The late Davidson economics professor Charles Ratliff was a great teacher who almost led me to a beginning understanding of economics.

Although not accomplishing that objective, he left me with a love of the subject and a long-standing interest in learning more. As a part of this course, Ratliff taught us the history of economic thought.

He used Paul Samuelson’s text, titled simply “Economics,” as our guide. Samuelson, like Ratliff, was a Keynesian, which meant, I think, that when a nation’s economy is struggling, it is a time for the government to pour money into the economy to stimulate activity.

It was, and still is, hard for me to understand how all that works, but I am comforted by the fact that others also have trouble dealing with economic theory.

A few years ago, I tried to get Professor Ratliff to help me understand how these things work. I asked him, “How does the government pouring money into the economy help it grow?”
“Well,” Ratliff said, “that depends on what you mean by money.”

I am still struggling with his response to my query. I thought of it again the other day when I read about the death of another noted Keynesian, Robert M. Solow, the winner in 1987 of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences.

According to his obituary by Robert D. Hershey Jr. and Michael M. Weinstein in the Dec. 21, 2023, edition of The New York Times, “He won the Nobel for his theory that advances in technology, rather than increases in capital and labor, have, been the primary drivers of economic growth in the United States…”

Before Solow set out a different approach, it was generally accepted that economic growth was determined by the growth of capital and labor. But according to his obituary, Solow “could not find data to confirm that common-sense presumption.”

What then determine growth? Entrepreneurs? Geography? Legal institutions? Something else?

Solow told the writers who, years in advance, were preparing his obituary, “I discovered to my great surprise that the main source of growth was not capital investment but technological change.”

What kind of technological change would lead to growth? The telephone? The steam engine? The computer?

The technological change that promises to grow the current economy is, of course, Artificial Intelligence or AI.

Already, AI is taking on tasks that would be impossible or prohibitively expensive if using ordinary research tools.

Given an assignment to write a news article that would include a history of government regulation of atomic energy, for instance, AI. could sort the text of every newspaper report ever written on the topic and select the relevant material. Then, it could instantly assemble a news article that would have taken a reporter hundreds of hours, days, or even years, to research and write.

Recognizing the value of AI’s contribution, there is still a problem. Where does A.I. get the newspaper texts and other necessary information to assemble and write its report? Who, if anyone, must it compensate for the use of these materials?

The New York Times took an important step towards finding an answer to this question last week when it sued A.I. entities, including OpenAI and Microsoft, owners of the popular A.I. program ChatGPT.

The lawsuit accuses the defendants of seeking a free ride on “The Times’s massive investment in its journalism” and alleges that

OpenAI and Microsoft are “using The Times’s content without payment to create products that substitute for The Times and steal audiences away from it.”

However the lawsuit turns out, AI is here to stay.I wish Professor Solow were here to explain how and how much it could increase the nation’s wealth.

Editor’s Note: D.G. Martin, a retired lawyer, served as UNC-System’s vice president for public affairs and hosted PBS-NC’s North Carolina Bookwatch.

It’s the most wonderful time of year. Everything seems possible in January.

Hope springs eternal that this year will be better than the last. But will it? Apply what the eternal optimist T.S. Eliot wrote: “Let us go then, you and I/ When the evening is spread out against the sky/ Like a patient etherized upon a table.”

We have all of 2024 spread out and etherized in front of us just like Eliot’s patient. What could go wrong?

Have you made your New Year’s resolutions? More importantly, have you kept your resolutions? By the time this column appears in mid-January, most New Year’s resolutions will have gone Choctaw Ridge like Billie Joe

MacAllister and jumped into the muddy waters under the Tallahatchie Bridge.

For a more current analogy, most New Year’s resolutions are thrown away like a flute of Champaign tossed by Carolina Panthers owner Dave Tepper onto the heads of Jaguar fans after yet another miserable Panthers loss. Dave imitated Marie Antoinette, who when told the peasants have no bread, responded, “Let them eat cake.”

Dave, when told the Jaguar fans had no more Bud Light, responded by baptizing them saying: “Let them wear Dom Perignon.”

Speaking of baptisms. How about a trial by fryer? 2024 started with a bang with North Carolina making national news with the eye-catching headline “N.C. Pastor arrested after police say he tried to push wife’s coworker into McDonald’s deep fryer.” That is one great headline and a likely precursor to what to expect from 2024.

Let’s get all CSI and go down into the weeds of this wonderful heartwarming tale. According to news reports, a Pastor in High Point, North Carolina became torqued off when his wife reported that she had been disrespected at her job at McDonald’s.

Let us call him Reverend Deepfry. Mrs. Deepfry was training to be a manager at the fast food emporium. Her coworkers allegedly created a hostile work environment by not respecting her authority.
South Park’s Cartman would be sympathetic to her plight. Cartman frequently had problems with people not respecting his authority when he pretended to be a highway patrolman on his tricycle. Fayetteville just had its very own issue with an alleged hostile workplace that cost taxpayers $200,000. But that is another story.

After Mrs. Deepfry explained her situation to her husband, he did what any good Husband and Lord of the Manor would do. He went to her workplace to correct the disrespectful coworker. Reverend Deepfry is alleged to have grabbed the offending coworker and tried to baptize said coworker’s head into the deep fryer.

This restaurant appliance normally contains only frozen French fries instead of a human head. A good head frying clearly would have taught the coworker the error of his ways.

Fortunately for the would-be French fry head, his coworkers did not agree with Reverend Deepfry’s method of atoning for sins. They pulled Reverend Deepfry off before he could cook the head of their coworker. The police report stated coworker “suffered a large contusion to the forehead and right eye, along with scratches on his neck.”

Reverend Deepfry was arrested for misdemeanor assault. McDonald’s reports that Mrs. Deepfry is not employed by the company. This incident is reminiscent of the Sopranos episode in which Artie Bucco, the owner of the Vesuvio restaurant, gets into a ruckus with a gangster over a pretty waitress.

The gangster ends up shoving Artie’s hand into a pot of boiling tomato sauce. Love and cooking, never the twain shall meet.

What are we to make of the Reverend Deepfry incident Does it have theological implications for the coming year? Will this start a cascade of baptisms by fryer? Brown and serve baptisms? A rush on the sale of Ninja air fryers by fast food restaurants to avoid future such incidents? Will Reverend Deepfry be demoted to Fryer Tuckfry me to the moon?

After such a rousing start, 2024 can only get more delightful.

It is an election year which will bring sweetness, light, reasoned discourse, and extensive polite political discourse between you and your friends, neighbors and relatives.

Look forward to a cascade of unbiased political commercials sure to warm the hearts and minds of Americans.

2024 is going to be our Poltergeist Year. They are here — 12 months, plus a Leap Year Day of fun and frolic. A year built on a graveyard of old grudges, new hatreds, and outright kookiness. Fasten your seat belts, it’s gonna be a bumpy night.

What’s that signpost up ahead? You have just crossed over into the Twilight Zone of Years. We’re all gonna need a bigger boat. As Karen Carpenter once sang: “We’ve only just begun." Like Sgt. Phil Esterhaus said in the morning briefings on Hillstreet Blues: “Let’s be careful out there.”

Moving Fayetteville City Council meetings to 2 p.m. instead of 5 p.m. is seen by many Fayetteville residents as another blatant attempt to mask council members' actions from the general public.

Without a doubt, the news media views this as a poor practice for transparency because it limits public participation.

Can you imagine the average citizen asking their employer if they can have the afternoon off to attend an afternoon council meeting?

Without a functional daily newspaper and with no local TV station, it's difficult enough to keep up and stay informed about local governmental decisions.

Now, Mayor Mitch Colvin and five city council members voted to make it even more difficult for taxpayers to attend council meetings by conducting them during the work day, thus hindering accessibility to local elected officials and openness of the decision-making process.

Kudos to council members Mario Benavente, Brenda McNair, Lynne Greene, and Courtney Banks-McLaughlin for defending their constituent's right to know and participate in local government.

These individuals understand the importance of participating in such meetings and how they foster community engagement by discussing local issues, events, and concerns, allowing residents to voice their opinions to their respective representatives.

Transparency in local government is vital to having an efficient, honest government. In addition to local citizens' engagement, an open, transparent government fosters a platform for residents to discuss local issues and concerns and voice opinions. Afternoon 2 p.m. meetings surely stifle those processes.

It's puzzling why our local government doesn't want to encourage citizen input and hear different viewpoints on issues affecting their quality of life.

The 6 to 4 vote to inhibit transparency by moving the city council's planning sessions to 2 p.m. is just one example of our elected officials weaponizing their authority against the citizens of Fayetteville.

We encourage our Up & Coming Weekly readers to be diligent and stay informed on local issues. Subscribe to CityView Today's daily electronic newsletter.

They are doing an excellent job covering both Fayetteville and Cumberland County regularly scheduled meetings. Tune in to WFNC's Talk Radio Show with Bill Murphy every weekday morning on 640 AM on the radio dial.

Murphy has interesting guests every week discussing current and topical local issues.

Of course, please continue to read our community newspaper. Up & Coming Weekly has never been shy about analyzing local issues or voicing an editorial opinion. Honesty is always the best policy!

Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

Prepare to be captivated by an extraordinary musical event presented by the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. Titled "A String Serenade: A Collaboration with Brendan Slocumb," this show promises to be a masterpiece that you won't want to miss.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, Jan. 20 at 7:30 p.m. The performance takes place at the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.

The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra will be teaming up with the incredibly talented violinist, Brendan Slocumb, for a truly mesmerizing collaboration. Together, they will showcase the remarkable skills of 28 of their string musicians, creating an enchanting experience filled with breathtaking melodies.

The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to partnering with talented musicians from the local community, and Brendan Slocumb is a prime example.

Slocumb, originally from Fayetteville, started playing the violin at the young age of nine. He pursued a music degree at the University of North Carolina and has since been involved in numerous musical projects.

In addition to performing with the orchestra, Brendan also devotes his time to teaching music to students of various ages, from kindergarten to high school.

The upcoming performance will showcase pieces by celebrated BIPOC composers, including Florence Prince, Jessie Montgomery, and Daniel Bernard Roumain. Anna Myers, the Symphony's Executive Director, discussed the importance of selecting these composers for the concert.

“The term BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, Person of Color. We think that it is important to program music by a wide variety of composers so our audience can be exposed to many talented composers,” said Myers.

She went on to highlight another piece that will be performed at the same event.

“One of the featured pieces in the program is Vivaldi’s 'Concerto for Four Violins.' Featured soloists include Brendan Slocumb, FSO Concertmaster, Fabian Lopez; FSO Associate Concertmaster, Megan Kenny; and Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra Concertmaster, Halle Adams. We are very excited to feature these four fantastic musicians on this program.”

The Friendship Missionary Baptist Church on 400 Campbell Ave., will host the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra for the very first time.

The FSO frequently partners with different venues, such as churches, to hold their music performances.
Located in the heart of Downtown Fayetteville, the church offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere for this upcoming concert.

Brendan Slocumb possesses not just musical abilities, but also writing skills. He has authored books such as "The Violin Conspiracy" and "Symphony of Secrets."

On Jan. 20th, he will be available for a book signing event at City Center Gallery & Books at 112 Hay St. from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., preceding the concert.

Stories about Basketball and North Carolina go together like dogwood trees and spring. This year’s fourth annual MLK Dream Jam is one such unfolding story readers will be remiss to miss attending. The MLK Dream Jam will be held Jan. 13 and 15 at the Terry Sanford High School Gymnasium.

Doors open at 11 a.m. both days and all day tickets are $10. Kids under 5 years old are free.

Starting in 2019, the MLK Dream Jam is a Fayetteville-held basketball tournament between public and private schools throughout the city. With bragging rights, pride and opportunities for exposure on the line, high school students from public schools are matched against fellow athletes from their private school contemporaries in a yearly tournament to display their talent, skill and abilities on the court. Not only is it an opportunity to settle personal beliefs of which team is better, but it also stands as a chance to impress scouts from more prestigious organizations such as those in The National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Karl Molnar, former coach and partial founder of the event, is a key player behind the realization of this idea. From coaching Terry Sanford basketball to setting up job training for students with learning disabilities and special needs at local schools, Molnar has expressed his passion for opening up paths and opportunities for the youth of today and the generations to come. Speaking on the purpose behind the MLK Dream Jam, Molnar stated,

“It’s to get these kids the opportunities they deserve. It allows the entire basketball community to come together as a whole and compete together. One big issue that comes up while coaching is the constant fluctuation of players. Kids change teams and go to others for better opportunities. So with this, those kids still get to play together and compete with one another once a year for those bragging rights. It’s to bring the local basketball community together and shine a spotlight on our local players.”

Originally designed as a fundraiser for Terry Sanford sports, the event has since evolved to become the budding community staple it is today. This year, the leading role has been passed from Molnar to head coach of the Terry Sanford girls’ basketball team, Chris Goodman. Goodman has worked alongside Molnar since the tournament’s inception and has had a hands-on role in the development of the organizational methods, networking, and event direction. Together, with their passion and genuine care for the players, Molnar and Goodman have gone above and beyond in crafting one of the most exciting sports experiences in North Carolina.

“When it started, I’d hope it’d be a community event everyone looks forward to. In 10 years, we’d be packed with coaches, people, and players. We did that the first year!” said Molnar about his vision for the future of the event.

“My favorite memory of the event happens every year, honestly, but it was most impactful the first time. As I was watching the games, realizing that there was only standing room at that moment, that the place was filled to the brim with people. It was surreal," said Molnar.

The MLK Dream Jam’s fourth year positions itself to be one with intense competition. With both private and public schools reaching for glory, the competition between local schools will be fierce.

Normally, private and public school teams do not play each other in the regular season as they are not in the same competitive circuit. However, as any competitor knows, this arbitrary barrier does not stop rivalries, connections, and friendships from being made between players on both sides of the education system.

Many players hop from team to team with the aim of placing themselves in a position to take advantage of the tools and opportunities their new team’s organization might offer to them. This regular migration of players, while posing a challenge to coaching staff and tournament organizers, is one of the exact reasons for the event and part of the thought process that goes behind creating the event’s tournament bracket.

“Molnar had a vision of bringing all the Cumberland County school teams together under one roof, public and private.” Goodman said. “We consider things like each individual player’s history, their connections with other teams and players, and their abilities. Things like ‘Is there a player that used to play at the opposing school?’ ‘Do these players have friends on the other team they normally wouldn’t get to play against?’ We also like to consider the physicality of the teams so as to better pair them with their opponents so that the game is fair, competitive, and fun for everyone to watch,” continued Goodman.

However, an event of this caliber isn’t easy to organize. Goodman talked about the communication with the local coaches and how they are largely focused on the regular season for their teams rather than a local tournament for bragging rights.

As previously mentioned, issues with communication is only one aspect of the difficulties dealt with when developing the tournament’s bracket. The process from start to finish is one of continuous communication with the basketball community, negotiating with event sponsors, reserving the basketball courts for the tournament and personal dedication from the tournament’s organizers and helpers.

All that effort, time, and devotion to the love of the game of basketball pays off, however. Each year, fans, coaches and community members are treated to a high-energy tournament fueled by the drive and determination of those on the court.

Goodman mentioned that we should be keeping an eye out for the number one ranked female high-school basketball player in the country, Sarah Strong. Playing for Grace Christian School in Sanford, Strong has helped lead her team to a dominating 15 – 0 record this season as a forward on the girls’ varsity basketball team.

“I’m looking forward to the competitiveness. This year, I think the private schools are stronger, but the public schools always play with a bit more heart,” said Goodman.

When it comes to supporting the next generation, youth sports, and the local community, the team behind the MLK Dream Jam are helping lead the charge towards more sustainable avenues facilitating success and prosperity for the children and young adults of society in Cumberland County.

The Dream Jam will be held in the Terry Sanford Gym. Parking can be found in the school lot or along Ft. Bragg Rd. Refreshments will be available to purchase from Rocket Fizz.

I often wonder how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would feel about the current state of affairs in 2024.
He embodied a strong determination for equality, justice and truth, and there is still much work to be done.

His legacy is still with us today and that is why The Fayetteville Cumberland County Ministerial Council Inc. presents the 31st Annual MLK “Embracing the New” Worship Service on Sunday, Jan. 14 at 5 p.m. at Lewis Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.

“I am a preacher’s kid, husband, father, follower of Jesus Christ and educator for 17 years,” said
Dr. Lindsay Whitley, associate minister of Revival Temple Church of God in Christ and guest preacher of the MLK worship service. “I am just thrilled about this opportunity to bring a message to our community.”

Whitley hails from Little Washington, North Carolina with deep spiritual roots. At the tender age of 12, he moved to Montgomery County in Troy, North Carolina where his father became a pastor. He graduated from UNC Charlotte and moved back to Montgomery County where he has served in numerous positions in various school systems.

He currently serves as the Associate Superintendent of Communications and Community Engagement for Cumberland County Schools.

Being a preacher’s kid, the church has always been a second home to Whitley and he learned about God at a very early age.

“I knew that there was a God when I was in my mother’s womb,” said Whitley. “My parents taught me about God, how to know Him and how to serve Him for myself.”

November 2011 was when the faith leader accepted his calling to the ministry. Some would say that he was hesitant at first, but he wanted to be sure.

On the cusp of a faithful new endeavor, the anointed missionary forged ahead with the mission of being the hands and feet of Jesus which means to give back and serve our communities. Some examples entail providing food to the hungry, resources for addiction, medical care, spiritual counseling and more.

Great pastors strive for excellence every Sunday morning especially when it comes to preparing a fervent sermon that teaches the whole counsel of God’s word.

“I prepare my sermons by praying and I always think about what God would want me to say,” said Whitley.

“I study, meditate on the word of God and deliver what God would like for me to say to that particular audience.”

The venerated minister has many spiritual role models but his closest spiritual exemplars are his parents, Paul Whitley, Sr. and Joycetine Whitley.

“I saw them when things were going well and saw them during the lowest points of their lives,” said Whitley. “They still lived honorable lives and did everything in life to glorify God.”

He added, “It was about the model and example of not just acting a certain way in front of people, but actually being saved for real and having a relationship with God for real.”

Ministry has its challenges, and for Whitley, those challenges boil down to seeing so many people who are hurting.

“You see people where they are, but you are able to see their potential,” said Whitley. “It is about being able to lead people, empathize with them, pray for them and not carry that load internally.”

When asked what prayer has he been praying the longest, the kingdom shaker stated, “I have been praying for our youth and young people,” said Whitley.

“I see that once they arrive at adulthood they sometimes take a different path than the things that they were taught.”

Whitley added, “They get sidetracked with things in life that are not really productive to their success and my prayer is that they will be saved and get to know Jesus.”

The Christian motivator’s ultimate goal is to be a wonderful husband, father and to make a greater difference in people’s lives. He is grateful for being chosen to deliver a rousing sermon that will stir the audience.

“I am extremely thankful for the opportunity that Pastor Sharon Thompson-Journigan and the FCCMC have given me to speak at the 31st Annual MLK Worship Service,” said Whitley. “It is going to be a night of hope, renewal and coming together to lift up Jesus Christ.”

The Fayetteville Cumberland County Ministerial Council is a 501(C)3 organization. All donations are tax deductible and can be sent to PO Box 40802, Fayetteville, NC 28304 or CASHAPP $FCCMC28304

Brace yourself for a night of thrills and intense competition as two rival university teams plan for a showdown at Cleland Ice Rink at Fort Liberty.

Comprised of skilled and experienced graduate and undergraduate students, The George Washington University Men’s Ice Hockey team prepares to grace Cleland with their third game of 2024. The GW team was named the 2023 ACCHL Fall Classic winner. The challenger, the High Point University Hockey Panthers, have been training hard to battle against the GW team in the new year. Fueled by years of competition, both teams from the up-and-coming AAU college hockey league are biting at the bit to face off once again in a must-watch event.

Held at 1606 Rock Merritt Ave. at Fort Liberty, Cleland Ice Rink opens their doors to passionate fans of Hockey often, holding frequent events for the Marksmen and plenty of other hockey teams from N.C.

Cleland is also home to the Airborne Ice Skating Team, Cape Fear Youth Hockey, and Camp Patriot, Cleland’s main hockey team outside of youth hockey. As well as starting an adult hockey program in the coming weeks, Cleland offers open hockey times for youth and adults respectively.

Although on the Fort Liberty military installation, Cleland invites civilians and military personnel alike to join in on such an exciting event. Join fans, students, alumni, and hockey enthusiasts on Jan. 26, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. for only $5. Food and drinks are available to be purchased in the front office.

Cleland’s assistant manager Delaney says, “We treat everyone who enters this rink like they are family to us and I think that creates a very welcoming environment not commonly seen at hockey games.”

“I’ve been coming to Cleland practically my whole life. My family has been stationed at Liberty quite a few times and I played hockey and figure skated here until I moved,” she added.

Delaney’s love for Cleland is shared by many visitors, skaters, and families involved in the rink.

She offers great advice for those new to Fort Liberty, “Look at the criteria to get on base and plan ahead. Give yourself a 15-20 minute window to get through the gate and find the rink. If it’s your first time getting on post, don’t forget to get a visitor’s pass at the main gate."

Celebrate the new year with a charged and exciting event that your whole family can enjoy. With both sides bringing a rich history of success, these hockey powerhouses will certainly have fans on the edge of their seats. Both the George Washington University Men’s hockey team and the High Point University Men’s hockey team invite you to watch and enjoy their upcoming clash.

Don’t miss out on this chance to witness an exciting face-off at Fort Liberty’s beloved rink. For ticket purchase and more information visit https://liberty.armymwr.com or contact 910-396-5127.

Emergency responders were dispatched at 1:53 p.m. on Jan 4. to respond to a gas leak near Bragg Boulevard and Bargain Street. The gas led to evacuations and road closures.

The 12-inch gas line, maintained by Piedmont Natural Gas, was hit by a North Carolina Department of Transportation subcontractor.

“A subcontractor working for the general contractor Barnhill struck a natural gas line along Bragg Blvd. while doing work for a contract awarded by the NCDOT last year,” said Andrew Barksdale with the NCDOT.

Roads impacted because of the leak were Bragg Boulevard from Swain Street to Sycamore Dairy Road and Sycamore Dairy Road from Bragg Boulevard to Legend Avenue. Motorists were advised to avoid the area.

As of now, Bragg Boulevard from Swain Street to Sycamore Dairy Road will remain closed possibly until midnight. Sycamore Dairy Road has been reopened.

People from local businesses and residents were evacuated from the area.

Fayetteville Area System of Transit assisted with the evacuation efforts, transporting people to Westover Recreation Center. Cumberland County, American Red Cross and Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation worked together to set up an overnight shelter for those who were impacted by the leak.

“We want to ensure Fayetteville residents have a safe and secure community,” said Fayetteville spokesman Loren Bymer.

“This collaborative effort between the Fayetteville Police and Fire Departments alongside the Red Cross and Cumberland County exemplifies what it means to be a ‘Can Do’ city.”

The evacuation order was lifted at approximately 1:30 p.m. in the area after the Fayetteville Fire Department conducted air monitoring.

Piedmont Natural Gas stopped the leak at 11:52 p.m. on Jan. 5.

In today’s article, I am going to give you all the basics you need to know about purchasing a home. In later articles, I will go into more detail about each factor.

The first question you should ask yourself is should you buy a home? There are several important considerations.

I know interest rates are going up and may be as high as 8% but remember rent is 100% interest. Also consider these factors:

1. You can do anything you want with the property

2. Appreciation benefits, including leverage of cash invested

Owning a home is an investment many people can understand better than buying stocks because they get the tangible daily lifestyle benefit of living in the home. However, the financial benefits are also significant and can be more substantial than stock investing.

As a home appreciates, it accrues faster than a stock might because you get the appreciation on the entire home’s value, not just the gain of your down payment cash invested. And, if you sell the house, you’d be exempt from paying any taxes on that money gained.

3. Tax benefits

The significant savings from tax benefits can often make owning the same as, or cheaper than, renting.

4. Mortgage costs stay the same as rents rise

5. Forced savings

“Over time homeowners build a net worth about 40 times higher than that of a renter.”

Knowing that owning a home is better in the long run than renting still means you have to find the right home! When looking for a home, it is best if you understand the kind of real estate market you are in. The first factor in a market is Supply and Demand. Most real estate markets are influenced primarily by job growth. However, our market is unique. We have relatively very low job growth which should make us a very stagnant market. But Fort Liberty, which at times does grow, always moves soldiers in and out of the market. On average Fort Liberty creates about 5,000 house sales each year. That is 10,000 transaction sides (5k buyer sides and 5k seller sides).

Quick market review of where we are today:

Our Existing market (homes that are not new construction) is still under-supplied up to $500,000. This means more buyers are looking for existing homes than there are homes for sale under $500k.
New Construction 2023 will be the second-highest-selling year in eight years. New Construction is not as under-supplied as existing is, but is approaching a balanced market. That means the right number of new homes is being produced for the right amount of buyers.

The big challenges to New Construction are the cost of land, land, materials and labor

So, if you are going to buy in our market, how are you going to make a safe and wise purchase?

What are the factors that make a home valuable?

For instance, just because existing construction is undersupplied up to $500,000 does not mean I can sell my home at $500,000.

What does the buying market think of my location?

What does the buying market think of my Neighborhood design?

What does the buying market think of my House design and features?

Knowing what makes for a good location, a good neighborhood design and a good house plan will enable you to purchase a home that your family will enjoy. It is a safe and wise purchase that can be sold in the future and build your wealth.

Next time we will discuss what makes a good location, a good neighborhood design and a good house plan.

It has been my habit to go to sleep in one year and wake up in the next, and I did just that as 2023 transitioned into 2024. It feels fresh and clean to find oneself not only in a new day but with an entirely new year stretching out before us. But I have questions, many questions, and more than a little trepidation for 2024.

The elephant smack in the middle of 2024’s living room is the coming election cycle, with offices up for grabs from President of the United States to Cumberland County Register of Deeds. I feel safe saying there are precious few Americans of any political stripe looking forward to the major races.

The Presidential contest is shaping up to be a rematch between two wildly unpopular candidates, one preoccupied with the 91 felony charges facing him, and the other struggling to convince voters he has done a good job. “Mud” is not a strong enough word to describe what awaits us in the Presidential race.

Closer to home, the N.C. Governor’s race also looks like a doozy, likely pitting a former state Senator and two-term Attorney General against our current Lieutenant Governor, who speaks with fire but has not a hint of executive experience. This one, too, is not going to be pretty for all sorts of reasons.

While politics will dominate 2024, our daily lives are impacted by other factors, some of which matter a great deal to some of us and others that affect us not at all.

The North Carolina General Assembly, like most state legislatures, enacted new laws that take effect at the first of the year, and here are several that may be of interest.

More and more of us now drive electric vehicles or aspire to do so, and the cost of doing so is going up. State registration fees for EVs rose from $140 to $180 with the new year and will increase to $215 in July. The higher fees are because EV owners do not pay gasoline taxes to support road maintenance, so the legislature is trying to make up for that.

To no one’s surprise, the General Assembly continued its efforts to restrict voting by enacting additional changes in election laws in 2023. Remember to take your ID to the polls this year, and if you are registering to vote in North Carolina or want to cast an absentee ballot, be sure to check 2024’s stiffer requirements.

And, in its wisdom, the General Assembly also loosened the regulations for teenaged drivers to become licensed. It remains to be seen whether this was a good idea, but various highway safety organizations opposed the changes.

In our own community, a veteran local journalist recently posed this question to me. Now that Congress and the US Department of Defense have rechristened Fort Bragg, originally named in honor of a Confederate general, to Fort Liberty, should Bragg Boulevard and Fort Bragg Road also be renamed?

Could we? Will we? What on earth would we name them?

And finally, preoccupied as we now seem to be with celebrity at all levels, what about Taylor Swift? Will she stay with her current football star boyfriend or will she go her merry way, telling us all about it in song?

Welcome to 2024! Fingers crossed that it will be healthy and happy for all of us, and stay tuned!

The 2024 Polar Plunge for Special Olympics goes beyond the excitement and thrill of freezing water. Individuals, organizations and businesses alike brave ice-cold temperatures with a shared goal: to support Special Olympics Cumberland County athletes with participation and fundraising.

The joint effort from participants to overcome the frigid waters mirrors the challenges often faced by athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Held at the Lake Rim Aquatic Center at 2265 Tar Kiln Dr. on Jan. 20, from noon to 1:00 p.m., the Special Olympics of NC invites plungers, volunteers and sponsors to join them for this thrilling event. The Special Olympics of NC hopes to crush their goal of raising $2,000 with the help of their plungers.

The Special Olympics is a global movement to create a new world of inclusion, empowering youth and adults with disabilities through the joy of sports.

Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, this organization has grown into not only a nationwide but a worldwide organization that has touched the lives of millions. The Special Olympics spans over one hundred ninety countries and supports over 5 million athletes, coaches, and volunteers with thirty-two Olympic-type sports.

The Special Olympics holds campaigns and fundraisers year-round, partnering with Publix for in-store icon fundraising. This movement branches outside of playing sports, working towards inclusion, and respect for those of all abilities. Athletes involved in the program build self-esteem and confidence, create long-lasting friendships, and give them an outlet to express themselves.

According to their official website, they ask that you help, “Advocate for a more inclusive community for people with intellectual disabilities by taking part in one of the many opportunities to make a difference!”
Spread the word through a pledge for inclusion, “I pledge to look for the lonely, the isolated, the left out, the challenged and the bullied. I pledge to overcome the fear of difference and replace it with the power of inclusion.” Their pledge reminds us just how much the Special Olympics cares for each and every life they’ve touched and how they’ll continue to do so for as long as they can.

Not only is this event an incredible opportunity to give back to the community, but it’s also wonderful for plungers’ health. Polar plunges promote circulation and decrease inflammation all while having the potential to improve your immunity and boost your mood.

Studies show that an ice-cold dunk can ward off depression and if utilized consistently can lower blood pressure and heart rate. Others use ice plunges for pain relief and the huge rush of endorphins it provides.

Polar plunges are often organized as fundraisers for various causes, so those who love the thrill of leaping into the cold can do so for charitable causes year-round.

2024’s Polar Plunge isn’t the only way to support the Special Olympics. Along with their Publix campaigns, monthly donation programs, and company partnerships, The North Carolina Special Olympics offers opportunities to donate vehicles, sponsor athletes, and volunteer. There’s no time like the present; join the Polar Plunge event today.

For more information and to register, visit give.specialolympicsnc.com, their Morrisville headquarters, or contact 919-719-7662.

For great tips on building and growing business, join Roza Wright and Zaakira Troyer at their Vision Board Brunch on Jan. 14, from noon to 5 p.m., at Diamond Venue on 328 Gillespie St. The brunch will be a fun way to connect with local business owners and get impactful information to start or advance business.
Roza Wright started her company, Roza’s Catering, ten years ago. Born in New York to hardworking immigrant parents from Haiti, her story resonates with determination, resilience and the pursuit of a better future.

“Life has not been easy for me. My witnessing my parents’ relentless work ethic as a child instilled in me an unwavering drive for success. However, the passing of my father, who had worked tirelessly without reaping the fruits of his labor, ignited a fire within me. From that day, I promised myself I would equip my children with the necessary tools for their success. Not wanting to do the traditional 9-5 … that commitment fueled my entrepreneurial spirit and paved the way for the birth of my own business,” Wright explained.

Through years of trials and triumphs, Wright learned invaluable lessons about building a successful business and overcoming obstacles. She is passionate about sharing all she discovered by providing webinars that have impactful tips on growing and sustaining a successful business.

Zaakira Troyer knows what it takes to succeed in business. She built a thriving real estate business with her husband, accumulating rental properties and flipping houses for impressive earnings. But her entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop there. In 2023, Zaakira launched Dream Girl Society as a way to share her insight into entrepreneurship and empower women to have more. Whether it's financial independence, work-life balance, or simply creating the life of your dreams, Dream Girl Society is here to guide you every step of the way.

“I received a phone call from Roza asking me to host a brunch and how beautiful it would be, and she then invited me to be the main speaker. I was so surprised because this was literally something I desired and had on my vision board! Of course, I said yes, and we got to work. We are super excited about our Vision Board Brunch as it is a beautiful manifestation for both of us. I can’t wait to share my unique way of making vision boards that actually come true, and connecting with like-minded creative and ambitious women,” Troyer shares.

Wright and Troyer want to share their journey. They believe that success should be accessible to all who dare to dream. No matter the background or circumstances, everyone has the power within themselves to create their own path toward prosperity. This is sure to be an empowering event not to miss.

Writing down dreams and goals on a vision board will help to see them manifest. A limited amount of space is provided to vendors to get their products noticed, connect with other entrepreneurs, and gain insight into how to grow their businesses.

“We are super excited about our Vision Board Brunch, as it is a beautiful manifestation for both of us! I can’t wait to share my unique way of making vision boards that come true and connecting with like-minded, creative, and ambitious women,” Troyer added.

Enjoy music, drinks, food, and gift bags.

To purchase tickets for this exciting event, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/see-into-your-future-vision-board-brunch-tickets-717908703257 or by calling 910-581-7941.

There is no doubt that WFNC's radio history has played an essential role in the lives of tens of thousands of Fayetteville and Cumberland County residents since 1940.

Founded by John Gilmer Dawson and managed by his son Victor Dawson and his family under the flagship brand, Cape Fear Broadcasting, WFNC proudly and continually served the Fayetteville community until it was purchased by Cumulus Broadcasting in 1999.

To this day, WFNC remains the "go-to" airwaves media source for news, views, and information impacting the community.

As WFNC 640 AM radio station enters its 83rd year, it debuts a new and refreshing radio personality that reflects the high media standards, integrity, and tradition the Dawson family initially bestowed on the community.

They hired radio personality Bill Murphy to replace the retiring Jeff (Goldy) Goldberg, which marked the end of a confusing eighteen-year, oxymoronic Liberal agenda that anchored an otherwise traditional conservative radio station. Murphy understands the vital role of media and professional Talk Radio in a community.

He invited me on his show last week in a bold step, ending Up & Coming Weekly newspaper's five-year banishment imposed by Goldberg. Here, I experienced Murphy's style, and his pleasant, jovial, nonjudgemental personality. After listening to his interviews with Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin, political pundit George Breece, and Hope Mills Police Chief Stephen Bollinger, it was refreshing to sense the impact and positive influence he will have on all facets of our community.

Murphy is conservative by nature, but his professional demeanor and news media experience will ensure fair, honest, and balanced reporting on important issues, programs, events, and organizations in the Fayetteville and Cumberland County communities.

No one can be more pleased with Murphy's entry into our media market than we are. Local Talk Radio, when appropriately executed, aligns itself with the same media principles as local community newspapers like Up & Coming Weekly.

And, without a local TV station and a scarce and sporadic daily newspaper, these media principles and values become even more critical.

More specifically, Talk Radio and local community newspapers engage the residents. They foster involvement by accentuating, examining, and showcasing local events, issues, and concerns.

For both, information access is essential. Residents are encouraged to voice opinions and share their views about local news, issues, and community events. This fosters diverse perspectives while encouraging critical thinking and understanding viewpoints on critical issues affecting Fayetteville and Cumberland County.

U&CW newspaper and WFNC provide a platform for promoting arts and culture venues that accentuate our local talent, traditions, and quality of life. This also defines Fayetteville's brand creating a sense of identity and pride among community members in all nine Cumberland County municipalities, including Fort Liberty.

So, we welcome Bill Murphy to the Fayetteville community and wish him well. We encourage our U&CW readers to tune in to WFNC 640 AM to Murphy's GOOD MORNING FAYETTEVILLE Show on air from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday. He can be reached at 910-864-6400, or *640 on your cell phone, if you have an idea or significant event you would like to promote.

Thank you for reading the Up & Coming Weekly Community Newspaper.

Massey Hills Lions Club’s signature event is no ordinary Golden Corral buffet. The Shucking for Sight Oyster Roast has been steadily going on for over a half-century, attracting visitors from all over the nation.

The event will occur on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 1613 Camden Road, Fayetteville.

Oyster season is popular in North Carolina, which starts in October and runs through March. Event Coordinator Michael McCaskill is proud to share that the oyster roast is one of the oldest and largest one-day oyster events in the state of North Carolina.

The Massey Hill Lions Club has served the Fayetteville community for over 65 years. One of the club’s primary functions is to serve people with eye problems.

The club helps with screenings, eye exams and glasses, with helping restore their sight, and with purchasing an eye dog, McCaskill shared. According to the club’s website, the Lions Club also hosts other noteworthy events: local homeless feedings, an annual golf tournament, a senior legion baseball team and community/club clean-up.

The Massey Hill Lions Club is looking to draw a large crowd.

“Last year, we sold 560 tickets. This year, we’re trying to expand things, selling 750 tickets. We increased the size of the tents to accommodate folks and give them a little more elbow room,” McCaskill states.

This all-you-can-eat event will leave not only bellies full of steamy oysters but also hearts full of joy in this family reunion-like environment. McCaskill, who describes the event as family camaraderie, shared that it is an atmosphere where guests can be reacquainted with one another and make new friends.

“Generations of people have continued to come back for 51 years to participate in this event. They’re not only like having a good time, but bringing a community spirit,” he said to Up and Coming Weekly.

Steaming the oysters is a process. The oysters are unloaded off the truck, cleaned, steamed, placed in the basket, delivered once done, and dumped on the table for guests to feast on. Guests can stand while eating. The event will also have chairs to accommodate guests who choose to sit and eat.

“We will keep bringing the buckets to the tables until they tell us
to stop,” he stated.

Buckets of tongs and other tools will be on deck for guests to crack open the shells. Just the joy of the gathering makes McCaskill’s heart smile. He shared that he enjoys watching guests come for this celebratory feast, jokingly referring to them as professional oyster eaters.

In addition, the Lions Club will provide butter, sausages, hushpuppies, tea, and water to enjoy with their oysters.

“If they leave hungry, it’s their fault because we feed them oysters as long as they want to eat,” McCaskill said jokingly.

The best part of this event is the deeply rooted community connection, with generations of guests continuing to support and participate in the event. “The Massey Hill community in general, has always been close-knit. Many families, including my own and many of the other members’ families, grew up in the Massey Hill area and worked at the mills that used to be prevalent throughout that area,” McCaskill said.

Oysters may be broken, but the lifelong legacy of this event, now 51 years strong, is an unbreakable and continuous bond.

Ticket Information

Tickets are advanced ticket sales only (no door ticket sales) and cost $50 per person. Don’t wait until the last minute! Please get your tickets soon before they sell out.

There are many ways to purchase tickets. Tickets can be purchased from any Lions Club Member by visiting the Massey Hill Lions Club on Saturday, Jan. 13th, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., by email at masseyhillionsclub@gmail.com, or at the following site locations: Massey Hill Drug Store at 1072 Southern Avenue; and Classic Coiffures at 3710 Morganton Road. Interested sponsors can also contact the Massey Hill Lions Club if interested in sponsorship.

Kids in kindergarten through 3rd grade will enjoy a sweet and educational program at Sweet Factory’s event Sweet Currency Extravaganza on Jan. 20th from noon to 2 p.m. The Sweet Factory is located at 2733 Freedom Parkway Drive, Suite 6.

The event is where Kanitra Blount, co-owner of the Sweet Factory, will partner with Crystal McLean, an author with a career in finances, to promote healthy financial advice to children.

At the event, the children will hear McLean read her book, "No,No, Sonny, Save That Money!"
Afterward, they will do an activity in the craft corner inside the establishment that coincides with the book.

“Financial literacy is my passion,” McLean said. She said it is one of her daily pursuits.

“I understand a lot of children are not learning this topic at home or school,” she said. She added that school curriculum does not provide an opportunity to learn it until late high school years.
Young and impressionable

McLean said this event makes money fun for the young and impressionable.

“It’ll begin to take away the dread society puts on finances and give them a strong foundation without the fear of managing money,” McLean said.

Blount added on, “I started Sweet Factory to teach my children the business aspect of life and teach them money management,” she said.

She said she thinks this is a great opportunity to share with the community.

“Literacy is not always fun for some students,” McLean said. “This gives a shift to learning. They get the chance to listen to someone read to them and at the same time get the opportunity to apply the concepts taught in the book in a fun way.”

One of the pillars of Sweet Factory is creativity.

The crafts corner inside the business hosts creative activities monthly. This event’s activity has not been determined.

Both of McLean’s books will be available for purchase.

“Harmoney and the Empty Piggy Bank” was McLean’s first book. She wrote it to teach her daughter money lessons.

She wrote it after she went to Barnes and Noble and couldn’t find a finance book for her daughter’s age range or anything fun enough.

She said the Lord laid it in her heart to write the book since she couldn’t find what she was looking for.
Then, once it became popular, she noticed the need for a younger set of kids who were impressionable and eager to learn about money.

That’s when she came up with the Dr. Seuss-esque book, “No, No, Sonny, Save That Money!” This will be read at the event.

The two are thrilled to have each other as partners for this event.

“Sweet Factory being in our community is more than just candy,” McLean said. She said it is a family environment where the children can get knowledge too.

Scholarships are a form of financial aid awarded to students to pay for education. Unlike loans, scholarships do not have to be paid back. Scholarships are usually awarded based on academic merit or other achievement or financial need. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when applying for scholarships.

• First, make sure you have a current Free Application for Federal Student Aid on file with your school’s Financial Aid office. Students aged 24 and younger will need their parents’ income tax return information to complete the application.

Applications can be completed online. Most scholarships require students to have a FAFSA on file whether or not the student is eligible for grants and/or loans. Some scholarships are specifically need-based. A current FAFSA helps determine a student’s financial need.

• Every school has a specific time period to apply for scholarships. Make sure you pay attention to application deadlines and know when the scholarships are available. For example, scholarships applied for during the spring semester will be applied to student accounts the following Fall and Spring semesters.

• Check the scholarship criteria of the scholarships you apply for. Make sure you meet the GPA requirement, credit hour requirement, program of study
requirement, etc.

If you do not meet/maintain the criteria, your scholarship offer may be rescinded.

• Most schools have some type of requirement, for example, writing a thank you letter to the donor, for students to accept the scholarship and the funds be applied to the student’s account.
Make sure you pay attention to deadlines for submitting required information. Not following through on required actions may cause your scholarship offer to be rescinded.

• Unless noted otherwise, most scholarship funds are applied directly to the student’s account and most scholarships are divided equally between Fall and Spring semesters.

• If a scholarship application requires any type of essay response, make sure you pay attention to the details. Spelling, punctuation, and grammar are important.

Be sure to give a complete response to each question. Scholarship applications are usually reviewed numerous times by different reviewers.

Your responses to essay questions are the chance for you to shine and make yourself stand out from the rest of the applicants.

Are You Ready to Learn More? Contact us today.