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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Illustration by Pitt Dickey)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New restaurants that have opened recently.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VETERAN RESOURCES

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Graphic courtesy of Fayetteville State University)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     Fayetteville and Cumberland County are growing. The extension of Interstate 295 is bringing in
new businesses and people into the area. The latest addition is the Everhome Suites Hotel
Fayetteville which is conveniently located right across the parking lot of the Amazon
Warehouse, at 1720 Convoy Lane. Adding to the growing businesses staking claim right off the
highway, Everhome Suites is a part of the Choice Hotel family which also includes the Comfort
Inn.
     A brand-new build, Everhome Suites Fayetteville, is only the fourth of its kind. A modern and up-
to-date hotel, Everhome brings you “closer to home” even when you’re away. The hotel features
6 unique room styles, including wheelchair-accessible options, most of them being on the
ground floor for more accessibility.
    All rooms feature a kitchen with cups, plates, silverware, a coffeemaker, and a stove. Guests
have various options, depending on the needs and length of their stay. Those needing more
room can opt for a suite, which breaks the living and sleeping space into two separate rooms.
Even in the standard rooms, there is a sitting area for guests to enjoy or use for work. Everhome
has spared no expense when it comes to providing comfort for everyone. As part of their
commitment to providing a comfortable space to everyone, there are select rooms that are
equipped with Audio-Visual Door Alerts for the Hearing Impaired. These rooms have buttons on
the outside that when pressed blink the lights within the room, alerting guests with hearing
impairments that someone is at the door. Accessibility doesn’t stop there. Along with specially
equipped rooms, including those with larger turn radiuses and lower countertops, there is also a
working lift at the heated pool that will be open year-round unless weather dictates otherwise.
     Along with a pool, the outside patio area hosts 2 propane grills and a fire pit for the enjoyment of
the guests. This area is perfect for unwinding outside after a long day of meetings or work.
From the moment you walk through the door for check-in, Everhome has everything you need at
your fingertips. Need to grab a snack or a quick bite on the way out for the day? Stop in the
marketplace located onsite. Guests can shop for cereal or grab a fresh cup of coffee, all with the
convenience of self-checkout. Pet owners can enjoy the small grassy dog park area on one side
of the hotel. The hotel also offers a meeting room that can be set up to accommodate a range
of events, from a Monday morning meeting to training. For those who work out, Everhome
guests can feel the burn on one of several pieces of equipment, in a space with wall-to-floor
mirrors, a sanitation station, and a full wall window overlooking the dog park area.
     Whether you are staying for a day or 10, Everhome Suites Fayetteville is the newest premier
hotel in the area, with daily rates as low as $60. Have an organization or business that often has
people traveling into town? Everhome Suites would be your go-to for booking your out-of-town
guests or employees. For more information on special rates or contracting, contact Melanie
Parker, Director of Sales, at 910-491-9507 or email at mparker@hotelmc.net.

Nestled above the FTCC Bookstore, the All American Veterans Center provides many resources to students in the military and veteran communities. Since 2014, the All American Veterans Center has served the veteran population on campus with the respect and dignity veterans earned while valiantly serving our country. Staffed with a combination of dependents, members who are still serving, and work-study students who have recently transitioned, the All American Veterans Center has an in-depth understanding of the unique challenges faced by military families.
One of the main roles of the AAVC is to certify student enrollments with the Department of Veterans Affairs. All students using a VA educational benefit at FTCC are required to submit appropriate documentation and have their files reviewed by a School Certifying Official before it is manually uploaded to the VA for payment. FTCC has over 2,000 students utilizing VA benefits every semester, and that number is growing exponentially every year.
One of the more exciting experiences at the AAVC is the Warrior Wednesday event that takes place during the fall and spring semesters. Providing resources to the veteran and military community is something the AAVC takes pride in, and every other Wednesday, veterans can find a different opportunity presented inside the Veterans Services office. Many of the presenters include Veterans Bridge Home, Wounded Warrior Project, The Cohen Clinic, and even benefit specialists from the VA.
In addition to these events, the AAVC has continuously organized veterans resource fairs over the past year with plans for more events in the future. With over twenty participating vendors, these events have been an overwhelming success and are scheduled at FTCC’s Fayetteville campus, making it easy for the veteran student population to attend.
The FTCC All American Veterans Center has taken pride in having a Military Friendly® designation for several years. Being awarded a Military Friendly® badge means that FTCC goes above and beyond for the military and veteran community. By accepting credits awarded through military service, providing a designated study and lounge space for veterans, and having knowledgeable specialists who can assist with the processes of attending college, there’s a reason FTCC was ranked in the top ten for Military Friendly® schools for 2024.
FTCC is dedicated to serving those who have served our country. With a designated space for veterans and dependents to find the support they need, resources offered to assist with many challenges, and knowledgeable staff to guide veterans every step of the way, FTCC is well equipped for the ever-growing population of veterans in the Fayetteville area. By creating a welcoming and informative environment focused on student success, FTCC is the school to choose for veterans and dependents alike.

The origins of Día de los Muertos can be traced back to indigenous Aztec culture, where rituals celebrating the deaths of ancestors had been practiced for at least 3,000 years.
The Aztecs believed that death was a natural part of life's continuum, and they honored the deceased by placing offerings at tree stumps, which were considered sacred.
These early celebrations were not somber occasions but rather a vibrant celebration of life and death, reflecting the belief that the dead continued to exist in a different realm and could visit the living during special times of the year.
When Spanish colonizers arrived in the 16th century, they brought with them Catholic traditions, including All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. To integrate indigenous practices with Catholic customs, the Spanish moved Día de los Muertos from the summer to November 1 and 2, aligning it with these Catholic holidays.
This adaptation allowed the indigenous people to continue their rituals in a form that was acceptable to the colonial authorities. Over time, the blending of these traditions resulted in a unique cultural fusion that characterizes Día de los Muertos today.
Central to the celebration of Día de los Muertos are various traditions and symbols that have deep cultural significance. One of the most important elements is the ofrenda, or altar, which is meticulously decorated with marigolds, photos of the deceased, and personal items such as favorite foods and drinks.
Marigolds, known for their vibrant yellow and orange colors, are believed to attract the spirits of the deceased with their strong scent. Calaveras, or sugar skulls, are also a popular symbol, often decorated in bright colors and used as treats or decorations.
These elements collectively create an atmosphere of joy and reverence, honoring the lives of those who have passed away.
Today, Día de los Muertos is celebrated with a blend of ancient and contemporary practices. Families prepare elaborate ofrendas at home and in cemeteries, and communities come together for parades, music, and dance. Traditional dances like La Danza de los Viejitos (the dance of the old men) and La Danza de los Tecuanes (the dance of the jaguars) are performed, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Costumes and makeup are also a significant part of the celebration, with many people donning La Catrina-style makeup to honor the iconic skeletal figure that has become a symbol of the holiday. Through these activities, Día de los Muertos continues to evolve while preserving its core essence of celebrating life and death.
While Día de los Muertos is primarily celebrated in Mexico, its influence extends to other parts of the world. Countries in Central America, Brazil, and Spain, as well as Mexican-American communities throughout the United States, also partake in the festivities, each adding their own unique touches to the celebration.
In these regions, you might find variations in the types of foods prepared, the styles of altars, and the ways in which people honor their deceased loved ones.
Despite these differences, the underlying theme remains the same: a joyous celebration that bridges the gap between the living and the dead.