Did you ever feel like you woke up on the wrong side of the Matrix? Our current year 2024 keeps dropping hints something is happening here, but what it is ain’t exactly clear.
You don’t know what it is, do you Mr. Jones? Just when you think that things can’t get any weirder, they do. Recall the words of the late great philosopher Hunter S. Thompson: “When the going gets weird, the Weird turn pro.” People of Earth: Time to give up your amateur status and turn pro. The photo with this column shows the door to Earth Two. You unlock this door with the key of imagination. Beyond is another dimension- a dimension of sight and sound, a dimension of mind.
We have entered Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass Zone leaving our old pal Earth One behind. We have just crossed over into Earth Two.
Recent weeks have been jam packed with Weirdness. Let us ponder Earth’s recent transformation. The Hopi Native American tribe has a word for what we are experiencing: “Koyaanisqatsi” which in Hopi means “Life out of balance.” The scales are out of whack.
Our first clue was the sudden prominence of the word “Weird” when applied to the Republican candidates for national office. Six months ago, ‘weird’ was a wallflower of a word. You did not hear it very often. It was as unpopular as gluten. Now it is everywhere.
Like Petula once sang, weird was a sign o’ the times. Dick Cheney endorsed Kamala Harris for President. The Fraternal Order of Police endorsed a multiple felon for President.
Yet another school shooting took place. The usual excuses for school shootings were rolled out, too soon to do anything, thoughts and prayers, Second Amendment rights. Guns are people too. Yada Yada. The once proud Boeing company stranded two astronauts in space.
Cumberland County landed a Titanium recycling plant by promising to issue $1.3 billion in bonds through the county’s Industrial Facilities Financing Authority. County taxpayers allegedly will not be liable for the $1.3 billion if the company defaults. Who would be liable for repaying the bonds if default occurs? Don’t ask too many questions.
Sounds like free money. Sounds almost too good to be true. Nah, it's just weird free money.
Over in collegiate gridiron news, the NIL money is flowing like wine. The ACC added two California teams and a Texas team to its roster. Clemson and Florida State want more NIL money and are seeking a divorce from the ACC. It turns out that NIL money ain’t cheap. New dollars must be found. Over at UNC, there is serious talk about replacing the Dean Dome resulting in fewer seats but more luxury boxes to keep up with the Joneses.
The UNC Board of Governors may ultimately consider selling the Old Well, canceling all academic classes, firing the professors, turning the dorms into luxury condos, and putting its lab equipment on EBAY to raise money to pay for better NIL fine young student-athletes in football and basketball for UNC Inc. Carolina may sell naming rights to UNC to some High Tech Billionaire.
How does The University of Zuckerberg at Chapel Hill sound? It is high time to stop wasting money on academics and use those funds for sports betting.
The final ticket punched in the transformation to Earth Two was the warning that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio were eating the pets of the local people. Never in Earth One history has a candidate for President announced in a televised Presidential Debate that: “They’re eating the dogs—the people that came in ---they’re eating the cats. They’re eating the pets of the people that live there.”
A whirlwind of pushback resulted that his claim was false and likely insane. Mr. Trump then tripled down to add water birds to the list of animal sushi being consumed alleging immigrants are also eating Ohio geese from the parks.
This timely Earth Two warning triggered me to think about what Martin Niemoller once said in a different context. It can be slightly modified to save our pets and waterfowl.
“First they came for the dogs. I did not speak out because I wasn’t a dog. Then they came for the cats, and I did not speak out because I wasn’t a cat. Then they came for the geese, and I did not speak out because I wasn’t a goose. Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak for me.” Only you can prevent murder most fowl.
As our buddy Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark said: “The rest is silence.”

(Photo courtesy of Pitt Dickey)

Left: Nat Robertson, President of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce speaks at the Best of Fayetteville 2023 Party.
Middle: Bill Bowman, Publisher of Up & Coming Weekly presents a Best of Fayetteville Award to the Cliffdale Regional Branch in 2023.
Right: Representative Diane Wheatley, NC House District 43 talks to the attendees at the 2023 Best of Fayetteville Party.
(Photos by Royal Soleil)

For 28 years, the Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper has proudly served residents, visitors, and guests by providing timely, accurate, and trustworthy news,
views, and relevant community information, enhancing the quality of life in Fayetteville and Cumberland County.

Up & Coming Weekly is equally proud that our 27-year-old Best of Fayetteville initiative has survived the test of time in recognizing the people, businesses, and organizations who have been exceptionally successful in investing their time, talent, passion, and financial resources into defining the values and standards of excellence in our community.

Our Annual Best of Fayetteville readers survey is unique in several ways. We receive thousands of ballots and painstakingly record the comments and sentiments of our readers, who pride themselves on determining who deserves to be acknowledged and honored as Fayetteville’s Best of the Best.

However, our Best of Fayetteville readers' survey is not scientific. It is an informal, well-executed, documented survey that has proven highly efficient, accurate, and
incredibly reliable for the past 27 years. We make no claims otherwise. Our longevity, popularity, notoriety, and success bear this out.

The Up & Coming Weekly’s Best of Fayetteville survey mustn’t be confused with other local and online advertising, marketing, and promotional programs.
Our readers solely decide the merits of the winners by their survey entries.

We do not accept nominations, and no person, business, or organization must purchase advertising space, sponsorships, or event tickets to find out who the winners are.

Most importantly, U&CW’s Best of Fayetteville does not award or recognize 2nd or 3rd-place finishers or honorable mentions. We implement strict, well-defined, and monitored voting guidelines that elevate the Best of Fayetteville designation’s value, honor, and prestige. There can be only one Best of Fayetteville winner for each category.

We will again celebrate the 2024 Best of Fayetteville winners with an Award Presentation Party on September 24th at the Crown Coliseum Complex hosted by Up & Coming Weekly and the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce. This is where we will recognize and honor these local outstanding people, businesses, and institutions and their achievements.

The Fayetteville community, as our newspaper, has changed over the last 27 years. However, the Best of Fayetteville survey and our commitment to our readers have not. We continue to accentuate Fayetteville’s “Best of the Best” aspects. And you, the reader, is a significant part of the process. For this, we are grateful.

The Up & Coming Weekly Best of Fayetteville edition you are holding in your hands will serve you well throughout the year. It is a valuable visitors' guide, shopping, service directory, event, and cultural resource. In print and online, the Visitors Bureau, the City, County, and Chamber of Commerce will utilize this Special Edition
of Up & Coming Weekly throughout the year to promote the Fayetteville community and the people, businesses, and organizations that define it.

Since the first ballots were cast more than two and a half decades ago, Up & Coming Weekly has proudly told the Best of Fayetteville winners’ stories. With your votes and support, we are incredibly proud to share this year’s Best of the Best winners.

Please join me, the Up & Coming Weekly staff, and all our 2024 Best of Fayetteville winners and sponsors as we begin this year-long celebration. This Special Edition will be posted online at www.upandcomingweekly.com — with 24/7, 365-day-a year access to the Best of Fayetteville winners directory. While on the website, sign up for your FREE electronic subscription to the Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper and receive it conveniently on your home or work computer.

I want to thank our sponsors for their support and participation in making this Best of Award's Party successful. Nat Robertson, President of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, Beasley Media Group, and the most critical component of any survey, Lee Utley of Utley & Knowles CPAs, have partnered with us for over two decades. Every legitimate survey needs the oversight of a competent CPA, and we have the best. Utley’s services have been invaluable in maintaining the integrity of the survey.

General Manager Seth Benalt and Asst. Mgr. Dorothy Strahley of the Crown Coliseum Complex did an outstanding job coordinating and setting up the Awards Party.

Last but certainly not least, a very special thank you to Don Garner and the entire Up & Coming Weekly staff, who have spent
months working tirelessly on this major undertaking.

Best of Fayetteville is our most significant and challenging event and the most popular and most-read edition of the year. With pride, they have gone above and beyond their duties to produce this award-winning publication. Keep it handy and refer to it often.

We sincerely thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly and supporting Fayetteville’s only local community newspaper.

• Best Restaurant Overall............................................Luigi’s Italian Chophouse & Bar

• Best New Restaurant.................................................Bahama Breeze
  

• Best Local Caterer....................................................Two Brothers Catering

• Best Waitstaff/Service..............................................Luigi’s Italian Chophouse & Bar

• Best Brew House......................................................The Mash House Brewing Company
  

• Best Breakfast...........................................................Mary Bill's Cafe
  

• Best Place to Enjoy a Glass of Wine......................The SIP Room
  

• Best Food Truck....................................................... R Burger

• Best Coffee House...................................................Rude Awakening

• Best Bubble Tea Shop..............................................Queen Bee

• Best German Restaurant.........................................Max & Moritz Bakery & Restaurant

• Best Indian Restaurant............................................Tandoori Bites
  

• Best Italian Restaurant............................................Luigi’s Italian Chophouse & Bar

• Best Japanese Restaurant......................................Ichi Kaku Ramen
  

• Best Korean Restaurant..........................................E Tae Won Express
  

• Best Chinese Restaurant........................................Hunan Garden

• Best Vietnamese Restaurant..................................Grilled Ginger
  

• Best Thai Restaurant.............................................. Prik Thai Cuisine
  

• Best Sushi Restaurant............................................NONA Sushi

• Best Steakhouse.....................................................Chris’s Open Hearth Steak House

• Best Greek Cuisine.................................................Zorba’s Gyro

• Best Hispanic Restaurant......................................Mi Casita Mexican Restaurant

• Best Seafood Restaurant.......................................316 Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill

• Best Sandwich Shop...............................................PAN

• Best Southern-Style Restaurant............................Fred Chason’s Grandsons

• Best Vegetarian/Vegan Cuisine..............................Vibe Gastropub
  

• Best American Cuisine...........................................Bubba’s 33

• Best Bakery/Desserts..............................................Superior Bakery

• Best BBQ..................................................................Mission BBQ

• Best Fried Chicken..................................................KFC

• Best Pizza.................................................................Brooklyn Pizzeria
  

• Best Wings...............................................................Wing Stop
  

 . Best Local Sports Team................................................Fayetteville Woodpeckers

 . Best Youth Program/Camp...........................................YMCA                   

  . Best Martial Arts Studio...............................................Family Martial Arts

• Best Bowling Alley………………………………….….…Lafayette Lanes

• Best Extreme Activity/Adventure................................ZipQuest

• Best Golf Course………………………………………....Gates Four Golf & Country Club

• Best Place To Commune With Nature………..............Cape Fear Botanical Garden

• Best Shooting Range.................................................. Jim’s Pawn and Gun Jobbery

• Best Local Picnic Area……………………………….….Mazerick Park
  

• Best Place For Taking A Hike/Doggie Walk.............. Cape Fear River Trail

• Best Use of Local Tax Dollars…………………..Highway Improvements
  

• Best Historical Building……………………..…...Market House

• Best Little Known Attraction…………………….The Gilbert Theater
  

• Coolest Venue in Fayetteville………….....…..…Segra Stadium

• Best Thing To Show Off To Visitors..................Airborne & Special Operations Museum

• Best Local Community Project..........................Friendship House Gardens
  

• Best Local Nonprofit Organization……………..Child Advocacy Center
  

• Best Event/ Attraction.........................................Dogwood Festival
  

• Best Venue/Club For Live Music............Paddy's Irish Public House

• Best Night Club Overall......................... Club Halo

• Best Neighborhood Bar..........................Haymount Truck Stop

• Best Sports Bar.......................................Bubba’s 33

• Best Pool Room......................................H8ters

Best of Fayetteville Winners 2024

• Best Veteran-Owned Business.......................... Boone Trail Fit Body Bootcamp
  

• Best Woman -Owned Business......................... Rocket Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Shop
  

• Best Health Food Store...................................... Apple Crate Natural Market

• Best Locally Owned Grocery Store/Meat Market .. Kinlaw's Supermarket

• Best Candy/Sweet Shop....................................  Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shop

• Best Tobacco Shop............................................  Anstead’s Tobacco Company

• Best Furniture Store - New................................. Bullard Furniture
  

• Best Furniture Store - Used............................... The Re-Store Warehouse
  

• Best Antique Shop.............................................  Pickin Coop
  

• Best Place to Buy a Unique Gift......................  A Bit of Carolina
  

• Best Book Store................................................. Barnes and Noble
  

• Best Library Branch........................................... Cliffdale Regional Branch Library

• Best Private School........................................... Village Christian Academy

• Best Senior Living Center.................................. Village Green
  

• Best Place of Worship........................................ Manna Church
  

• Best Carpet/Flooring Store............................... Webb Carpet

• Best Thrift Shop..................................................Timely Treasures
  

• Best Pawn Shop.................................................. Jim’s Pawn and Gun Jobbery

• Best Printing and Shipping Company............. UPS Store

• Best Limousine Service.................................... Venus Vogue

• Best Jewelry Store.............................................. Rhudy’s Jewelry Showroom 

• Best Place To Buy A Gun................................... Jim’s Pawn and Gun Jobbery

• Best Car Dealer - New....................................... Bryan Honda
  

• Best Car Dealer - Used...................................... Bryan Honda

• Best Auto Repair................................................. Harrell's Tire and Auto Service
  

• Best Auto Body Shop......................................... Cape Fear Collision
  

• Best Oil Change.................................................. Take 5

• Best Car Wash..................................................... Hurricane Express Wash
  

• Best Motorcycle Dealer - New........................... Baker American Cycles
  

• Best Motorcycle Dealer - Used.......................... Baker American Cycles
  

• Best Tire Store..................................................... Black’s Tire & Auto Service

• Best CPA Firm...................................................... Pechmann & Packer
  

• Best Law Firm...................................................... Beaver - Courie Attorneys at Law
  

• Best Legal Assistant........................................... Gina Henry - Blackwell & Edwards P.A.
  

• Best Criminal Attorney........................................ Deno Frangakis of

  Williford, Hollers, Crenshaw, Boliek & Frangakis, LLP

• Best Divorce Attorney.........................................Timothy Edwards - Blackwell and Edwards P.A.
  

• Best Personal Injury Attorney............................ Andy Dempster

• Best Traffic Violation Attorney.......................... Deno Frangakis
  

• Best Local Pharmacy.......................................... Cape Fear Discount Drug 

• Best Dental Clinic................................................ Watson Family Dentistry
  

• Best Pediatric Dentist......................................... Highland Pediatric Dental
  

• Best Orthodontist................................................ Olsen Orthodontics
  

• Best Chiropractor................................................ Nelson & Nelson Chiropractic

• Best Urgent Care................................................. First Health Convenient Care

• Best Physical Therapy.......................................  Advanced Physical Therapy
  

• Best Pediatrician...............................................  Rainbow Pediatrics

• Best Hearing Aid Center....................................  The Hearing Center
  

• Best Ophthalmologist......................................... Cape Fear Eye Associates
  

• Best HVAC Contractor......................................... Southern Comfort Heating, Cooling, Gas
  

• Best Plumbing Contractor.................................. Mike's Plumbing

• Best Computer Repair Service........................... Ross I.T. Services
  

• Best IT Professionals/Service............................ Ross I.T. Services

• Best Cell Phone Repair....................................... I Fix & Repair
  

• Best Bank............................................................ TRUIST

• Best Credit Union............................................... State Employees’ Credit Union

• Best Hair Salon................................................... Leading Edge Salon
  

• Best Barber Shop............................................... Kraken-Skulls

• Best Place To Board Pets.................................. Blessed Oasis Pet Resort
  

• Best Pet-Sitting.................................................. Carolina Pet Care

• Best Dog Groomer............................................. Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming
  

• Best Vet/Animal Hospital.................................. Rivenbark
  

• Best Employment Agency................................ Express Employment Professionals

• Best Event Venue...............................................The Crown Complex
  

• Best Wedding Venue......................................... The Carolina Barn
  

• Best Bridal/Formal Wear................................... An Affair to Remember

• Best Florist........................................................ Sunshine Florist
  

• Best Funeral Service........................................ Rogers & Breece Funeral Home

• Best Health Club/Gym...................................... Fit 4 life Health Clubs

• Best Day Spa.................................................... The Renaissance Day Spa & Alternative Wellness

• Best Medical Spa.............................................. Elan Med Spa

• Best Sign/Banner Company............................. Patriot Signs
  

• Best Advertising Specialties........................... Carolina Specialties International

• Best Mortgage Company................................. Union Home Mortgage

• Best Realtor/Company..................................... ERA Strother
  

• Best Commercial Realtor/Company............... Tyson Realty
  

• Best Insurance Agent/Agency........................ Teresa Kibbe of NC Farm Bureau Insurance
  

• Best Security/Alarm Company....................... Gill Security Systems INC.

• Best Moving Company.................................... Andy Anderson Moving Co.

• Best Remodeling Contractor.......................... Paul Blankenship Vinyl Siding & Construction

• Best Pressure Washing Service................... NC Window Cleaning
  

• Best Lawn & Garden/Nursery........................ Pate's Farm Market Nursery
  

• Best Landscaping Company......................... Snow's Landscaping & Lawn Care
  

• Best Pest Control Company.......................... Canady's Termite and Pest Control

• Best Pool/Spa Company................................ Hallmark Spa & Pools

• Best Place To Get A Tattoo/Body Piercing... Evolution Ink

  • Best Cinema Complex..................................AMC Fayetteville

• Best Theatre: Live/Virtual…………………….Cape Fear Regional Theatre

• Best Art Gallery………………………………..The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County

• Best Museum………………………………......Airborne & Special Operations Museum

• Best Local Musician/Band…………………...RIVERMIST

• Best Place for Family Entertainment...........Main Event
  

• Best Dance Studio.........................................Roland's Dance Studio

Best of Fayetteville 2024 Winners

Select a Category

Click Here for Story

The City of Fayetteville, PWC, the Arts Council of Fayetteville-Cumberland County, and the Cool Spring Downtown District announce the arrival of a captivating temporary outdoor public art installation, e/motion.
This art installation, created by Olivier Landreville in collaboration with Serge Maheu, is an interactive series of sculptures to be found in downtown Fayetteville.
e/motion combines seesaws with sounds to create a sensory experience, and the public is invited to join in on exploring and engaging in this new public art installation.
Opening on Sept. 26, e/motion features eight seesaws, each enhanced with modern technology. As you ride the infinite wave on either end, a glowing liquid in the center ebbs and flows with every movement, creating a dynamic, mesmerizing display.
The Arts Council of Fayetteville-Cumberland County, a core investor in this project, believes that investing in interactive art not only brings joy but also has tangible economic benefits for the community, small businesses, and the overall sense of place.
e/motion is proudly supported by the Fayetteville Public Works Commission.
“As PWC looks forward to celebrating Public Power Week in October, I can think of no better way to celebrate art in our community,” said Timothy L. Bryant, CEO/General Manager of PWC.
“The energy and motion of the art pieces, combined with the glowing liquid, reflect the core services we provide as Fayetteville’s Hometown Utility.”
Chris Cauley, Director of Economic and Community Development with the City of Fayetteville, said, “The ‘vital’ in revitalization refers to life, energy, and vibrancy. Revitalizing downtown means bringing it to life with people and experiences.
"Placemaking initiatives like e/motion are fantastic opportunities to infuse the human experience into our downtown development efforts, and the City of Fayetteville is proud to support this initiative”.
According to Landreville, e/motion offers “endless possibilities to create the perfect wave. By manipulating or riding the seesaw, the user immediately takes control of the wave and, therefore, the experience.”
e/motion is free and open to the public in downtown Fayetteville through Nov. 4.
Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to experience the magic of e/motion.

(Photo:A family enjoys a seesaw, a part of the e/motion public art display that is coming to downtown Fayetteville. The opening ceremony will be held Sept. 26. Photo courtesy of Cool Spring Downtown District)

Soul food. The heartbeat of the south. A manifestation of love. Southern soul food has a place in anyone who’s tasted a bite's heart. Those lucky enough to be born in the South grew up with all the savor and flavor of cornbread, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, sweet tea, and everything in between.
As the great Shirley Caesar sang, “beans, greens, tomatoes, potatoes, you name it!” That is what Down South Family Restaurant and Bar, increasingly known as DSF, is bringing to downtown Fayetteville. Located at 106 Person Street, DSF is the newest restaurant to move in downtown. The restaurant is open Tuesday- Saturday from 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. Lunch hours are from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. and offer all the menu favorites, just smaller portions. Dinner hours are from 3 p.m.- 8 p.m. and offer the full menu. Weekly specials include Taco Tuesday, Wednesday Wine and Wing, and $5 Tequila Thursday.
Owners and Fayetteville natives, Mario Wilson and his wife, Ayanna Wilson, affectionately known as The Wilsons, are excited to bring a new dining experience to Fayetteville. The idea for DSF was born from their time living on the West Coast and the lack of soul food restaurants. “We were in California about 2 years ago. And in California, all you can get is tacos and pizza. There were no soul food restaurants… He started brainstorming,” Ayana said.
“I was like, let’s just open a restaurant. The name just popped into my head. I said DSF, Down South Family. So what we’re going to do is start over here, originally where we’re from, North Carolina. Right here in Ft. Bragg, Ft. Liberty now. We are going to open up one restaurant down south, where we’re from and then we’re going to bring the rest to California and on the West Coast. We’re going to go from California to Utah to Arizona, everywhere on the West Coast. And we’re going to open up DSF,” the Wilsons explained.
DSF is not like any other soul food restaurant in town. The Wilsons have taken great care in elevating the soul food dining experience. Mrs. Wilson is passionate about this, saying,
“A lot of people associate soul food with cheap food and I just don’t agree with that. …Soul food can be elegant, it can be classy. With Down South Family we’re advocating for our food and our atmosphere and our location and our experience. You can go to any soul food restaurant and get some good food. But when you go to a soul food restaurant, you want to relax, you want to hear jazz, you want it to bring back some memories of when you were with your family. When you were down south. We are family oriented… We are here to serve food.”
From the moment patrons walk in until they leave, DSF provides a relaxing experience, free of televisions and other trendy stables, allowing patrons to enjoy not just the ambiance but what they came for, the food. Everything at DSF is made with love and family recipes. Like so many of their fellow restaurants downtown, DSF sources some of their food locally.
“We do have our neighbor here, Mr. Greg. He owns the farmers market right here on Person Street. We source our sweet potatoes from him.” said Mrs. Wilson.
All menu items, including dessert, are made from scratch and to order, a fact the owners are proud of and a standard that allows them to serve up some of the best food in not just the city, but the country.
“Everything is made from scratch. Everything is cooked to order. If you don’t have 15-20 minutes to wait, call ahead…We have the bar. And it does what it does. But nothing compares to the food. People come for the food.,” Mrs. Wilson explained.
Although they are the new kids on the block, The Wilsons have already received massive support from community members and fellow business owners.
“It's been amazing. The Downtown Alliance and the Cool Springs District have welcomed us with open arms. A lot of businesses here on the strip have come in and welcomed us and supported us. It’s truly been amazing. We couldn’t have asked for a better neighborhood, a better location,” Mrs. Wilson said. Nothing would be possible without the support and the Wilsons have a great support system; from family to employees, they are grateful for everyone that makes DSF possible.
“Ms. Pearline, our grandma, she has helped us out a lot. If you’ve ever come to Down South, Pearline's barbeque is her barbeque sauce. Every sauce has the Pearline touch on it. Ms. Taniesha Sanders helps us out a lot with the cakes. And our wonderful staff, they help us out a lot. If it wasn’t for our ladies, we wouldn’t be able to do it without them. Honestly, it’s the team. The family. They make us who we are. If weren’t for them there wouldn’t be a Down South Family.”

Join The Royal Tea Women’s Empowerment, LLC, for a day of inspiration, connection, and empowerment on Oct. 5, from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at John D. Fuller Recreational Center, 6627 Old Bunce Rd.
Celebrate the strength and power of women from all walks of life. Join like-minded individuals to network, learn, and grow. The lineup of empowering speakers and transformative workshops will leave you feeling motivated and ready to conquer the world. Dress to impress in your finest TEA PARTY outfits!
Terequa Rucker is the Founder of The Royal Tea Women’s Empowerment, LLC, and shares that she is a married mother of three children who struggles with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
A veteran of the U.S. Army, her mental health declined after being deployed, so she was discharged from the military and experienced some of the roughest times of her life. Because of her PTSD, she didn’t work immediately after being discharged, putting a strain on the family to financially survive on the little income in the household as the bills piled up. Getting the necessary help to work on her mental and emotional well-being, Rucker knew there were more women out there who were going through the same challenges as she did.
She started The Royal Tea Women’s Empowerment, LLC to give women better opportunities and resources to navigate through their hardships and mental challenges.
Rucker’s mission is to create a safe space for women and their families, connecting them with women who are going through or who have gone through similar situations so they can support one another and raise their children in healthy, thriving environments.
“When I was at my worst dealing with mental illness, food was my comfort, and I became obese. After reading posts from mostly women who commented about my weight on the internet, I was mortified and shut down. But giving it further thought, I decided to start my nonprofit to help women unite and uplift one another,” Rucker said..
During this impactful event, speakers Tina George, Dr. Alena Barosa, Marissa Ortiz, and Allisha Smith will share their powerful stories of struggle and triumph. Local artists Chyna Vonne, Brelashayy, Kelsey Hall, The Elegant Emerald Dance Studio, and Therealluxxluxx will provide inspiring performances.
Housing experts, tutors, teachers, and resumé builders will also be on hand to provide valuable resources to help women get on their feet. Bring your resumé. A portion of the ticket proceeds will be donated to the BEU Foundation, a nonprofit that supports children who struggle with behavior issues.
This event is more than just a celebration - it's a chance to make a real difference in the lives of women and their families. Join in for a day of empowerment, connection, and community. Enjoy a spread of appetizers and shop with local vendors.
Tickets are available now at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-royal-tea-womens-empowerment-event-tickets-843140745667?aff=oddtdtcreator

(Photo courtesy of Royal Tea Women's Empowerment, LLC)

AI is everywhere. With one click of a button, AI can write a social media status, create an original logo, answer math questions, or organize your calendar. While most just think about the surface-level use of AI, the technology is being used in the medical field, the government, and corporations all around the world.
What does that mean for people? What does that mean for the marginalized and disenfranchised citizens? What will the world look like with artificial intelligence 10 years from now?
These are the types of questions that Justice Will Prevail: Envisioning AI’s Impact on Humanity looks to discuss. Presented by Fayetteville PACT (Police Accountability Community Taskforce), the free event will take place at the Cameo Theater located at 225 Hay Street, on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event kicks off with a short film screening, followed by a panel discussion. Discussion topics include:
• Ethical Implications of AI: Explore the moral considerations and responsibilities surrounding AI technology.
• Impact on Employment: Discuss how AI is transforming job markets and workforce dynamics.
• Privacy Concerns: Address the challenges AI poses to personal and data privacy.
• Bias and Discrimination: Examine the potential for bias in AI systems and its societal effects.
Diverse Resource Panel to Gain insights into AI's role in:
• Radio Broadcasting
• Geospatial Technology
• Law Enforcement
• Financial Instruments & Investments
• Real Estate
• Social Activism & Advocacy
• Estate Planning
• Culture & Religion
Kathy Greggs of Fayetteville Pact is spearheading this event. A US Army veteran, published author, and advocate, Greggs is the author of The Mother, The Soldier, The Activist, a member of Nvidia AI, and has been working her way through certifications to become well-versed in the subject and future industry.
The event will bring together several members of the community, including leadership. Panelists include:
• Laura Hardy- Hardy Group NC
• Treavor Flannery- Public Finance
• Jerome Bell- Rajj Investments and Real Estate
• Bishop John Miner- CEO, Nonprofit for the Homeless community ( Empact One Foundation)
• Michael Sheehan-Forensic Investigator
• Dr. McCray- FTCC Dean of Arts and Humanities
• Fayetteville Chief Police- Kemberle Braden
• Berland Robinson- Business Owner
• Peter Papas- Business Owner
• Minster Ammon Muhammad- Durham Mosque #34
• Dylan Dodson-Dodson Development
• Bernard Brooks- CEO, Kodach Brooks AI tools for security
• Gary Jones- “Get with Program”, Broadcaster and Radio Host
• Deterimus Hayes- Founder of Collagetic
Greggs will also serve as the Keynote Speaker, bringing her training and insight. The short film screening is an important part of the event and will set the tone.
“The movie will show some scenes of how AI fails and how youth use AI tools. Also, show clips from movies that I emphasize in my book and how activists may not be able to advocate against it. The future of how humanity may not exist and how humanity's way of life may change,” Greggs said.
For more information about the event, visit, https://www.facebook.com/events/1229738685040008

The Airborne and Special Operation Museum and the Cool Spring Downtown District present the 17th Annual 2024 Field of Honor. The field is open from Tuesday, Sept. 10 through Sunday, Nov. 17.
“This is the 17th year that the museum has hosted the Field of Honor,” said Renee Lane, executive director of the Airborne and Special Operations Museum Foundation. “Over the years it has taken different tactics to find concepts for how the field was laid out, how many flags around the field and that sort of thing.”
This year there will be approximately 550 flags displayed on the Field of Honor.
“It is visible from Bragg Boulevard that runs along the side of the museum’s property and the North Carolina Veteran’s Park,” said Lane. “We also have 49 POW/MIA flags that will be part of the Field of Honor this year.”
The field opened on Sept. 10, and on Sept. 9, there were 32 volunteers along with staff from Fayetteville Parks and Recreation who assisted with gridding the field, marking where the flags will be in the ground and installing the rebar that holds the flag poles.
“Once that is completed, the flags are added row by row by row and then tagged row by row by row,” said Lane. “It is a tedious process, but it is the only way that we have found over the years that works best.”
She added, “The flag tags are made of waterproof material with the names of the honoree and sponsor on the flag.”
The Field of Honor was started 17 years ago when a community member visited a similar field in the Midwest.
“The individual decided that Fayetteville needs to have a Field of Honor because we are a patriotic city and an All-American City,” said Lane. “It is a national program and we do this effort in conjunction with the Cool Spring District who leads the event.”
Lane added, “We are the setting for the Field of Honor and we work together in selling flags, having companies sponsor flags and providing the support that is needed to make the field what it is today.”
The significant meaning of the Field of Honor is a profound reminder of the dedicated men and women who sacrificed and gave their lives for our country.
“It really is a solemn place because it does honor and provide respite for families who have lost a loved one that may have been killed in action,” said Lane. “It provides families an opportunity to honor a loved one who is either a soldier, military family member or someone in the community who is connected to the military or supports the military in some way, shape or form,” she said. “We see the Field of Honor as a place to honor our nation’s best and we feel that the public should look at it as that as well.”
The Airborne and Special Operations Museum Foundation is a 501 3(c) nonprofit organization and is set up to fundraise and provide outreach for the Army museum. It was established in 1992 by the late General James Lindsay.
“He had an idea to combine the Airborne and Special Operations Units under one roof and provide a way for the public to educate themselves on the missions that these men and women have performed since the end of World War I until present day,” said Lane. “Through his initiative and willingness to work with the local community, we were able to open this museum in August 2000, twenty-four years ago.”
Lane added, “We have programs every month that the public is invited to attend and we want to keep the storyline of the museum, Airborne and Special Operations Unit Since The End of World War I to Present Day.”
“A big thanks to our volunteers from Fort Liberty, the community and Parks and Recreation for helping us pull the display together,” said Lane. “We highly discourage portrait or group photography that is used for retail or commercial purposes.”
For more information or questions call 910-643-2778.

(Photo: The 2024 Field of Honor at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum recognizes those soldiers who have given their lives in the line of duty. Photo by Alyson Hansen)

One thing that gives Fayetteville its distinctive vibe is the different cultures that reside here. Immersed in every part of the city and surrounding area, the influences can be seen in food, music, art and events. The city hosts one of the country's largest military instillations, two major Universities, and an increasingly growing population from the surrounding rural areas, making it the melting pot of North Carolina.
There is only one way to celebrate the vibrancy of the cultural diversity of a city: an International Folk Festival. This year marks 46 years of celebrating the diversity of Fayetteville.
The International Folk Festival is a free-to-attend, two-day community event. This year’s IFF is Sept. 28 and 29, with the Parade of Nations on the 28th at 10 a.m. kicking off the festivities. The Parade of Nations is a spectacular visual representation of the many cultures that are represented here in the city. This year’s parade will have over 30 nations flying their flags and showcasing clothing, music and dance from their home nations.
Those attending the parade should bring chairs for comfort and get downtown early to secure a good viewing spot. The parade will run down Hay Street, meaning there will be plenty of “perfect spots” to go around. Anyone interested in representing their nation should register at https://www.eventeny.com/events/vendor/?id=12502 by Sept. 19.
For those who want to start IFF by getting the blood flowing, the IFF Around the World 5K Run is Sept. 28 starting at 8 a.m. and ending at approximately 9:15 a.m. with an awards presentation. Registration is on Friday, Sept. 27 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Sols Arcade and Taproom, 420 Hay Street. Those who want to participate can visit the website https://runsignup.com/Race/AroundtheWorldRun/Page-1.
Registration is $45 and proceeds from the run go to The Friends of Civil Affairs Scholarship Fund, an organization committed to helping Civil Affairs soldiers and their families. Sponsoring this year’s run are Gaston Brewing, LC38, Cape Fear Botanical Garden, Team Jadlow, Sols Arcade and Taproom, Veterans Guardian, and the International Folk Festival.
After the Parade of Nations and the 5K run, attendees can head over to the International Cafe to grab some food. This will be a designated spot for food vendors and food trucks. There will be many options to choose from, representing every corner of the world, a foodie's paradise.
Miles McKeller-Smith, Director of Public Relations at the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County said, “We will have a variety of international food vendors in our International Cafe. This includes Japanese, Honduran, French, and Filipino cuisines, to name a few.”
The Art Market will provide a place for people to explore different vendors, selling everything from traditional clothing to soaps and wooden figurines. The market provides not only a place to make new purchases but also to have a cultural exchange and learn something new about the cultures that call
Fayetteville home.
McKeller-Smith is looking forward to the market and the cafe, saying “We will have various food and arts and craft vendors present for the festival. Our art market alone will have over 30 vendors present selling items such as handmade jewelry, body and home goods, paintings, and so much more.”
There will also be interactive art installations and a kid's zone for some energy-burning activity.
Throughout the day, the main stage will see a variety of performances, highlighting the songs and dances of nations from all over the world. A full list of performers and times can be found on the Arts Council website, https://www.wearethearts.com/iff. This year’s “headline” act is Cultural Forces Ukraine, McKeller-Smith said.
According to their website, Cultural Forces, “organize regular visits of cultural figures and psychologists to provide moral support to the population, to study their emotional state and problems through non-formal communication and a special program.”
The group is currently hosting events in “de-occupied” settlements in an effort to spread awareness and keep the areas from being reoccupied. Their site states, “Currently, the de-occupied settlements are in a state of partial destruction, both infrastructurally and psychologically. Residents of these towns and villages were under pressure from enemy propaganda for a long time. As a result, the psychological state of people declines, stagnation and despondency arise… To de-occupy territory, enemies should be expelled. To de-occupy consciousness, hard work with the mind and emotions is required.”
The group, all artists themselves, are fighting to preserve spaces for the youth to create art and use their imagination with their House of Imagination Houses and preserving the country’s existing art with Walls of Culture. For more information on Cultural Forces visit the website https://culturalforces.org/en/.
The International Folk Festival has continued to grow into the massive immersive experience it is today, in big part to the individuals who organized the successful 1st annual International Folk Festival: Martha Duell, Mildred Evans, and John Malzone.
“The festival began after Martha Duell and Mildred Evans approached John Malzone with the hopes of starting an event that every member of the community could enjoy together. The first festival took place in 1978 and we (The Arts Council) started organizing the event in 2000,” explained McKeller-Smith.
Each year that the festival has run it has only grown, from the number of Nations that are represented in the Parade of Nations to the performers who take the stage with pride; every aspect of the festival just keeps growing. The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County is excited to see the growth and hopes to continue to set the standard each year and surpass it the next. The success of the IFF is due to the collaboration of great minds and generous sponsors.
“We're grateful to our sponsors for helping us bring the International Folk Festival to life! We would like to thank Navy Federal Credit Union, the NC Education Lottery, Metronet, Cumulus Media, the NC Arts Council, the City of Fayetteville, and Cumberland County for their support,” said McKellar-Smith.
The Arts Council is still in need of volunteers for the IFF. Anyone interested should apply online at https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/10618457040107/false#/invitation.

(Photos: Top-A singer takes the stage in Festival Park as part of the festivities during IFF. Bottom- A performer from Columbia dances during the Parade of Nations at the 2022 International Folk Festival in downtown Fayetteville. Photos courtesy of the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County)

Ashley Wilson is all about stories: written stories, our own stories and how they intertwine. The best way to make Earth a little more like heaven is by listening to each other’s stories. Stories exist to preserve people and cultures, not the things left behind, she explains.
So, although she opened a new bookstore recently, the story is really about the resilience of a woman, wife and mother. Wilson set up a 10-by-10-foot traveling bookstore at local farmers' markets and events for almost two years. Over Labor Day weekend she opened the permanent location of Fulfillity Books & More at 5548 Trade Street in downtown Hope Mills. Fulfillity is a made-up word Wilson uses to capture a woman’s state of fulfillment.
Despite setbacks, Wilson considers herself blessed and it shows in her warm smile and relaxed presence. That peace is both a practiced art and a gift from God, breaking the generational cycle of what so many women through the ages suffer through: chronic mind-bending stress from absent men, children’s needs, financial issues, lack of time, sadness, and obstacles. Wilson addresses what, for her, turned out to be bipolar and generalized anxiety disorders in three published books of poetry.
“That is what really affected me from a young age to now and has defined me and my experience in this world,” Wilson said.
Medication did not help the severe depression or suicide ideation. It was God and her husband, Frank Wilson, who made the difference. Although she may be the college-educated one, he is the one with the backbone and stability that keeps her upright.
Frank has 14 years of service in the U.S. Army with a deployment to Kuwait in 2020. Currently, he is a staff sergeant, paratrooper and jumpmaster with the 82nd Airborne Division. That same year, Ashley’s brother was killed in gang-related violence and she and Frank ended up adopting his son and caring for his daughter. Soon after, they had two boys of their own.
All three of the boys are autistic. In addition to the normal grief over the loss of her brother, she carries guilt about the condition of the boys. Up periods are consumed with lots of drive, some paranoia and anxiety and little sleep or food. Her story, she admits, is one “for those with inner turmoil, women with lack of hope, minorities with baggage to carry, youths with excuses to give up, special needs parents with paranoias to keep them up at night.” And the remedy has been a gracious God and a loving husband.
Frank renovated the building for the bookstore, which consists of dark walls, white shelving, a beautiful mantle place, a kids’ playroom and lots of used and new books. Fulfillity specializes in fiction, but Ashley is working on building the non-fiction military history section. Customers are welcome to bring in books for donation or trade.
This wife, mother, teacher and entrepreneur holds two college degrees, one in secondary English education and one in curriculum and instruction, meaning she can teach teachers. Because of her profession, she sources many of her children’s and young adult books through schools and libraries. She is well versed in the research showing that just the presence of books in a home increases the likelihood of a child being successful in life.
Ashley has organized Fulfillity in an interesting way. Books are organized by authors of color, for example, or Christians are mixed in with whatever genre the book falls under. Black and Christian stories are simply stories that have earned their place on the shelf beside others of their genre. For instance, you’ll find Christian horror in the horror section. That’s where the protagonist views whatever horror he or she encounters through the lens of their faith. Ashley has seen people shun the Christian section and miss stories that are a perfect fit for what they want to read.
You can visit the shop from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. Follow Fulfillity Books on Facebook for notices of upcoming events like The Fulfillity Book Party: Dark Fantasy Edition at 2 p.m., Oct. 5.

(Photo: Ashley Wilson is the owner of Fulfillity Books & More in downtown Hope Mills. Photo by Erin C. Healy)

"Everything is so virtual," Faith Hatton, editor of the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal said of the business world. She explained that many community members know of community leaders but have yet to meet them in person.
The Greater Fayetteville Business Journal wants to change that dynamic with its Power Breakfast Series, which features food, networking opportunities and a discussion panel.
"You can actually meet [community leaders] at our power breakfast," Hatton shared. She said the event is about community involvement and gives attendees the chance to have a conversation with people they might not otherwise meet.
The upcoming Sept. 24 Power Breakfast is titled "Creative Impact." It will highlight the impact of the Arts on participants' business lives and the local economy and what community members can do to foster that impact. But it's not only about community members meeting leaders. Hatton hopes the connections formed will help leaders as well. "We want to give [leaders] a spotlight, give them a position to talk to people who might be able to help or support them."
Conversations are underway with several Arts community leaders who will serve as panel members at the breakfast. They are helping craft the questions that will guide the panel discussion. "The arts community here is a very close-knit community," Hatton explained. She described a collaborative dynamic during the question-crafting process, where many participants already knew each other and had mutual acquaintances.
Panel members include Mary Catherine Burke, Artistic Director of Cape Fear Regional Theatre; Christopher B. Hoffman, CEO of Cape Fear Botanical Garden; Anna Meyer, Executive Director of Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra; and Robert C. Pinson, President/CEO of The Arts Council of Fayetteville.
Hatton expects the panel members will have a very productive conversation. They will address a number of topics that affect Fayetteville. The conversations will cover information about programs run by each organization represented, their growth over the last several years, new programs, and community impact.
Equipped with her experience hosting TV interviews, Hatton will be taking the panel format in a new direction this year. In previous years, an emcee has asked questions of panelists from a podium. This time, Hatton says she'll sit at the same level as panelists and offer minimal direction in what she hopes will be a free-flowing conversation.
Throughout the event, attendees can text questions that may be featured in the Q+A session later on. "It is just a way for the community to be in on those conversations a little bit and also kind of get inspired as to how they can contribute to these organizations, " she shared.
The Greater Fayetteville Business Journal has been hosting Power Breakfasts since it began publishing in 2021. Hatton said past popular topics included their "Big Challenges" Power Breakfast and "New Leaders and New Directions" Power Breakfast.
According to the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal, the "Big Challenges" panel highlighted how area businesses were solving problems within the Fayetteville community, while the "New Leaders and New Directions" panel introduced the community to professionals newly occupying leadership positions in local organizations.
Each Power Breakfast has highlighted a particular business sector and brought leaders and community members together over shared goals. Hatton describes it as an opportunity to spend time with like-minded people.
At the Creative Impact Power Breakfast, first-time visitors can expect networking to start at 7:30 a.m.. There will be assigned tables and breakfast foods such as pastries, eggs, and coffee served by Two Brothers Catering. After a word from the event sponsors, the panel discussion will start at 8:30 a.m. and continue until 9:30 a.m., with a Q&A session included.
Hatton recommends purchasing tickets from Eventbrite quickly if interested in attending. She noted that before ticket sales opened, they were already receiving calls from interested attendees.
"I don't want to say they sell out, but they go really, really quickly, " she explained.
The breakfast will be at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden in the Ralph and Linda Huff Orangery. The location itself underscores the event theme.
"It is art and science all in one." Hatton described. "I don't think people really think about that when they think of horticulture."
She anticipates business connections, partnerships, and friendships will form as professionals connect over the arts, "We're just excited to get these panelists in front of some of the business community!"

(Photo: Presenters sit on the stage during a Greater Fayetteville Business Journal Power Breakfast. These breakfasts encourage networking with Cumberland County leaders. Photo by GFBJ)

The Significance of Banned Books Week
Banned Books Week will happen this year from Sept. 22 to 28. Banned Books Week, launched in 1982, was a response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools. This annual event brings together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers — to focus on the efforts of others to remove or restrict access to books.
By drawing national attention to the harms of censorship, Banned Books Week underscores the importance of preserving the freedom to read. It serves as a reminder that book bans and censorship threaten not only access to literature but also many other rights and institutions in our society.
The 2024 Theme: 'Freed Between the Lines'
The theme for Banned Books Week 2024 is 'Freed Between the Lines.' This theme highlights the idea that we can find freedom in the pages of a book, but that freedom is threatened by book bans and censorship.
By focusing on the theme 'Freed Between the Lines,' Banned Books Week 2024 encourages people to commit to voting for the freedom to read and support policies and policymakers who uphold this right. Using hashtags like #LetFreedomReadDay and #BannedBooksWeek, individuals can show how they’re taking action on social media.
The Impact of Book Bans on Education and Society
Book challenges and bans primarily target public or school libraries, but even colleges and universities face challenges to their materials. A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials based on objections, while a banning is the actual removal of those materials.
These actions limit what students can learn and what teachers can teach. Libraries level the playing field by providing access to all books to everyone, regardless of race, social background, or economic circumstances. Removing books from libraries takes them out of the hands of people who can’t afford to buy their own copies, thereby restricting access to new ideas and hindering societal progress.
How to Take Action and Support the Freedom to Read
Supporting the freedom to read involves committing to vote for policies and policymakers who support this right. It’s crucial to engage in local and national elections to ensure that the right to read is upheld across diverse communities.
Individuals can also take action by participating in Banned Books Week activities, using social media to raise awareness, and challenging book bans and censorship whenever they encounter them. By taking these steps, we can ensure that everyone has access to a wide range of ideas and perspectives.
Celebrating Diversity Through Literature
Book banning frequently targets efforts for diversity, equity, and inclusion, often focusing on books that feature gender, sexuality, racial, cultural, or religious identities. These are precisely the kinds of books that help foster understanding and empathy among readers.
By celebrating diversity through literature, we honor the myriad voices and stories that make up our society. Trusting individuals to make their own decisions about what they read and believe is a cornerstone of a free and open society. Removing and banning books from public libraries is a slippery slope to government censorship and the erosion of our country's commitment to freedom of expression.
To see a list of banned books visit: https://pen.org/book-bans/2023-banned-book-list/
City Center Gallery & Books Celebrates Banned Book Week
Be sure to stop by City Center Gallery & Books at 112 Hay Street, Downtown Fayetteville. They will have a display of banned books, mostly classics, that have been banned over the years and can be purchased for you to READ! They will also have commemorative bookmarks and of course, their staff will be sporting t-shirts that say, "I Sell Banned Books."

Sept. 15 started the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month, and there will be plenty of celebrations going on around the country, state, and city.
Kicking off the festivities in Cumberland County, Dirtbag Ales located at 5435 Corporation Drive, Hope Mills, is hosting the 2024 Latin Celebration on Sept. 21 from noon to 10 p.m. A family-friendly event, the celebration will be jam-packed with food, music, vendors, and a celebration of the vibrant Latin heritage. This event is free to all and a great opportunity to engage and explore all of the beautiful and delicious offerings of the Latin community.
This year’s event is presented by Dirtbag Ales, Dirty Whiskey, and sponsored by Black Hive Ink & Arts and promises a full day of activities centered around Latin culture. Starting the festivities with a good dance, attendees can catch a noon Zumba class to get warmed up for the DJ performances.
At 4 p.m., 6 p.m., and 8 p.m., there will be live performances of Honduran Folklore and Punta by Xiomara Gris and Tonya Ford will be performing Salsa routines for the crowd to enjoy. For those unfamiliar with Honduran Folklore, dances tell a story, oftentimes of traditions, religious ceremonies, and families, carrying the tradition of the community on through dance.
Punta is a type of Honduran Folklore dance, used in social settings such as parties. Punta is a more modern version of HF dancing, that includes heavy drums and lively tempos.
Both have origins in Honduras, Belize, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. Salsa originated in Cuba in the 1900’s, traveled to Puerto Rico and sparked a new life in New York. A seductive and sensual dance, salsa is meant to ignite the flame between dancers.
DJ Sixx and DJ Q will hit the turntables from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., keeping the energy high and the celebration going. Nestled among the woods right off I95, Dirtbag Ales will provide the perfect backdrop to salsa or bachata the evening away under the Carolina stars.
Local vendors will be set up for browsing and shopping. And no Latin Celebration would be complete without food. At the heart of many cultures, food is the thing that brings the people together. It’s the part of one's culture that is easiest to share.
Latin food will be on full display at the celebration. With all of the great food options, there is NO outside food and drink allowed. This year’s food lineup includes:
Latin Flavours Street Cuisine
Taco Arepa
Baja Dogs
Hollywood Taco Truck
Lo Diferente Mexican Truck
Flakis Mexi Snacks
Allisons
Dirtbag Ales has been supporting Latin Heritage events for over 3 years.
“We were the co-host for the local Chinchorreo with Boricuas EN NC for 3 years. The event outgrew our facility in 2022. We have hosted smaller Latin celebrations since,” said Shannon Loper, Dirtbag Ales Operation Manager.
Organizers and sponsors are looking forward to another year of fun, food and celebration.

Absentee Voting on Hold in Cumberland County while New Ballots are Printed
Cumberland County Board of Elections is working to design and print new ballots for the 2024 general election without the “We the People Party” presidential and vice presidential candidates listed, following a state court decision.
The Supreme Court of North Carolina, in a 4–3 ruling late Monday, Sept. 9, required election officials to remove the “We the People Party” candidates from the presidential contest on the ballot, including the party’s presidential nominee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and vice-presidential nominee, Nicole Shanahan.
Cumberland County Board of Elections was prepared to send ballots to voters late last week, which is the state law deadline to begin absentee voting. Due to the court decision, revised ballots will now be printed and delivered to eligible voters who have requested an absentee ballot within the next two weeks. Once edited, and approved by the State Board of Elections, Cumberland County will begin sending absentee ballots, aiming to ensure voters across the state have the same amount of time to cast their absentee vote.
Due to the new design and print time, the State Board is preparing for the possibility that North Carolina cannot meet the 45-day deadline in federal law – September 21 – for distributing military and overseas ballots to voters. The State Board has begun discussions with the U.S. Department of Defense to seek a potential waiver of that deadline.
“We will continue to consult with counties and ballot vendors to determine the feasible start date for distributing absentee ballots statewide, mindful of the goal to meet the 45-day federal deadline,” said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections. “This decision imposes a tremendous hardship on our county boards, at an extremely busy time. But our election officials are professionals, and I have no doubt we will rise to the challenge.”
The State Board has asked county boards to strictly separate and move to storage all ballots that had been printed with the “We the People Party” line. This is to avoid any possibility that the wrong ballots are sent to voters.
Through Monday, Sept. 9, 146,603 voters, including more than 12,900 military and overseas voters, had requested ballots for the 2024 general election.
Here are key dates and deadlines for the 2024 general election in North Carolina:
Oct. 11: Voter registration deadline (5 p.m.).*
Oct. 17: In-person early voting begins; same-day registration available.
Oct. 29: Absentee ballot request deadline (5 p.m.).*
Nov. 2: In-person early voting ends (3 p.m.).
Nov. 5: General Election Day.
Nov. 5: Absentee ballot return deadline (7:30 p.m.).*
*Voter registration and absentee voting deadlines are different for military and overseas citizen voters.

PWC receives four public power awards
The Fayetteville Public Works Commission is one of 17 public power communities across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia to receive 2023 Public Power Awards of Excellence.
Presented by ElectriCities of North Carolina, the awards reflect PWC’s commitment to continuously providing outstanding electric service to the community. Public Power Awards of Excellence recognize public power providers for developing a future-focused mindset, strengthening public power, providing superior power, providing customer-centered innovation, and prioritizing their people as their greatest asset.
PWC received public power awards in four categories:
The STRENGTHEN PUBLIC POWER AWARD celebrates communities that build public and political support for public power.
The PROVIDE SUPERIOR POWER AWARD highlights communities that deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity.
The CUSTOMER-CENTERED INNOVATION AWARD recognizes public power providers that innovate and invest to serve their communities better.
The PEOPLE AWARD distinguishes cities and towns that leverage their people as their greatest asset.
“I am proud of the dedication of our employees as these four awards reflect their steadfast commitment and the pride they take in doing outstanding work,” said Timothy Bryant, CEO/General Manager for PWC. “Every day, they consistently provide safe, reliable, and affordable utility services for our community. The benefits of a public power utility like PWC goes beyond providing value for our customers, it enables us to provide reliable service, create local jobs, and deliver exceptional customer service.”
Working over five million hours with no lost time accidents, in addition to the 2023 Awards of Excellence, PWC has received the American Public Power Association’s RP3 (Reliable Public Power Provider) Diamond Designation six times, one of only 2 utilities in APPA to receive this award this many times.
“This year’s Public Power Awards of Excellence recipients are shining examples of the value of public power,” said ElectriCities CEO Roy Jones.
“These outstanding communities prioritize local needs and put their customers first as they develop innovative solutions to provide safe, reliable power with superior service,” said Jones.
“We’re honored to celebrate these communities, and we’re grateful for all they do to provide value to their customers.”

 U.S. Department of Justice to host Hate Crimes Forum in Fayetteville
In collaboration with the U.S. Department of Justice, Community Relations Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, the Fayetteville-Cumberland Human Relations Department will host a Bias Incident and Hate Crimes Forum on Sept. 19. This free event will be hosted at Fayetteville Technical Community College in the Tony Rand Student Center, 2220 Hull Road, Fayetteville from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. There is a virtual option available for those who cannot attend in person.
The event comes as North Carolina deals with a recent rise in hate crimes.
The Bias Incidents and Hate Crimes Forum provides community members and law enforcement with information related to the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, as well as state and local hate crimes laws. The program engages local and federal law enforcement, district attorneys, civil rights organizations, and community organizations in discussions and information sharing on methods to combat and respond to bias incidents and hate crimes.
This forum includes the following components:
• A panel of law enforcement experts to provide an overview of federal, state and local hate crimes laws.
• A panel of community resources to discuss resources in the aftermath of bias incidents or hate crimes.
• A panel of survivors to discuss their personal experiences of being targeted by hate and how these incidents affected the panelists’ sense of wellbeing, safety and inclusion. (Will not be available virtually).
“According to Justice Department data, reported hate crimes in North Carolina increased from 186 in 2020 to 330 in 2022—an increase of 77% in just two years.”
Doors will open for the event at 8:30 a.m. for in-person registration and light refreshments.

Methodist University completed a milestone in the building of the new Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine, Sept. 10. Leadership from Methodist University and Cape Fear Valley Health broke ground on what will be the newest medical school in the country. Several prominent members of the community were in attendance, and the audience was at standing room capacity, signifying the importance of the medical school to the community.
The new $60 million facility is slated to be open for students in 2026. The school building will be located on the Cape Fear Valley Medical Center campus.
The speakers at the ceremony included MU President Dr. Stanley T. Wearden, Golden LEAF President/CEO Scott T. Hamilton, Glenn Adams, Chairman of the Cumberland County Commissioners, and Dr. Hershey Bell, inaugural Dean of the School of Medicine. One major theme was carried out among the speakers: the new School of Medicine will help to benefit the residents of the area by bringing in more physicians and allowing diversity of care.
Those living in rural areas around Cumberland County will have better access to health care, and by having the school on the Cape Fear Valley Medical Center Campus, more of the students will stay local after graduation. Sixty-seven percent of physicians who finish both medical school and residency in an area, stay in the area to practice, and that could mean big things for residents and their healthcare needs.
Dr. Toni Stewart, Vice Chair of the Cumberland County Commissioners, and board member of Cape Fear Valley Health, spoke about the needs of such a facility in our community.
“Our county’s strength lies in its diversity, with people from many different backgrounds and experiences living, working and thriving here,” she said. “The school’s commitment to diversity and inclusion means that we will be educating doctors who reflect the community they serve and improving access to care and improving trust in the health care system.”
Jimmy Keefe, Cumberland County Commissioner, and Vice Board Chair of Cape Fear Valley Health, said, “This is going to be so much more than brick and mortar. This is a cultural change for the community. It is the opportunity for us to be on the map in so many different ways as a healthcare facility. People here will have the opportunities to stay close to home and have a profession that can give back to the community and their fellow man. It will be part of our image in the state of North Carolina and the Southeast United States.”
Other speakers commented on the vision of the future of the school, and the excitement they felt over having such an institution in Fayetteville.
“I woke up this morning excited by the fact that we are going to have a medical school here. It’s going to do wonders for our community. We will train doctors, and they will go into our community and into our metropolitan area and into South Eastern North Carolina and serve people who have not been served for all these years. It is one of the most formative times of our community,” said Dr. Franklin Clark III, Chair, Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine, Inc.
The Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine will be a five-story building with 200 rooms. The building will be constructed by Rodgers Builders and was designed by McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture.
“The beauty on the outside will be matched with the brains on the inside,” said Michael Nagowski, CEO, Cape Fear Valley Health.
“This is not about MU alone. Without the remarkable vision of Mike Nagowski and Cape Fear Valley Health, this could not happen,” said Dr. Wearden. “Our partnership shows that when two organizations get together and they bring trust and commitment to that relationship, great things will happen in this community... I value the friendships we have formed and the good work we are doing together in this community. ‘Together’ is so important, because we are accomplishing so much more doing this together than we would separately.”
Dr. Hershey Bell was the last to speak.
“Today we are celebrating the groundbreaking of the nation’s newest medical school, and it isn’t just any medical school, it is OUR medical school,” he said. “Our purpose is singular, to recruit students from our region, middle schools, high schools, our community colleges, our universities, to be our medical students to populate our primary care and specialty residency and fellowship training programs who will graduate to be OUR physicians.
"[This] will be a school of the people of our region, by the people of our region, and for the people of our region. It will be the greatest honor of my career to introduce you to each and every one of [ the students] when they arrive. They won’t be just any medical students, they’ll be our medical students, our future neighbors, our future physicians.”

(Photo: Members of Methodist University, Cape Fear Valley Health and the Golden LEAF Foundation break the ground for the new Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine at the Cape Fear Valley Health Center campus on Village Dr., Sept. 10)  

In a remarkable display of bipartisan cooperation, North Carolina’s legislature has overwhelmingly supported the American Citizens Only Voting initiative, reflecting the strong alignment of both lawmakers and residents on a fundamental issue: preserving the integrity of our election process.
However, many North Carolinians don’t know that this initiative will be on the November ballot.
In an effort to bring greater awareness, the initiative’s passage in the legislature was celebrated during a press conference on Sept. 6, highlighting the widespread support behind this move. The message was clear—voting is a sacred right, and the responsibility to protect it transcends party lines. Across the state, both Republicans and Democrats alike have embraced this measure as a necessary safeguard, affirming that the right to vote is not something to be taken lightly or diluted.
I had the privilege of joining Americans for Citizen Voting founder Paul Jacobs, his amazing team, and various State legislators in DC, at the National Press Club, where a call went out to various news outlets in an effort to educate the voting public about this very initiative.
The initiative doesn't just secure the rights of citizens; it enhances trust in the electoral system. By placing explicit legal protections around voter eligibility, the citizens of North Carolina can be rest assured that their votes are being counted fairly and that the democratic process is being upheld.
Ensuring that only U.S. citizens can participate in local, state, and municipal elections is about keeping the foundational promise of American democracy intact: that the people who make decisions about our laws, leadership, and direction are indeed members of our country.
Knowing all of this, and how vitally important it is to the people of this state, I was taken aback to find many aren’t aware of the incredible opportunity elected officials have given to voters so that their voices may be heard on this issue. Therefore, much more has to be done to alert voters, going to the polls in November, that the referendum will be on the ballot.
Voters have to know that the American Citizens Only Voting initiative is not about exclusion; it's about preserving the rights of every eligible North Carolinian and ensuring that our elections reflect the will of the citizens who live, work, and invest in the future of our state.
This initiative stands as a prime example of good governance, where leaders on both sides of the aisle came together for the benefit of the people. It sends a strong message—one that will resonate as the state prepares for the November vote.
My only fear is, without enough coverage and social media attention, many voters may overlook the measure when filling out their ballot. But a national press conference to alert people about the referendum goes a long way in helping to allay that fear.

— Craig Scott
Spokesperson for Americans for Citizen Only Voting

If there is a single American who is not concerned and disheartened by the toxic swamp our nation’s politics have become over the last decade, I do not know that person.
Most Americans on both sides of the political aisle seem concerned about what division and name-calling culminating in the violent January 6th insurrection have done to our body politic. Closer to home, families and friends have been so damaged by entrenched feelings about both elected leaders and partisan political positions that some people who once cared for and respected each other no longer do.
If this has happened in your circle, you know what I am talking about, and if it has not, you are fortunate.
It turns out, there may be other measurable costs to our national security.
A Washington Post story late last month reported on the plight of a Toms River, New Jersey 6-person Army recruiting team struggling and failing to meet its monthly quota of 7 recruits from a list of 30 possibilities. The team is hardly alone.
The Army’s overall recruiting goal for 2024 is 55,000 new soldiers, about 10,000 fewer than the prior year’s missed goal. These goals reflect not what Army leaders believe they need, but numbers they believe they can realistically recruit from a shrinking pool. Of our US military services, only the Marines made their 2023 recruiting goals.
Part of the problem reflects demographic realities. Of Americans aged 17-24, only 23 percent meet the Army’s physical, moral, and educational requirements. Obesity is often a factor, as are substance abuse and certain medications. In addition, recruits must pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a challenge for many. About 23,000 prospects are expected to participate in a tutoring course for the ASVAB this year.
Less tangible factors are also at play.
The Toms River leader of the recruiting team, Sgt. 1st Class Dane Beaston, told the Washington Post reporters, Greg Jaffe and Missy Ryan, that he knew he would join the armed services from the moment the Twin Towers collapsed when he was in the 4th grade. Today’s prospective recruits view 9/11 and the wars that followed as history.
While many of our national institutions such as the Supreme Court and public schools have lost public confidence, military services still enjoy the confidence of about 60 percent of Americans. That said, only about 9 percent of young people say they would consider joining the armed services, down from roughly 16 percent two decades ago, despite perks such as educational benefits. Interestingly, as military service becomes more remote for many Americans, 81 percent of Army recruits come from military families.
Army leaders and recruiters understand that asking a young person to join is not like offering them a job. It is asking them to trust our nation’s leaders with their very lives, leaders who often sound like they are at war with each other and their fellow citizens. While our leaders yell at each other about threats coming from our borders and from a potential autocracy, it is understandable that young people on the cusp of their lives might not want to swear an oath to the Constitution of a nation seemingly at war with itself.
Recruiters like Beaston wish our country could “come together.”
The cost of not doing so could be high as the United States and its allies around the world work to deter nations like Iran, North Korea, and China. Secretary of the Army, Christine Wormuth, put it to the Washington Post this way.
“If we get too small, our ability to do those things is at risk.”

Dr. Marvin Connelly, Cumberland County School Superintendent, spoke "truth to power" at the recent Greater Fayetteville Chamber’s State of the Community regarding the commitment to providing quality education to all students in Cumberland County schools. His leadership has made a difference in Cumberland County education and has been recognized locally, regionally, and statewide for his achievements. We have the right man in the right position and time. However, too many parents and taxpayers are not pleased with the direction local education is taking or the decisions handed down by our Cumberland County Board of Education members. Residents are looking forward to the November elections, hoping for a significant change in leadership and policies to revamp local school priorities. This change would provide Connelly more flexibility to improve our children's educational experience at all levels.
On the street, when talking with parents of school-age children in Cumberland County public schools, the most significant concerns are illiteracy (their child can't read) and the use of cell phones during school hours. When speaking with teachers, principals, and school administrators, absenteeism is the biggest concern that needs to be addressed. This trifecta of concerns formulates an equation that doesn't bode well for Fayetteville, Ft. Liberty and Cumberland County's future generations: cell phones + Absenteeism= Illiteracy. Our current Cumberland County School Board seems to be ignoring the nationwide trend of banning cell phones in the classroom. CCS has gone on record for not changing its cell phone policy and leaving the use of phones in the classroom up to individual teachers and principals. To many parents, this shows a reluctance of the School Board to take a responsible leadership role in the advocacy for their child's quality education while ignoring the detrimental effects cell phones can have on young children.
Studies nationally and worldwide have substantiated that the overuse of cell phones is responsible for many childhood mental health disorders and extreme depression. Again, it makes one wonder where the educators’ priorities are. In Cumberland County, reading levels are 52% below state and national levels, and student proficiency in math scores is worse at 59% below proficiency levels. Children can't learn if not in school, and absenteeism in Cumberland County schools is a whopping and embarrassing thirty percent. That is scandalous and may be the origin of this poor performance. Again, it makes you wonder who is setting the educational priorities. Maybe, just maybe, cell phones could be a significant part of the problem, along with the lack of parental responsibility.
Our local educational leaders can't do much about parental responsibility; however, they can influence the school and classroom environment where our children spend most of their day. School is not just about learning to read, write, and do arithmetic. It's about learning social skills like manners and interacting with others by developing good, solid character traits. This is why banning cell phones from the classroom is gaining momentum nationwide. Seeing our local educational leaders take a proactive stance on this topic would be encouraging to our community.
It's no secret that cell phones reduce face-to-face communication and interactions with peers. So, students become isolated from their classmates instead of communicating with them and developing friendships and social skills. Teachers, teachers' aides, parents, and even students claim that cell phones in the classroom disrupt and distract from the flow of teaching and learning by their use, ringing, and notification bells going off.
Cyberbullying is another concern. Back in the sixties, when I was in school, we called it a "Slam Book," where classmates answered questions and wrote comments about their teachers and classmates. Even though it had the propensity to make negative comments, it was mainly passed around to a small circle of close friends with no mass circulation. It had questions like: Do you like Jimmy Jones? Yes or No. Do you think Billy B. will ask Jenny G. to attend the prom? Yes or No. What do you think of our third-period Civics class teacher? Do you think Mr. Howstead is cute? The content was never nasty or threatening. Besides, you knew the person who was handing you off the book. However, the use of cell phones and social media has made high-tech cyberbullying ruthless. Trashing another classmate has become easy and convenient for children when using their cell phones to send hurtful messages, spread rumors, or post inappropriate information about their peers during school hours. Information that is disseminated in minutes. Cell phones in the hands of immature children only increase the likelihood of cyberbullying.
In addition, there is the concern that cell phones in the classroom create the opportunity to facilitate cheating on tests and assignments by accessing information online (Google).
All the above concerns are legitimate. However, I will refer back to educational priorities. Who is setting them? WRAL TV recently reported that some North Carolina school districts spend tens of thousands of dollars on "pouches" for students to store their cell phones until the end of class. I think that solution is absurd. How can an expenditure of that nature be justified when there is a substantial lack of reading and educational materials and resources in the classroom, and teachers are spending their own money on basic school supplies? At some point, responsible educational leaders must address the correlation between chronic absenteeism, the use of cell phones in schools, and illiteracy rates and set priorities to ensure our children receive a quality education.
I applaud those Cumberland County teachers and principals who have taken responsible action to ensure their students are not distracted from the educational process and keep the child's education and development as their highest priority. I hope our soon to be newly elected Cumberland County Board of Education also addresses these issues responsibly in the coming years. Our children's future depends on it. Thank you for reading the Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper.