the conflict between rising demand and inadequate supply would be grossly unfair. Over time, the General Assembly has raised the motor-fuels tax, significantly reduced diversions of its proceeds to non-highway programs, redirected sales-tax revenues from auto parts to the Highway Fund, and changed the way the Department of Transportation sets priorities for highway construction and maintenance.
North Carolina is one of the best stewards of highway dollars in the United States, according to annual rankings by the Reason Foundation. Among the country’s 10 most-populous states, only Georgia fares better. Admittedly, some may deem this a form of damning by faint praise, given the competition. Other big states such as Illinois (37th), New York (47th), and California (49th) are transportation basket cases.
But our reforms haven’t gone far enough. Demand continues to rise. Our revenue and construction systems can’t keep up. Something’s gotta give.

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

In 2016, when Fred and Anita Surgeon purchased a 300-acre property outside of Fayetteville, there was nothing there but trees and potential. They spent the next four years turning that property into a destination for families, school trips and events of all sorts known as Sweet Valley Ranch. Since they opened to the public in December of 2020, thousands of visitors have come to explore the farm, enjoy the Festival of Lights holiday light display and visit Dinosaur World. Sweet Valley Ranch has grown and expanded their public offerings, and they’re not done yet.
While Sweet Valley Ranch already has a few outdoor spaces to host a gathering, the Sweet Spot will be the Ranch’s newest space: a 3500 square-foot event space that will be a perfect destination for weddings, family reunions, conferences, and events of all types and sizes. The Sweet Spot can accommodate up to 175 people, making it well-suited for a variety of events and gatherings.
Those planning a wedding will find The Sweet Spot at Sweet Valley Ranch to be an idyllic setting. While the farm aesthetic that surrounds the venue will be evident, the Sweet Spot will provide a sense of elegance and sophistication that is the perfect backdrop for any wedding. While the farm surrounds the venue and provides peaceful and natural beauty, the interior features beautiful chandeliers and other elegant details to elevate the appearance of any event.
The venue will also provide much of what is needed for that special day: tables and chairs for both wedding and reception, as well as a sound system so the DJ can help the party continue. There is even the possibility for the wedding party to spend the weekend on site, as Sweet Valley Ranch hosts Farmhouse Retreat cabins for overnight stays.
While a perfect spot for a memorable wedding, The Sweet Spot is not a one-trick pony. The venue will be well suited for all types of events. Family reunions will find that the property is spacious and has something to attract the attention of all ages, while the Sweet Spot serves as the hub of the action. Birthday parties, bridal or baby showers, celebrations of all shapes and sizes: the Sweet Spot and the staff at Sweet Valley Ranch have everything guests need to make any event memorable.
Even those who need space where they can get down to business will find that the Sweet Spot is a great fit. It is a perfect destination for a corporate retreat or training for a team, with plenty of room indoors and out, plus a 100” screen in the main gathering space to display presentations or videos.
Surgeon anticipates the event center will open soon, in September or October of 2026, although they don’t have an exact opening date yet. They want everyone to be able to see what The Sweet Spot has to offer, though, and will host an open house prior to the opening. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.
Sweet Valley Ranch has quickly become a popular Cumberland County destination for fun, exploration, and celebration. The Sweet Spot event venue is sure to attract even more people to the farm, as they plan their event and see up close the beauty and charm that the entire ranch has to offer.

Dancing Without Sin Fitness is preparing to host Gospel Fit Fest, a community centered exercise event designed to combine movement, music and Christian fellowship. The work out event will take place on Aug. 9 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 226 The Warehouse, located 226 Donaldson St. Registration is $10, and tickets can be purchased at https://bit.ly/4hDu3vQ
The event will feature a fun workout led by Dancing Without Sin founder and CEO Stephanie Brown Kegler, a certified fitness instructor and creator of the registered Movement Minister program. Participants will exercise to gospel music while completing dance movements, squats, lunges, floor exercises and other fitness activities.
Gospel Fit Fest is intended for people at a wide range of ages and fitness levels. Chairs will be available for participants who need to remain seated during the workout, and instructors will demonstrate modifications before each portion of the program. The goal is to welcome beginners and people who may require additional support.
Kegler founded Dancing Without Sin Fitness in July 2015 after recognizing that some Christian participants did not feel fully represented in traditional group fitness settings. She had worked as a fitness instructor since 2009 and wanted to create an environment where people could exercise while listening to music that reflected their faith and personal values.
The resulting program is spiritually based but motivating and gets everyone in the room moving. Dancing Without Sin classes incorporate gospel, inspirational music, Christian hip-hop, old school rhythm and blues and Afrobeat selections.
The class format moves beyond traditional dance instruction by including strength building and conditioning exercises that are manageable for all fitness levels.
Kegler’s approach also emphasizes inclusion. The program’s No Christian Left Behind sessions are designed for participants with standing disabilities and people who use wheelchairs. The sessions provide ways for each participant to remain active without being excluded from the shared experience.
Gospel Fit Fest will remain true to the original goal and focus. Attendees will be invited to sing along with a mix of older and newer gospel songs while completing the workout. Organizers are encouraging participants to attend after church and bring members of their congregations, families and friends.
The event also connects physical wellness with spiritual responsibility. Its theme references 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 and the biblical teaching that the body is a temple.
Through the workout, Dancing Without Sin encourages participants to consider healthy living as one part of their Christian walk.
In addition to the signature dance fitness experience, Kegler has expanded her instruction through Total Transformation Toning With Steph. The newer format uses resistance bands and light hand weights to add strength training to the program. The format reflects the organization’s broader effort to help participants improve endurance, mobility and overall conditioning.
Kegler is known for organizing large community events and creating an atmosphere where participants do not need previous dance experience to feel included. Her instruction focuses on helping people move at a level that is appropriate for them while still participating in the larger group.
Gospel Fit Fest will also support a charitable cause. Proceeds from the event will benefit 1 of Us, the organization selected as Dancing Without Sin’s 2026 cancer charity.
The partnership adds a fundraising component to an event already centered on health, fellowship and community engagement.
Advance tickets are available for $10. Organizers are encouraging attendees to purchase discounted tickets before prices increase.
For Kegler, Gospel Fit Fest represents the mission that has guided Dancing Without Sin from the beginning, creating a place where faith and fitness can exist together. The event offers participants an opportunity to worship through music, support a cancer focused charity and complete a challenging workout in an environment designed to leave no one behind.

(Photo: A group poses after a dance workshop with Stephanie Brown Kegler. Kegler, a movement minister and CEO of Dancing Without Sin, will be hosing a Gospel Fit Fest in August. Photo courtesy of Dancing Without Sin)

Long before Fayetteville earned its reputation as a military town, it was a place where ordinary citizens made an extraordinary choice.
In the summer of 1775, months before the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia, a group of local men gathered in what was then Cross Creek to publicly declare their support for the cause of liberty. Their pledge, known today as the Liberty Point Resolves, has become one of Cumberland County’s defining historical moments. Yet for many residents, the names behind those signatures have remained little more than footnotes.
A new publication from the Cumberland County Public Library is working to change that.
Released this summer by the Library’s Local & State History Department, The Voices of Resolve: The Patriots of Liberty Point shifts the focus away from the document itself and onto the people who created it. Instead of retelling a familiar Revolutionary War story, the book asks a different question: Who were the individuals willing to risk their livelihoods and potentially their lives for an uncertain future?
The answer unfolds over more than 200 pages of carefully documented research. Developed over two years, the project draws from military records, court documents, land grants, wills, family papers, newspapers and other historical sources to reconstruct the lives of the Liberty Point signers and the community they called home. According to the Cumberland County Public Library, the publication contains more than 1,000 source citations, making it one of the most thoroughly researched works ever produced on this chapter of local history.
For readers, however, the value isn’t found in the footnotes. It’s found in the humanity.
History has a way of reducing people to dates, monuments and bronze plaques. This book reminds us that before they became historical figures, they were merchants trying to keep businesses open, farmers working the land, fathers raising families and neighbors navigating a community divided over Britain’s rule. That broader perspective feels especially timely.
Across the country, communities are marking the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution by reflecting on national milestones. Fayetteville’s contribution to that conversation is distinctly local. Rather than looking only at famous names from Boston or Philadelphia, this project invites residents to explore the people who stood on the banks of Cross Creek and helped shape history from right here in Cumberland County.
The publication also expands beyond the Patriots themselves. It examines the Loyalists who opposed independence, explores the experiences of women whose contributions often went unrecorded and traces the fascinating journey of the original Liberty Point Resolves document after it disappeared from public view. The result is a richer, more balanced portrait of a community wrestling with the same questions of loyalty, identity and sacrifice that defined the colonies as a whole. The book is only one part of a larger effort underway at Headquarters Library.
As part of North Carolina’s America 250 initiative, the library has introduced new exhibits, educational programming and public history projects designed to make Revolutionary-era history more accessible. Together, they reflect a growing recognition that preserving history isn’t simply about protecting old documents; it’s about helping modern communities understand how those documents continue to shape the present.
That commitment has earned statewide recognition. The Liberty Point Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution recently announced that the Library’s Local & State History Department will receive the America250! Commendation Medal for its work preserving and sharing Cumberland County’s Revolutionary history.
For many readers, The Voices of Resolve will offer something more valuable than a lesson about the past.
It offers perspective.
The Liberty Point Resolves were never just ink on parchment. They represented real people making difficult decisions without knowing how history would judge them. Two and a half centuries later, their community is still discovering who they were.
Perhaps that’s the greatest contribution of this remarkable project. It reminds us that history doesn’t begin in textbooks. It begins with people. And some of America’s most important stories didn’t happen in distant capitals; they happened right here in Fayetteville. For more information, visit the Cumberland County website at https://bit.ly/4wFxC9m

People undergoing treatments like radiation, chemotherapy or infusions for autoimmune diseases often face many mental, emotional and physical hardships that can make it difficult to keep up with personal care. Care packages are a tangible way to show concern and provide relief, and one Hope Mills nonprofit is proud to carry this purpose.
Latrice’s Promise is a 501(c)(3) organization that delivers comfort to patients undergoing cancer treatments by providing them with small but meaningful gifts in a box. These items typically include things like soft socks, key chains, pens, inspirational calendars and notebooks or journals.
The organization is run by Vonda Leak, CEO, and Rosaetti Sands, vice president, and was created after the passing of Latrice Williams, a Cumberland County Schools educator who had a rare form of cancer called leiomyosarcoma. Her dream was to offer support to people receiving cancer treatment and dealing with similar situations.
“As she was going through cancer and radiation, it was her vision to be able to give out Comfort Boxes to people who were going through the chemo and radiation,” Sands said. “Just something to kind of let them know that they’re not alone.”
The Latrice’s Promise team, which consists of six members, raises funds for creating the Comfort Boxes by serving as a bracelet vendor around the community.
“We make beaded bracelets, we go as a vendor to different events, and we make money with the bracelets to pour back into the boxes,” Sands said. In addition to selling bracelets, previous fundraisers have featured opportunities to buy goods from businesses such as Krispy Kreme and Poppin Popcorn.
They find patients to give the boxes to by networking with people in the surrounding area. The nonprofit’s most recent development was joining the Greater Fayetteville Chamber, which will give them higher visibility and an expanded ability to reach out to people they can help — and those who can help them in turn. This platform will also contribute toward raising awareness about cancer and the ways in which community members can lend their support to people with cancer.
“The Chamber is just a great place to have different opportunities to be able to speak with people that are either in the medical field or are just going through some personal stuff with family members or friends,” Sands said. “So, it’s a networking process.”
They hope to make contact with an even wider audience and connect with families and friends of patients or people themselves who could use some comfort during a hard time. See more information about the organization on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555949207569.
The nonprofit’s latest fundraiser is their annual Tea Party event, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 12, at the new Feena’s location on 724 N. Reilly Road. The event will run from noon to 2 p.m. with an admission fee of $20 per ticket. Attendees can enjoy food and drinks from Feena’s menu while partaking in fellowship and getting acquainted with others who may have experienced similar cancer struggles to their own.
Tickets can be bought by messaging the Latrice’s Promise Facebook page or one of the team members tagged in the Facebook announcement post at https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DhfRudKZS/.
Funds from the occasion will go toward filling Comfort Boxes with necessary care items for patients. A select number of vendors will also be accepted for the Tea Party fundraiser. Business owners interested in becoming a vendor can reserve a spot for $25 and get their brand out there while contributing to an honorable cause.
Outside of fundraisers, there are other chances to help. Residents are more than welcome to support Latrice’s Promise through volunteering to fill Comfort Boxes or donating care items to the team. Anyone who wants to donate items can get in contact with Leak or Sands to arrange for drop-off.
With the colder months on the horizon, Sands is hoping to connect with individuals who can supply blankets for the Comfort Boxes. It’s also a goal for the organization to partner with someone who can help cancer patients get wigs.
Their new membership in the Chamber marks a meaningful milestone for the Latrice’s Promise team and inspires them to keep moving forward and bringing people together to support those undergoing treatment.
“It’s just something that I hold dear to my heart,” Sands said. “And especially losing Latrice through cancer, I just want people to feel that they’re not alone and there are a lot of people that are going through that struggle.”
If you would like to donate funds or items to their mission or want more information on how you can help, contact Latrice’s Promise at latricespromise@gmail.com or by calling Leak at 910-920-0533 or Sands at 910-495-4495.

(Photo: A volunteer with Latrice's Promise sells bracelets at a market. The funds from the bracelets go to create Comfort Boxes for people undergoing chemotherapy. Photo courtesy of Latrice's Promise)

Chamber recognition highlights Blue Star Families’ work connecting military families with one another and the greater Fayetteville community.
Living the life of a military family is something only those who have lived it can fully understand. Relocations and deployments can leave families rebuilding community in places where they know no one beyond the military families around them.
Blue Star Families builds on a truth military families often learn quickly: family can also be found in the people who help carry you through unfamiliar seasons. The organization recognizes that those further along the military-family journey are often best equipped to help those coming behind them.
“The mission, while simple and powerful, is to connect military family members to one another, the resources and the community,” said Danice Langdon, director of Blue Star Families’ Greater Fayetteville Region.
Recently named the Greater Fayetteville Chamber’s 2026 Nonprofit of the Year, Blue Star Families of the Greater Fayetteville Region has spent the past year creating spaces where military-connected families can find support, resources and one another.
Langdon said the recognition reflects the dedication of the families the organization serves, along with the community partners and sponsors who help make its work possible. She also sees it as evidence that Fayetteville recognizes the value military families bring to the region.
That work begins by listening.
Blue Star Families does not decide what military families need and then build programs around assumptions. Instead, the organization gathers direct feedback through conversations with members and tools such as the Military Family Lifestyle Survey.
The survey allows military-connected people to identify their needs directly, helping guide programs, policy discussions, partnerships and support.
According to Langdon, 66% of military families in the area live off post, while one in four experiences food insecurity. Those numbers help Blue Star Families understand not only where families live, but what challenges may follow them home.
The data is a starting point, but the families themselves help determine what happens next.
If members want more outdoor opportunities or programs supporting children, careers or connection, Langdon and her team look for ways to make those ideas possible.
“This is your chapter,” Langdon tells members. “My job is to facilitate what it is you need and want to thrive here locally.”
Coffee Connects, Little Builders and programs such as book clubs grew from member feedback, and members are encouraged to help lead the programs they requested.
Outdoor programming has also drawn strong participation. A strawberry-picking event welcomed 91 family members, while activities at Clark Park have included birdhouse building, nature education and hiking.
The activities create room for families to meet, exchange information and build relationships naturally. Langdon said those conversations may lead a newly arrived family to a trusted doctor, someone who understands how to cut the hair of a child with Exceptional Family Member Program needs or another military family familiar with the challenges they are facing.
Those ordinary exchanges can help families begin to feel rooted in a place that is still new to them.
While Blue Star Families is often mistaken for a military-spouse organization, Langdon emphasized that its reach is much broader. It welcomes active-duty service members, military spouses and families, veterans, retirees, military-connected children and community supporters. Children remain military-connected even after their parents' divorce and can still benefit from Blue Star Families’ support and opportunities.
Businesses, organizations and individuals also help create the connections Blue Star Families is working to build by introducing military-connected families to the broader community around them.
For Langdon, the first qualification for a potential community partner comes down to one question: “Do you support our military?”
That support is also reflected in how the chapter earned its recent recognition. Because nominations for the Greater Fayetteville Chamber’s annual awards come from within its membership, Blue Star Families’ selection showed that local business and community leaders were paying attention to the work being done.
“I think that we do good work,” Langdon said. “And I think the community can see that.”
Being named the Chamber’s 2026 Nonprofit of the Year reinforced the organization’s mission to connect military families not only to one another but also to the resources and support available throughout the community.
The chapter’s upcoming programming continues that work.
Participation in the current Military Family Lifestyle Survey will help Blue Star Families understand what families in the region need and shape future support around their responses.
Welcome Week, planned for late September through early October, will be the chapter’s largest upcoming effort. Nine events are planned, including Coffee Connects, wellness programming, employment support, fishing, a zoo trip and a small-business social.
The week will welcome families following summer transitions and the beginning of the school year, with programs covering careers, entrepreneurship, recreation, wellness and community.
Star, Stripes and Holiday Wishes is scheduled for Dec. 5. The event will bring families and community supporters together for dinner, gifts and holiday activities. The chapter is seeking partners to help provide gifts for 100 children.
For Langdon, the next goal is not simply adding another award to the chapter’s list. It is building greater participation, a stronger volunteer base and more members willing to step forward and lead.
Each new connection gives someone further along in the military journey an opportunity to reach back and remind another family, “You’re going to be okay.”
When Blue Star Families gets it right, Langdon said, members “leave feeling connected, and they want to be involved again.”
For more information, or to join Blue Families, visit https://bluestarfam.org/chapters/fayetteville/

(Graphic courtesy of Blue Star Families of the Greater Fayetteville Region)

For generations, Fayetteville’s identity has been inseparable from Fort Bragg. The installation has shaped the city’s economy, culture and workforce, producing thousands of highly trained soldiers whose leadership and technical expertise have made an impact around the world.
The challenge has always been what happens when they leave the military.
Each year, approximately 7,000 soldiers transition out of service at Fort Bragg. Many possess advanced technical skills, security clearances and years of leadership experience, yet too often those professionals leave Cumberland County in search of opportunities elsewhere.
The Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation believes it has a solution.
Now under development in downtown Fayetteville, the new Defense Innovation Center is designed to do more than provide office space. The 36,000-square-foot secure facility is intended to become the hub where military expertise, private industry and emerging technology meet under one roof. For FCEDC President and CEO Robert Van Geons, the vision began with a simple question: How can Fayetteville better capitalize on one of its greatest assets?
“The gap it fills is physical infrastructure,” Van Geons said. “Fort Bragg holds a concentration of operational expertise, and North Carolina has an established commercial technology sector. There has been no accessible, secure location off post where the two could work together.”
That idea evolved into a facility unlike anything currently available in the region.
Plans call for flexible workspaces, private offices, training rooms, secure laboratories, multiple Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities and a secured briefing room capable of accommodating more than 200 people. Beyond its physical features, the center is designed to help technology companies navigate military acquisition processes while creating opportunities for service members to work directly with businesses developing the next generation of defense technologies.
“The facility serves as the anchor point of a regional defense innovation ecosystem,” Van Geons said. “It’s where talent connects with advanced employment opportunities and entrepreneurs advance new ideas.”
The impact extends well beyond active-duty soldiers.
Military spouses whose careers are often interrupted by relocations and deployments are also expected to benefit from employers establishing operations in the area. At the same time, the center is designed to help companies begin hiring immediately, even before permanent facilities are completed.
“The Center’s training rooms and key-man offices allow a company to hire and train in our community while its permanent facility is under construction or upfit,” Van Geons explained. “That shortens the time between a company’s decision to locate in Fayetteville and Cumberland County and its first local hire.”
Not everyone leaving military service is searching for a traditional job, however. Many veterans are launching businesses of their own, particularly in cybersecurity, logistics, artificial intelligence and defense technology. Van Geons says the Innovation Center was built with those entrepreneurs in mind.
“The secure offices, labs and demonstration space give those entrepreneurs a place to design, develop and prove new technologies, along with access to the operational community that will evaluate them,” he said. “The facility connects transitioning talent with employers seeking their skills while also providing a launch pad for those advancing their own ideas.”
The project represents a broader shift in how economic development is measured.
Rather than simply recruiting employers, communities are increasingly focused on building ecosystems where businesses, entrepreneurs and skilled workers can grow together. Fayetteville’s proximity to Fort Bragg positions it uniquely for that model, particularly as defense technology continues to evolve.
Looking ahead, Van Geons envisions the Defense Innovation Center serving as the front door to a much larger regional network.
“The Center operates as a portal,” he said. “Veteran talent, startups, defense innovators, research collaborators and military thought leaders will pass through the facility to train, hire and advance new technology before establishing permanent operations across Fayetteville and Cumberland County.”
Success, he says, won’t be measured solely by the number of companies inside the building, but by the long-term impact throughout the community.
“Our goal is for Fayetteville and Cumberland County to be recognized nationally as the place where commercial technology and operational military expertise come together.”
If that vision becomes reality, the Defense Innovation Center won’t simply change the downtown skyline.
It could redefine how the rest of the country sees Fayetteville not only as the home of Fort Bragg, but as one of America’s emerging centers for defense innovation.

(Photo: Guests were welcomed inside the Defense Innovation Center, June 25 for a first look at the vision taking shape. The 36,000-square-foot building will feature key-man offices, conference and training rooms, multiple SCIFs and a large 200+-person presentation hall. Photo courtesy of Cumberland County, NC Government's Facebook page)

“Finish lines are lifelines,” according to Army veteran Jonathan Milkovich. This motto is the driving force behind why he founded the nonprofit organization Operation WarriorFit and is embarking on his most ambitious challenge this fall.
Operation WarriorFit helps first responders, veterans and active-duty service members find and maintain their inner purpose and stay fit by funding entries into competitions and active events. Those who’ve dedicated their lives to service can enjoy free or discounted entry into marathons, 5Ks and 10Ks, obstacle course races and many more events.
The organization arose from Milkovich’s own efforts to join races while on a tight budget after he left the military.
Like many, Milkovich started college right at 18, but he soon found that adjusting to this new way of life proved easier said than done.
“I was probably one of those individuals that should not have gone to college at 18,” Milkovich said. “I had a lot to still learn and had a little too much fun right after high school.”
After failing out of college, Milkovich joined the military, which changed his life for better and for worse. Alongside enduring physical ailments like back and knee issues, Milkovich also learned valuable lessons that would influence his future steps.
“It’s where my best friends came from, to this day, and it gave me that discipline in my life as a whole that allowed me to set myself up for success for my second college story,” he said, referring to his successful undergraduate stint and current MBA program at Syracuse University.
Leaving the military required another recalibration of his motivations.
“I came out of service, I’d lost one of my guys right before I got out, and I slowed down, and everything started catching up to me,” Milkovich said. Doing races helped restore that needed structure, but many are expensive to enter, and organizations at the time mainly offered charity bibs for major marathons — not local events.
Operation WarriorFit fills that gap.
Their database currently has over 100 registered members and more than 2,700 race entries in 30 states. To keep things fair, entries are distributed through a lottery system 12 weeks before a race begins, providing enough time for members to train and prepare for their desired event. Once on the road to the race, members can join Community Groups to train with people in their area and maintain their mental and physical resilience through external uplift.
This network of communities exemplifies the organization’s R.E.A.D.Y. framework, which stands for resilience, endurance, accountability, dedication, and, most importantly, you. A race is essentially “giving you that endurance and building that accountability that you can take into other aspects of your life,” Milkovich said. “You’re building those moments that you’re able to really think through something and be like, ‘Hey, this isn’t the hardest thing I’ve done, let me continue through with it.’”
Explore OWF Community Groups at https://www.operationwarriorfit.org/community-groups.
As a part of Milkovich’s actions to spread the word about Operation WarriorFit’s contributions to mental and physical health support and awareness, he’s taking on a new journey that will further his goals.
Operation Carolina is Milkovich’s biggest mission yet: a 700-mile solo run across the state of North Carolina in 17 days. With his aim to cover about 40 miles a day, his run will start on Monday, Sept. 21, in Murphy and end on Wednesday, Oct. 7, in Hatteras Point.
This run will take him from the mountains to the coast and many more places in between, testing his physical and mental endurance throughout. The goal is to start 22 conversations each day about mental health, both in person and on social media.
“We’re gonna take an approach to understand what people are going through and what support we can provide,” Milkovich said, adding that assisting people also involves collaborating with other nonprofits, such as Catch a Lift Fund.
The in-person element is where you come in. Anyone can join the route alongside Milkovich after mile 10 on each day; then, stay for as few or as many miles as you want. Whether you show up individually or with friends, you’ll build community and connect with like-minded people. Milkovich wants participants to walk away knowing this can be the first step that enables them to reach greater heights in racing.
“We want people to come out, whether you can run a mile, bike a mile, skateboard a mile, whatever it may be,” he said.
See more details on how to be a part of the run at https://www.operationwarriorfit.org/operation-carolina.
North Carolinians can keep up with the journey through daily updates, including morning video previews of each day’s route, evening recaps and live GPS tracking through the Operation WarriorFit website. The entire route will also be viewable through an interactive map on Strava at https://www.strava.com/routes/3458317396815052932.
Fleet Feet Charlotte is the title sponsor for Operation Carolina. This business equips runners with the right gear and offers expert training, making them the perfect partner for this bold initiative. Coinciding with their participation, there will be a large community meetup and group run once Milkovich reaches Charlotte.
As Operation WarriorFit is still fairly new, Milkovich and his board of directors look forward to making even bigger moves in supporting service members, veterans and first responders, including offering access to run coaches and training resources and continuing to expand their Community Groups.
Operation WarriorFit will also encompass more events in numerous categories as it grows — from running and rock climbing to biking and swimming.
“If it gets you out there and it gets you moving and healthy and putting something on your calendar to stick around for another week or two, we’re working to have that on our website,” Milkovich said.
Keep up with Operation Carolina on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569077765518 and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/operationwf/. If you’d like to support Operation WarriorFit or apply to start looking for races near you, kick things off at https://www.operationwarriorfit.org/get-involved.

(Photo: Jonathan Milkovich, the founder of Operation WarriorFit, plans to run the 700 miles across the state of North Carolina to raise awareness for mental health for veterans, soldiers and first responders. Photos courtesy of John Milkovich)

Sixteen Homes. One Community.
Born from neighborhood prayer walks, Inasmuch Village is designed to give veterans more than shelter — a permanent place to belong.
Taking back a neighborhood can be more than a tagline. Sometimes, it begins with people willing to walk through what is broken and believe it can become something different.
In 2023, the leadership of Fayetteville Area Operation Inasmuch was asking what should come next. The answer did not arrive as construction plans or a multimillion-dollar investment. It came as an instruction to walk.
On the fourth Friday of each month, staff members, volunteers and community supporters stepped beyond Inasmuch’s Hillsboro Street campus and into the four blocks surrounding it.
One step at a time. One block at a time. One prayer at a time.
They walked past discarded trash, neglected properties and houses known for drug activity. One of those houses stood directly beside The Lodge, Inasmuch’s residential program. They called it “the drug house” — not as a dramatic nickname, but because that was exactly what it had become.
As they passed it month after month, they prayed for the activity to end and the property to become something better. During seven months of prayer walks, questions continued to surface about what Inasmuch was doing for veterans, older adults, women and children.
The walks were becoming more than symbolic steps. They helped Inasmuch identify neglected spaces, listen to the neighborhood and consider how those spaces could serve the community differently.
At that point, Inasmuch Village did not exist, not even as a concept.
Then, in the eighth month, the Rev. Craig Morrison received a call from Mary Holmes of the Community Foundation. She told him there was someone she believed he needed to meet. Local developer Ralph Huff arrived with plans in his hands.
Huff already had a vision for permanent housing for veterans. Although construction could not begin until 2026, he wanted to start acquiring property and working through rezoning and permits.
Ralph and Linda Huff pledged an initial $2 million toward the development.
“He had everything drawn out,” Morrison said. “He had the plans for the cottages.”
By the tenth month, the house beside The Lodge had become the first property Inasmuch acquired. Morrison said the drug house was permanently shut down. The same process also led Inasmuch to donate three Orange Street properties to Habitat for Humanity for homes for women and children.
For Morrison, the need for permanent housing is visible through people Inasmuch serves, including Mr. Clyde, an older veteran who uses a wheelchair and attends the organization’s breakfast program. Morrison said his physical limitations mean his situation cannot be solved by simply finding a job or entering a short-term shelter program.
A 90-day housing option may help someone who can work and needs time to regain stability. It does not solve the same problem for a veteran living on disability or VA benefits while facing rent far beyond that income.
Morrison offered the example of someone receiving approximately $900 a month while trying to afford rent near $1,600.
“How can I even think of affording a $1,600 place to stay?” he asked.
Inasmuch Village residents will pay rent based on 30% of their income, giving them room to breathe while providing something temporary programs cannot: a permanent place to call home.
That is where Inasmuch Village is designed to be different — offering affordable housing within a built-in system of support.
The development will include 16 fully furnished, one-bedroom cottages measuring approximately 600 square feet each. Four will be ADA-compliant, while all will be built on slabs with open floor plans intended to improve accessibility. The cottages will also be pet-friendly.
Morrison explained that shelters often cannot accept animals, forcing people experiencing homelessness to choose between a bed and a pet who may have become their closest companion and family. At Inasmuch Village, residents will not have to make that choice.
At the center of the cottages will be the Linda and Ralph Huff Gathering House. Morrison envisions community meals, game nights, movie nights, celebrations and opportunities for churches and civic organizations to connect with residents.
It will be a place where neighbors gather, relationships form and residents are reminded that they do not have to navigate life alone.
When asked why the project matters in a military community like Fayetteville, Morrison shared the story of his youngest son, Braden, who was diagnosed with a hole in his heart as a child. Doctors repaired it, giving him the opportunity to grow and thrive.
“Our veterans are the heartbeat of this community,” Morrison said. “We can’t have a hole in our heart.”
Inasmuch Village is one way of helping make that community whole — not only by giving veterans a place to live, but by surrounding them with people determined to make sure they are seen, supported and remembered.
“You’re not alone. You’re not forgotten,” Morrison said. “There is a whole community here that loves you, that cares for you and that is here for you.”
The groundbreaking for Inasmuch Village is scheduled for Aug. 19 at 10 a.m. at 419 Chance St. The first residents are expected to move in during 2027. Applications are not yet open, and partnerships for support services are still being finalized.
When the first veterans receive their keys, Morrison wants them to feel at home, cared for and loved.
He asked readers to think about the people in their own lives who have served — a grandparent, a parent, a loved one or even themselves.
“Just like on that battlefield — no man, no woman left behind — we can’t leave anybody behind,” Morrison said.
For more information, visit https://www.inasmuchfay.org/

 

If you or someone in your life is 55 or older, now is the perfect time to attend a first-of-its-kind event honoring seniors. Let’s Make It Happen Together, Inc., Mayor Pro Tem Derrick Thompson (District 6) and the Bill Crisp Senior Center are collaborating to hold their first National Seniors Day Conference and Recognition Luncheon on Friday, Aug. 21.
This date is recognized as National Senior Citizens Day, and its observance was established in 1988 with presidential Proclamation 5847. It’s a moment to acknowledge the achievements, societal contributions and wisdom of older adults and their influence on the generations that come after them.
The senior center at 7560 Raeford Road is the perfect venue to hold such an event, as it’s named after the late Fayetteville council member Bill Crisp, who served District 6.
“Bill Crisp has always been an advocate, not just for seniors but all of Fayetteville,” said Thompson. “As a long-time standing member of the city council, he was the figure for the southwest part of the city. It was an honor for them to be able to name the senior center after him while he was still alive because he had such an impact on seniors in this district.
“I thought it would be a good tribute to try to remember him in doing this event here at his center,” Thompson continued. The event itself is dedicated to Crisp’s memory and his accomplishments in providing opportunities for older adults to remain engaged with their community.
In a more widespread sense, the luncheon also pays homage to seniors across the city who serve as the community backbone.
“They’re the golden people of this city,” said Belinda Jackson, recreation center supervisor for the Bill Crisp Senior Center. “They hold all the history for the city, and out of respect to them, we want to honor them because they can teach us a whole lot. They have taught me a whole lot since I’ve been here.”
Doors open at 9:30 a.m., and the event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The National Seniors Day Conference and Recognition Luncheon will begin with opening remarks from Crisp’s family, and a small display will be put up outside of the venue in remembrance of him. As this is a “revolving” event, the ceremony will occur outdoors beneath a tent, while vendors will be inside the center so seniors can move freely throughout the venue.
Lunch will be provided, with a menu including fried fish and barbecue chicken, and guests can enjoy good eats from various vendors throughout the day. Photo booths, aerobics from the local business Tacorobics, DJ-provided music, dancing and vendor giveaways showcase the breadth of activities that attendees can indulge in.
Attendance is free; register for the luncheon by filling out the form at https://forms.gle/PqxzyTXmHRtYi4pm9.
Registrants can purchase from a range of à la carte options to elevate their experience, including:
• A digital download keepsake video of the day
• A 1/2 dozen strawberries or chocolate-dipped pineapples brought to your seat
• A rose brought to your seat
• A VIP priority reserved seat
• VIP priority reserved seating for eight guests
• A tribute message and photo in a souvenir book
• Event T-shirts
The digital download keepsake video will include high-quality, professional footage of the day, edited into a compilation. An overhead drone will be used to capture aerial shots and unforgettable moments.
Even if attendees don’t choose any à la carte options, they still have a chance to enter event raffles and walk away with great door prizes, which could include helpful services like lawn care.
Any small, medium-sized and large businesses looking to be a sponsor or vendor are highly encouraged to apply by calling 910-644-6059. Five sponsorship levels are available from $50 up to $5,000, with some benefits including VIP seating, a vendor table and social media recognition, depending on the level chosen. Sponsor participation goes directly toward serving the seniors with door prizes, recognition activities and meals.
Alongside the fun, there will be plenty of valuable resources, such as health screenings and wellness tips.
“This is basically going to be all the healthcare agencies, like people who deal with home care, Medicare, crematoriums,” Jackson said. “We’re going to make sure we have somebody in here for health screenings to do blood pressure checks and gait checks.”
Attendees will also hear an inspiring speech from guest speaker Dr. Keith D. Tillett, pastor of the Simon Temple AME Zion Church.
“I know he’s a great speaker. He already spoke about how important senior citizens are to our community, so I thought it would be paramount for him to carry on that message that he gave to the congregation,” Thompson said.
Aug. 21 marks a significant day for generations who’ve come before and paved the way forward, and this inaugural event will play a lasting role in acknowledging all they’ve done for America’s Can Do City.
“We want to value our seniors,” Jackson said. “We want to make sure that they get appreciated, and they get spoiled.”
Thompson added, “For me, it’s about making sure that our seniors know that they’re important to us. We appreciate you, we see you, and we want to recognize you.”
To RSVP for the event, fill out the Google form or call the Bill Crisp Senior Center at 910-433-1248. Vendor and sponsor opportunities are available at 910-644-6059.

Cumberland County officials are inviting residents to weigh in on the future of local data center development through a series of upcoming community input sessions.
The public forums are designed to gather early community feedback before a formal draft ordinance is written. The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners passed a six-month moratorium on data centers in June to pause development while they researched options. According to county officials, feedback from these meetings will directly shape the upcoming policy framework.
Participants will be able to visit several interactive discussion stations, with each area focusing on a specific aspect of data center infrastructure. The discussions will cover utility considerations like water use and power grid capacity, noise levels, air quality, land use and zoning rules. The stations will also address the broader community footprint, focusing on environmental considerations and economic impacts. Staff facilitators will be present at every station to document public comments.
The first public session will take place on Thursday, Aug. 6, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Stedman Baptist Church located at 7750 Clinton Road in Stedman. A second session is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the J.D. Pone Recreation Center located at 2964 School Road in Hope Mills.
Residents seeking more details can review project updates and frequently asked questions at cumberlandcountync.gov/datacenter.
The Fayetteville City Council has also scheduled a public hearing for Aug. 10 at 5:30 p.m. at the Fayetteville City Hall. The purpose of the hearing is to discuss and vote on proposed changes to the city's Unified Development Ordinance regarding the regulation and zoning of high-density data centers.

In other Cumberland County news
At their regularly scheduled meeting on July 20, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners approved $121,500 in county incentives to recruit the U.S. headquarters and first domestic production facility for a Ukrainian drone manufacturing company. The Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corp. projects this move will create 162 jobs—averaging salaries over $70,000—and bring $68 million in local economic output. The Fayetteville City Council approved a $121,500 grant for the facility, known as Project Odesa, in June. The project will be located at 223 Dedication Drive, off Black and Decker Road, in Fayetteville.
Commissioners also approved a $439,068 agreement with LS3P Associates Ltd. to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for a new regional aquatic facility. The firm will formulate site designs, operational models and cost estimates.
Further, board members passed a budget ordinance amendment reappropriating $5.56 million of unspent funds from 2026 into the 2027 fiscal year. This covers incomplete multi-year initiatives, including American Rescue Plan Act programs and Emergency Services grant projects. They also unanimously approved an updated bid to supply materials and technical processing services for the county library system.
Key leadership adjustments included nominating new members to the Cumberland County Joint Planning Board, the Fayetteville Technical Community College Board of Trustees and the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, while formally appointing the new ABC Board Chairperson.

City of Fayetteville
The City of Fayetteville recently updated its Utility Connection Assistance Program to pay a $5,000 utility assessment and up to $1,000 for plumber costs, raising the income limit to 120% of the area median income.
The program helps owner-occupied homes in annexation and utility extension areas connect to sanitary sewer service. Applicants must live in the home, stay current on taxes, have $50,000 or less in liquid assets and never have received this help before.
Construction runs through 2037. Homeowners can apply early at https://www.fayettevillenc.gov/City-Departments/Economic-Community-Development/Water-Sewer-Assistance or call 910-433-1590.

North Carolina House and Senate
The North Carolina General Assembly reconvened on July 27 following a temporary adjournment that began on July 2, but no major policy veto overrides or final votes on major pending bills occurred. One spicy bit of controversy recently reported by The Carolina Journal was a $300,000 earmark in the state budget originally awarded to the private Carolina Lakes HOA in Harnett County. It was clawed back by lawmakers following public backlash over conflict-of-interest concerns involving a local representative. Instead of returning to Raleigh, the funds were redirected to the Harnett County government to be used for public county purposes under local oversight.

About the Greater Fayetteville Chamber
Advocacy is a cornerstone of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. Every week, the Chamber dedicates staff to attend City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County meetings as well as monitoring updates on the state and federal levels. We monitor legislation locally, statewide and federally to protect our community’s business interests. With 91% of U.S. adults recognizing a Chamber of Commerce's impact on growth, membership ensures a strong voice shaping policies, driving economic success and building a thriving business community—together. To learn more, visit www.faybiz.com or email jmclaughlin@faybiz.com.

The Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation is pleased to announce that Skyeton, previously known as Project Odesa, has selected Fayetteville and Cumberland County as the location for its U.S. headquarters and first manufacturing facility in North America. The project will create 162 jobs with an average annual salary of $70,759 and invest $3.4 million in real estate and equipment.
Skyeton currently has production operations in Ukraine, Germany, and Slovakia. Its new Fayetteville facility will support the development and manufacturing of advanced technologies designed to enhance the capabilities of military personnel, allied partners, and first responders. The company will occupy a 28,479-square-foot building within the former Black & Decker site.
“We are thrilled to welcome Project Odesa to Fayetteville and Cumberland County as it establishes its first U.S. manufacturing facility here,” stated City of Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin. “With the city’s concentration on defense, technology, and healthcare, this is exactly the kind of investment we are working to attract, bringing 162 jobs at an average salary of nearly $71,000 while breathing new life into the former Black & Decker site. My thanks to the State, our community college partners, and the FCEDC for helping bring it home.”
“Cumberland County is becoming a place where innovation, workforce and opportunity come together, and Project Odesa represents the type of investment we are working to attract,” said Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere. “Companies that create quality jobs, strengthen our advanced manufacturing sector and provide long-term opportunities for our residents are exactly the kinds of businesses we want to recruit. Investments like this continue to build our economic momentum and strengthen our community for the future. We are excited to welcome Project Odesa and look forward to supporting its success.”
The City and the County both approved job creation incentive grants for a total of $243,000, to be paid in three installments as employment occurs.
“North Carolina is the perfect place to call home, and we’re incredibly grateful for the warm reception and tremendous support we’ve received from the State of North Carolina, the Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation, our congressional delegation, and our mission partners from the Department of War,” said Skyeton, Inc. CEO Rigoberto (Quito) Sáez. “Expanding our manufacturing footprint in North Carolina is about more than opening a new facility; it’s about strengthening America’s defense industrial base, creating high-quality jobs, and delivering combat-proven capabilities closer to the warfighters.”
“Fayetteville and Cumberland County are quickly becoming a hub for strategic technologies and advanced manufacturing,” said FCEDC President and CEO Robert Van Geons. “Skyeton’s investment is another example of the innovation ecosystem our uniquely skilled workforce and collaborative partnerships have created.”
The company has also received an inducement package from the State of North Carolina Department of Commerce and the North Carolina Community College System.
In a release announcing the project, Governor Josh Stein said, “We’re proud to welcome Skyeton to a state with such a proud military tradition and advanced manufacturing base. By combining our manufacturing workforce, the skillsets of our transitioning military personnel, a central East Coast location, and a strategic transportation infrastructure, North Carolina continues to rise to the top ranks as the best place to do business, especially in the aerospace and defense sectors.”
Skyeton is a Ukrainian-born manufacturer of unmanned aircraft systems with 20 years of experience in the aviation industry. The company develops and supplies unmanned aerial systems for commercial, industrial and military use, which are used both in Ukraine and worldwide. The company’s history began with the production of ultralight aircraft, the K-10 Swift, laying the foundation for a high standard of aviation manufacturing. Learn more at www.skyeton.com.
The Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation is a public-private partnership designed to enhance job growth and prosperity in the region by attracting new industry and growing and retaining existing industry. The FCEDC works daily to help strengthen our economy and diversify our community’s tax base. Learn more at www.fcedc.com.

(Courtesy photo)

What’s a little explosive diarrhea among friends? Lettuce prey. Nothing to worry about. Our highly qualified public servant, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, Secretary of Health and Human Services, is on the case. He has taken time off from his busy schedule of retrieving road kill, downplaying the resurgence of measles, and discouraging the use of vaccines to announce that the outbreak of explosive diarrhea is “under control.”
Now, don’t you feel better? We may not quite yet be in the Golden Age of America that tariffs and our new Middle East war with Iran will surely bring, but at least we are now in America’s Salad Days.
What does Mr. Science say about our exciting, brave new world of explosive diarrhea? It originates from a cute little parasite called Cyclospora. His name sounds suspiciously like the Cyclops in America’s summer movie, The Odyssey.
The boys around the biolabs actually call him the Cyclops parasite. (Author’s note – MAGA is getting rid of the lady persons from the biolabs because only Boy persons can be scientists. The lady persons should get back into the kitchen and rattle some pots and pans.)
Now back to Mr. Science. The Cyclops parasite gets into humans in several disgusting ways. Human sewage gets into irrigation water, or from workers pooping in the fields (because it costs money to provide them with porta-potties), or from contaminated water used to wash veggies. Once Cyclops finds you, he takes a couple of weeks to wake up to start your gastric engines.
What to expect when you become a host for Cyclops? Stick around near the bathroom.
Cyclops is not kidding about producing localized explosive diarrhea. You will get as dehydrated as Death Valley in August. Dehydration is double plus ungood. If your body runs out of water, it is like running a car without oil. Bad things can occur. Call RFK, Jr at home and ask for advice.
The FDA has determined that Cyclops is like Schrodinger’s Cat in a box, which was both alive and dead at the same time. Cyclops was initially determined to be sourced from Mexican farms operated by Taylor Farms until a representative from Taylor Farms met with White House officials.
After this meeting, the FDA backed up and announced that the Taylor Farm sample was a false positive for Cyclops.
So, Schrodinger Catlike, Taylor Farm was the source until it wasn’t the source of Cyclops.
If you are confused by this, ponder the fun times with facts back in the 1920s & 1930s when radiation was discovered and marketed for its health bringing properties.
Remember Radioactive Cheese?
What?
You don’t?
Keep reading.
Radium popped into America’s consciousness in the 1920s in a big way in the form of adding radium to food and drink.
You could spoon your way to health and happiness like Lucy Ricardo’s 23% alcohol Vitameatavegamins by eating radium-infused butter and cheese. Drinking radium-spiked water was a thing.
Gulp down enough Radithor energy drink, which was water infused with radium, and all your troubles would be washed away. You could radiate good health. You would never poop out at parties.
EC-zine was an ointment with radium sold as a cure for “eczema, pimples, ringworm, and blood poison.” You could make radium drinks at home by keeping tap water in a Revigorator, which was a crock made of radioactive material.
This would infuse your iced tea with real live radiation. Radium Limited’s ad read: “Radium Therapy for the preparation of radioactive water in the hospital or in the patient’s own home.
The apparatus gives a high and measured dosage of radioactive drinking water for the treatment of gout, rheumatism, arthritis, neuralgia, sciatica, catarrh of the antrum and frontal sinus, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, glycosuria and nephritis.”
The activator inside the earthenware “contains an insoluble preparation impregnated with radium. It continuously emits radium emanation at a fixed rate, and keeps the water in the jar always charged to a fixed and measurable strength from 5000 to 10,000 Mache units per liter per diem.” Yum. Better than Johnstown Kool Aid.
A competitor, the Mandis Sales Company, sold a lifetime radium water jar stating “it aids nature by increasing the number of and building up the red corpuscles of the blood. Eliminates poisons from the system and causes the best of digestion of your food. Nature then cures you.”
It cures “anemia, arthritis, female trouble, gastric ulcers, gout, goiter, chronic peritonitis, high blood pressure, hay fever, lumbago, prostate disorders, or any other common ailment.” Sounds great.
Unfortunately, it turned out radium killed more than it cured. It was taken off the market. But now, explosive diarrhea doesn’t sound so bad in comparison, does it?
Take it from RFK, Jr. – nothing to see here. Move along, people. Cyclops is under control. What dressing would you like on your salad?

(You are what you eat. Illustration by Pitt Dickey)

  

I believe in America. I believe in American values and traditions. And I believe in the Constitution and the two-party political system—all of which are just a few of the rudiments of American achievement that have allowed us to reach and celebrate our 250th anniversary.
America is the greatest nation on Earth. So why would we allow discontented immigrants and failed far-left-wing fanatics to attempt to destroy our nation?
The American Democratic Party needs to step up and sound off about the inherent privileges, rights, and freedoms we all share as Americans, and send a resounding message to the emerging demagogues of the Democratic Socialists of America.
Many of my closest friends and associates are members of the Democratic Party. They are not fanatical left-wing extremists. They love America and have no desire to destroy it. In fact, they are intelligent, hardworking, caring, and loving people—each successful in their own way, raising families, and enjoying the American way of life while pursuing the American Dream.
I know for a fact that they understand our civilization cannot survive in an environment of a lawless utopia that steals from the rich, exalts criminals, and victimizes the poor.
Sure, the socialist soundbites sound intriguing and desirable to the uninformed: free universal healthcare, affordable housing options, free groceries, free transportation, free babysitting services, universal rent control, and publicly owned social housing.
Free always sounds good to the uninformed. However, eliminating the Senate, packing the Supreme Court, defunding the police/ICE, opening our borders, and welcoming and harboring hideous criminals while overtaxing the wealthy are certainly not the answers. Socialism—a.k.a. communism—is not the answer. Honorable members of the Democratic Party, great Americans, know this and must make their voices heard. They know that the platform the DSA is promoting will not work and has never worked anywhere in the world.
True Democrats need to step up and ask the DSA demagogues just one simple question—and demand an answer:
Q: Based on the stated DSA platform, name just one community, state, or country where socialism has been successful.
A: There are none.
Socialism 101: A topic conveniently eliminated from young people's education.
Only the national Democratic Party can save itself from extinction and from being transformed into the DSA, which advocates for expanding immigrant voting rights, abolishing the U.S. Senate, and restructuring federal governance to increase direct democratic control (this is communism).
In closing, let me reiterate that I love this country. I love everything about it. As one of four children raised by a single working mother supported by Catholic Charities, she instilled in us the power and grace of God, along with the benefits and rewards of being honest and working hard. I have experienced the American Dream firsthand: the compassion of humanity, a well-rounded education, the privilege of serving in the U.S. Army, creating several successful businesses, and marrying and raising a wonderful family. I owe it all to God and a country that allowed me to be all that I wanted to be. This is the AMERICAN DREAM.
Please don't misinterpret my intention. Democratic Party members do not need to become Republicans or conservatives; they just need to be good Democrats! Don't lose your Party.
Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

Every writer hopes for a place where their story is heard before it travels the world. For Dylan Nigh, that place has been City Center Gallery & Books.
On Friday, July 31, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., friends, readers and fellow writers will gather at the downtown Fayetteville bookstore not only to celebrate Nigh’s debut memoir, Fool’s Gear: A Completely Devastating Thing I’ll Probably Do Again, but also to wish him well as he leaves North Carolina for a new chapter in California.
Nigh recently retired from military service after years of serving his country. He has also been accepted to the University of California San Diego School of Law, where he will begin the next stage of his academic and professional journey. Before heading west, however, he did something that has become characteristic of his approach to life: he climbed back on a motorcycle.
A month-long ride through Canada carried him thousands of miles before ending in San Diego. Next week, he’ll return to Fayetteville one last time to pack the belongings he left behind with a roommate before driving a U-Haul back across the country.
For Hank and Diane Parfitt, owners of City Center Gallery & Books, the farewell gathering is more than a book signing.
“It’s really a celebration of Dylan,” said Hank Parfitt. “We’ve watched him grow not only as a writer but as a person. When he first walked into the bookstore, he was carrying a manuscript and a story. Today he’s leaving with readers who believe in him, a published book and a future that keeps getting brighter.”
The relationship between Nigh and the bookstore began with the launch of the store’s Chat with an Author series. His appearance became the inaugural event and exceeded expectations, drawing readers eager to hear about his cross-country motorcycle journey and the deeply personal experiences that inspired his memoir.
“It proved there was an appetite for authentic conversations,” Parfitt said. “Dylan wasn’t pretending to have all the answers. He was simply willing to tell the truth about where he’d been, and people responded to that honesty.”
That evening helped establish the format that continues today: informal conversations where readers and writers sit together rather than across from one another.
“Dylan helped us prove this idea could work,” Parfitt said. “He’ll always be part of the foundation of what we’re building here.”

Published earlier this year, Fool’s Gear chronicles a winter motorcycle trip across America following the end of a marriage. Equal parts travel memoir and personal reflection, the book examines grief, freedom and the unexpected grace found in starting over. One passage captures the spirit of the journey:
“Some decisions make sense. Others make memories.”
That simple observation becomes the heartbeat of the memoir. Throughout the book, Nigh returns to the idea that growth often begins when certainty ends. His journey across frozen highways becomes less about geography than about learning to live again after loss. Elsewhere, he reminds readers that transformation doesn’t always require crossing the continent.
“You don’t have to travel across the country to discover something extraordinary. Sometimes the greatest adventure begins by seeing familiar places with new eyes.”
Those reflections resonated with readers across Cumberland County, many of whom saw pieces of their own lives in his story. Veterans recognized the challenge of transition. Motorcyclists appreciated the adventure. Others simply connected with the universal experience of rebuilding after disappointment. Parfitt believes that ability to connect is what separates memorable books from forgettable ones.
“Readers weren’t just buying Dylan’s book,” he said. “They were buying into his story because they trusted him. That’s what good writing does: it creates trust.”
That trust extended well beyond the bookstore. Nigh became a familiar face within Fayetteville’s growing literary community, encouraging aspiring writers and openly discussing everything from drafting early manuscripts to navigating self-publishing.
“He never acted like success meant he had arrived,” Parfitt said. “He always made time to encourage someone else who was trying to write their own story.”
Even as his life changed, Nigh continued moving forward. Retirement from military service opened one door. Acceptance into law school opened another. Yet for those who know him, neither accomplishment came as a surprise.
“He’s always been curious,” Parfitt said. “Whether it’s riding a motorcycle across the country, writing a memoir or heading to law school, Dylan doesn’t seem afraid to challenge himself.”

Although Nigh is relocating to California, his connection to Fayetteville isn’t ending. City Center Gallery & Books will continue carrying Fool’s Gear, introducing new readers to the memoir that helped launch its author series.
“We’re proud to keep his book on our shelves,” Parfitt said. “Long after he leaves, people will still discover his story here.”
For Nigh, Fayetteville became more than another Army assignment. It became the place where he found his literary footing, met readers face-to-face and discovered that stories often have a home long before they find a wider audience. Friday’s gathering reflects that relationship. There is no formal program. No reserved seating. No admission charge.
Just friends.
Readers.
Conversation.
And one final opportunity to thank an author whose first published work helped strengthen Fayetteville’s literary community. As he prepares to begin law school on the opposite side of the country, those closest to him believe the road ahead will look much like the one chronicled in his memoir, filled with uncertainty, unexpected friendships and moments worth remembering.
“We’re going to miss him,” Parfitt said. “But that’s the wonderful thing about books. Dylan may be moving to California, but every time someone picks up Fool’s Gear, he’s still here having a conversation with another reader.”
For a writer, there may be no better farewell than that. The event is free and open to the public. Friends, readers and members of the community are invited to stop by, wish Dylan well, and celebrate the next chapter of a writer whose journey
began, in many ways, right here in downtown Fayetteville.

Fayetteville Technical Community College celebrated the June opening of its new SparkNC Lab, marking a milestone as the only SparkLab in North Carolina located on a community college campus. The event drew community members, students, and local partners eager to explore the new high-tech learning space designed to prepare Cumberland County youth for careers in emerging technology fields.
During the open house, attendees got hands-on with the lab's STEM equipment and tested high-performance computer programs firsthand. Guests also met Sparky the dog, the robotic mascot representing the Spark Lab initiative, who added a fun, interactive touch to the day's festivities.
"The opening of the SparkNC Lab marks an important milestone in our commitment to preparing students for the opportunities of a rapidly changing economy," said FTCC President Dr. Mark Sorrells. "Through competency-based learning and hands-on exploration of emerging technologies, students will gain exposure to high-demand career pathways and develop the skills, confidence, and curiosity needed to thrive in the workforce of the future. This partnership reflects our dedication to connecting education with innovation and creating meaningful opportunities for student success.”
SparkNC offers Cumberland County middle and high school students a flexible, personalized way to explore high-tech career fields, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, computer systems engineering, software development and game development. Through hands-on learning experiences, industry connections, internships, and digital portfolios, the program helps students build real-world skills and discover pathways toward high-wage, high-impact careers. Notably, 72% of learners who initially had little or no interest in pursuing a high-tech career reported a stronger interest in the field after participating in SparkNC.
The program operates as a statewide interdistrict network, with SparkLabs already established in counties such as Cabarrus, Guilford, Wake, New Hanover, and now Cumberland. Each lab serves as a modern, collaborative hub where "Spark Scholars" connect with peers, teachers, and tech industry professionals across North Carolina, supported by videoconferencing technology that links labs into a shared interdistrict classroom.
The SparkLab High-Tech Learning Accelerator lets students earn credit toward graduation while charting their own educational path. Learners can choose from more than 50 modular learning experiences, moving at their own pace across formats that include on-demand, experiential, and interdistrict instruction.
• No prerequisites are required to get started
• Learning experiences are available online, in-person, or as a blend of both
• Learning pathways include Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Computer Systems Engineering, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Design UX/UI, Exploring Tech Fields, Game Development and Design, and Software Development
• Students can survey multiple tech fields or dive deeper into a specific area of interest
The Accelerator serves as both an entry point for students new to high-tech fields and an accelerated track for those pursuing industry-recognized credentials.
SparkNC's success is bolstered by a robust network of industry partners, including companies like Epic Games and SAS, who serve on the program's Business Advisory Council and Board of Directors. These partners help shape curriculum relevance and provide students with mentorship, internships, and job-shadowing opportunities that build professional networks well before graduation.
"SparkNC is a transformational model that empowers learners to pursue technology careers and show mastery of their learning in unique ways," said Adam Garry, an Artificial Intelligence Consultant who has shared the program's approach across North America. This industry engagement ensures the curriculum stays aligned with the evolving needs of North Carolina's tech workforce.
The SparkLab at FTCC is open to all Cumberland County students in grades 8 through 12. Students can sign up through their home school to enroll in the FTCC SparkLab, or they may stop by in person Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the FTCC campus at 2817 Fort Bragg Rd, General Classroom Building, Room 113, Fayetteville, to speak directly with a lab facilitator.
With its central location on FTCC's campus, the lab gives Cumberland County students unique early access to a higher education environment paired with cutting-edge technology, distinguishing it as North Carolina's only community-college-based SparkLab.

(Photo courtesy of FTCC)

Most of us prefer clear answers. We try to understand what’s going on, pray to ask why God is allowing it, and wonder when things will finally improve. But life rarely unfolds that neatly.
There are seasons when the questions come faster than the answers. We look around and see violence, injustice, division, uncertainty and suffering. People struggle financially, families fracture and we feel helpless as communities lose trust and truth becomes increasingly difficult to recognize. On a more personal level, we face grief, disappointment, unanswered prayer, and the quiet fear that life may never return to what it once was.
There’s a short Old Testament book that speaks directly into that kind of world.
Habakkuk was a prophet, but his book does not begin with a sermon. It begins with an honest conversation with God. He looks at the brokenness around him and asks the question we still ask: “How long?”
How long will evil continue? How long will injustice go unanswered? How long will prayers seem unheard? How long must we wait?
God does answer him, but it’s not what he expects. In fact, it creates even more questions. Habakkuk learns that God is at work, but His plan is larger, more complicated, and more unsettling than the prophet imagined.
This is where faith’s real journey begins.
Faith does not mean pretending everything is fine. It does not ignore pain, deny disappointment, or force simple answers onto complex situations. Real faith is honest enough to ask hard questions and humble enough to trust God with the answers.
As Habakkuk wrestles with what God reveals, his focus slowly changes. His circumstances do not immediately improve, but his understanding of God deepens. He remembers that God is holy, sovereign, powerful, and faithful, and he learns that faith’s security cannot depend entirely on what he can see.
By the end of the book, Habakkuk imagines a future in which the crops have failed, the fields produce no food, and the livestock are gone. In his world, that would mean economic disaster, food insecurity, and the collapse of everything familiar. Yet he declares that he will still rejoice in the Lord.
This is not shallow optimism; it is hard-earned trust.
He’s not rejoicing because loss is good, but because God remains good. He does not deny the difficulty of his circumstances. He simply refuses to allow those circumstances to have the final word about God’s character.
That message is still relevant.
What happens to our faith when the job disappears, the diagnosis arrives, the relationship breaks, or the prayer remains unanswered? Is God faithful only when life seems manageable? Is He good only when we understand His plan?
We’re invited us to bring our questions to God, remember what is true, and trust Him even when the outcome is uncertain.
The lasting question isn’t whether life will always make sense. It’s whether we will still trust God when it does not.

Community rarely announces itself with grand gestures. More often, it looks like neighbors sharing a meal, strangers becoming friends and people showing up simply because someone else might need them to.
Sometimes, it sounds like motorcycles pulling into a parking lot on a Saturday afternoon.
On Saturday, Aug. 1, from noon until 6 p.m., Fort Bragg Harley-Davidson at 3959 Sycamore Dairy Rd. will host its Community Cookout, bringing together veterans, military families and residents from across Cumberland County for an afternoon centered on fellowship, wellness and connection. The event is free, family-friendly and open to everyone, whether you’ve spent a lifetime riding motorcycles or have never thrown a leg over one.
That’s precisely the point.
Fayetteville is often described as a military town, but perhaps it is more accurate to call it a community of communities. Soldiers, veterans, spouses and lifelong residents all call this place home, bringing with them stories that don’t always fit neatly into introductions. For many, finding places that encourage meaningful connection remains just as important as the services themselves. Events like the Fort Bragg Harley-Davidson Community Cookout seek to create those spaces.
The afternoon isn’t simply about motorcycles or even the food that brings people together. It’s about creating opportunities for conversation in a world that doesn’t always slow down long enough to have them.
Irene Rosa understands the importance of those conversations well. Through her advocacy efforts supporting veterans and military families throughout our region, she has remained committed to creating opportunities that remind people they don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone. Community, she believes, remains one of the most valuable resources we can offer one another.
There is something uniquely fitting about hosting an event like this in Fayetteville.
Ours is a city built on service. Thousands of military families know firsthand both the sacrifices and resilience required to care for others while remembering to care for themselves. Military service often asks people to carry tremendous responsibilities, and veterans understand that the transition home can sometimes be as difficult as the journey itself.
Yet, too often, conversations surrounding wellness and support begin only after someone reaches a breaking point. Community should never become our last response when it ought to be our first. Perhaps that is why gatherings like this matter.
They remind us that support doesn’t always begin in a doctor’s office or during moments of crisis. Sometimes it begins when someone asks if you’d like to join them for lunch. Sometimes it begins when families spend an afternoon together listening to music, sharing stories and meeting people they otherwise may have never known.
Human connection remains one of our greatest protective factors.
Fort Bragg Harley-Davidson has long been more than a dealership for many in the riding community. Like countless motorcycle organizations throughout the country, it has become a gathering place, a home away from home for veterans, service members and civilians alike who understand that fellowship still matters.
The cookout continues that tradition.
It offers an opportunity for Fayetteville residents to pause for a few hours and remember something we often forget amid our busy schedules, that communities aren’t built through events alone. They’re built through relationships.
One conversation at a time. One shared meal at a time. One Saturday afternoon at a time.
In a world that increasingly asks us to move faster, perhaps there is something sacred about slowing down long enough to simply gather together. The Fort Bragg Harley-Davidson Community Cookout will take place Saturday, Aug. 1, from noon until 6 p.m.
Admission is free and the event is family friendly. For additional event details and updates, visit the official Facebook event page at https://bit.ly/44GnlxD

It is safe to say that the food truck boom of the past several years has made its way to the Cumberland County area, with lots of successful and well-known food trucks and more arriving on the scene regularly. While it’s easy to stumble upon one set up in a parking lot here and there, food truck hubs are becoming more popular, both for the businesses and the patrons. The latest option for such a location is The Hive in Hope Mills, located at 3414 Bullard Street. Open seven days a week, The Hive offers a family-friendly environment for food, drinks, and fun. But every first and third Saturday, The Hive also hosts the Mercantile Market.
The Mercantile Market at the Hive is a relatively new event that Operations Coordinator Lisbeth Anne Marin hopes will quickly become a “community destination” for food, outdoor fun and shopping. There is space at The Hive for up to 20 vendors and up to 15 food trucks, providing several options for customers to peruse, explore and find new favorites.
While the food trucks rotate and can change from week to week, one constant is Big T’s Grill and Ice Cream, a Hope Mills institution whose original location is in the concession stand at Hope Mills Lake. On Mercantile Market mornings, Big T’s offers a breakfast menu from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., with stick-to-your-ribs breakfast sandwiches and other fare off the grill. While other breakfast food truck options could be added in the future, Big T’s has plenty of options for early shoppers.
On Mercantile Market mornings, vendors begin set-up at 8 a.m., then the shopping kicks off and lasts all day. The Hive is open until 10 p.m. on Saturdays, with live music kicking off at 6 p.m. The line-up rotates, so you can come back every week for a different musical offering. Live music takes place every Saturday, not just the first and third weeks of the Mercantile Market.
The Market is more than just a shopping destination; it is a curated collection of small businesses selling good-quality products. Marin works to ensure that the products being sold by vendors are varied and that thought goes into the placement of different vendors at the market.
All products must be hand-made or grown by the seller and each market day has no two booths selling the same types of products. All food products must be prepared in a commercially-inspected kitchen and carry the NC Department of Agriculture Home Processor label, to ensure that patrons can be confident in the safety of the food they buy.
Marin also works to support the small businesses by offering advice and guidance on everything from booth set-up and display to pricing and marketing. In addition to the Mercantile Market, starting in August, on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, The Hive will host a monthly business mixer for small business owners.
For more information on the Mercantile Market at The Hive, visit thehiveofhopemills.com. There, you can find links to applications for both food trucks and vendors.

Cumberland County continues to welcome an exciting mix of new restaurants, retail shops, service providers, and specialty businesses. From longtime entrepreneurs expanding their reach to first-time business owners pursuing a dream, these recent additions are bringing fresh ideas, new jobs and more choices for residents. In this roundup, we're highlighting the newest businesses to open their doors and inviting you to discover what they have to offer. Shopping and dining locally helps our entire community thrive.

SEVEN5 DINER
3612 Ramsey St.
910-229-3834
Seven5 Diner, which opened its doors on June 20, is a new American diner offering a diverse menu of classic diner favorites, late-night comfort food, and Southern specialties. Open from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m., Wednesday through Sunday, the diner is specifically geared towards late-night patrons. Much like other late-night establishments, they serve breakfast all night and feature dinner options such as smash burgers, quesadillas, and traditional Southern platters.

TACO AREPA
3920 Black Bridge Rd., Hope Mills
910-441-8656
https://www.facebook.com/tacoarepafoodtruck
What began as a food truck has now found a permanent home inside the BP gas station. Taco Arepa serves up Colombian and Mexican fusion dishes featuring perfectly seasoned, slow-cooked meats. Don't forget to place your to-go order or visit one of their food trucks, which will continue to operate.

BISCUIT BELLY
145 Glensford Dr.
910-252-8875
www.biscuitbelly.com
Biscuit Belly, a Kentucky-based "craft casual" brunch spot, is celebrated for its generously sized, homemade Southern biscuits and inventive brunch offerings. The new Biscuit Belly location is slated to open on Tuesday, Aug. 4, with a public grand opening celebration following on Friday, Aug. 7. This grand opening will include special promotions and loyalty rewards.
Must-try signature dishes include The Rockwell, featuring buttermilk-fried chicken, cheddar and sausage gravy; The G.O.A.T., a combination of fried chicken, goat cheese and sweet pepper jelly; and Mama's Boy, which includes fried chicken, jalapeño pimento cheese, spicy pickles and a fried green tomato. Popular customer choices are Bonuts, biscuit donut holes coated in cinnamon sugar and served with bourbon cream cheese frosting or berry jam, Pancake Corndogs, and The Gravy Train, mini biscuits accompanied by your choice of sausage, mushroom, or smoked gouda mornay gravies.
The restaurant also offers bottomless drip coffee, exclusively roasted by Heine Brothers', along with specialty espresso drinks like the Cinnamocha and Brown Sugar Shaken espresso. Complementing the food and coffee menu is a selection of breakfast cocktails, including mimosas and tequila sunrises.

PEI WEI ASIAN KITCHEN
145 Glensford Dr.
Pei Wei Asian Kitchen is an American fast-casual restaurant chain that specializes in pan-Asian cuisine and wok-fired dishes. The menu features beloved pan-Asian favorites, including Mongolian Beef, Sesame Chicken, Honey-Seared Chicken and General Tso's Crispy Tofu, complemented by noodle dishes such as Chicken Pad Thai and Dan Dan Noodles. Each entrée can be customized with your choice of steamed rice, fried rice, cauliflower rice or noodles. The restaurant also provides dedicated gluten-free and vegetarian options, lighter-calorie selections, and appetizers ranging from crab wontons and pork egg rolls to steamed dumplings. No official opening date has been announced at the time of publication.

NATURE'S HERBAL CABINET
1400 Walter Reed Rd., Suite 190
https://nhctribe.shop/
Nature's Herbal Cabinet is a holistic health and wellness shop founded by the Strickland family. The store specializes in regenerative agriculture and natural ingredients, offering a curated selection of herbal formulations, remedies, and wellness products. They celebrated their grand opening on July 11.
The shop features signature liquid remedies, including Sea Moss Living Bitters, Sugar Support Bitters, Parasite Cleanse Bitters and Healthy Lung Living Bitters—all infused with elderberry and chlorophyll. Their product line extends to herbal supplements and topical treatments organized by specific wellness goals: joint and mobility support, sleep aid, stress and anxiety relief, detoxification and cleansing and sustained energy. Additionally, the store carries naturally derived gummies and wellness remedies formulated for relaxation and better sleep.

GERMÈNE’S HOME KITCHEN & BAKERY
1205 Robeson St.
910-252-9053
https://ghkbnc.com/
Germène's Home Kitchen & Bakery, named after Eddie Claude's beloved grandmother, is an authentic Haitian-Caribbean restaurant and bakery owned and operated by Claude—a U.S. Army veteran and Haitian-born entrepreneur—along with his wife Ruth and their family. The restaurant celebrated its grand opening on Saturday, June 27.
The menu features signature entrées such as Griot, seasoned fried pork with fried green plantains; Taso Kabrit, fried goat; Lalo, jute leaf stew; Chayote with Pork and Mixed Seafood and Mayi Moulen ak Sos Pwason, cornmeal served with red snapper in savory sauce. The bakery showcases Haitian-style scrambled eggs, plantain porridge, savory Haitian puff pastries known as pâté, cassava cake and freshly baked breads. The beverage selection includes creative island cocktails featuring Barbancourt rum and Prestige beer, such as The Carnaval, Troubadou and The Citadel.

TOUCHDOWN WINGS
5508 Raeford Rd.
www.touchdownwingsfayetteville.com
Touchdown Wings is a counter-service restaurant brand specializing in quick-service comfort foods, including hand-tossed chicken wings, Philly cheesesteaks and seafood platters. The brand is moving closer to opening its second Fayetteville location, with new signage recently installed at 5508 Raeford Road near the intersection of Raeford and Skibo roads. The original location operates on Ramsey Street in a former Bojangles building and has become known for its diverse menu offerings.
The restaurant features crispy bone-in and boneless chicken wings tossed in dozens of flavor options, ranging from classic choices like Buffalo, Lemon Pepper and Garlic Parmesan to sweet or extra-spicy specialty glazes. Philly cheesesteaks come in beef, chicken and shrimp varieties, topped with melted cheese, sautéed onions and peppers, while the menu also includes gyro wraps, burgers, and crispy fried chicken sandwiches. For seafood lovers, Touchdown Wings offers fried platters featuring catfish, whiting, tilapia and jumbo shrimp, all served with sides like seasoned fries, onion rings, and wok-fried rice.

Keep an eye out for…..

CAMDEN COMMONS
Hope Mills
The Town of Hope Mills broke ground on its new development, Camden Commons, at the beginning of July. This will be an 82-acre shopping plaza anchored by Target. Target is expected to open in 2027.

There’s nothing quite like Southern comfort food to make you feel at home. Cumberland County is filled with restaurants that have perfected the art of hearty, flavorful cooking, like crispy fried chicken, slow-smoked barbecue, creamy macaroni and cheese, buttery biscuits, or a slice of homemade pie.
Longtime family-owned establishments serve generations of loyal customers, and modern eateries put a fresh spin on Southern classics. Fayetteville, Hope Mills, and the surrounding communities offer plenty of delicious ways to satisfy your cravings.
Perfect for gathering with family after church, meeting friends for brunch, or simply searching for a comforting meal made with Southern hospitality, these local favorites showcase the flavors and traditions that make Southern cuisine a beloved part of our community.

KINLAWS GRILL
1816 Sapona Rd.
910-483-9425
www.kinlawsgrill.com
Kinlaw's Grill is a beloved, long-standing restaurant in East Fayetteville offering traditional Southern Country cooking in a relaxed, cafeteria-style setting. Since 1979, Kinlaw's has been known for its fast service, affordable prices and down-home hospitality. They deliver high-quality homestyle hot meals. Their Southern staples include biscuits, grits, homestyle potatoes, and sausage gravy for breakfast; Southern fried chicken, batter-fried pork chops, and chicken and pastry for lunch; and collard greens, hush puppies, and banana pudding for sides and dessert.

CIRCA 1800 RESTAURANT & BAR
108 Person St.
910-568-4725
www.thecirca1800.com
Circa 1800 is a premier upscale dining destination that is ushering in the "New Southern" cuisine and farm-to-table ethos. The venue is a blend of historic downtown charm with modern culinary flair. Circa 1800 emphasizes regional sustainability, sourcing its ingredients from local vendors. Menu highlights include Southern eggrolls, shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, sweet corn hushpuppies and red pepper jelly-glazed mac & cheese.

MELVIN'S AT RIVERSIDE
1130 Person St.
910-339-3059
https://melvins-atriverside.com/?utm_source=google
Melvin's at Riverside is celebrated for its hearty Southern soul food, barbecue, and home-style comfort dishes. Melvin's offers a relaxed, casual dining setting centered around generous portions and authentic soul food. It is the go-to restaurant for slow-smoked barbecue, seafood platters and hearty meat combinations. Highlights of their menu include pecan-wood slow-smoked brisket, hand-breaded fried chicken, and traditional sides like fried okra, sweet potato soufflé and corn bread. Finish off a meal with homemade banana pudding and a glass of sweet tea.

CHASON'S BUFFET
1758 Owen Dr.
910-860-4899
https://tinyurl.com/ms23f4ch
Chason's Buffet is a spacious, all-you-can-eat Southern cooking and soul food buffet. Their atmosphere is warm and family-friendly and ready to welcome large groups looking for classic down-home hospitality and a variety of comfort dishes. They are known for their traditional Southern staples, slow-cooked meats, fresh seafood and home-style sides. Features of their menu include baked and smothered chicken, meatloaf, country-style steak, clam strips, seafood casseroles, and sides like collard greens, fried okra and hush puppies.

SOUTHERN COALS
3319 C Raeford Rd.
910-745-7675
www.southerncoals.com
Southern Coals is a family-owned restaurant known for serving authentic low-and-slow smoked meats and traditional Carolina comfort food. Their casual, rustic atmosphere with wood accents has a welcoming neighborhood feel. Southern Coals is known for their generous portions and friendly service. Their menu highlights include pit-smoked meats, pulled pork sliders, brisket sandwiches, bacon-braised collard greens and potato salad. Complete your meal with some peach cobbler and sweet tea.

FOOD 4 THE SOUL
6829 Fillyaw Rd. #102
910-302-0116
Food 4 the Soul is highly regarded for its generous portions of authentic, home-style soul food and Southern comfort classics. Their welcoming and informal environment is family-friendly, a great place for anyone looking for rich, comforting and traditional home-cooked meals. Their signature meals include fall-off-the-bone oxtails served in rich gravy, smothered pork chops, and crispy fried chicken, as well as traditional sides like black-eyed peas, collard greens and mac & cheese.

LEVEL 88
5112 Yadkin Rd.
910-500-3092
https://level-88.com/
Level 88 is a modern restaurant and lounge blending upscale Southern soul food with a lounge-style atmosphere. A popular destination for date nights, group celebrations, and weekend brunches, their menu puts an elevated spin on classic Southern, Cajun and coastal Carolina comfort food. Highlights on the menu feature Cajun shrimp and grits, slow-simmered weekend oxtails, smothered pork chips, fried cabbage and sweet plantains.

BARBARA ANN'S SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN
3740 S. Main St., Hope Mills
901-491-5859
https://tinyurl.com/ph8t88ys
Barbara Ann's Southern Fried Chicken is known for its scratch-made Southern classics. Their casual and friendly establishment has a loyal following due to its generous portions and authentic home-style seasoning. Menu highlights include their signature fried chicken, pork barbecue and chicken and waffles. Their traditional sides include candied yams, bacon-braised collard greens and creamy baked mac & cheese.

STEWART'S TAVERN
116 N Main St., Raeford
910-479-1313
https://stewartstavern.com/
Stewart's Tavern is carrying on the local barbecue heritage that started with Fowler's Barbecue with its low-and-slow wood-smoked meats and lively community tavern environment. Stewart's Tavern features a rustic and casual atmosphere that functions as both a sit-down dining experience and a gathering spot for craft beers on top, sporting events on the TV, and regular live music performances. Their menu highlights include shrimp po'boys, brisket Reuben, smoked chicken wings, and sides like coleslaw, potato salad and homemade banana pudding.

CEDAR POINT RESTAURANT
997 N Bragg Blvd., Spring Lake
910-497-9127
Cedar Point offers a nostalgic diner vibe where friendly service and hospitality take priority. Known for their generous portions, fast service, and cooked-to-order comfort food at budget-friendly prices. Their menu highlights include country ham, grits, and biscuits for breakfast; burgers and hot sandwiches for lunch and traditional Southern comfort plates for dinner.

Retirement ended Bob Pinson’s time at the Arts Council, but not his commitment to serving Fayetteville through the arts.
For many within the Fayetteville community, the name Bob Pinson has long been connected to the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County. After a carefully planned retirement from the organization, the announcement of his new role as interim executive director of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra may have seemed unexpected, to say the least.
But for Pinson, retirement was never based on a number of years. It was about reaching a sense of completion while still carrying a desire to build community and connections through the arts.
Despite three years of planning intended to prepare the Arts Council for its future, Pinson had not anticipated how it would feel to step away from work that had kept him connected to Fayetteville and its cultural community for so many years.
“I really kind of realized that I really wasn’t ready to just step away,” he said. “I’m not ready for that yet.”
Pinson still had more he was willing to contribute. He simply did not know where that contribution would lead next. The answer came through the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra.
The organization was entering its own period of transition, creating an opportunity for Pinson to bring his leadership experience into a role that remained connected to the arts while allowing him to serve the community in a different way.
The symphony was not unfamiliar to him. His work through the Arts Council had already given him years of interaction with the organization and an understanding of both its accomplishments and the areas where additional support could help it move forward.
Accepting the interim executive director position was not simply a return to work after retirement. It was a continuation of the kind of work that has followed him throughout his life: building relationships, strengthening organizations and creating opportunities for people to connect
through the arts.
Pinson brings years of hands-on financial knowledge and experience to the role as he helps the symphony close out its fiscal year, prepare to select its next music director and consider how decisions made now will shape the organization’s future.
“This year is a foundation-building year,” he said.
For Pinson, that foundation begins with the people connected to the symphony and the relationships it has built within the community. It means reconnecting with supporters, strengthening community relationships and ensuring the organization has the structure and resources needed to continue growing. For Pinson, leadership has always come back to people.
A 21-year Army career taught him that lesson long before his work in Fayetteville’s arts community. The titles and responsibilities changed after his military career, but the value he placed on relationships did not.
“As an infantry guy, it’s about people,” he said. “It’s being able to work with the people that you’ve got and to take care of the people that you’ve got.”
That people-first approach now guides the way Pinson is helping the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra move through its 70th year and one of its most defining transitions. The organization is preparing to select its next music director through a process that brings the community directly into the decision.
Four finalists will each lead one of the organization’s major concerts during the upcoming season. Each candidate will rehearse with the musicians, meet with the search committee and spend time getting to know Fayetteville before taking the stage.
The process will show not only how each finalist conducts, but how each connects with the musicians, the organization and the community.
“We’re trying to make each one of those experiences identical, so it’s a true apples-to-apples comparison,” Pinson said.
The concerts, held at Huff Concert Hall at Methodist University, will allow residents to hear each finalist and take part in the symphony’s next chapter.
“Yes, we’re looking at them, but they’re looking at us, too,” he said.
For Fayetteville, that creates an opportunity to show each candidate more than an audience. It allows the community to demonstrate its support for the arts and the place the symphony holds within Fayetteville.
Pinson wants residents to recognize what already exists here and become more engaged with it.
“If you haven’t been to a symphony production, you’re really missing out,” he said.
He sees live music as an opportunity to step away from everyday pressures, share an experience and appreciate Fayetteville’s cultural community.
“We as a community ought to really be proud of what we have,” he said.
That belief is part of what made the symphony such a natural next step for Pinson. He changed organizations. He changed titles. Even the uniform had changed long ago. But the part of the work that matters most to him did not.
Moving from retirement into the interim role was not simply a return to work. It was the recognition that Pinson still had more to give to the community he calls home.

(Photo: Bob Pinson recently took over as interim executive director of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. He had retired from the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County earlier this year. Photo by Linda McAlister)

Children, parents and teachers across Cumberland County are already looking ahead to an exciting new school year.
I share that excitement—because this fall marks 29 years of providing Kidsville News!, our free reading and educational newspaper, to families and teachers in Cumberland County’s public, private and Christian schools.
Strong reading skills are essential to every child’s success, and Kidsville News! has always made reading fun, engaging and confidence building. This year, families won’t have to wait until school starts to get their copy. Thanks to the generosity of many local businesses and community organizations, Kidsville News! will be available at numerous Back to School events happening throughout Fayetteville and Cumberland County.
These partners are stepping up in a big way—offering backpack giveaways, free school supplies, health screenings, haircuts and other vital educational resources to help families prepare for a successful school year. I love working with these folks, and I’ve made sure they have plenty of Kidsville News! newspapers to distribute right alongside those backpacks and school supplies.
These Back to School events are designed to help students begin the year with pride, excitement and confidence. The community is coming together to help prepare for the school year, and we are excited to be a part of it. Together with my friends at Up & Coming Weekly, we’ve rounded up a list of upcoming events so families can easily find the one closest to them.
Kidsville News! remains a free reading and educational resource filled with STEM content that is both challenging and fun. Quantities will be limited at each event, so if your location runs out, call me at 910 391 3859, and I’ll direct you to the nearest spot where you can pick up a copy.
Here’s to a great school year ahead—and to the children, families, educators, and community partners who make Cumberland County such a wonderful place to live, play, and learn.
Oh, yeah! Thank you for reading Publisher Bill’s newspaper.
Best Regards,
Truman

August 1

Back to School Supply Giveaway at Sherwood Park Elementary School, 2115 Hope Mills Rd., 10 a.m.: Free school supplies while supplies last. There will be fun surprises and additional giveaways.

Back to School Book Bag & Supplies Giveaway at Powerhouse of Love and Faith, 4919 Murchison Rd., noon: Clear/mesh book bags and school supplies will be given away
until supplies last.

August 8

Back to School Jam & Health Fair at 301 North Cool Spring St., 11 a.m.: There will be a backpack and school supply giveaway. The Back to School Jam will include games, bounce houses, face painting and food trucks.

Back to School Jamboree at 5777 Holland St., 11 a.m.: They will be giving away backpacks, toiletry packs, haircut and hairstyling vouchers and clothing. Also enjoy games, prizes, resource vendors, food and drinks.

Back 2 School Community Giveback at 6900 Cliffdale Rd., Suite 307, 11 a.m.: Give a pair of new shoes to start the school year. The child must be present and going to school in the 26/27 school year. There will be on-site registration and one pair per child.

Back 2 School Fest at 6830 Ramsey St., 10 a.m.: School supplies will be given away with free haircuts, haircare sessions and a dental clinic. Enjoy games, bounce houses, a dunking booth, Zumba class and live music.

Community Bash at 451 Buhmann Dr., 10 a.m.: Free food, backpacks, health screenings and dental screenings available.

1st Annual Back to School Bash at 6773 Overhills Rd., 11 a.m.: Enjoy free haircuts, mini manicures and a school supply giveaway while supplies last. Also enjoy games, music, food, raffles, door prizes, vendor shopping, community resources and live music.

Annual Back to School Giveaway at 5869 Yadkin Rd., 9 a.m.: School supplies will be given out for Kindergarten through 12th grade. The child must be present.

Back to School Bash at 1411 Rim Rd., 10 a.m.: Free school supplies will be given out to kindergarten through 12th-grade students. The child must be present to receive supplies. Also enjoy food, a bounce house, community vendors, giveaways and prizes.

August 13

Back to School Jam at 2801 Rosehill Rd., 10 a.m.: Backpacks and school supplies will be given away. Enjoy games, a bounce house, face painting and food trucks.

August 15

Back to School Giveaway at 324 Coverly Square, noon: Enjoy a day of community, shopping, and fun with a free school supply giveaway for children and classroom supplies for teachers, while supplies last. Also enjoy local vendors, food trucks, community resources and music.

Back to School Giveaway Pop-Up Shop at 3069 Cumberland Rd., Suite 102, noon: This event will feature a school supply giveaway, community resources, music, raffles and giveaways.

Back to School Giveaway at Mendoza Municipal Park, 1774 Little River, Spring Lake, 10 a.m.: They will be giving away bookbags, food and clothes while supplies last.

Books, Backpacks, & Beauty at Heritage Park, 5445 Lakeview Rd., Hope Mills, 11 a.m.: This free community back-to-school event will give out free school supplies, free haircuts, free hairdos, free hygiene products and free snacks.

Back to School Giveaway at Dick's House of Sport, Freedom Town Center, 2741 Freedom Parkway Dr., 10 a.m.: This event will support local autism families and the neurodiverse community. They will be giving away free school supplies and backpacks.

Back to School Bash at 352 Devers St., 11 a.m.: They will be giving out school supplies, hygiene products, classroom essentials, healthy snacks and gift cards.

Back to School: School Supplies Giveaway at VFW Post 6018, 116 Chance St., 11 a.m.: They will be giving out free backpacks filled with school supplies, while supplies last. Students must be present and school age, kindergarten through 12th grade. Refreshments will also be served.

Back to School Bash at East Hoke Middle School, 200 Fayetteville Rd., Raeford, 9 a.m.: They will be giving out free school supplies.

Back to School Bash at Segra Stadium, 460 Hay St., 10 a.m.: Blue Star Families has partnered with the Fayetteville Woodpeckers to host this event for 100 military-connected children. Families will enjoy meeting the Woodpecker players, batting practice, prizes, giveaways, food and drinks. Registration is required at https://tinyurl.corm/29hwf2nw.

I Love My Community Celebration & Giveaway (Day 1) at 3421 Murchison Rd., noon: Receive free school supplies while also enjoying resource vendors, music, food, community activities and community support. Students must be present to receive school supplies.

August 16

I Love My Community Celebration & Giveaway (Day 2) at Crown Complex, 1960 Coliseum Dr., 3 p.m.: This is a drive-thru school supply pick-up event. Students must be present to receive school supplies.

5th Backpack Drive-Thru Giveaway at 1866 Brawley Ave., 3 p.m.: They will be giving away essential school supplies for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. One backpack per student while supplies last. Students must be present.

Back to School Community Event at Lake Rim Rec Center, 1455 Hoke Loop, 2 p.m: They will be giving away school supplies. There will also be a bounce house, grilled food, music, face painting, and community fun for the whole family.

August 21

Ritchie the Lion's 5th Annual Back to School Event at Red Coat Design Studio, 7707 S. Raeford Rd., Ste 109, 11 a.m.: Ritchie the Lion will be giving away backpacks, school supplies, clothing, hygiene items and snacks.

Back to School Backpack Giveaway at VFW Post 670, 3928 Doc Bennett Rd., 6 p.m.: They have over 100 backpacks filled with school supplies to give away to kindergarten to High School students. Students must be present to receive supplies.

August 22

Fayetteville Community Back to School Unity Day at 500 Fisher St., noon: This event will have a free backpack giveaway with live music, dance team performances, motivational speakers, school readiness resources and local vendors.

Back 2 School Event at 1111 Ireland Dr., Suite 103, 9:30 a.m.: School-aged children will receive free backpacks with supplies. There will also be free hairstyles, haircuts, and wellness sessions. Please call to make an appointment at 910-491-9571.

Back to School Explosion at 4616 Murchison Rd., 1 p.m.: There will be free clothing for kids, teens, and adults, vendors, and resources.

August 23

Back to School Bazaar at 4101 Raeford Rd., 3 p.m.: This event will have free school supplies and backpacks. There will also be community resources, vendors, food, music, youth activities, a double-dutch competition and a dance showcase.