Over the next few months, a number of streets will be redesignated as part of the Fort Bragg redesignation to Fort Liberty.

In total, nine streets will be named to commemorate and recognize the selfless services of U.S. Army Soldiers who share a special connection to the installation, according to a media release from Fort Bragg.
The “redesignation of the streets, and the name Liberty honors the heroism, sacrifices, and values of the soldiers, service members, civilians and families who live on and serve alongside this installation,” the release stated.

“We view this as the next chapter in the post’s history and look forward to honoring the stories of the military heroes of every generation and walk of life.”

The streets that will be redesignated are Bragg Boulevard, Reilly Road, Randolph Street, Armistead Street, Alexander Street, Pelham Street, Jackson Street, Donelson Street and Mosby Street.

Bragg Boulevard will change to Liberty Boulevard. The well-known street, Bragg Boulevard, that will change to Liberty Boulevard will only pertain to the portion of the road that runs through the installation. Bragg Boulevard is Highway 87 and only the portion on the installation will be redesignated.

Reilly Road will change to Rock Merritt Avenue. Kenneth “Rock” Merritt was a WWII and Vietnam veteran who jumped into Normandy on D-Day June 6, 1944. He earned a Silver Star for disabling a German machine gun nest at Hill 131 near La Cuiroterie. Merritt went on to serve during Operation Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge. He was also Command Sergeant Major of the XVIII Airborne Corps, twice.

Randolph Street will change to R. Miller Street. Staff Sgt. Robert J. Miller received the Medal of Honor, posthumous, for actions conducted in Afghanistan in January 2008 while serving with 3rd Special Forces Group. Miller’s extraordinary valor during that battle in which he was mortally wounded ultimately saved the lives of seven members of his own team and 15 Afghanistan National Army soldiers.

Armistead Street will change to Stiner Road. Gen. Carl Stiner was the former commanding general of USASOC, JSOC, XVIII Abn. Corps, and the 82nd Airborne Division. With his extensive background in special operations, he was heavily involved in the capture of the terrorists in the Achille Lauro hijacking, the Panama invasion and the capture of Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega, and all special operations activities during Operation Desert Storm.

Alexander Street will change to Gandara Street. Pvt. Joe Gandara received the Medal of Honor, posthumously, for actions conducted on June 9, 1944 in Amfreville, France. While serving with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Abn. Div., Gandara’s detachment came under devastating enemy fire from a strong German force that pinned the men on ground for a period of four hours. He advanced alone firing his machine gun from his hip destroying three hostile machine guns before he was fatally wounded.

Pelham Street will change to Conde-Falcon Road. Staff Sgt. Felix M. Conde-Falcon received the Medal of Honor, posthumously, for actions conducted in 1969 while serving as an acting platoon leader in an operation near Ap Tan Hoa, Vietnam. While serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 505th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 82nd Abn. Div., Conde-Falcon moved ahead of his platoon heaving grenades towards a first bunker. Without hesitating, he proceeded to take out two additional bunkers in the same manner. Rejoined with his platoon, they came under heavy enemy fire. He single-handedly assaulted the nearest fortification carrying a machine gun killing the enemy before running out of ammunition. He retrieved an M-16 rifle and concentrated on the next bunker — within 10 meters of his goal, he was shot by an unseen assailant and soon died of his wounds.

Jackson Street will change to Merriweather Road. Staff Sgt. Daniel Merriweather was killed in action on Jan. 13, 2010, during Operation Enduring Freedom while serving with the 503rd Military Police Battalion, 16th Military Police Brigade (Airborne) at Fort Bragg. Merriweather’s vehicle was attacked by enemy forces with an improvised explosive device. He is survived by his wife, Rachelle, and his two sons.

Donelson Street will change to Benavidez Street. Master Sergeant Roy P. Benavidez served with the XVIII Abn. Corps and 82nd Abn. Div. and earned a Medal of Honor for actions conducted in 1968 while serving as a staff sergeant in Vietnam with 5th Special Forces Group. Benavidez voluntarily joined his comrades, who were in critical straits, to expose himself constantly to withering enemy fire. He refused to be stopped despite numerous severe wounds, and ultimately saved the lives of at least eight men.

 Mosby Street will change to Shachnow Lane. Maj. Gen. Sidney Shachnow survived imprisonment, the Nazi Holocaust, and the Second World War to become one of the most influential Army Special Forces officers of the post-Vietnam era. He is a Distinguished Member of the Special Forces Regiment as well as both the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs Corps Halls of Fame. He served as the Honorary Colonel of the Special Forces Regiment from 2008 to 2011 and was the only General in the U.S. Army to have survived the Holocaust.

The street names selected were based off input from units on the installation. The new names honor the heroism, sacrifices and values of those who have a unique connection to Fort Bragg.
According to Fort Bragg officials, all streets will have new signs in place over the next few months and no later than Dec. 31.

What would the Founding Fathers think if they were here today?

In my opinion, it wouldn’t be self-driving cars or the internet that would surprise them the most. I think it would be the size of our government.

The entire executive branch used to fit inside of the White House. Yet today, executive departments, independent agencies, and other boards and commissions fill hundreds of buildings with millions of bureaucrats constantly seeking to expand their power.

Our government is meant to be responsive to the people. Our system of checks and balances was not set up to have un-elected bureaucrats making laws and rules that impact the everyday lives of you and your family.

Earlier this month, President Joe Biden presented his budget to Congress. This reckless budget will grow the size of government even further and proposes trillions in new spending and higher taxes for you and families across the country. It will further increase our national debt and your cost of living — at a time when we suffer a $31 trillion debt and an inflation crisis.

This radical budget spends $16.5 billion on the climate and $3 billion for gender equity, yet just $40 million to combat the fentanyl crisis that is killing thousands of Americans. It also contains a staggering $1.9 billion to fund the ATF — directly declaring war on your Second Amendment rights.

I was proud to introduce a resolution last week to prevent the ATF from enforcing an unconstitutional pistol brace rule that targets law-abiding citizens and combat wounded veterans. As this bill is considered by the House, I will continue to support efforts to defend your constitutional rights, just as I continue my work to expand school safety and mental health.

In the Energy and Commerce Committee last week, I had the opportunity to question the CEO of TikTok and express my concerns with the social media app. As a parent, I'm very concerned about the ways in which social media companies impact our children’s behaviors and mental health. While many might consider TikTok to be just another video-sharing app, in reality it’s likely it has been functioning as a massive Chinese Communist Party surveillance program — and it is all in the palm of your hand.

As Fort Bragg’s Congressman, I have serious concerns about the opportunities TikTok gives the CCP to access non-public sensitive data from our military families.

I asked the TikTok CEO if the company can access other devices on your home Wi-Fi to collect data. He could not give me a straight answer. It should concern every American that his answer wasn’t “No.” I look forward to further addressing the threat this app presents to our national security in order to create a strong national data privacy standard that will put you back in charge of your data.

From reckless spending, to threatening your constitutional rights, to refusing to stand up to the Chinese Community Party, the Biden administration is a threat to the freedoms you hold so dear.

As your Congressman, I never stop working to solve problems facing you and your family.

The U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum will again host the Field of Honor from Sept. 11 to Nov. 12. All flags will proudly be displayed on the Museum’s Parade Field.

The 2023 Field of Honor is brought to the public by the Cool Spring Downtown District and the Airborne and Special Operations Museum Foundation.

Each flag comes with its own story and displays a tag identifying both the flag sponsor and honoree.

This living display of heroism flies as a patriotic tribute to the strength and unity of Americans, and honors all who are currently serving, those that have served, and the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation’s security and freedom.

Flags are now available for purchase. Sales will close on Aug. 1. This year, a limited number of flags are available around the Iron Mike Circle for a special price.

To purchase a flag, visit: https://shop.asomf.org/field-of-honor/.

The upcoming spring and summer season of Sweet Tea Shakespeare will include plays in both Fayetteville and Raleigh. “Shakespeare in Love,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “The Illusion,” and “The Little Princess” will take audiences to a realm of grand drama and intense emotion.

Tickets for all plays continue to be among the most reasonably priced entertainment alternatives in the area, as Sweet Tea Shakespeare embraces its purpose to make theater accessible to everyone.

A chance to see all four plays at a discounted price has been made available for those looking for a genuinely entertaining spring and summer event.

“The Illusion” and “Shakespeare in Love” will run consecutively in Fayetteville April through early July. “A Little Princess” will run in June and “A Midsummer Night's Dream” will run in late July, both in Raleigh. To see all four shows, it’s only $50. For students of any age, it is $25.

Sweet Tea Shakespeare’s production of Tony Kushner’s “The Illusion” will sprinkle some magic across Fayetteville. This comedy drama, which is an adaptation of “L’Illusion Comique” by French writer Pierre Corneille from the 17th century, is sure to amuse audiences this spring.

“The Illusion” focuses on Pridamant, a worried parent frantically looking for his son Clindor. When he meets Alcandre the Magician, whose promise is to reveal Clindor’s location through a vision, this story takes an unexpected turn. It serves as a reminder that travels are genuine, even if some of what we see in life may not be, as it unfolds with stock characters from commedia dell’arte and full of illusions that confound even Alcandre himself.

Jeremy Fiebig, Sweet Tea Shakespeare Artistic Director, is in charge of directing the play.

This outdoor performance will run from April 21-23, April 28-30 and May 5-7 starting at 7:30 p.m. at the rustic amphitheater at Gillis Hill Farm. There will be a live music pre-show 45 minutes before show time.

Many call “Shakespeare in Love” a testament to storytelling. In this story, the Queen demands a comedy and every word the playwright pens leaves him perplexed. To have the opportunity to voice her opinions, a noblewoman challenges the established quo. In Sweet Tea Shakespeare’s production, the most tragic love story ever written is re-imagined.

“Shakespeare In Love,” a theatrical adaptation of the 1999 Oscar-winning screenplay by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard, will be performed in Fayetteville this summer to the delight of Sweet Tea Shakespeare audiences.

The play follows a young Will Shakespeare’s struggle to write his next play and how his encounters with Viola DeLessex, a young member of the aristocracy, affect him.

Viola dreams of appearing in one of his plays despite the fact that doing so is against the law. Their interactions inspire Will to write the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.

It is directed by special guest Jim Warren (Founding Director of the American Shakespeare Center, author of Shakespeare's New Contemporaries, and head project consultant for the American Globe Center), and features original music by award-winning multi-hyphenate musician Owen Eddy (www.oweneddy.com).

Will and Viola fall in love and get into trouble as they try to navigate their star-crossed path to happiness against the humorous backdrop of mistaken identity, cunning plotting and backstage antics.

What transpires is evidence of the storytelling’s ability to lead us to unexpected locations, unbelievable opportunities, and eventually our magum opus — our great life’s work.

The venue for this performance is to be announced soon. This show will run from June 23-25, June 20-July 2 with shows beginning at 7:30 p.m. There will be a live music pre-show 30 minutes before show time.

Guests can purchase the All Four One package or individual show tickets. For more information on productions in Fayetteville and the two to be performed in Raleigh, visit https://sweetteashakespeare.com/.

Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation and Methodist University are teaming up this year to celebrate health and wellness along the tranquil banks of the Cape Fear River.

The second annual Step Up 4 Health and Wellness Expo will take place on Saturday, April 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Methodist University’s campus.

An expansion of Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation’s long-standing Ribbon Walk, the expo, presented by Cumulus Media, was introduced last year and held at Festival Park.

“This year’s move to Methodist University’s campus is an exciting opportunity to reach more people in the community and have more patients benefit from the event,” said Kristen Carpenter, Cape Fear Valley Health’s Development Coordinator for Community Engagement.

Continuing in the tradition of the Ribbon Walk, registrants can sign up to participate in either a one mile race or a 4K (around 2.5 miles), which will send them on a course through Methodist University’s beautifully landscaped, 600-acre campus. The fundraiser, which brought in more than $70,000 last year, offers support to various services directly impacting the lives of patients in the community.

Opening ceremonies for the walk will kick off at 9:30 a.m., followed by a survivor’s lap. All survivors are welcome and encouraged to join. Both the walk and the expo will officially begin at 10 a.m.
The Health Expo, located at the university’s newly-renovated Duggins Soccer Stadium, is free and open to the public.

The family-friendly community event promises to have a little bit of everything. Attendees are in for a fun and informative afternoon with around 60 vendors and booths from various community organizations and Cape Fear Valley Health service lines. During the expo, participants will have an opportunity to learn hands-on CPR, get wellness checks, and snag a goodie bag or two. The hope is that people will leave just a bit healthier and more informed than they came.

With a Healthplex membership raffle, kid’s area, music, food trucks, and some pulse-pumping Zumba — the expo has all the makings of a fun Saturday out with the family.

“It’s a great opportunity for the community to come out and learn more about the different services we offer, get their wellness checked, and learn more about other organizations in the community as well,” Carpenter commented.

The registration fee to either walk or run is $30, and all participants will receive a T-shirt. Participants can register as individuals or as teams representing various organizations, local businesses or in remembrance of a loved one.

Registrants can stick to tradition and apply their registration fee to Friends of the Cancer Center or to support the following: Children’s Services, the Community Alternatives Program, Cumberland County Medication Access Program, or Heart Care. The fee can be split amongst all of these service lines as well.

There is no cost or registration to attend the Wellness Expo.
To register for the walk, visit www.cfvfoundation.org/stepup4health.

Methodist University is located at 5400 Ramsey Sreet.

Privei is a luxury menswear store in Fayetteville that every streetwear lover needs to experience. The store is now located at the Cross Creek Mall, by the Macy’s entrance. They are now on their third location in the city, with plans to expand outside of the store and give customers a different Privei experience.

“The best way to describe the brand is high-end streetwear,” says owner and operator Nicolino Parisi.

Privei is a store that holds carefully selected legacy brands, such as Billionaire Boys Club, Comme Des Garçons, Puma Select, and many others. They also sell home goods, shoes and a variety of accessories that you won’t find anywhere else in Fayetteville.

“I feel like what makes us unique is our ability to not compromise. We’re in the business of service, and I care a lot about the experience, energy, brands and overall feel of everything dealing with the store. Presentation, marketing, all of it,” says Parisi.

Privei first opened its doors back in 2014, with a location off of Skibo Road. The store stood out on the street with a bright sign spelling out the name, and that location was a home for many art exhibits, music showcases and creatives around the city. Alongside Parisi was former manager of Privei, James Gonzales (also known as musician James Vader).

Together, Parisi and Gonzales cultivated ideas and organized those events that still have an impact on the community they serve today. Parisi also gives a lot of credit to his father as a huge support system, who has helped Parisi build out his vision at his locations over time.

The name ‘Privei’ is a unique French spelling of the word “private,” which speaks to the store’s luxurious feel and the unique brands carried. Their brand focuses on concept, market and art. Privei strives to make a unique shopping experience for its customers, as well as be a centerpiece in the community for art, music and culture.

The Fayetteville native always had a love for fashion, but Parisi truly discovered the importance of individuality and standing out, at Douglas Byrd High School. Due to strict dress codes, backpacks could only be grey, black or white. With an urge to stand out and be different, he used his creativity, and started tie dying backpacks for his classmates.

Parisi then transitioned from backpacks to clothes, where he started creating cut and sew pieces, more specifically jeans. With success from selling his creations, he figured it was time to put his clothes in
a store.

Slim, owner of a former streetwear store in Fayetteville called ‘Exclusive Game,' gave Parisi his first opportunity to sell his clothes at his desired price point. This act of kindness gave him the belief that his path in fashion was possible.

It was also from this act, that later birthed Privei’s showcases and market day series, which Parisi credits has kept the store thriving throughout the years. “Ninety-eight percent of businesses close within their first five years, we’ve been able to combat that by opening our doors to the community and artists in our early years, and maintaining that relationship.”

With Privei’s roots grounded in the city, they plan to keep expanding on their love for community, and giving other businesses a chance to monetize what they love to do. They are looking to partner with bigger entities in the city to make this happen, and are looking to welcome more legacy brands in the near future.

A visit to Privei is worth a trip to Cross Creek Mall. Their store is open seven days a week,

For the first time in my 30-year history of being associated with Fayetteville/Cumberland County youth baseball,

I was greatly disappointed that out of 17 combined city and county elected officials, no one representing this community’s residents felt it necessary enough to show up at the Kiwanis Recreation Center’s ballfields to participate and celebrate the excitement of Youth Baseball’s Opening Day.

Hundreds of people gathered together last Saturday morning when the Fayetteville Kiwanis Club welcomed the “children of summer” onto the baseball field. Where were our Cumberland Commissioners, Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin, and any member of the Fayetteville City Council?

The most glaring absence was that of Councilman Johnny Dawkins since the ballpark and all that Opening Day excitement was taking place in his home District 5. Oops! Or, perhaps we should refer to this as his other home in District 5. His real home, where his wife resides, is in the Raleigh-Garner area, as recently reported by the news media. I doubt living part-time elsewhere would qualify as an “excused absence.”

However, it does speak volumes to the adage “out of sight, out of mind.”
Like many others elected, Dawkins likes to get out of Fayetteville as often as he can. A disturbing circumstance for someone elected to represent ALL the residents of Fayetteville full-time.

But this editorial is not about Dawkins. This local newspaper believes that elected city and county officials are responsible for representing their constituents and promoting their community's interests.
Elected officials cannot do this if they are constantly absent from major public events, meetings and local social gatherings.

Our present elected officials constantly shield themselves from the public. And, rightfully so. Why? Accountability. They know all too well that by making themselves more visible and accessible to their constituents, they would be held accountable and responsible for their actions and decisions. And, since many of them are oblivious to what is happening in the community, they cannot intelligently explain their actions or behavior, which makes this matter even more egregious.

We, as responsible citizens, want to get to know our elected officials. We want them to see our support, yet we intend to hold them accountable for their actions. But, there are other reasons they should make themselves accessible. They should want to build trust and relationships with residents. Getting out in public allows elected officials to connect with constituents personally, which builds confidence, trust and promotes transparency.

Elected officials should want to raise awareness of important city and county issues and initiatives and engage the community by asking for their input.
Effective elected officials demonstrate leadership by appearing at public events like Opening Days, Dogwood Festivals, Karen Chandler Concerts, and Chamber of Commerce events, etc., taking advantage of the opportunity to demonstrate and endorse their commitment to the community while taking an active and genuine role in representing Fayetteville/Cumberland County constituents to promote positive change and enhance the quality of life.

In closing, I feel being out in public and promoting constituents' interests is their overall responsibility. Attending public events and mingling with the people is integral to an elected official’s role in serving the Fayetteville and Cumberland County community.

They need to stop trying to communicate with us through ineffective websites, social media and Constant Contact email blasts. Nothing works better than transparency and face-to-face interaction.

Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

Every year in April for the last 13 years, Fayetteville and surrounding areas have been festooned with bright blue pinwheels in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The pinwheels represent “the bright future every child deserves to have,” Faith Boehmer, Prevention and Volunteer Coordinator for the Child Advocacy Center of Fayetteville, explained. As they spin and flash, the pinwheels remind all who see them that not every child grows up in a secure, stable or nurturing environment.
According to the American Society for the Positive Care of Children, over 4 million child maltreatment reports were made in 2021 involving over 7.2 million children. Of that number, only 2.9 children received prevention and post-response services.

Though the numbers are smaller, they are no less startling when viewed a bit closer to home.

“In 2021-2022, we had 808 [child abuse] referrals,” Boehmer shared. “Of that, 569 cases were followed by forensic interviews. Though our cases have doubled over the past 14 years, so have our efforts to educate the community.”

To bring awareness to the very real issue of child abuse and neglect in Cumberland County, the CAC has launched a month-long campaign to inform the community about resources, support and prevention.

As April gets underway, concerned community members can show their support in a number of ways. Community Pinwheel Kits containing 25 pinwheels and a yard sign are available on the CAC website for $50. Pinwheel vases, pins, jewelry and decals are also available for sale. All purchases must be made through the CAC website and picked up from the office during regular office hours. A portion of all sales supports the CAC and its continued effort to be “a voice for the children.”

There are seven scheduled pinwheel plantings around Cumberland County throughout April to increase the visibility of this ongoing crisis. Cumberland County Schools, Fayetteville State University, FTCC, the Town of Spring Lake, Methodist University, and the Town of Hope Mills will each hold a ceremony to plant 400 pinwheels in high-traffic areas to show their support for abused and neglected children.

Fayetteville is also encouraged to #ShopBlueDowntown for child abuse awareness in April. Twenty downtown merchants are raising awareness and funds on behalf of the CAC by offering special blue-colored items at a discount on select days throughout the month. A full list of participating merchants can be found on the CAC website, https://www.cacfaync.org/.

On Thursday, April 20, Cumberland County and Fort Bragg community partners will host their Annual Child Abuse Summit from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at the John D. Fuller Sr. Recreational/Athletic Complex on Old Bunce Road in Fayetteville. This year’s summit will cover topics such as the dangers of sexting, human trafficking, the WORTH Court, the integration of clinical hypnosis and child abuse, and other areas of concern.

Filmmaker and child sexual abuse survivor, Sasha Neulinger, will be featured on the panel’s list of speakers to screen and discuss his documentary “Rewind” about the traumatic abuse he suffered at the hands of a family member.

The free summit is designed with professionals who work with at-risk children.
For more information and a full list of activities, speakers and programs, visit https://www.cacfaync.org/.

How challenging can selling a business be? On the surface, the prospect appears simple. First, you have a business and want to sell it, then you share that information and wait for a buyer. But the reality is both more complicated and more nuanced. Using a broker takes the pressure off you so you can focus on your business operations.

Few business owners understand everything involved in selling a business. Even fewer have the time in their busy schedules to manage the process. That's why working with a professional business advisor can help you sell your business with ease and confidence.

Have All Necessary Documents

To begin the process of selling your business, you need to gather all the appropriate documents for your advisor. You'll need to show the history and the potential growth of the company. Items to include are: tax returns, all leases and contracts, YTD financials, vendor and supplier information, current inventory, accounts receivable aging.

This information provides insight, allowing the advisor to create a potential buyer profile. It can also show the potential buyer their benefits.

Market Your Business

The next step is to determine how to best reach the right buyers for your business. There are many avenues a business advisor can use to successfully market a business for sale. This can range from using buyer lists or posting on digital platforms. Strategic research about other companies in the same industry will offer insight into the types of buyers you want to target; individual or expansion buyers who want to merge their businesses or acquire new ones.

Essential to the marketing process is only sharing information as needed for each stage of the process to potential buyers. The process begins with a 100% confidential advertisement to pique interest. Then targeted advertising efforts and outreach targeted toward buyer databases. Once a potential buyer expresses interest and signs an NDA, you can share a limited package of summary financials. The timing of the release of certain details is a successful strategy to keep the buyer intrigued.

Submit Your Paperwork

The final stage of due diligence involves releasing the last of the financial information once an offer letter of intent has been accepted by both parties. This is when you release full details like property information, bank statements, payroll reports, employee lists, job descriptions, and a full inventory. The bank will also order tax transcripts from the IRS directly.

Once you submit the paperwork and all parties sign off, you can celebrate the successful sale of your business and prepare for your next stage — whether it is a new challenge, retirement, or something else.
Business advisors can walk you through every step of the selling process. They can help you determine the market value of your business, assist you in gathering your assets and financial documents, find a buyer, work with the professionals such as wealth managers, accountants, attorneys, lenders, inspectors, and appraisers, and finish the sale. After all, you want the best price with the best terms for your years of hard work and effort.

Using an advisor and having all your paperwork in order can only help maximize the profit on your business sale.
Editor’s note: Ashley Kelsey is a Business Broker at Transworld Business Advisors of Eastern North Carolina.

To say weddings are stressful is an understatement. With so many people, and so many things to do, members of the wedding party can easily get stressed. From the venue to the dresses, everything should be perfect.

As a makeup artist, Kristen Brabble helps fulfill a vision many people have on their perfect wedding day.

“I love making people feel like themselves, the best version of them,” Brabble told Up & Coming Weekly.

“I love being a part of those really intimate days. These are days where it's just your closest family and friends, and you really get to watch these really special moments. You know, words being said, heirlooms being passed down, gifts being given. And it's just really beautiful to watch someone going through this big milestone and they have so many more milestones ahead of them. And it's just the beginning. It's really beautiful.”

For her, makeup is not just a superficial thing. Makeup is a superpower that can boost confidence and make people feel beautiful.
Based out of Raleigh, Brabble owns her own business, Hello Pretty. She often works in and around Fayetteville for weddings and events. She started her aesthetics career in 2007, and became a full-time bridal makeup artist in 2013.

However, since the pandemic, the wedding industry has changed. Wedding parties are a lot more intimate, and wedding venues don’t allow a large number of guests to enter their properties at one time. That includes makeup artists.

“Usually, people get ready at the wedding venue. That's just kind of always traditionally been what you do. You get ready at the wedding venue. We used to be able to get into the wedding venues at 8 in the morning, and now it's more like between 11 and 1. So it's cut down on time to get everybody ready drastically,” Brabble said.

Some venues even placed the makeup artists in a small trailer that had no air conditioning and was often unbalanced. The space was small and crowded, leaving everyone feeling uncomfortable.
This inspired her to come up with her own mobile makeup and beauty bar.

“That way, everybody can arrive, and everybody can stay on-site the day of the wedding to get ready. So I would like to take a camper and outfit it to be really cute and fun and something that can fit a bridal party so that everyone can be together and do their hair and makeup the day of the wedding in a nice, timely manner.”

While Brabble doesn’t have a design drawn out, she does have a vision of what she wants inside this renovated camper. When you walk in, there will be a long U-shaped bench and a long table where people can gather, sit, talk and eat. On the right, she wants two chairs in front of mirrors, which will be perfect for makeup and hair. The kitchen will remain in the camper, so people can have food and drinks while they get ready for their big days. The room in the back of the camper will be redone to have an extra makeup/styling chair as well as an area for photos and selfies.

“Everyone wants a good photo moment. So there will be a space in there for photographic moments,” Brabble said.

Overall, the camper will have cute and fun wallpaper, be colorful and just be exciting. But this camper won’t be used just for weddings or special events. Brabble says this camper will be used to start mobile makeup lessons.

“I get a lot of inquiries about lessons. So in having this mobile beauty bar, it's also going to help me expand greatly on another portion of what I do, and that's the lessons,” Brabble said.
Brabble recently presented her idea as a part of #HERPitch. Out of a dozen business owners, Brabble was one of the four winners who received a grant for $2,500 from CEED Capital and the Women of Power Society of NC.

Brabble hopes to launch her mobile makeup beauty bar in six months. She is both excited and nervous, but she can’t imagine this launch not happening.

“It's definitely one of those things that I think about all day. It's like one of those things that I can't imagine it not happening, if that makes sense. It's like tunnel vision for me at this point and that came through at the end of the tunnel.”

For more information about Brabble and her company, Hello Pretty, visit www.helloprettyyou.com.

The City of Fayetteville encourages residents to participate in Fayetteville Beautiful to reduce the amount of litter and other pollutants on city streets and in stormwater systems.

Fayetteville Beautiful is scheduled for Saturday, May 6 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers should meet at the open lot at 447 Murchison Road. Litter bags, gloves, water and snacks will be provided to volunteers.
Registration, an interactive map, rules and photos from past events can be found on the Fayetteville Beautiful webpage at https://www.fayettevillenc.gov/city-services/parks-and-recreation/fayetteville-beautiful.

The city-sponsored program is dedicated to encouraging others to take greater responsibility for improving their environment through litter abatement, waste reduction and beautification programs.

Fayetteville Beautiful aligns with the city’s “Put Waste in its Place” campaign that reminds residents and visitors of their role in ensuring Fayetteville remains a desirable place to live, work and recreate. Here are a few ways residents can help with putting waste in its place: Use reusable containers; recycle bottles, cans, paper, plastics; adopt a street/site and keep it clean; provide adequate trash and recycling containers, place conspicuously and empty often.

Fayetteville Beautiful happens twice per year, in the spring and fall. Volunteers collected 1.3 tons of litter at the Spring 2022 event.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and to raise awareness, gardens of bright blue pinwheels are being "planted" in various locations across Cumberland County. The pinwheel represents a happy, safe and carefree childhood that every child deserves. More than a million pinwheels have been displayed nationwide since the campaign started in April 2008, adopted by Prevent Child Abuse America.

 The Child Advocacy Center is leading the campaign locally, coordinating with schools, organizations, businesses and agencies to sponsor the "gardens." This is the 13th year that the CAC has coordinated the campaign in Cumberland County, and each year, the numbers have grown.

 Pinwheels for Prevention started as a grassroots campaign from Prevent Child Abuse America. The blue pinwheels serve as a reminder of the bright and happy future that every child deserves. The purpose of planting the pinwheels is to raise awareness and change the public's belief and behavior about child abuse and neglect.

 The CAC is partnering with seven other places within the community for pinwheel garden planting ceremonies. Join them during your lunch break at any of the following locations:

• Town of Hope Mills, March 30 at noon
• Festival Park, March 31 at 12:30 p.m.
• Fayetteville Technical Community College, April 3 at noon
• Methodist University, April 4 at noon
• Cumberland County Schools, Central Services, April 4 at 2 p.m.
• Town of Spring Lake, April 5 at noon
• Fayetteville State University, April 6 at noon

 The CAC is also decorating several black flowerpots downtown with pinwheels and signs about April being Child Abuse Prevention Month.

 Downtown Fayetteville merchants are coming together to help the CAC spread awareness about Child Abuse Prevention Month this April. Visitors can #ShopBlueDowntown on select days in April and help 20 businesses raise awareness and funds for the CAC in various ways.

 The CAC is hosting 'Monday with a Book' each week of April. Parents and children can visit their website or social media outlets on Facebook or Instagram to listen to the body safety books.

 Pinwheel garden kits and more pinwheel gear are still available at www.cacfaync.org.

 "We hope that during the month of April, you will find ways to celebrate the children in your life," said a representative from the CAC. "As you see, the pinwheels spinning in the sun this April, be reminded that the pinwheels represent the bright future for our children and our community. We want all children to live in stable, loving and stimulating environments – at home, at school and in the community."

 For more information on the CAC or to get involved, please visit the website at www.cacfaync.org

Fayetteville Technical Community College's Fine Arts Department will present a six-show run of "Steel Magnolias" over two weekends, starting Friday, March 31.

The comedy-drama by Robert Harling is about the bonds between six women in a southern town.
The FTCC production will be held in Cumberland Hall Auditorium at 2215 Hull Road on the College's Fayetteville campus. All performances are free and open to the public.

Performances will be at 7 p.m. Friday, March 31; 2 p.m. Saturday, April 1; 7 p.m. Saturday, April 1; 7 p.m. on Friday, April 7; 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 8; and 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 8.

"Steel Magnolias" is being presented through a special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service in New York.

Photos courtesy Fayetteville Technical Community College

Tradition features prominently in Holy Week celebrations. The week leading up to Easter Sunday, Holy Week, is a sacred time for faithful Christians. The Stations of the Cross are one of the traditions that many Christians feel bolsters their faith and brings them closer to God.

What are the Stations of the Cross? According to Catholic Online, the Stations of the Cross are a 14-step devotion that commemorates Jesus Christ’s last day on Earth as a man. Each of the 14 stations focus on a specific event of Jesus’ last day.

Where can the Stations of the Cross be found? Stations of the Cross are typically found in churches. Many times the Stations adorn the interior wall of a church, and Catholic Online notes they’re often depicted using small icons or images.
Some churches with sizable exterior grounds may arrange larger Stations along footpaths in yards or gardens on the premises.

When do people pray the Stations of the Cross? Lent is the most common time to pray the Stations of the Cross, and some churches hold weekly prayer sessions on Wednesdays and Fridays during this time of year, often with midday and evening prayer.

The Stations of the Cross are an important Easter tradition that shed light on Jesus’ resurrection. Individuals interested in praying the Stations of the Cross are urged to contact a
local church so they can engage in this moving Christian tradition.

The Stations of the Cross are an important Easter tradition for many Christians. According to Catholic Online, the 14 Stations of the Cross are:

• 1. Jesus is condemned to death
• 2. Jesus carries the cross
• 3. Jesus falls for the first time
• 4. Jesus meets with His Mother
• 5. Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus
  carry the cross
• 6. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
• 7. Jesus falls a second time
• 8. Jesus meets the women of
  Jerusalem
• 9. Jesus falls a third time
• 10. Jesus’ clothes are taken away
• 11. Jesus is nailed to the cross
• 12. Jesus dies on the cross
• 13. The body of Jesus is taken
  down from the cross
• 14. Jesus is laid in the tomb

Easter Sunday is often described as the holiest day on the Christian calendar. A day when Christians across the globe commemorate and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Easter Sunday is the culmination of the Lenten season of sacrifice.

Easter Sunday comes on the heels of Holy Week, which is the most sacred week in the liturgical year in Christianity. Holy Week consists of various days that have their own special significance in the minds and hearts of Christians.

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. Trinity College at the University of Melbourne notes that Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, where He was greeted with crowds that enthusiastically waved palm branches. In commemoration of that entry and greeting, Christians receive palm branches or palm crosses during Palm Sunday Mass.

Holy Wednesday Once known as “Spy Wednesday,” Holy Wednesday focuses on the darkness of Holy Week and is meant to symbolize the abandonment of Jesus by His disciples. The religious service of Tenebrae, which is a Latin word meaning “darkness” or “shadows,” is typically observed during Holy Wednesday services.

Maundy Thursday commemorates the Washing of the Feet (Maundy) and the Last Supper. The Last Supper is the final meal Jesus shared with his apostles prior to His crucifixion. Christian scriptures indicate that, during the Last Supper, Jesus predicted His betrayal by one of the apostles present at the meal. It was also during the Last Supper when Jesus foretells that Peter will deny knowing Him three times before the next morning. Trinity College notes that Maundy Thursday reminds Christians of the new commandment that Jesus gave His disciples. That commandment was to love others as Jesus has loved them.

Good Friday commemorates the trial of Jesus, His subsequent sentence of death, His torture, the crucifixion and burial. Non-Christians may wonder why a day commemorating such events would be characterized as “good,” but Trinity College notes that, in this sense, the word “good” is meant to connote something “holy” or “pious.”

Holy Saturday marks the conclusion of Holy Week. Celebrations of Holy Saturday typically include a late-night Easter Vigil service that involves a liturgy and ultimately the celebration of the Eucharist. The two-part celebration is designed to commemorate the emergence from darkness into the light that is the Eucharist.

Holy Week is a significant period for Christians across the globe that commemorates many of the events that preceded the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

If you are focusing on a healthy diet, it is hard not to think about sugar. You do not have to cut out sugar altogether. The key to a healthy sugar intake is to know the difference between natural and refined sugar.

Natural sugar is sugar that occurs in a food source without additives. Naturally recurring sugar is found in food such as dairy products, fruit or carbohydrates. When we think of sugar our first thought includes fruit, but natural sugar occurs in starchy vegetables, brown rice, whole grain pasta and cheese.

Refined or processed sugar should be limited. It includes sugar-enhanced products such as candy, cookies, sodas and smoothies.

According to dietary sources, the daily consumption amount of sugar for a 2,000-calorie diet is 37 grams for men and 25 grams for women. This translates into six teaspoons for women and eight for men.

Added sugar is not in food naturally and is added in products that include soda, yogurt, smoothies, candies and cakes. The problem with added sugar is the increased calories without nutritional benefits. Almost half of the added sugar in the daily diet comes from sweetened beverages, sodas and fruit drinks. Added sugar can also be found in the ingredients on food labels and some of them include brown sugar, corn syrup, sugar, syrup and molasses. Foods with added sugar should be eaten in moderation.

While sugar is not considered to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing), over-consumption of sugar and processed added sugar can add additional caloric intake which contributes to obesity. Obesity is considered a primary risk factor for cancer. There is no evidence that sugar makes cancer cells grow faster. Sugar stimulates the production of fatty acids in the liver. With digestion, fatty acids can contribute to compounds that trigger inflammation. There can be occurrences that cause inflammation such as fatigue, weight gain and body pain to name a few.

The overabundance of sugar can have long-term effects on the body which can include obesity, tooth decay and diabetes. Tooth decay is frequently caused by sugar because bacteria that cause cavities use sugar as a catalyst. Drinking sugary drinks adds a lot of calories but does not result in feeling full. Candy, cookies, cakes, other processed sweets, and sodas can contain approximately 30 grams of added sugar which is over the recommendation for daily consumption.

Artificial sweeteners may seem healthier because they do not contain sugar but they are more likely to make you hungrier and eat more throughout the day. The worst artificial sweeteners are sucralose, aspartame, and saccharin because the sugar substitutes are manufactured in a lab. Other sweeteners to avoid include high fructose corn syrup, brown rice syrup and agave.

The best alternative sweeteners are honey, coconut sugar and maple syrup. Honey is a healthy alternative because the liquid is made from bees visiting flowering plants.

Raw unpasteurized honey contains trace amounts of B vitamin and the minerals, iron, manganese and potassium.

Another benefit is that the taste is sweeter with a lesser addition to satisfy the taste buds.

Maple syrup comes from the sap of maple trees and adds antioxidants of trace amounts of manganese and zinc. Coconut sugar is made by boiling down and dehydrating the sap of coconut palm flowers.

Drinks containing high volumes of sugar are Mountain Dew (20 ounces or 18 and one-half teaspoons of sugar), Icee (74 grams), Coke (65 grams), sweet tea (42 grams).

Live, love life and enjoy sugar in moderation.

It can be tempting to think that bugs simply disappear in the cooler months. The truth is that many bug species have evolved to survive all year long, sometimes hiding in the warm nooks and crannies in and around homes. Others go into a hibernation-like state.

“Bugs can be a lot smarter and more resilient than you may realize. Even if you don’t see household pests right now, some may still be waiting in your home for those first warm days to signal them to become active, search for food and find a mate,” says Emma Klingman, senior products research at Zevo, a maker of pest control products with naturally-inspired ingredients you can feel good about.

To prep your home for bug season and outsmart pests, follow these steps:

Tidy up: Household pests love snacking just as much as people do, but you don’t need to play host to them. After meals, wipe down tables, counters and other kitchen surfaces. Be sure to regularly sweep and vacuum crumbs, as well as mop up to eliminate sticky food residue. Keep a tightly-fitting lid on your garbage bin, and rinse cans and jars before recycling them.

Be ready: Even an immaculate home will face pest problems at some point. That’s why it is important to have tools on hand to catch a problem early, before it becomes a much bigger one. Some sprays target and shut down biological pathways found in insects, not in people or pets.

Likewise, some traps use a UV and blue light system to attract and capture flying insects, and they have a discreet design that can serve as a bouncer at your home’s entry points. It’s also smart to use these traps in potential problem areas, such as near trash cans and fruit bowls and near toilet bowls and drains.

Safeguard the yard: Defending your yard from pesky pests will not only improve the comfort of your home’s outdoor spaces, it will help prevent insects from finding their way indoors. Be sure to eliminate standing water by properly tending to your lawn and by periodically clearing downspouts of debris. Any water feature in your garden should use running water. If you have a patio or deck, consider screening it in. If you don’t love the look of screened walls, installing ceiling fans can be an effective alternative. Run the fans whenever you entertain to deter unwanted guests, such as mosquitos, from crashing the party.

Of course, it’s always a good idea to apply bug repellent when spending time outdoors. Find a formula that will be easy to use, such as products with a pump spray, aerosol or lotion options. Many products will offer several hours of protection from mosquitoes and ticks and are lightweight, odorless and not sticky.

For more tips and information, visit https://zevoinsect.com.

“As we usher in gorgeous spring weather, it can be an especially challenging time of year to keep bugs at bay at home. But with the right tools and strategies, you can help prevent and combat infestations as they arise,” says Klingman.

The Easter Bunny has arrived at his Bunny Garden inside Cross Creek Mall. He's dressed in his springtime best and ready to visit with children of all ages.

Visits with the Bunny are always free. Photo packages are available to choose from should you want a picture to celebrate the season.

Bunny visitors will also receive a fun coloring sheet perfect for decorating your fridge.

To make it even more memorable, Cross Creek Mall will host fun weekly garden parties on Wednesday evenings from 4 to 7 p.m. On March 29 wand April 5, visitors can get photos taken with the Easter Bunny, enjoy free face painting, free balloon creations, and meet and greet with some of the Easter Bunny's friends, like Tinkerbell and her fairy friends.

On April 3, family pets are invited to join Pet Photo Night. From pups to feline friends and everyone in between, the Bunny welcomes all. All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier.
The Bunny Garden is located inside the Food Court and is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., and Sundays from noon until 6 p.m. Extended hours will be offered on Friday, April 7 and Saturday, April 8. Please note that Cross Creek Mall will be closed on Easter Sunday.

For more information, visit https://www.crosscreekmall.com/store/easter_bunnys_garden.

If you or someone you know is into decked-out motorcycles, memorable entertainment, and good vibes, then you don’t want to miss the Annual Memorial Ride and Dedication Event at the Crown Complex presented by North Carolina Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association 15-1.

The Association consists of members from all branches of the United States Armed Forces who ride motorcycles as a hobby. Their mission is to support those who have defended our country and our freedoms.

Members of the NC Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association focus on helping veteran care facilities provide a warm meal, clothing, shelter and guidance, or simply saying “Thank You” and “Welcome Home.”

The Memorial Ride and Dedication Event is a three day event starting on April 7 and ending on April 9. Tickets range from $10-$45.50.

On the first day of the event, there will be a social from 5 to 9 p.m. following the Marksmen hockey game. On the 8th, there will be an all-day event with a dedication ride (all vehicles welcome to attend) and a small memorial service, Pro Wrestling Matches, and more. Guests can expect to dig in on tasty local food and drinks. There will be a live band, a gift raffle, and a firearms raffle.

On Sunday, the NC Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association will have breakfast, a small worship service, vendors, a bike/vehicle blessing, and, of course, a visit with the Easter Bunny for pictures and egg hunts.

To purchase tickets, visit http://memorialdedication2023.cvma15-1.net/index.php.

Easter is steeped in both religious and secular traditions. Each year on Easter Sunday, many families feast on ham or lamb. Hot cross buns may be served as morning treats. And faithful Christians may dress up in their Sunday best to attend religious services.

Easter egg hunts are another time-honored component of this festive occasion. According to History.com, the Easter bunny and his eggs may initially have been derived from stories about an egg-laying hare introduced to Americans by German settlers during the 1700s. Children would make nests and the hare would leave behind colored eggs.

Children often relish in the idea of scouring their homes and yards in search of brightly-hued plastic or hard-boiled eggs. A little planning on the part of Easter egg hunt organizers can make this festive tradition even more fun.

Set the date: If Easter egg hunts are more than just family affairs and involve neighborhood searches or hunts with a close knit group of friends, it may be smart to schedule in the days before Easter. This helps ensure that a good crowd will be available. Hunts on Easter itself may not get as many participants because celebrants could be at church or celebrating privately.

Gather supplies early. Easter decorations and plastic eggs sell out rather quickly, so it’s wise to stock up on items as soon as they reach store shelves. If you’ll be using real eggs, consider boiling and coloring the eggs in the days before the egg hunt so you won’t feel a time crunch. Simply store the dyed eggs in the refrigerator until ready for use. Color around six to 12 eggs per participant.

Designate a search area. Aim for a relatively private spot for the egg hunt. A park may seem like a good idea, but people who were not included in the egg count could wander in. If you use a public space, rope off an area where the eggs will be hidden. In addition, have a backup plan if the weather will not cooperate. School gymnasiums, libraries or church recreational centers are some potential indoor options.

Have pails at the ready. Some children will forget to bring a basket. Therefore, have extra, inexpensive pails or buckets on hand. Sturdy gift bags also work in a pinch.

Keep ages in mind when hiding eggs. Avoid choosing hiding spots that can be dangerous or prove too difficult for kids to find the eggs. Prior to hiding eggs, count how many you have, which will help to ensure all eggs were actually collected later on. Next, identify hiding spots that will work for various ages. For example, toddlers will need conspicuous spots and older children more challenging nooks and crannies. A map of where every egg is hidden can help as well. Real eggs may not matter outdoors since wildlife could simply dine on any undiscovered eggs. However, plastic eggs are not good for the environment and every attempt should be made to collect them all.

Send children out in stages. Let the youngest kids go first, and then group each search team by ascending age. This helps make sure the older kids won’t simply snatch up the more easily found eggs.

Reward with prizes. Be sure each child has some sort of takeaway prize. However, it’s fine to reward the best egg hunter with a more substantial prize.

Gather and celebrate. Encourage guests to bring a small dish to contribute. After the hunt, everyone can gather to enjoy some refreshments.

The Fayetteville Dinner Theatre will be kicking off the third season of the Gates Four Summer Concert Series with a spring preview concert featuring The Highwaymen Live.

The Highwaymen were an American country music supergroup. The band was comprised of artists Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson.

Between 1985 and 1995, the group recorded three major label albums as The Highwaymen. The group stopped performing in the late 1990s, which inspired tribute bands to start performing.

The Highwaymen Live travels around the world to give a 90-minute performance featuring some of the classic hits.
This country music tribute show is full of upbeat, honky-tonk hits like “Ring of Fire,” “On the Road Again” and “Good Ol’ Boys,” the theme song from “The Dukes of Hazzard” television show.

“This is the biggest show that the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre has ever undertaken and basically it's because of the uniqueness and the quality of the show,” said Bill Bowman, Fayetteville Dinner Theatre producer and Up & Coming Weekly Publisher.

“What the people can expect is a deep, wonderful, enjoyable time. Listen to the music of three of America’s famous outlaw music legends Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings.”

One of the performers, Mark Gagnon, has ties to Fayetteville. He is a former Airborne Ranger and Special Forces soldier. He was stationed at Fort Bragg in 1990. He retired in 2005 and stayed in the area to raise his family.

“I’m looking forward to it. That was my home for 30 years, and I only live an hour away. My son that we raised in Fayetteville still lives there because now he's stationed at Fort Bragg. So my son and his wife and my grandchildren... they live in Fayetteville,” Gagnon told Up & Coming Weekly.

“It started off as an expensive hobby of performing television contests. I was just chasing contests and what have you,” Gagnon said. “And then, in 2008, I segued into performing as Johnny Cash and started getting hired and paid for it.”

Gagnon joined The Highwaymen Live last year perfomirng as Cash. He says that tribute bands, like The Highwaymen, have a huge interest because seeing these songs performed live is not an experience everyone will have.

“Well, you have artists such as Johnny Cash or Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley that have passed on. So no one is ever going to see another live performance from some of these people,” Gagnon said. “We are keeping the music alive of these legends from the actual Highwaymen.”

Gagnon said that at their last concert in California, they performed to a sold-out crowd and have been seeing more sold-out shows.

“This is a nationally recognized tribute band that has traveled coast to coast. Extremely successful. I have researched them as a matter of fact, I have actually gone and saw the show before I committed to bring it to Fayetteville and it is absolutely amazing. In 10 minutes you will think that you are sitting in the same room with Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash or Waylon Jennings. I’m not talking about costumes, wigs and makeup. I’m talking about the real thing,” Bowman said.

The local band Rivermist will be opening for The Highwaymen. Rivermist has been nominated for a CAMMY (Carolina Beach Music Academy) award in 2022 and was named the 2021 “Vocal Group of the Year” by the CCMA. Rivermist will have a 30-minute acoustic set prior to the main performance.

“So it’s going to be a big Fayetteville experience. We’re very pleased to be able to present it out at Gates Four Golf & Country Club as part of our Fayetteville Dinner Theatre series,” Bowman said. The Highwaymen shows will serve as the kick-off for this year’s Summer Concert Series.

General admission starts at $65 a ticket. VIP tickets and tables are available as well. All tickets include the show, heavy hors d’oeuvres, Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery wine and bourbon tasting, and door prizes. There is open seating for the shows. There will be two performances. The first will be on April 7, and the second performance will be on April 8. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The hors d’oeuvres and the wine and bourbon tasting will begin at 6 p.m.

The concerts start at 7:30 p.m. on both of their respective nights and will be at the Gates Four Ballroom. To buy tickets, and to learn more about the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre, go to https://www.fayettevilledinnertheatre.com/ or call 910-391-3859.

Summer Concert Series

This year will mark the third annual Gates Four Summer Concert Series. This series of concerts will present all concerts outdoors at the Gates Four Golf & Country Club Pavilion.
The Concert Series includes a variety of musical acts, from tribute bands to local original music. The official kickoff to the summer concert series will be on May 12 with Autumn Tyde and Fayetteville Performing Arts Hall of Famer Doyle Wood.

The confirmed performers for the other concerts for the summer of 2023 include Kids in America June 2, Stephen Freeman as Elvis on July 7, Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot on Aug. 4. Rivermist will finish up the series on Sept. 1.

Summer Concert Series concerts are free to the public with an option to buy VIP seats.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on March 22 unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at improving the lives of our dedicated military force and their families.

The new plan consists of six additional actions that address essential needs in education, childcare, parental leave and career advancement. The Department of Defense is committed to working with Congress and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of these measures.

Secretary Austin is directing the implementation of the following:

Universal Prekindergarten at DoD Education Activity (DoDEA) Schools: The DoD is collaborating with Congress to secure funding for universal prekindergarten at DoDEA schools. The program is set to undergo a phased implementation over a five-year period, providing high-quality early education for military children.

Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for Service Members: To alleviate financial pressure on service members with dependents, the DoD will enable access to Dependent Care FSAs, allowing them to set aside up to $5,000 in pretax income through payroll deductions for eligible dependent care expenses.

New Military Parental Leave Benefits: The DoD is actively promoting new parental leave benefits that provide 12 weeks of paid, non-chargeable leave to service members welcoming a child into their family through birth, adoption, or long-term foster-care placement. This initiative supports the well-being and work-life balance of our military families.

Improvements to the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP): The DoD is committed to enhancing the EFMP to better support the unique needs of exceptional military families. Further improvements and streamlined processes will ensure that these families receive the necessary resources and assistance.

Expanded Spouse Eligibility for My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Financial Assistance: To support career advancement for military spouses, eligibility for MyCAA financial assistance will be expanded to E-6 and O-3 ranks. This program provides up to $4,000 in aid for obtaining a license, certificate, or associate degree.

Portability and Best Practices for Professional Licenses: The DoD will continue efforts to make professional licenses portable for military families, working with states to encourage sharing of licensure best practices and approval of occupational licensure compacts. This initiative aims to reduce barriers to employment for military spouses.

Secretary Austin is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for our military force and their families through these new measures. The DoD will collaborate with Congress and state partners to ensure the successful implementation and ongoing support of these initiatives.

The memorandum on Strengthening Our Support to Service Members and Their Families can be found at https://media.defense.gov/2023/Mar/22/2003184739/-1/-1/1/strengthening-our-support-to-service-members-and-their-families.PDF.

United Way of Cumberland County announced March 22 that Fayetteville PWC has been awarded the 2022 Spirit of North Carolina for building momentum and sustainability through engaged leadership and employees.

Fayetteville PWC has modeled a dedication to community service through their fundraising, volunteer and advocacy efforts. This is the 17th year in a row they have received an award for their outstanding dedication to United Way and the community.

Carolyn Justice–Hinson, the PWC Communications/Community Relations Officer, also won the United Way Community Ambassador award. This is the first year this award has been presented. She received this honor for all the hard work she has dedicated to helping spread United Way’s name and mission not only within her organization but into the community.

Justice-Hinson currently serves on the board and chaired their Over the Edge fundraiser held on March 11.
United Way of North Carolina’s annual Spirit of North Carolina Award celebrates organizations and individuals for their exemplary partnership demonstrated through fundraising and volunteer efforts, outstanding leadership, and creative team building.

Additionally, organizations focusing on DEI values and individuals who are champions of United Way were also celebrated. United Way of North Carolina recognized 74 winners representing 17 local United Ways at three regional events.

“The Spirit of North Carolina Awards shine a light on our incredible partners, who are supporting United Way’s work and helping us achieve our goals,” said Melissa Reid, Director of Resource Development for United Way of Cumberland County. “Congratulations to all the winners who have collectively made a huge impact in the lives of our neighbors across the state.”

Fayetteville PWC and Justice-Hinson were recognized for keeping the spirit of United Way within their organization all year long and not just at campaign time. They run the most successful workplace campaign in the county, they volunteer throughout the year and donate water to events. This year, they even held a meal packing event as their United Way kickoff where they packed 35,000 meal packets which went to help local families.

“We are honored to have Fayetteville PWC and Carolyn Justice–Hinson as key stakeholders for a shared future where every North Carolinian thrives and reaches their full potential,” said Amy Navejas, Executive Director for United Way of Cumberland County.

For more information about the Spirit of North Carolina Award and a complete list of winners, visit unitedwaync.org/spirit-north-carolina-award-winners.

United Way of Cumberland County improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good. United Way of Cumberland County strives to advance the common good by focusing on the building blocks for a good life: education, financial stability, health and critical basic needs. At United Way, we recognize that lasting changes are achieved by addressing the underlying causes of problems. United Way partners with other nonprofit agencies to improve lives in Cumberland County.