I don’t get to use the word flabbergasted much. It simply means greatly surprised or astonished, but it sounds more striking, so I’m going to use it today.

Flabbergasted. That’s the state I’d have to say I’ve found myself in more than once in the past couple of years.

As I see and hear the responses to local, national and international events from people who I’ve worked with, worshiped with, and even shared meals with, I’ve had multiple occasions to realize just how little I know about the people I thought I was close with, and I’m, well, flabbergasted!

Publicly, I’m a fairly low-key guy, so you’re not likely to trip me up after a reckless social media post or outburst at a gathering somewhere.
The river runs deep, though. I’ve just learned to listen more than I speak.

Moreover, other than emergencies, I believe a little thought goes a long way before action.
So when I see the public outcry and people tearing one another down in response to wars, sanctions, Supreme Court decisions and new legislation, I am often greatly surprised or astonished — especially when it comes from people I’ve locked arms with.

I take the collective charge to the Church (capital C) seriously. Here’s what the Apostle Paul had to say about us staying on the same page: Ephesians 4:1b-6... I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

This is clearly a call to unity. It’s a call for us to remain friends and continue working together toward honorable goals no matter how much we may disagree.
It’s a call to recognize that though many things may attempt to divide us, through humility, gentleness and with patience, there is little that can succeed in doing so.

There is no doubt that we live in a world and culture that adopts rules and enacts legislation that runs counter to the Truth of who God calls us to be. Yet, we must endure and even flourish.
I’m with you, friend. I don’t agree with everything I read in all caps on social media the other day, but I understand you better and am still willing to talk it out and work together for a better tomorrow.

Candidates and incumbents for the Fayetteville City Council squared off in brief mayoral and council district debates on June 30, hoping to sway voters to their way of thinking.

The Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce hosted the candidate forum at the Crown Coliseum Complex. The Fayetteville City Council and Mayoral election are on July 26. The election consists of a mayoral race and nine single-member districts.

The forum did not allow the approximate 60 audience members to understand how all members felt about any single topic since district candidates were asked different questions. Candidates who served in the military touted their leadership expertise, while those who owned or operated businesses touted their business acumen.

One emerging theme among those seeking office for the first time was that the current leadership was lacking. Incumbents mostly pointed to current city programs when asked about their accomplishments. Many candidates seeking their first terms promised more of everything, among them enticements to keep those getting out of the military and recent college graduates to stay in Fayetteville.

Mayor Mitch Colvin said the city is business-friendly and has demonstrated that through supporting small businesses, especially during the height of the pandemic, and forming partnerships to help businesses. He points to the more than 2,500 jobs created and $250 million in new investments.

Mayoral candidate Freddie de la Cruz said his focus would be on better mass transportation to help people get from their homes to work and back again. He advocated a more efficient way of getting to bus stops from homes, possibly using Lyft or Uber.

De la Cruz also criticized the city’s leadership response to the riots and the burning of the Market House.

“I didn’t like the way that was run,” he said. He said removing the “black painted stripe” around the Market House and then paying to repaint the street was an inefficient use of city resources. The Black Lives Matter issue surrounding the Market House was divisive, he said.

Colvin and de la Cruz also differed on their approach to finding a solution for the growing number of unhoused individuals in the city and the idea of term limits for the mayor and city council. Colvin noted the city is currently working on several programs to mitigate homelessness in the city, citing a proposed homeless shelter and other programs.

De la Cruz said much of the homelessness is a family matter and should be handled accordingly. He supports using public money for homeless centers for those who, because of mental illness or drug addiction, are not able to function without help. Others, who are capable of working, should be put back into the workforce, and that should be accomplished by bolstering the city’s economy, he said.

De la Cruz, a retired lieutenant colonel, said the mayor and city council offices should have term limits. He likened it to the Army’s change-of-command, where new leadership is infused often. Colvin, who has served as councilmember and mayor pro tem before becoming the city’s second African-American mayor in 2017, said the current two-year term works best. He was first elected to City Council in 2013.

“We have the shortest terms in the state, and we all run at the same time,” Colvin said. The city council and mayor all run for two-year terms and are not staggered.

“At any given time, there can be a complete turnover. Citizens decide every 24 months,” he said.

District 5 candidate Frederick LaChance, a Navy veteran and a graduate of the original Pine Forest High School, called for the removal of Fayetteville Police Chief Gina Hawkins. LaChance is running against long-time incumbent Johnny Dawkins Jr. LaChance also said his position is based on how the city, in his view, failed to respond to the riots and burning of the Market House. LaChance also endorsed combining city and county services.

Dawkins said he is a staunch proponent of a well-paid and well-equipped police department. He agreed with LaChance that some services should be combined and noted the Fayetteville Parks and Recreation services currently are a joint city-county venture.

The issue of race relations emerged in the debate between District 8 incumbent Courtney Banks-McLaughlin and downtown businessman Michael Pinkston. Pinkston previously ran for city council in 2015.

When asked about race being an issue in Fayetteville, Pinkston replied, “Race disturbs me deeply, but we need to get over ourselves.” He envisions a council that will discuss issues, not race, one that works on problems and votes for whatever is best for Fayetteville.

Pinkston said he supports the “Yes Fayetteville” initiative, which seeks to have at-large council representation, thus giving city voters more than two candidates to vote for. Currently, city residents can only vote for a mayor and their respective district representative. Adding at-large candidates would give city voters more voting options and, once elected, more council members responsive to that district.
Banks-McLaughlin told the primarily Black audience she was not in favor of the proposed “Yes Fayetteville” referendum, calling it racist and an attempt by some to achieve power and control over the city. Currently, eight of the 10-member council are Black.

Pinkston said voting in favor of having at-large council members would put us in league with other North Carolina cities like Raleigh and Durham.

Pinkston also said he supports the city’s previous pledge of $7.5 million for the proposed Civil War and Reconstruction Museum. Both the city and Cumberland County previously pledged $7.5 million each, with a county proviso that the committee behind the museum get other funding. The state of North Carolina has allocated $60 million for the project.
Banks-McLaughlin said she does not support the museum. She said there were more important issues in the community that the city could use the money for. Supporters of the museum have repeatedly noted the economic boon to Fayetteville in jobs and recurring tourist dollars once the history center is complete and under state control and operation.
District 4 incumbent D.J. Haire also supports single-member districts and does not support the proposed “Yes Fayetteville” referendum. Haire said the smaller single-member districts allow him to get to know his constituents better.

His opponent Thomas Greene asked, “What difference does it make?” Whether all single-member districts or some at-large districts, Greene said the issue is quality.

“Fayetteville has a leadership problem,” he said, maintaining that having the right people in place will make the difference.

Asked about the Murchison Road corridor, Greene said making residents along that route safe, enforcing building codes, and creating a better standard of living for those residents would do much to enhance that I-295 gateway into the city. Greene, a bail bondsman, said Fayetteville has a narco economy and a 50% increase in the murder rate. Working on those issues would greatly enhance Fayetteville’s image.

Haire countered that he had been a “drum major” for Murchison Road, citing the development of Bronco Square across from Fayetteville State University and securing $350,000 for supporting small businesses in the area. Haire so far has served 10 terms on the city council and is the second-generation owner of a real estate firm.

Others vying for office include incumbent Katherine Jensen and Jose Alex Rodriguez in District 1. Jensen, a small business owner, said people should shop locally and not travel to Raleigh or elsewhere to shop. Jensen listed her strengths as someone who collaborates with others to achieve results.

Rodriguez said Fayetteville needs to provide incentives to recruit big business to keep exiting military and college graduates to stay and seek careers here.
In District 2, incumbent Shakeyla Ingram hopes to ward off Tyrone Williams in an effort to keep her seat on the council. Williams is a former city council member. He resigned in May 2018 over ethical concerns. Ingram is looking to serve a second term and is an advocate of affordable housing, police accountability and the inclusion of the community in fighting crime.

“You can’t arrest your way out of everything,” she said.

Williams, an investor and developer who served on an economic development board in Norfolk, Va., said his family left their Raeford farm years ago to seek a better life in Fayetteville.

“It hasn’t turned out that way,” he said. He said development and the use of $40 million in American Rescue Plan money could encourage development in Fayetteville.

Mario “Be” Benavente and Antonio Jones are vying for the District 3 seat. Jones was appointed to the council in December 2021 to replace Councilwoman Tisha Waddell who resigned from the District 3 seat in November, alleging unethical behavior by several members of City Council.

Mario Benavente recently earned his law degree from North Carolina Central University and is a graduate of the Fayetteville Police Department’s Citizen Police Academy. Benavente claimed racial profiling by police at traffic stops has increased during the past 10 years. He said a citizen endorsed Civilian Review Board has yet to be established.
Jones is a certified military relocation realtor and refused to debate Benavente’s claim that he accepted dollars from an out-of-town super PAC.

“I’m not getting into mud,” he responded.

Jones also said Fayetteville needs industry to keep young people interested in staying, but they also need better entertainment venues.
District 6 pits two newcomers to politics: Peter Pappas and Derrick Thompson. District 6 was left vacant after Councilman Chris Davis opted to run for state office. Pappas owns and operates the family’s Baldino Sub Shops. Thompson is a 20-year Army veteran and former U.S. postal carrier.

District 7 incumbent Larry Wright faces Brenda McNair who trailed Wright by only four votes in the primary. McNair is running on a platform of reconciliation. Third term Wright says his primary concern is reducing crime.
Finally, Fayetteville native Deno Hondros seeks to replace incumbent Yvonne Kinston. Hondros is a commercial realtor. He did not attend the forum because of a previous out-of-state commitment. Kinston is a telecommunications customer service representative and an officer in the Communications Workers of America Union.

For more detailed information about each candidate’s position, see Up & Coming Weekly’s 2022 Election Guide at www.upandcomingweekly.com.

President Ronald Reagan once quipped, “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.” Certainly good for a chuckle, but also enormously insulting to public service employees, 76,000 of them in North Carolina, according to the Office of State Human Services.

If you live in Cumberland County, the chances are good that you, someone in your family or a friend is a state employee. Cumberland County is well within driving distance to the Triangle, home to our state capital and the workforce that supports state operations.

In addition, various state departments and agencies have offices all over North Carolina, employing workers at all levels, including hundreds in our community.
Most of them take their job responsibilities seriously while under increasing pressure and enjoying little public support in this era of anti-government sentiment.
More and more public service employees at the state and local levels are deciding with their feet and taking their skills and experience elsewhere, many enticed by higher pay in the private sector. While the Office of State Human Resources touts 76,000 state employees, the current reality is much different.

The News and Observer recently reported that the current vacancy rate among state agencies is now 21%, with almost a quarter of all jobs unfilled. Three years ago, that rate was 12%. COVID probably accounts for some of this, but for whatever reasons, the number of state employees has dropped from 61,800 in April 2020 to 57,200 today. Ronnie Condrey of State Human Resources told The News and Observer that unfilled jobs and high turnover are a serious problem for our state.

“We spend a lot of time training people, and they turn around and use that elsewhere.”

It is hard to blame them.

Private sector jobs traditionally pay more. Public sector jobs generally come with more job protections and more generous benefits, although those have waned in recent years. At the end of the day, though, public sector pay has to be enough to live on, and that simply is no longer the case in North Carolina and many local communities.

The North Carolina General Assembly has enacted a 5% pay raise for most state employees over two years, which is significantly lower than the current inflation rate. Cities and counties are scrambling to give raises as well, but even when there is the will, the way is difficult in poorer communities.

Other factors affecting the public workforce include aging public employees and a younger population that is more mobile than ever before.
I cannot speak for you, of course, but I want and expect certain services from my government at the local and state levels.

From the state, I want the roads my family and I drive to be safe, well-maintained and patrolled. I want the schools my grandchildren attend to have well-trained teachers and administrators and enough of both. I want North Carolina prisons to have enough corrections officers to keep themselves and those in their custody safe. I want adequate numbers of health care professionals at state facilities to provide care to people who need it.

From local governments, I want law enforcement officers to show up when we need them. I want someone to answer my 911 call in a timely manner. I want safety inspections for buildings, bus drivers for public transit and lifeguards at public pools. I am also grateful for public parks where families can enjoy each other and public libraries we can all explore.
I will go out on a limb here and speculate that you want those services as well. They are not the “help” Ronald Reagan joked about so cavalierly. They are the services that keep our communities safe and the amenities that make them attractive places to work and live.

If we want to keep them, we must insist our state and local decision-makers fund them.

Limitless is the only way to describe the exhibitions at Gallery 208 in Fayetteville. Each exhibition is an opportunity to share experimental contemporary artists, how curiosity has shaped an artist’s style and how material, sometimes the immaterial, can communicate an idea or feeling in a work of art.

Intersection: Textiles and Printmaking by Martha Sisk is the newest exhibition, opening July 12, and exemplifies an artist who has merged the boundaries of fiber arts and the art of print. The public is invited to meet the artist during the reception of Intersection at Gallery 208 on July 12, between 5:30 to 7 p.m., to view an exhibition of wall hangings and fine art prints. Visitors to the reception will see how effortlessly Sisk moves between fabrics and printmaking — each medium influencing the other, and the ordinary becomes extraordinary!

Whether it is fabric or printmaking, the core of this artist’s success is being inspired by nature and how fragments, or parts, can result in balanced completeness. Working methodically and intuitively, Sisk responds to pattern, color, shapes and texture to create cohesive designs and compositions.

Working with fabric since she was a child, as an adult Sisk continues to work with fabrics to create dolls, children’s clothing, quilts and wall hangings.
Her turning point towards creating nonfunctional fine art with fabrics took place in 2005 when Sisk attended a workshop on a “confetti” embroidery technique. Her piece, “Thank you, Monet,” is the result of the workshop and is being exhibited in Intersection.

“Thank You, Monet” is an 18” x 24” inch framed work created from an assortment of many, many small pieces of fabric arranged to create an image. Created by the “confetti” technique, Sisk and the other participants were inspired by pictures they took to the workshop. Many small scraps of fabric were arranged to resemble their images, the surface of loose scraps held in place with “tull,” an undetectable netted fabric, then machine sewn on top to keep all the small pieces of fabric in place. (On the label, next to the work, is a small picture by Claude Monet, which inspired her interpretation of his landscape using fabric.)

In comparison, fast forward to 2014, an 18” x 24” woven silkscreen in the exhibit titled “Borne Along by Dreams” is an example of how Sisk was influenced by her experiences in fiber arts to create an original type of fine art print. Rhythmic patterns of shapes of color and the surprising ways of creating a recognizable image by the unexpected placement of various textures are the results of her fiber arts experiences.

Since the 1970s, due to the Women’s Movement, there has been a growing interest in fiber arts as fine art. During the last thirty years, a true renaissance in fiber arts has taken place by contemporary artists — nationally and globally. Gallery 208 is exhibiting Sisk to share a regional artist’s response to fabrics by displaying her wall hangings and original prints as a way for visitors can compare the ways two different mediums have influenced each other.

Intersection is also an exhibition that exemplifies the ways in which artists respond to materials and the endless possibilities of any medium to express an idea. Sisk has been influenced in many ways to continue to work in fabrics and eventually printmaking.

“I am a collector of materials and tools, machines, patterns, books, paper and thread; I have a willingness to try something new, and a fascination with nature,” she said.

“In any work I create, I am always trying to share my love of nature — especially trees. Trees are so beautiful and fantastic no matter the shape, condition, size or type. I have an appreciation for forms and colors; I notice textures and see beauty in places and things many people might not. I see color most of all. I would like for the viewer to see what I see — beauty in the way I have used colors and shapes. Hopefully, the viewer will be transported to their own memory of places in nature.”

The progression from fabric to screen prints as a material for her work has been natural.

“After so many years of cutting up fabrics, it seemed natural to cut up unsuccessful silkscreen prints and use the colorfully inked paper surface in some way. What began as an experiment, cutting the silkscreen into long bands of color, then weaving them into an abstracted image, became an exciting way to work with the printed image.”
When asked about the pleasures of working with fabrics or printmaking, Sisk shared the importance of enjoying the process and working towards a finished product.

“Sometimes, solving a problem is a joy because the problem allows you to think in a different way — occasionally even allowing collaboration with a family member. It is satisfying to hear the solutions and work together.

For both, just being creative is a positive activity that makes me happy.

With fabrics, the art form includes so many variations that it is impossible to ‘get tired of it.’ Plus, it is a ‘clean’ art — requiring no water or solvents — nothing to clean up after I am through — except little threads on the floor and other little messes made from scissors and fabric. In printmaking, you have the advantage of multiples. But I like the monotype printmaking approach — weaving together parts to make one unique print.”
Since all mediums have their advantages and disadvantages, Sisk explained, “Since I don’t use plain fabric, it’s difficult to find fabric with the colors and pattern I like. I love tools, but scissors and needles can get blunt and thread breaks. Unfortunately, sewing machines themselves can break. Quite differently, the tools for printmaking are simpler — almost primitive — and not inclined to break. However, the supplies used in printmaking, like ink, can be difficult to get consistent for an edition. For me, printmaking requires more patience than sewing. In silkscreen printmaking, drying time prevails; after pulling one color, the screen must be cleaned, then areas blocked out and have to dry before the next color; drying time is required before one layer can be added to the older layer.”

Working with fabrics has always been an enjoyable hobby throughout her life, yet Sisk did not become a professional artist until after a non-art career. With the many responsibilities as a military spouse, Sisk earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a Master of Arts degree for Exceptional Children in the late 90s and became an educator. It wasn’t until she went back to school in 2013 to take some art classes at Fayetteville State University that she decided to complete the FSU Visual Arts degree. While working on the arts degree, Sisk began exhibiting her work; as a professional artist, her works are in many private collections.
Intersection is more than an exhibit of works by Martha Sisk; the exhibit is a tribute to ways in which an artist explores the potential of material, alternate surfaces, shapes, color and texture.

Hopefully, visitors will leave the exhibit excited about the possibilities of any collection of supplies, crafts or art and see the potential to express and share something beautiful, an idea or a feeling with unexpected materials.

The public is invited to attend the opening reception for Intersection: Textiles and Printmaking by Martha Sisk on July 12, between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The exhibit will stay in the Gallery until Sept. 30. Gallery 208 is located at 208 Rowan St.

Hours of operation are Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information, call 910-484-6200.

As the dog days of summer approach, families are scrambling to complete their activity bucket lists before the new school year beckons.

While getting it all done in one day may seem like a tall order, Prime Movers of Hope Mills aims to try on July 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
After a successful initial run last year, Family Fun Day returns with even more in store for those with an epic summer wish list to check off.

The Prime Movers is an organization dedicated to bridging the gap between millenials and the Board of Commissioners. Their primary goal is to increase millennial engagement within the community and the town of Hope Mills. Events like Family Fun Day align with the organization’s goal to create opportunities to unite people.

“We had a great turnout last year,” said Monika Cotter, Hope Mills Prime Movers president. “This year, we wanted to make it bigger and better and change a few things. It’s a good way to get everybody to the Greenway

Walking Trail, get outside, get active and let families have fun together.”
Though “better” remains to be seen, a valiant attempt at “bigger” is apparent. This year’s itinerary is crammed with activities that appeal to every summer wish, dream and appetite.

“Everybody should come to this event,” Cotter said. “It’s even dog friendly, and if your cat walks on a leash — you can bring them too,” she joked.

Building on the success of last year’s Family Fun Day, this year will be packed with even more vendors and food trucks for people to enjoy. As a bonus, guests over 21 can take a stroll through Dirtbag Ales’ Beer Garden.

For those under 21, there’s still fun to be had. Guests can enjoy some yoga, I-95 muscle cars, a craft table, a bounce house and a kid zone. And if that’s not enough, those who dare can step into the ring and test their mettle in a sumo competition, complete with a padded suit.

The event will also feature an on-site photographer ready to snap an updated family photo in front of a fun background for just $5.
Family Fun Day is a free event open to everyone, but Cotter is most excited to see kids enjoying the day with their loved ones.

“I love seeing all the kids and their parents or grandparents taking part in what Hope Mills has to offer,” Cotter said.

Though the primary goal of Family Fun Day is to bring people together for a good time, it’s also an excellent opportunity to serve the community.

Prime Movers has organized a school supply drive to run concurrently with the day’s festivities as the school year approaches. Donations of notebooks, pencils, loose-leaf paper, disinfectant wipes, tissues, glue sticks, dry erase markers, water bottles and hand sanitizer will be collected on-site.

At the end of the day, Cotter hopes people leave with a smile on their faces.

“I hope to hear that people had a lot of fun with their families,” she said.
Family Fun Day will be held at Hope Mills Golf Course, located at 3625 Golfview Road in Hope Mills.

For more information about the event, visit www.facebook.com/hopemillsprimemovers2020.

Supporting local businesses and nonprofits is important to Gaston Brewing Company Founder and CEO Troy Rassmussen.
After speaking to his team, they decided to create an event this summer that would be fun for the whole family while also supporting the community.

“We wanted to do an event that would feature local vendors, local food, obviously local beverage, which was provided by us. And most of all, we wanted to partner with a local nonprofit organization to bring awareness to their cause and to help potentially raise some funds in support of what they're doing,” Rassmussen told Up & Coming Weekly.

The nonprofit they chose was the Fayetteville Animal Protection Society — Cumberland County's only no-kill nonprofit animal shelter.

The FAPS mission is "to provide a licensed, no-kill shelter for homeless animals until adopted into a loving and caring lifetime environment; to reduce the population of stray animals and to promote responsible pet ownership. FAPS receives no government funding and relies solely on the generosity of individuals and businesses to fund its lifesaving work,” according to their website.

All profits from the multiple raffle drawings at the event will be donated to the FAPS.
Some prizes for the raffle include gas gift cards, an indoor climbing package, local businesses' items and dancing lessons at Roland's Dance Studio.

Rassmussen says there will be all types of vendors, boutiques, food and kid-friendly activities at the event. Some of the food trucks that have been named for the event include Big Chiefs Food Truck and Pelican Snowballs. Local musician Ethan Hanson will be performing at the event.

For kids, Rassmussen says they are working on getting a kids zone section that will be a safe place for kids to play.
Some planned activities include a possible petting zoo, a splash pad and various games.

“It's going to be primarily an outdoor event," Rassmussen said. "So we'll have plenty for people to do and see and hopefully raise money for a good cause.”
FAPS will be out at Shops N' Hops and bringing some of the animals they have available for adoption. While it won't be same-day adoption, Rassmussen hopes that the people who will come and see the animals will hopefully think about adopting.

“So it'll be a great opportunity for people to come and meet the fine folks at FAPS, and hopefully, maybe one of the pups that they bring will find a new home,” Rassmussen said.
Rassmussen hopes these Shops N' Hops events will continue as a regular event at Gaston's.

“I think the idea is we would like to do this, you know, quarterly or maybe seasonally and choose a different nonprofit each time,”- Rassmussen said.
Shops N' Hops will take place on July 15 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Gaston Brewing Taproom. The event is free and is geared toward people of all ages.

Passing the older generation's stories to the next generation is the goal of the Lumbee Women, who are putting on a production of their stories at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke this month.

The play tells the story of six women, no one younger than the age of 65, and how they grew up in the close-knit Lumbee tribal community during the time of the Jim Crow South.
Each woman will tell her own story. Some are humorous, others heartbreaking — most are a mixture of both. Accompanying each tale will be music performed by a group of Lumbee musicians. The music will range from American Indian flute to gospel.

Darlene Holmes Ransom is one of the founders, producers and one of the women performing in the play. She helped create “lumBEES: Women of the Dark Water” here in Fayetteville. Ransom was inspired by the play,

“The Dames You Thought You Knew" at Cape Fear Regional Theatre.

“So after the show was over, we went backstage, and I talked to Bo Thorpe, who was the director," Ransom said. “I said, ‘I want to do this with Lumbee women.’ And she said, ‘You bring me the women, we'll do the show.’”

The six “Bees” are Roberta Bullard Brown, Dolores Jones, Jinnie Lowery, Dr. Jo Ann Chavis Lowery, Della Maynor and Ransom herself. Ransom told Up & Coming Weekly that over the five years of creating, producing and finalizing the show, the women formed a sisterhood.

“It was a very long process. A lot of hours. Thousands of hours. If the chairs and the walls and the tables could talk in Bo's home, the stories they would tell. Some of the stories were too raw to be on stage. Some of the ladies shared things they never shared before because every time, it would become a safe place to share your story, to say things and tell things about experiences that happened. Growing up brown in a Black and white world. Because our experiences were so different then, you know, than the norm.”

The play debuted at CFRT in 2019. It was sold out — something Ransom never expected.

“I get chills when I think about it. We're still in awe that somebody wants to hear our story," Ransom said. “And so after it was over, I mean, everybody loved it. There were so many demands for us to travel with it. We've been asked to go to theaters all over. Even to travel with it out West.”

However, as with most things in early 2020, everything shut down due to the pandemic. There were talks and even plans of having the production occur again last year, but then COVID-19 numbers rose, and for the safety of everyone, they canceled it.

But now, after three years, the Lumbee women will be telling their stories — this time at UNC Pembroke.
But this upcoming performance won't be the end of this group.

“So we're doing bumper stickers, we're doing a book, and we want to do a coloring book, and we want this to grow, you know, because we are seasoned. We know that we can't travel across the country and all the venues, but this needs to grow another generation. They have to tell their story,” Ransom said. “So that is our hope to start mentoring the next Lumbee Women of the Dark Water.”

The production of “lumBEES: Women of the Dark Water" will be held at the Givens Performing Arts Center. The play begins at 7:30 p.m. on July 8 and 9 and at 3 p.m. on July 10. Tickets are $20. For more information about the show or to purchase tickets, go to www.uncp.edu/gpac.

Walking into Pan from the oppressive Fayetteville heat is a literal breath of fresh air. The interior is small and cool, nearly as cool as the maps and botanical prints that grace just about every wall. Framed prints of far-off places, and few pictures more than two hundred years old, give the charming sandwich shop a little something special.

The celery green paint and neat green trim connote freshness, while the wooden tables and metal chairs seem effortlessly hip. A mix of high-top tables and family-style seating makes it a convenient lunch spot for downtown professionals or a place to grab a bite with friends.

A handwritten chalk menu bears exotic sandwich names such as “Waiting on the Train” and “The Lafayette,” while a keen eye might notice some familiar local names such as “The Gilbert” and the “The Dogwood.” It's clear behind each name is a story waiting to be told.

Open for two weeks at the time of this article, Pan is enjoying the rush that comes with being the new kid on the block.

“We made five pounds of fresh pesto two days ago, and it's gone!” Brian Graybill, owner of Pan, laughed in disbelief. “That's a lot of basil — it's going very well.”

Recently featured in the Fayetteville Observer's Forty Under Forty, Graybill, CEO of Graybill Hospitality and owner of local favorite, Napkins, is no stranger to the pace and intensity of the restaurant industry.

“I'm used to Napkins,” he shared with Up & Coming Weekly. “I'm used to the speed paired with quality. We're very prep-intensive here, so customer service can be quick. But it's been great; we're learning things every day.”

Graybill, a former air traffic controller with the U.S. military, found his way into the restaurant industry by chance. Making a transition to civilian life, Graybill had a difficult time finding work during the financial crisis of 2008.

“I needed a job, and no one was hiring, so I got a job at a restaurant,” he explained. “I like being on my feet, I like being creative and I like food.”

A folksy sort of charm weaves its way through Graybill's words as he speaks, and he gives the impression of a small-town guy with a great work ethic and a knack for people.
After nine years at Pierro's Italian Bistro, picking up tips and taking notes — cooking for people became not just a way to earn a living but Graybill's personal philosophy.

“Most people just want to eat and enjoy themselves when you see them at a restaurant. You can make a nice bright spot in everybody's day with food. In all the major events of our lives — there's always food involved. That's what people do," he continued, “they eat.”

Switching roles from chef to chef/owner, Graybill knew he wanted to get back to an era of fresh ingredients, original recipes and housemade everything.

“I think restaurants have gotten away from making their own recipes,” Graybill admitted. “When we opened Napkins, I made a commitment to make everything we can in-house. Every ingredient has an intent behind it. We want to make the food you can't get anywhere else.”

For what the restaurant doesn't or can't make in-house, a serious effort is made to order it locally or within the state.

“I am NOT a baker," he admitted, chuckling. “God bless them. We get bread from a local lady, Bead & Sugar, by Dali. We also get bread from Nick, a legend over at Superior Bakery.”

Most of the delicious meats piled on Pan's thick deli sandwiches come from San Giuseppe Salami Co, based in Elon, North Carolina. Graybill loves to support unique small businesses, particularly those local to North Carolina.

A local himself, graduating from Jack Britt High School, Graybill feels the city is poised for greatness, and his dream is to be a part of the changing cultural landscape of downtown Fayetteville.

“Gosh, nothing too grandiose,” Graybill answered almost shyly when asked about his overall mission. “‘Fay’ is the next city aching for a food renaissance," he continued. “We've seen it all over North Carolina with Raleigh, Charlotte, and we're kind of there. I want to be a part of the movement — to get back to good chef-driven food. I want to raise the bar on the food scene here in Fayetteville and elevate the food and beverage culture.”

Pan, whose mascot and symbol is a satyr bearing the same name, is Graybill's way of sharing his love of food with a city and community he appreciates so much.

“Everybody involved in our restaurant cares about what we're serving,” he said. “Everything is from scratch — It's fresh, light and, as a result, flavorful. We really care, and while everyone says that, we're doing the things that show that we do. We support the local economy by sourcing from people we know by name that we can call up on the phone, and it's awesome to be able to do that. It's amazing to be a part of this community.”

So much of Graybill's gratitude shows up in his food. The menu is filled with sandwiches named for the people who made the notion of Pan a reality.

The most popular sandwich on the board is “The Leclair,” named for Patrick Leclair, owner of Leclair's General Store, whose influence helped craft Pan's signature look. The sandwich showcases local greens, smoked chicken, fresh mozzarella, and the restaurant's signature pesto.

A self-proclaimed "pepper head," Graybill has his favorites narrowed down to two: “The Giuseppe” and “The Icarus.” Both feature the spicy soppressata provided by San Giuseppe Salami Co.
Though the days are long and there are more basil emergencies than he'd like, Graybill is living the dream.

“I enjoy the atmosphere and range of people I get to meet,” Graybill said. "You have to love it — somedays you don't, but it's a great place to be.”

Pan is located at 105 Hay St. in downtown Fayetteville. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For menu, prices, and news, follow Pan at www.facebook.com/panfaync/.

For those still looking for a summer camp for their kids, try looking to the past.

The Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex will be taking campers back to the Victorian Era and teaching them what it was like during that period.
Leslie Leonard, the curator of education for the museum, tells Up & Coming Weekly that this camp will be educational and fun.

“So we’re going to be doing games and activities that children would have done 120 years ago. We’re going to learn about what life was like, what art was like, what architecture, food, what children did for work, whether it be chores at home if they were in middle-class or upper-class families or even doing no work if they were in a lower-income family,” Leonard said.

This museum’s historical artifacts and even parts of the museum itself will be incorporated.
The camp will focus on life locally and not just, in general, Victorian times. This camp will have a direct focus on Fayetteville and the surrounding area.

“We just kind of wanted to do a new thing every year and thought that this one would be fun and appropriate. It’s easy to use what we already have on hand since we have the 1897 house decorated as a Victorian-era home. So we’re able to use that as a backdrop for many of our activities,” Leonard said.
There will be direct learning objectives every day, but Leonard says they just want the kids to have fun while also understanding that we have come a long way over the years.

“We want kids to be able to understand what life was like 100 years ago and how far we’ve come in that time, whether it be through technology, through society and politics or just our everyday way of living,” Leonard said.

The museum will be holding its second camp session in July. The camp will start on July 25 and end on July 29. The camp is only half-days, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The camp is for kids ages 9 to 12 years old.

There is a limit of 15 campers total for the session.

“We’re doing it a little bit different this year and maxing out the number of campers at 15 where we did 30 before, in the past, because we wanted to make sure that there would be no reason to cancel it this summer,” Leonard said.

In order to register for the camp, parents must come in person to the museum.

They must have the proper paperwork and proof of age for the camper and pay the registration fee.
The registration paperwork can be found at https://museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov/events/summer-history-camp-2022-victorian-carolina-0. The museum has received grant funding to run the camp from the Cumberland Community Foundation. So the fee for the camp is only $30 for the whole week.

The CCF is a charitable organization that helps donors make life better in our community.

There are limited spots for the camp, and it is first-come, first-serve. For more registration information, call the museum at 910-500-4243.

Carolina Drag Brunch is bringing the sass back to Saturdays. With live music, mimosas and plenty of laughs — it’s brunch, only fabulous.

Drag Me To Dirtbag-Draft Queens, hosted by Tatianna Matthews, will take place at Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom on July 9.

Two showtimes are available for guests to enjoy the show. The 11 a.m. option includes brunch, while the 1 p.m. show will be a “brews only” event.

The taproom’s airy interior and light-filled floor-to-ceiling windows provide a perfect stage for lip-synching, posing and eye-popping looks. Guests can expect a little bit of everything and should come fully prepared to be entertained. Tap Room Manager, Michelle Bruening, expressed her delight with the show.

“Drag Brunch has been here as long as I have, and I’d never seen a drag show before I worked here. I really enjoy the energy everyone brings. Everyone is just so excited to be here. A lot of people come just to have the most fun. It’s such a welcoming environment — everyone is in a great mood.”

DJ Alan will get the party going as three charismatic queens take the stage. Ticketholders will be treated to the many talents of Amanda LaRouxx, Ebony Addams and Ravion Starr Alexandria St. James.

The interactive show runs about two hours, and every minute is packed as the ladies work to put on a show.

“I love the costumes they come out in,” Bruening admitted, “they’re just so glamorous.”

Carolina Drag Brunch brings queens from all over the state to perform at different venues throughout the Carolinas. According to their mission statement, “our goal for our events are to enjoy the company of fabulous queens and have a good time.”

Tipping is encouraged as the stunning performers sing and dance their way through the taproom. The crowd should also be prepared for some light heckling from the stage — all in good fun, of course.

No good brunch is complete with mimosas, and Dirtbag, true to its brand, has more than the standard recipe on offer.

Mimosa buckets (a whole bottle of champagne), Glittered Sangria and an enticing Dirtbag special called a Brewmosa all make for a truly unique brunching experience.

True, the family-friendly show offers exciting entertainment options for locals looking for something different, but what’s unsaid speaks louder than any DJ turntable: Dirtbag Ales is a safe space — and within its walls, you are welcome.

“I think everyone should come,” Breuning told Up & Coming Weekly. “As long as you’re comfortable, you’re invited. We include everyone here.”

To put action to sentiment, the money raised during Drag Brunch goes right back into serving the LGBTQ community, most notably displaced queer youth. The brunch’s affiliation with organizations like Free Mom Hugs ensures the inclusivity and acceptance experienced during a Drag Brunch are both felt and shared once the show is over.

Tickets for brunch and a show are $30; show-only tickets are $15. Tickets for children under 16 cost $10 for both options.

For tickets, visit www.simpletix.com/e/drag-me-to-dirtbag-draft-queens-july-drag-tickets-106806.

Exercising on the beach comes naturally. Many people jog, walk, walk their dogs, play in the surf, dig holes, build sand art, look for shells, fish and hunt for shells at night.
I recently visited my cousin, who has a sixth-floor condo in North Myrtle Beach. My 83-year-old cousin spends most of her day walking the beach, looking for shells in the surf, and if you met her, you would see the benefits from walks, jogs, hunting for shells and walks in the water and think she was much younger!

Morning coffee on the balcony gave me a bird’s eye view of the many ways the beach is enjoyed for exercise and relaxation, which are both therapeutic. A great view of the ocean and people-watching are added benefits! Each morning I took my mat out and did my barre workout. There is something about stepping off the mat and digging those toes in the sand.

The rewards of beach exercise are subliminal because you do not realize how many muscles you use, and there is beautiful sunshine and sand. Digging holes and making sand art involves all the movement patterns and use of muscle groups.

Playing in the surf or hunting for shells requires a test of balance and strength with the force of the rolling waves. Walking seems to be effortless, and before you know it, you have walked a long distance and going back turns into a headwind or vice versa.

There are many benefits to walking and jogging on the beach, and walking in sand is one of them, whether you are barefoot or have shoes on, and it is less stressful than walking on a hard surface. Your calf muscles work harder to push along the surface.

By walking at a slower pace, the uneven variation in the sand requires more effort and about three times more energy than walking on a hard surface. Jogging also requires more energy, and the movement pattern is less stressful on your joints because the sand acts as a cushion.

Jogging on the beach can build your strength while stabilizing your muscles and coordination. It takes more effort to stabilize your core on uneven surfaces. Your body begins to develop a natural and very efficient running form while adjusting to the instability. Running on sand has a long history of training benefits for sports. Top runners have made the beach a part of training for race preparations.
Going into the surf to swim, board or hunt for shells is a good core and balanced workout. Looking for shells in the lapping waves improves your balance and core strength as you brace to stand up or stoop down to find that perfect shell or shark’s tooth.

There are guidelines for walking or jogging on the beach, especially if you do it frequently. Injuries can occur because of the increased demand on your soles, hamstrings and calves. Walking in the sand with bare feet is fine for shorter distances, but longer distances should be undertaken with proper walking shoes to avoid shin splints.

The slope of the beach can provide a challenge for stabilizing muscles, leading to pain or soreness. If you run or frequently walk, change the direction that you are going and go at either high or low tide.
The sun can cause you to underestimate the impact of the temperature and sun rays on your skin. Walking with a water bottle and wearing sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses are always advisable.
Live, love life and enjoy the beach!

Toys are part of our culture reflecting the values and trends in society. The temporary exhibit “Let’s Play! A Time Warp to Toys of the Past” at the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex chronicles the development of toys and play as they accompanied the emergence of modern childhood.

Toys can tell an interesting story about how kids grew up in America. Megan Maxwell, the exhibit curator, says that the exhibit will show that despite differences in economic background, race, ethnicity and culture — things all children have in common are toys and play.

“The concept for this exhibit began with just a small group of toys that I found in the Museum collections room,” Maxwell said. “We thought it would be fun to do a toy exhibit for the summer since so many families visit the Museum during summer break. While there are toys representing many decades, I think kids of the ‘60s, 70s and 80s will be the most excited to see what we have on display. Toys are a universal language, and this exhibit will appeal to people of all ages and all walks of life.”

Maxwell says the key to play is imagination.

Highlights of the exhibit include rare tin lithograph mechanical toys, original Kenner Star Wars figures and handmade Black dolls that reflect the journey of Black Americans from enslavement through reconstruction and beyond.

Many of the toys in the exhibit were donated by several local individuals.
One of the stories told in the exhibit tells of Cassandra McMillion. There is a picture of 3-year-old McMillion holding her favorite toy, Sally. The picture was taken sometime around 1945. Sally was a sawdust/bisque porcelain doll. McMillion’s story is displayed next to the Handmade Black Dolls section of the exhibit.

The exhibit is also interactive for kids and adults who are “kids at heart.” Visitors can play along as they travel through the exhibit by giving the color wheel a spin and moving to the matching game circles on the floor.

Visitors can pose in a life-size Barbie box or stand in front of the Star Wars galaxy backdrop for a fun photo souvenir.

The exhibit is currently open at the Museum and will run through Sept. 4. This exhibit was funded by the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex Foundation. The museum is run under the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. They work with a vision to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of North Carolina. NCDNCR's mission is to improve the quality of life in the state by creating opportunities to experience excellence in the arts, history, libraries and nature in North Carolina.

In creating the exhibit, the North Carolina Museum of History staff assisted our local museum with technical and design assistance.

The Museum of the Cape Fear is located on the corner of Bradford and Arsenal Avenues in Fayetteville.
Admission to the Museum and the exhibit is free. Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. through 5 p.m.

Summertime for young people should offer fun, friendship and great memories, and what can be more fun than a cool, refreshing swim? Sadly, every summer brings the news that someone in our community, usually a young person, has drowned. Why is this the case, and what do we need to know before heading to the water?

According to the World Health Organization, drowning is the third leading cause of accidental death worldwide, largely affecting children and teenagers. Males are especially at risk, with twice the mortality rate of females.

The male brain certainly bears examining. Young males, in particular, are more likely to take risks, such as swimming alone or in secluded waters not authorized for recreational activity. Males of all ages succumb to predictable notions of invincibility and bravado.

The point here is not to assign blame to drowning victims or their families but rather to spark a discussion. It is not they who are tragically tone-deaf. It is society at large for not giving drowning the urgency it demands.
Adults, this is where you come in. First of all, we need to know what drowning looks like. Contrary to the popular notion of someone flailing madly in the water, experts agree it usually happens in silence. It can occur quickly, in as little as a minute.

A swimmer with his mouth open, gasping for air, his head bobbing in and out of the water, needs immediate help. Hair blocking the eyes or forehead and trying to swim in a specific direction but with no progress are other danger signs.

Safety experts agree on a few key suggestions: don't go swimming alone, learn CPR, avoid alcohol before swimming and boating, add fences, alarms and cameras to home swimming pools and swim only in designated waters (secluded spots pose such risks as rocks, debris, currents and extreme depths not always anticipated). Most importantly, encourage swimming lessons. The YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs and municipal pools are the best places to start.

In a nutshell, supervise. Supervise the inexperienced swimmers, and supervise the experienced. In addition to adult supervision, encourage young swimmers to look out for each other.
Fifty years ago this month, I lost a dear family member to drowning. Surviving family members tend to torture themselves, wondering what they could have done differently. We endlessly ponder how far our best efforts go before fate takes over, but, as mere humans, our best efforts are all we have.

News reports alone can't convey the loss felt by families and communities touched by drowning. Individual stories are, in fact, chapters in a national tragedy, but we as a society reflexively write them all off as an unfortunate offshoot of an otherwise carefree season.

My wish is that young people enjoy their summers and let go, if only temporarily, of care and worry while still looking out for themselves and each other. Our job as adults is to foster the perfect balance between having fun and exercising caution. Youth is fleeting enough; let us hold onto its energy and innocence for as long as we can.

In the heart of Harnett County, just about forty-five minutes from "everywhere," fields of gold, yellow, orange and red await those looking to shoot some beautiful photos amongst the sunflowers on Cathis Farm.

The second annual Sunflower Days at Cathis Farm is a fun summer outing for the entire family, open Saturday and Sunday from July 9 to July 24.
Sunflower Days bring the vibrancy of summer, and ticket holders have access to two acres of land dotted with over twenty varieties of sunflowers.
Though most people are more than familiar with the lemon-yellow flower with a chocolate brown center, co-owner Stephanie Freas, loves to see people discover just how versatile the ubiquitous blooms can be.

"Some of these sunflowers are around 10-feet-tall and bigger than your head. There are fluffy ones and some that come in purple, orange and red. Sunflowers come in such wide varieties; it's a lot of fun to go through and discover all these flowers you just weren't expecting."

With a pivot toward events and seasonal activities in 2018, Cathis Farms teamed up with Freas, who brought her haunted attractions to the business. Their partnership proved a fertile environment for ideas, and the seed for Sunflower Days was planted.

When we first started this event, we noticed there weren't a lot of sunflowers around," Freas said. "We wanted to create a fun experience; it's really nice out here, and people are looking for outdoor activities to do.

People love sunflowers, and it's an opportunity to create great photos — it's just a fun summer event."
Single-day admission tickets grant access to the sunflower fields for as long as the visitor cares to stay. Each person gets a sunflower on the house, but they're also free to pick their own. To complete the pastoral aesthetic, they can even collect them in lovely galvanized buckets.

With a keen eye toward social media trends, Cathis knows its audience and offers Sunflower Days first and foremost as a prime destination for photographers and selfie-lovers alike. Friday, July 15 and 22, guests can access the farm in the evening to capture the beautiful sunset and some gorgeous late afternoon light.

"This is a big photography event," Freas explained. "We're sprinkling photo-ops all around the farm. There are a lot of antique bicycles, tractors and benches, just mixed in with the flowers. It's perfect for maternity shoots or engagement photos. Most people run around and take these cool selfies because it's such a great background."

Though not a totally kid-oriented event, Freas assured Up & Coming Weekly there will be plenty to do and see. The Cathis Farm concession stand will be open during Sunflower Days, and there is a hot dog cart featuring meat from the farm's own animals.

Guests can also pop in and take a look at the little market on-site stocked with local and regional goodies.

"It's a nice getaway to the country," Freas said thoughtfully. "We try to do things a little bit different here — something fun enough to bring the whole family. We try to provide a wide variety of things to do throughout the year."

Tickets are $15 for ages 11 and up and $10 for ages 3 to 10. To purchase tickets, visit https://cathisfarm.ticketspice.com/sunflower-days-2022.
Cathis Farm is located at 544 Falcon Road in Lillington.

Two men who have been champions of downtown Fayetteville were honored as visionaries at a luncheon Wednesday at Segra Stadium.
Menno Pennink and the late Harry Shaw received the 2022 CityView Downtown Visionaries awards in recognition of their longtime commitment to revitalizing and improving the downtown district.

The awards are sponsored by CityView Magazine.

Pennink, a retired neurosurgeon, recruited 17 businessmen in 1992 to purchase and renovate the Prince Charles Hotel. Over the years, he has restored numerous other buildings downtown, including the Pemberton building, McKeithan lawyers building and Point News.
Perhaps his most well-known project is the $15 million residential and commercial building known as 300 Hay.
Shaw worked for more than 12 years to develop Cross Creek Linear Park not far from his childhood home on Hawley Lane.

The 2.7-mile park begins at Festival Park and runs through historic sections of downtown. Shaw, who died in May 2018, lived to see the 2017 ribbon-cutting to mark Linear Park’s completion.
Pennink and his wife, Suzanne, accepted his award. Shaw’s daughters, Faison Covington and Sally Schmitz, accepted the award on his behalf.

"It is always exciting to celebrate our downtown and the economic opportunities around the corner, but even more rewarding when we take a moment to recognize the visionary leaders that helped make it happen," said Tony Chavonne, publisher of CityView Magazine.

As part of Wednesday’s luncheon, a video tribute to Pennink and Shaw, narrated by city historian Bruce Daws, was played.
The ceremony also featured representatives of several downtown and Haymount projects that are now underway.
Mary Kate Burke, artistic director of Cape Fear Regional Theatre, described plans for a $16 million renovation and expansion of the building. The theater opened in 1962.

Mac Healy, co-chair of the N.C. Civil War and Reconstruction History Center Foundation, discussed progress on the $80 million building that will be off Arsenal Avenue and become part of the state-supported Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex.
Assistant Cumberland County Manager Brian Haney spoke about plans for a new special-events center, including efforts to solicit public input about where it should be located.

Bianca Shoneman, president and chief executive officer of Cool Spring Downtown District, delivered the State of the District report on business and economic activity downtown.

An owner of apartment communities in 19 states has purchased two more in Fayetteville with plans to make $7 million in improvements to the properties.
Morgan Properties, regarded as one of the nation’s top three multifamily housing companies, has acquired Westlake at Morganton and The Preserve at Grande Oaks, which have a total of 642 units, according to a news release.

The apartment communities were purchased from Morganton Management and Development of Fayetteville. The purchase price was not disclosed, said a representative of Morgan Properties on Thursday.

The deal means Morgan Properties now owns five local apartment communities with a total of 1,530 units. The company purchased the Village at Cliffdale, Chason Ridge and Morganton Place in November 2021.

“As relatively long-term holders with apartment communities in 19 states, we routinely seek to strengthen the geographic diversity of our overall apartment portfolio,” said Greg Curci, executive vice president of operations for Morgan Properties, said by email. “Likewise, when attainable, we prefer to have a mix of asset classes within a given market to provide rental options at various price points. Our recent acquisitions in the Fayetteville market satisfy both of those objectives by providing us with three 1990s-built assets and two assets developed in 2007 in the stable and enduring Fayetteville market.”

The acquisition brings the company’s total portfolio to more than 93,000 units across the nation, the news release said.
Morgan Properties cited Fayetteville’s access to Interstate 95, the presence of Fort Bragg and its proximity to the three largest cities in North Carolina as reasons why Fayetteville is attractive for economic development.

“We look forward to growing our presence in this attractive market and continuing to build our experience in Class A multifamily across the country,” said Jason Morgan, president of Morgan Properties, in the news release.

Westlake at Morganton and The Preserve at Grande Oaks are pet-friendly communities with amenities that include a pool; fitness center with an on-site trainer; business center; entertainment lounge; and movie room.

The one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments offer updated kitchens and bathrooms, in-unit laundry rooms, new appliances, walk-in closets and patios, the news release said.

Westlake at Morganton has direct access to parking garages.

Morgan Properties plans to invest $7 million for interior upgrades and smart-home technology at the apartments, the release said. Other amenities planned include a new clubhouse, dog parks, patios for grilling and a bike-share program.

A man has been arrested in South Carolina and charged in the May 13 shooting death of a Fayetteville teenager on Yadkin Road, the Fayetteville Police Department said.

Lamon Isaiah Townsend, 21, has been charged with first-degree murder, the department said in a release. His address was not immediately available. Townsend was arrested Wednesday, June 29, in Bennettsville, South Carolina, by members of the U.S.Marshals Service Task Force.

Townsend is in jail in South Carolina pending extradition to Fayetteville.

Townsend is charged in the death of a 17-year-old who was shot along the 5700 block of Yadkin Road. The Police Department has not released the teenager’s name, citing his age.

Officers responded to a reported shooting in the parking lot on the 5700 block of Yadkin Road around 7:40 p.m. They found the male teen, who had been shot multiple times. He was taken to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center but died as a result of his injuries, police said.

In a partnership touted as the first of its kind, Fayetteville’s economic development agency is teaming with the Army Reserve Command to help reservists and their spouses find civilian jobs.

The Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corp. signed the agreement with the Army Reserve Command’s Private Public Partnership Office on June 16, according to EDC officials.

“We’re the first economic development organization to have this kind of partnership. I’m sure we will not be the last,” EDC President and CEO Robert Van Geons said Thursday.

“I can’t think of a more fitting partnership,” Van Geons said in a news release. “This will enable us to continue to build, bridge and create an ongoing collaborative conversation here. I think we can do incredible things together, positively impacting the lives of our reservists and their families.”

The EDC said the agreement will help soldiers and their families overcome barriers to getting a job or having access to education in ways that support mission-readiness goals and build community connections.

The Private Public Partnership Office of the Army Reserve Command works to ensure that reserve soldiers succeed in civilian careers, the release stated.
Van Geons said the partnership “shows how we're trying to position Fayetteville and Cumberland County to be innovative leaders in areas like this and in new technology (and) creative ways we can do more together in collaboration."

“It is about retaining talent,” Van Geons said Thursday. “And so a survey we've done involving those who are engaged with our military -- full-time service or reservist or even folks in the (National) Guard – (shows) their future employment ultimately impacts where they eventually reside. The military makes investments in training and skills development, and we want to keep those skilled folks who serve our country here in Fayetteville and Cumberland County.

"Conversely, those skills and talent help us retain quality employers,” he added. “It's a win-win for everybody involved."

Rob Patton, executive vice president of the Economic Development Corp., said that even though the partnership is a first, it is certain to lead to future partnerships with other economic development organizations.
Patton is a retired Army colonel.

“This is a big day for all of us,” he said in the news release. “We're very honored to be a part of this, but also, I'm humbled to know that we are the first EDO to be an official partner with the Army Reserve."

More than 87% of reservists integrate military service with civilian careers, providing the Army with professional skills, education and expertise acquired in the private sector, the release said. But many reservists are either unemployed or underemployed.

Many hiring programs are geared toward veterans who are leaving the military.
But in this case, the reservists who are currently serving also need civilian jobs, the release said.

“Some of the unsung heroes in the United States are the reservists," Patton said in the release. “That is an extremely tough job -- balancing family life, personal life, work life and then that other thing called the Army."

The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal hit-and-run that occurred May 21 in Stedman.

Rose Zolman, 28, was found in the middle of Sandy Creek Road near Page Road, the Sheriff’s Office said in a release. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol initially looked into the case, and the Sheriff’s Office has assumed control of the investigation, the agency said in a release.

Zolman was killed during the early hours of May 21. No other information was immediately available.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about Zolman’s death to contact detective Senior Sgt. C. Zwan at 910-677-5503 or Fayetteville / Cumberland County CrimeStoppers at 910-483-TIPS (8477).

As people gather over the next few days to celebrate the July 4th holiday, firefighters and law enforcement officers are reminding the public to make safety a priority.

“We hope that everyone is able to safely enjoy the July Fourth holiday by spending time with family and friends,” Fayetteville police Lt. Lori Holloway said in a release. “Be careful with fireworks and firearms, look out for your neighbor, be aware of your surroundings and consider celebrating with others at one of the local professional shows.”

The assistant Fayetteville fire chief agreed that professional community fireworks shows are the best option.

“Our area has only seen a small amount of rainfall this summer and conditions continue to remain dry,” said T.J. McLamb, who also is the city fire marshal.

Igniting explosives in dry conditions can have dangerous consequences. Flames can spark unexpectedly and spread, the city said in a release.

On July 4, 2021, the majority of fires in Fayetteville occurred after 10 p.m., many of the fires were in dumpsters, outside trash cans or rubbish, the release said.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission, nearly 13,000 emergency room-treated injuries are associated with fireworks annually, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office said in a release.

The Sheriff’s Office offered these safety tips:
Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
Make sure the person lighting the fireworks always wears eye protection.
Light fireworks one at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
Never throw or point fireworks toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays.
Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.

According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, North Carolina residents averaged 197 emergency department visits per year for firework-related injuries between 2017-2021, the city said in its release.

A person can be charged with up to a Class 2 misdemeanor for a violation of North Carolina General Statute Chapter 14, Article 54 concerning pyrotechnics.

Sheriff Ennis Wright also urged residents to use caution when swimming at the beach or a pool. He also urged motorists to be alert when traveling on the busy holiday weekend.

Pet safety

Cumberland County Animal Services also reminds residents to keep their pets safe on July 4th.

Meredith Garringer, a veterinarian with Animal Services, said residents may want to keep their pets indoors the night of July 4 when fireworks may frighten them.

“Being in the Fort Bragg area, a lot of our pets are acclimated to loud noises,” Garringer said in a release. “However, with fireworks, you’re also going to see flashes in the sky. To us, it may be neat, but to them, it’s very scary.”

Garringer said that when animals are outside, they should have shade and cool water to help prevent heat stroke. If a pet is showing signs of distress, the owner should immediately call a veterinarian, the release said.

Animal Services will be closed Monday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. Regular hours are Monday through Friday 11 a.m.– 5 p.m. and Saturday 1-5 p.m.

A woman who appeared to be "in crisis'' was killed Friday night in an officer-involved shooting on Colgate Drive, the Fayetteville Police Department said.

Officers were dispatched just after 9:40 p.m. to a residence on the 2300 block of Colgate Drive in reference to an attempted break-in, Assistant Chief James Nolette said during a news conference early Saturday.

Officers were told that four men tried to break into the residence. Officers made contact with the occupants, a mother, a daughter, a grandmother and a grandfather, Nolette said.

No evidence of a break-in could be determined, he said.
While talking with the mother, Nolette said, there were some inconsistencies with her story. She also appeared “as if she were in crisis,’’ he said.

“And then suddenly, she produced a firearm,’’ Nolette said, adding that she began to threaten to harm herself.

Nolette said two officers spent about an hour talking with the woman, trying to get her to put down the gun and discussing getting her help.
The woman agreed to get assistance through Cape Fear Valley, and police had EMS ready to respond, Nolette said.
The woman continued to have the handgun, he said.
Several times during the talks, the grandmother and the woman’s child were around her, in front of her and “are in harm’s way,’’ Nolette said.

“After about an hour of de-escalating, the officers attempted to secure the weapon and gain control of the handgun,’’ Nolette said. “At that point, the struggle went to the ground and tragically, officers discharged their firearm. The female is deceased at this time.’’

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has been contacted to investigate the officer-involved shooting, the department said.
The officer will be placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation, which is standard procedure, the department said in a release.
The Police Department’s Internal Affairs Unit will conduct an internal investigation to ensure departmental policies and procedures were followed during the incident, the release said.

The names of the woman and the officers are currently being withheld.
There is body camera footage, which will be turned over to the SBI, Nolette said.
The department “reviewed it preliminary just to get an idea of the true facts that occurred there and not just perception,’’ Nolette said.

“This is a tragic situation,’’ he said.

“For almost an hour, the officers pled with this young lady, tried to get this young lady to put this weapon down. Tried to get the help that she wanted,’’ Nolette said. “... But it just escalated very quickly.’’

A section of McArthur Road was closed to traffic briefly after a head-on collision about noon Tuesday, according to the Fayetteville Police Department.
The drivers of two vehicles were taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, a news release said.
Officers were sent to the 500 block of McArthur Road at 12:03 p.m. Tuesday. McArthur Road was closed temporarily in both directions from Rosehill Road to Francam Drive while officers investigated the crash, according to the release.

Candidates for mayor and Fayetteville City Council will answer questions from the public and members of the media at an election forum Thursday morning, June 30.

The forum is sponsored by the Greater Fayetteville Chamber and will be from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Crown Coliseum.
Those who attend must enter through the West VIP entrance of the building.

All the candidates except one have confirmed that they will participate, according to chamber officials.
The election for city offices is July 26. Early voting begins July 7.

“The candidates will have a chance to express themselves and give their vision of the city,” said George Breece, a member of the chamber’s Government Relations Committee. He is also director emeritus of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber.

“We just think it’s important that citizens in Fayetteville have an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates,” Breece said.

The candidates for city office are:

• Mayor: Mitch Colvin and Freddie Delacruz.
• City Council District 1: Kathy Keefe Jensen and Alex Rodriguez.
• City Council District 2: Shakeyla Ingram and Tyrone A. Williams.
• City Council District 3: Mario Benavente and Antonio B. Jones.
• City Council District 4: Thomas C. Greene and D.J. Haire.
• City Council District 5: Johnny Dawkins and Frederick G. LaChance III.
• City Council District 6: Peter Pappas and Derrick Thompson.
• City Council District 7: Brenda McNair and Larry O. Wright Sr.
• City Council District 8: Courtney Banks-McLaughlin and Michael Pinkston.
• City Council District 9: Deno Hondros and Yvonne Y. Kinston.

The forum will be recorded and available for home viewing on the chamber’s website.
Gary Rogers, a member of the chamber’s board of directors, will serve as moderator.
Journalists with CityView TODAY, Up and Coming Weekly and The Fayetteville Observer will ask the questions.

Breece said Tuesday that all candidates have confirmed their participation except Deno Hondros, who Breece said will be in Florida for a family wedding.
Breece says he expects the candidates to discuss “their vision for the city of Fayetteville and how they can individually make a difference. You have incumbents, and you have challengers. I imagine the challengers will talk about why they feel they would better represent a district than the incumbent.

“There are some real interesting races here,” Breece added.

The Fayetteville Police Department is investigating a sexual assault and stabbing that happened early Tuesday near Santa Fe Drive.

The department responded to a reported sexual assault around 4:27 a.m. at the intersection of Santa Fe Drive and Coalition Boulevard. The preliminary investigation revealed that a woman had been stabbed multiple times and sexually assaulted, police said in a release. The woman was taken to an area hospital for treatment.

Detectives obtained images from an area business surveillance system of a person of interest as well as the vehicle the person was operating, the release said.

Just after 11 p.m. Tuesday, police said they had located the person and interviewed him. No other information was immediately available.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective J. Lewis at 910-703-9503 or Fayetteville / Cumberland County Crimestoppers at 910-483-TIPS (8477).

Annexation requests for three properties have been approved, including an 83-acre parcel south of Dunn Road that would be developed as an industrial site.

The Fayetteville City Council approved the annexations at its monthly meeting Monday night, June 27.
The request for the proposed industrial site was presented by Brandy Zachery, a civil engineer. The parcel is south of Dunn Road and east of Plymouth Street.

A request to rezone the property would change it from Cumberland County rural residential and Residential 10 to heavy industrial under the city’s zoning code.
The property belongs to heirs of Marie H. Whisman and Aom II LLC, a real estate brokerage with offices in Eastover.

Jennifer Baptiste, a senior planner with the city, said the land is vacant.

“The reason for annexation is for a proposed industrial site,” Baptiste said.

The council approved the request on a unanimous vote.
Two other annexation requests were approved by the council.
Tumbleweed Holdings LLC, which was represented by Bobby Branch, owns 5.3 acres near Shawcroft Road at Kimsey Lane.

The King’s Grant community is nearby.
The request was to change the zoning from Cumberland County Planned Neighborhood Development to Single-Family Residential 15.
The zoning commission and planning staff approved the initial rezoning, City Planner Craig Harmon told the council.

“The neighborhood has come together,” Councilwoman Kathy Jensen said. “We’ve got them at the table, and they’re one of the builders. They can help us out.”
The council had discussed right-of-way concerns about the project at an earlier meeting.
Branch said he had been unaware of access concerns at the site but that he will work with potential partners to open the right of way.

“We want to be good neighbors,” Branch told the council. “We’re going to help with King’s Grant on access. … There will be more access built into Farmers Road.”
Tumbleweed Holdings has no plans to build homes on the land or otherwise develop the property, he said. The swampy 5.3 acres will be used for stormwater control, he said.

“We determined that that infrastructure there is not suitable for development,” said Michael Blakely of Vacuum Design Services, who spoke on behalf of the project. “This will be part of a larger project that we are proposing — 140 lots by right.”

The land will be used as a utility corridor and for devices used to reduce pollution in stormwater runoff, which protects area waterways, Blakely said.

The council also approved a request from Gregory Whitley of MacRae, Perry, MacRae & Whitley LLP to annex eight parcels on behalf of a six-member ownership group. The 16.47 acres would be rezoned from rural residential and Residential 10 under county zoning to limited commercial conditional in the city’s zoning code.

The properties are on King and Rockfish roads.
Rick Myskey, who spoke in support of the annexation, said there are concerns about crime in that area and he was asking for more police presence.
He said the council should review security in the area.

“We’re right next to a school,” Myskey said.

Michael Futch covers Fayetteville and education for CityView TODAY. He can be reached at mfutch@cityviewnc.com.