The landscape of what is now Fort Bragg looked very different just over 100 years ago when the War Department purchased it.

It was once a thriving community of Highland Scot immigrants.

A glimpse of this past remains at Long Street Presbyterian Church, the oldest standing structure on Fort Bragg, constructed as a place of worship for this long-ago community in 1847.

It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and in the adjacent cemetery, the oldest readable marker dates to 1773.

The cemetery comprises 232 known graves.

When the War Department purchased the land, some six acres, the church, the cemetery and the adjacent school in 1923, the community was granted a handshake agreement.
This agreement granted the heritage families the ability to maintain their connection with the landscape and the ancestors laid to rest on the grounds.

The War Department committed to not moving any of the existing burials and assumed the stewardship for these cemeteries.
The last internment, dated 1932, reflects the War Department’s handshake agreement in continuing to allow heritage families access to the church and cemetery.

According to Fort Bragg Cultural Resources Management Program Archaeologist and Curator Linda Carnes-McNaughton, McFadyen family descendants held annual gatherings at the church during the mid-1950s to 1960s, in the 1970s to 1980s other heritage families joined in the reunions.

In 1995 the Fort Bragg CRMP office was created. With the addition of the program, Fort Bragg was able to allow families access to the grounds for worship and support the event. Since 1995 the Garrison Chaplain’s office has provided additional support for the family reunions, and CRMP has provided access to the church grounds and helped coordinate the gatherings.

The modern iteration, with a two-year pandemic hiatus, sees attendance of upwards of 120 heritage family members, soldiers and members of the public.
Each summer the families gather and worship in the same pews as their ancestors alongside any who choose to come and join them.

Military members and the public are invited to participate in this year's special worship service and a picnic lunch on the church grounds.
All faiths are welcome, and participants are encouraged to bring a potluck dish to share for the picnic.
Carnes-McNaughton feels there is much to gain for members of the public choosing to attend.

“They gain a greater appreciation of the depth and longevity of this landscape and its cultural heritage, and an understanding of the diversity of early settlers, the importance of religion in their lives in good times and bad times and how churches of this type served entire communities as cultural hearths, uniting families past and present,” Carnes-McNaughton said.
Over the years Carnes-McNaughton has attended and provided support for many reunions. She has observed many special moments.

“One of my favorite moments came when I witnessed (along with the congregants attending) the baptism of a McDiarmid descendant, a 5-month old boy," Carnes-McNaughton recounted.

"Watching that child's face as Reverend Clark Remsburg touched his forehead with cool water, and declared him to us all to accept into the fold, walking him up and down each aisle singing Jesus Loves Me, and everyone standing to welcome this child, was so moving and meaningful, especially as I glanced out the open window into the graveyard and spotted his ancestor Rev. Angus McDiarmid's marker, knowing that he too was witnessing this event and the newest generation of McDiarmid of the Sandhills."

The descendant congregation of the Long Street Presbyterian Church, the Fort Bragg CRMP and Fort Bragg’s Garrison Religious Support Office will host their annual reunion in celebration of the historic Argyle community on Sunday, June 26 at 11 a.m.

The church has no electricity or climate controls, so those in attendance should dress appropriately for warm weather conditions. Parking is available near the church with assistance from the Chaplain’s Office for elderly and physically challenged patrons. Patrons entering Fort Bragg through an access control point should review installation access procedures prior to arrival to avoid delays.

This year’s reunion will feature some historical highlights of early settlement in the region and Carnes-McNaughton will have an 1826 Gaelic Bible, on hand.

The bible was donated to the church by Donald McDonald of Edinburgh. McDonald donated a Gaelic bible to every church who once had Gaelic language services.

The bible is housed at the Fort Bragg CRMP Artifact Curation Facility for permanent care and will be at the event in a protective case to share with the attendees.

For more information, contact the Fort Bragg CRMP at 910-396-6680.

People walk many animals, including cats, dogs, goats, lizards, pigs and even chickens. I often see a home-based video workout and the family pet upstaging the presenter in the background or coming up to be a part of the production. Exercising with dogs is this article’s primary focus, but did you know there is goat yoga? A popular trend across the nation, goat yoga is supposed to have originated on a farm in Oregon, where it is estimated that hundreds of people are on the waitlist to participate. People that live in large cities with little contact with nature seek out retreats to spend time in a leisurely and therapeutic fashion on beautiful farms to get away and relax from daily life. A yoga instructor leads the class with an array of goats that not only add to the ambiance but they may also decide to take playful jumps and be a part of the overall goat yoga experience.

The most accessible companions for exercise are dogs. Dogs like to get out and walk, run and play, and what better way to enjoy an activity than with your best friend. Their tails start wagging the moment you get the leash out or put on your shoes! Our connection to pets continues to grow. Let’s face it; they are always glad to see you and listen when you talk to them.

Pets love us unconditionally and have such a positive influence on our lives, and one of the benefits can be physical fitness. People who walk their dogs spend at least 22% of their time walking and jogging with their pets compared to those who do not walk or have a dog.

The daily demands pets require from us include all the planes of motion and movement patterns such as bending, squatting, lifting and turning. Our fur babies need about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily, which is the same as their human counterparts. It has been reported that people with pets heal faster from joint replacements due to pet activity. Exercise for the pet and owner depends on the pet’s age, breed and health conditions as well as your own.

Puppies are way more energetic, and as they grow, short bursts of exercise may be more productive than an activity that requires more time. Creative ways to work out with your pet indoors include running up and down the stairs, playing indoor fetch, hiding and seeking and tug of war. Hide and seek with treats is a game that can be fun and beneficial as you squat down or ease into smaller spaces. Fetch is a game that always appeals to dogs giving you a great arm workout. Outdoor exercises include throwing a frisbee, another excellent arm and shoulder workout. Jogging with your dog is ideal, but remember that starting with long distances may not be beneficial until your fur baby is acclimated to the distance. Take your dog swimming, biking, hiking, camping at a dog park, walking or jogging. Always be cognizant of the safety of your pet with outside activities, and be aware of pet etiquette. For safety reasons, carry a water bottle and a doggy bag for cleanups. Read rules about the beach and regulations for pet parks, and keep your pet on a leash. Avoid exercising with your dog in excessive heat, and know that pavement can burn paws. Exercising with your pet is therapeutic!

Live and love life and enjoy exercising with your pet.

Tales of courage and bravery among resistance groups and partisans fighting against the Nazis will be on display across two exhibits at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum beginning next month.
The exhibits tell the stories of the Chetniks in Operation Halyard and the Jewish resistance force, the Bielski partisan group.

“It fits our mission of being an Airborne and Special Operations Museum. Special Operation soldiers work with local and indigenous populations to often help win the hearts and minds of the people,” Museum Director Jim Bartlinski told Up & Coming Weekly.

When entering the museum, you will first see several panels set up in the lobby.

The panels will tell the story of how a three-person Office of Strategic Services team, Serbian partisans known as “Chetniks,” and the 1st Air Crew Rescue Unit of the U.S. 15th Air Force airlifted more than 500 U.S. airmen out of Serbia.

This exhibit, Operation HALYARD: The Greatest Rescue Mission of World War II, is on loan from the Halyard Mission Foundation.

“They did not lose one person or one plane, so they were able to do this under the Nazi’s noses,” Bartlinski said. “It was one of those untold stories that just came to light in the last ten years because it was kept top secret because of what was going on between the former Soviet Union, Serbia and America. But it was finally declassified.”

Weapons, equipment and three videos telling the stories of the three OSS men will also be on display.

As visitors move into ASOM’s temporary gallery, Courage and Compassion: The Legacy of the Bielski Brothers will be displayed. This exhibit tells the story of the three Bielski brothers who ran a partisan group out of the forests in Belorussia. The brothers helped rescue and keep more than 1,200 Jews alive in those forests for more than two years. More than 70% were women, elderly persons and children who otherwise would have perished under Nazi occupation.

While keeping people safe, the group also helped in several operational missions against the Nazis. They disabled German trains, blew up rail beds, destroyed bridges and facilitated escapes from Jewish ghettos.

“The Bielski exhibit will be coming with a number of artifacts from the Florida Holocaust Museum — items used in the camps, items worn by the Bielski brothers and some video components as well,” Bartlinski said.“We will also be supplementing the exhibit with items from our own collection like weapons and other types of materials that partisans would have used.”

Several programming events surrounding the two exhibits are currently being worked out and scheduled at the museum.

“I hope they [visitors] get inspired by both stories and get an appreciation for the difficulties that people, past and present, go through to fight for their freedoms and independence against oppressive governments and militaries,” Bartilinski said.

The two exhibits will be on display from July 4 through November 13. Admission to ASOM is free, but donations are highly suggested.

Fayetteville has a new budget for fiscal year 2023.

The City Council unanimously approved the budget Monday night, June 13, forging ahead with little disagreement over Fayetteville’s financial planning for the next year.

The property tax rate will stay the same at 49.95 cents per $100 of property valuation.

The city’s solid waste fee will remain at an annual rate of $225 per single-family residential unit.

City officials previously considered increasing the trash fee several months ago.

The final value of the approved budget is more than $249 million, a slight increase from the slightly more than $248 million initial proposal introduced to council members last month.
Public comments on city vision

While no one spoke at the public hearing on the budget ahead of the council vote, speakers at Monday’s general public comment period of the council meeting addressed the vision of city government, urging the council to better address systemic racism and inequality in Fayetteville.

Several speakers addressed gun violence and police brutality, particularly an incident in January when Jeffrey Hash, an off-duty Cumberland County sheriff’s deputy, shot and killed Jason Walker, an unarmed Black man.
The N.C. Conference of District Attorneys decided in April not to press charges against Hash, arguing that the incident was a case of self-defense under North Carolina law.

“This council should be championing economic justice, racial justice, equity and health care and independent oversight of the Fayetteville Police Department,” said Shaun McMillan, co-founder of Fayetteville Police Accountability Community Task Force, during the public hearing.

“The majority of you should be forging ahead on policy that boldly and unapologetically dismantles the systemic faults that perpetuate inequality in your city. We need accountability, transparency, justice, policy and change.”

Changes to budget

After the budget was presented in late May, the City Council met three times to discuss and make alterations.

The city added $865,000 to the general fund, appropriated from various other parts of the budget.

The added money will increase funding for at-risk youth programs, workforce initiatives, community beautification programs and resurfacing of the walking trail at Lake Rim Park.

It will also add about $500,000 in increased payment to temporary, seasonal workers, increasing their minimum wage to $15 an hour.
While there were some initial disagreements about this change, the council ultimately approved it unanimously.

Voted Fayetteville and Fort Bragg's "Best Band" six years in a row, Rivermist is headed to Gates Four Country Club on Friday, July 1.

As part of the Gates Four Summer Concert Series and in partnership with Fayetteville Dinner Theater, the show begins at 7:30 p.m., with gates opening at 5 p.m.
Music-lovers and those in search of a great time need only look for the easy-to-find pavilion outside the country club to take part in the free, family-friendly event.

The series began last year as a ticketed event with five shows. Now open to the public with six performances scheduled, the concert series takes place every first Friday and features some of the finest entertainment in the Sandhills.

While people might not be used to the words "free and public," in association with a country club, Greg Adair, band member and spokesperson for Rivermist, assured Up & Coming Weekly it is indeed an event for everyone.

"Bring your dancing shoes," Adair joked. "This is open to everybody. People should remember to bring a chair, get some food, drink and get ready for some great music."

While no outside food or drinks are permitted, the event will have plenty of both available for purchase and liquor provided by Healy Wholesale Co. Inc.
Showcasing the talents of the Throwback Collaboration Band in April, the event headliners for May and June, Heart Breakers — a Heart cover band native to North Carolina, and Mostley Crue, a cover band from Raleigh, will rock the Gates Four stage later in the summer due to weather cancellations.
A lifelong musician and Fayetteville native, Adair's journey to the spotlight started in 2014. Originally in another band with a friend who fell ill with cancer, Adair formed a group to help fundraise for treatments and medical care.

After his friend's tragic passing later that year, the group remained but felt a name change was necessary out of respect. From there, Rivermist was born and has been rocking out ever since.
Transitioning to the role of a full-time musician in 2019, Adair expressed no regret and genuinely loves what he does. As the drummer, vocalist and band owner of Rivermist, Adair wears many hats, but they all fit comfortably.

"I love the exhilarating crowds," he explained. "I love seeing kids dance and freely enjoy themselves. There's nothing like seeing a kid enjoy music. They're so honest and precious, as adults should be."

After experiencing a bit of a slow-down as cities across the United States hunkered down to stop the spread of COVID-19, Adair is glad to be back to business as usual.

"We played about 65 shows in 2019," Adair reflected. "That dropped down to around 18 in 2020, and now we're scheduled for at least 70 this year. We still have 42 shows left this year."

Despite the obvious pride in his band and their success over the years, Adair remains grateful, giving all thanks and appreciation to the band's fans.

"We're humble," he said. "We have over 7,000 followers, people love to come to see us, and we genuinely love them too. There's no little man syndrome in this band, no divas or anything like that. Our families love each other, and we get along great. It's the most fun you can have in music."
Known for their high-energy shows often tagged as #rivermistparty on social media, Adair maintained, "Ain't no party like a Rivermist Party cause a Rivermist Party Don't Stop."

"We are a super energetic bunch," Adair shared, laughing. "We do it all. For the last show we had downtown, we had our guys walk through the crowds, wearing their instruments, and you couldn't even see them. Everybody was singing and moving; this band has just an abundance of personality. We get the crowd to participate and don't hold our heads down. We joke with each other and the crowd. It's just a fun time, and that's what it's about."

Being from Fayetteville, Adair feels a particular joy in playing for people who know the band and follow their journey. He sees music and the band's position up on stage as a charge to spread joy and be a light to those in the audience.

"We'll play about five to seven minutes at the beginning of each show and let the crowd know our goal is to take them away from anything bad lingering in their lives — we're there to make them happy. The crowd feeds off that. It's electric. To be on stage and see 5,000 to 6,000 people singing and dancing is definitely why we do it. There's nothing like seeing people have a great time."

Playing a variety of dance and pop music, Adair and his band mates: Allen Pier (keyboard, lead and background vocals), Rick Starling (percussion, keyboard, lead and background vocals), Tony Harrison (bass) and Cliff Bender (lead guitarist), play a little something that everybody can groove to. Rivermist covers songs from the Eagles to Bruno Mars and Alice In Chains to Travis Tritt.

"We try to vary the shows, so there's no crossover with these events," Adair explained. "There's something for everybody; we throw everybody a bone. 'If you leave here tonight and haven't heard anything you like — then you might not like music.'" He often jokes with the crowd.

The concert series is an opportunity for people to be led and gathered under the ruling spirit of summertime. Just a moment in the busy, bustling week, where parents, home from work, can round up their kids and head to a place with no schedules, no worries and no agendas.

Greg Adair, for one, is excited to see them there.

Gates Four is located at 6775 Irongate Dr. in Fayetteville.
The event is free and open to the public. Information about VIP tickets can be found at https://www.fayettevilledinnertheatre.com/.
For updates and information about upcoming shows and music, visit the Rivermist website at http://www.rivermistband.com/.

When I first began covering state politics and public policy in the late 1980s, North Carolina families dissatisfied with the quality of education provided by their local school district had limited options. Some could afford private schools, or to move to other communities where they hoped the assigned public schools were better. A few were brave enough to try homeschooling their children.

For most parents with concerns about their assigned schools, however, the only recourse was to complain to administrators or try to elect different politicians to their local school boards. Neither option proved particularly effective.

Since then, the situation has dramatically changed for the better.

For one thing, the state legislature created three new options — chartered public schools, opportunity scholarships for private education and educational savings accounts for special-needs students — that provide a wide range of choices for many North Carolina families. During the last school year, for example, some 130,000 students were enrolled in the state’s charter schools. Another 20,000 students received opportunity scholarships to attend private schools. Some 13,000 additional students have applied for scholarships next year.

Partially in response to these policy changes, teachers and entrepreneurs have created new educational enterprises that seek to serve families in new ways. Some are new brick-and-mortar schools and networks.

Others offer “university model” education that blend in-person and at-home instruction. Still others provide textbooks, resources, supplemental services and other assistance to homeschool families.

And with regard to the governance of school districts themselves, many North Carolinians are part of a national movement to push back against slapdash instruction, politicized curricula and operational decisions that fail to put the interests of students first. Initially frustrated by the lengthy COVID shutdowns imposed by state and local officials, parents grew angry when they saw firsthand what their children were being taught — or not being taught, as the case may be.

In the past, school-board elections were relatively low-turnout affairs in which local chapters of the North Carolina Association of Educators — the state affiliate of the nation’s largest teacher union — often played outsized roles. The NCAE’s influence is ebbing, however, thanks partly to changes in the timing and structure of school-board elections and partly to NCAE’s own missteps.

The organization is down to about 17,000 members, a tiny fraction of the total number of teachers and principals who staff North Carolina’s public schools. Even as NCAE was shrinking, it was becoming increasingly shrill and ideologically left-wing.

As a school-choice proponent and practitioner — my own children have attended a mixture of public and private schools — I recognize that many North Carolinians continue to cherish their relationships with their local school districts. They want their district-run schools to succeed, even as they also favor expanded options for families who want something different.

To advocate choice and competition, as I do, is not to advocate the abolition of public schools. In fact, I believe competition makes school districts better. That’s the way most other fields of human endeavor work, including preschool and higher education. As I’ve written about many times, there’s good empirical evidence for the proposition that increasing school-choice options in a community tends to improve student achievement and educational attainment within public-school districts, too.

Progressives disagree. They seek at least to roll back and constrain our school-choice programs, if not to abolish them altogether. They’re not going to succeed, though. The constituency for these programs is too large and growing too rapidly.

Would you believe that North Carolina ranks seventh in the nation in the share of children educated outside of district-run public schools? I didn’t either until I examined the latest numbers from EdChoice.org. Only Delaware, Louisiana, Arizona, Hawaii, Florida and Pennsylvania had higher percentages of kids enrolled in private, charter, or home schools.

According to the most-recent estimates, about a quarter of North Carolina kids were so enrolled last year.
That’s going to continue to rise, no matter how loudly progressives complain about it. Parents’ voices are louder, and more numerous.

It’s Pirate Day in Adventure Bay. Join Ryder, Chase, Marshall and Skye at the Crown Theater on July 5 and 6 for Paw Patrol Live. It’s an “all paws on deck” situation.

The Sandhills’ littlest adventurers can put their hero skills to the test and help the gang rescue Cap’n Turbot and uncover buried treasure on Adventure Bay with the help of a mysterious map. Tracker, a new puppy addition to the usual lineup, will assist as Mayor Humdinger tries to thwart the canine crusaders.

The show, now seen by over 4 million people since its debut six years ago, is an interactive experience that engages kids and parents alike.

“It’s geared for ages 2 to 6, but I like to say 2 to 200,” said Jeff Dietzel, spokesperson for the show. “Kids of any age can come and have a great time with their family.”
Since its debut in 2013, Paw Patrol has been a juggernaut in the kid’s entertainment area. The franchise, spawning several direct-to-video adventures, merchandise and a movie in 2021, shows no sign of slowing down.

“Kids love puppies,” Dietzel explained the continued popularity of the show and its characters. “They’re so unique and individual. Each character has their own personality and fears; they’re unique, like all kids are unique. And sure, they’re small, but they can be heroes too.”

While most kids are more than familiar with Adventure Bay’s four-legged heroes, a knowledge of the show and its characters isn’t necessary to fully enjoy the show.
The broadway-style show certainly aims to deliver in the entertainment department, inviting audience members not only an opportunity to watch their favorite characters up on stage but to be a part of the show themselves.

“There’s lots of singing and dancing,” Dietzel said of the show. “It’s a great introduction to live theater. It’s hard to sit there and be quiet. We encourage the kids to get up and sing and dance with us. Everyone in attendance gets a pIrate flag to wave — it’s a highly interactive experience.”
Children are definitely the target audience, but Dietzel assured Up & Coming Weekly that the show is just as fun for parents as it is for kids.

“It’s a great time for the whole family; parents have a great time seeing their kids have fun. It’s like a mini-rock concert,” he joked.
General admission tickets are $18, with a limited number of VIP (Very Important Pup) packages also available. VIP tickets are $110 and include prime seating, an after-show photo-op with the characters and a souvenir bag to take home.

“I really hope that kids have a great time,” Dietzel said. “My favorite thing is to hear that ‘this was the best day ever,’” It’s awesome to hear; it makes us feel like we’ve done a great job.”
Showtimes are Tuesday, July 5, and Wednesday, July 6, starting at 6 p.m.
The Crown Theater is located at 1960 Coliseum Dr. in Fayetteville.
For tickets, visit capefeartix.com, or call 910-438-4100.

With trampoline parks, playgrounds and plenty of indoor entertainment for big kids, it can be challenging to keep little ones entertained during the hot summer.

Fascinate U Children's Museum in downtown Fayetteville offers a place where parents can watch their children explore, make friends and use their imaginations. Set up to resemble a little city complete with a fire station, farm, grocery store and stage, Fascinate U allows children to engage in a world of make-believe where what they want to be, is what they get to be.

"This is a great place to take your kids in the summer to get out of the heat and have fun while learning," said Susan Daniels, Fascinate U director.

Fascinate U opened its doors in January 1999 as part of downtown's initial revitalization efforts. Daniels has been its director since 1998.

"I've been here since there was actual parking downtown," she joked.

Her passion for children and their education has built a program that fosters a love of learning and discovery for all who step through Fascinate U's flashy purple doors.

The museum's mission statement: "We strive to foster children's imagination while developing their social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills through basic play" is evident in the many programs, activities and classes they offer.

There is an activity, project, demonstration, or opportunity to learn nearly every weekend at the museum. Children of all ages and interest levels should be able to find something to spark the artist or scientist within.

The third Saturday of each month features a different science activity— this month, it's strawberry DNA extraction in the museum's science room on the second floor.

There are crafting opportunities with "Make it Take it" every second Saturday and art classes with a different focus each month for children as young as four up to fifth grade.
The museum's tot-room offers a safe space for children under four to explore their environment with sensory toys, puzzles, and make-believe stations.

The Cape Fear Model Railroad Club also hosts monthly demonstrations on the first and third Saturday.

There's truly a little something for everyone.

In addition to their regularly scheduled programs, Fascinate U offers several weeklong summer camps to keep kids learning all year.
Camps are offered for half and full-day with a focus on art and science and are designed for children entering first grade up to rising fifth graders.

Daniels, who teaches the science classes at the museum, reflected on her career at Fascinate U as she transitions to retirement in less than a year.

"I love working with children, I like the challenges, and I like using a lot of different skill sets. I could be writing grant proposals one day or mopping the floor the next," she said.

Though Daniels will miss working with the kids and teaching the classes, she's excited about what's on the horizon.

"We recently received a SCIF grant, [State Capital Infrastructure Fund], and we will use that to get out into the community. We want to know what expansion the community wants to see and how we can better serve in the future. We've been here 23 years and done a good job, but I look forward to new blood coming in. When I started, we weren't even on the internet."

And while yes, technology and the times both change with alarming speed, Daniels noted the part of Fascinate U that stays the same.

"The one thing that never changes is that the children love the role-playing and hands-on opportunities.

Kids get technology at home and school; this is where they can get back to being just kids and using their imagination."
General admission to the museum is $4 and $3 for anyone over 12. Yearly family memberships are $50.

Fascinate U is located at 116 Green St. in downtown Fayetteville.

For more information on camps, programs, memberships, and party room rental visit the museum's website at http://www.fascinate-u.com/ or call (910)829-9171.

We human beings love to give each other wisdom and advice, wanted or not.

Parents are eager to offer our thoughts, and I write that as a proud sharing mama. It is especially gratifying to hear the words I know were mine come out of the mouth of one of my Precious Jewels; they believe it was an original thought. At the same time, it is annoying to realize I have done that with my mother’s words and probably still do.

That said, I do love to read other people’s pithy — or maybe not — words of wisdom to others. Recently an email from something called The Technium landed in my inbox offering “103 Bits of Advice I Wish I Had Known,” written by Kevin Kelly on the occasion of his 70th birthday.

Up & Coming Weekly does not give me enough space to share them all, but I will provide you with my favorites — just in case you feel the need for wisdom from someone you don’t know.

Here goes in no order at all.

“About 99% of the time, the right time is right now.”

“No one is as impressed with your possessions as you are.”

“Don’t ever work for someone you don’t want to become.”

“If you stop to listen to a musician or street performer for more than a minute, you owe them a dollar.”

“Anything you said before the word ‘but’ does not count.”

“Criticize in private. Praise in public.”

“It is the duty of a student to get everything out of a teacher and the duty of the teacher to get everything out of a student.”

“Immediately pay what you owe to vendors, workers, contractors. They will go out of their way to work with you first next time.”

“The biggest lie we tell ourselves is ‘I don’t need to write this down because I will remember it.’”

“Handy measure: the distance between your fingertips of your outstretched arms at shoulder level is your height.”

“There is no such thing as ‘on-time.’ You are either late, or you are early. Your choice.”

“You’ll get 10 times better results by elevating good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior, especially in children and animals.”

“When checking references for a job applicant, employers may be reluctant or prohibited from saying anything negative, so leave or send a message that says, ‘Get back to me if you highly recommend this applicant as super great.’ If they don’t reply, take that as a negative.”

“Denying or deflecting a compliment is rude. Accept it with thanks, even if you believe it is not deserved.”

“To keep young kids behaving on a car road trip, have a bag of their favorite candy and throw a piece out the window each time they misbehave.”

“You cannot get extremely smart people to work hard just for money.”

“You will be judged on how well you treat people who can do nothing for you.”

“Take the stairs.”

“It’s thrilling to be extremely polite to rude strangers.”

“For the best results with your children, spend only half the money you think you should, but double the time with them.”

“Actual great opportunities do not have ‘Great Opportunities’ in the subject line.”

“When introduced to someone, make eye contact and count to four. You’ll both remember each other.”

“If you loan someone $20 and you never see them again because they are avoiding paying you back, that makes it worth $20.”

“If your opinions on one subject can be predicted from your opinions on another, you may be in the grip of an ideology. When you truly think for yourself, your conclusions will not be predictable.”
And, finally, this.

“The chief prevention against getting old is to remain astonished.”

It’s 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 11, when most places see a lull in customers; Game On, a hobby and game cafe located off Reilly Road, is packed. The parking lot of the nondescript building is full, and game lovers are finding their way to the overflow parking lot on the side and the back of the building. The sign on the door holds an unusual duo of advertisements for Pokemon and coffee. The shop is packed with both young and old, an eclectic mix of people perusing cards, dice and boxes of games. In the back of the cafe are long tables, placed at a measured distance, one after the other. The gamers stand rolling dice and leaning forward to place items onto the tables and make their moves. The groups are huddled around the various tables. The playing is quiet and intense — each player so wholly immersed in what’s going on on the table that they hardly notice those around the counter, picking out cards from beneath the glass.

In a room at the front of the store, a Game On sign is displayed on the top of a bookshelf. The room is filled with posters, but the most noticeable thing in the room is the sign. It sits as a relic of the company’s journey.

This sign is different from the one that is now proudly displayed on the front of the store. It’s thick-lettered and all black except for a white O. The white O looks intentional, but it wasn’t.
The two owners, husband and wife, Ryker and Sara Taylor, sit just beyond and laugh about its origins.

“It was originally an American Burger Barn sign except for the O. We just had a limited amount of funds for a sign. We were a start-up. We pieced together parts of a sign for $500 off eBay,” Ryker said.

When they got the big sign, Sara said, it was a huge celebration for the entirety of the company. Now, those driving by would finally be able to see them and the sign. They were moving up. The business was becoming more sustainable.

Sara and Ryker started their business about 18 months ago, in the winter of 2020, during the height of the pandemic. Ryker, who always loved Magic the Gathering, did research and found that during times of recession, entertainment venues seemed to continue to thrive.

“It was so smart because there was nothing out here that was open doing this … it brings people together, online or in-person,” Sara said.

And really, the business started before the doors opened. Ryker admits he did what they call “back pack vending” — buying and selling cards out of a backpack. It allowed him to continue his love of card playing with business-related benefits.
On the other hand, Sara grew up in Washington and around coffee stands. She always wanted to get into the coffee business.

“My mom was always going to the coffee stand. We started with one espresso machine and four sides. Once we combined Red Bull with Italian sides, the cafe exploded,” Sara said. She tears up as she talks about the growth and the changes. She is proud of how far the coffee portion of the business has come.

On that busy Saturday, many customers come in and head straight to the cafe in the shop. They look over the menu and place their orders, patiently waiting for their custom drinks to be ready. The names are often combined with game characters — like Dragonite, a combination of Strawberries and Dragon Fruit. Each drink looks a little different from the last, but most are colorful.

“The coffee stuff was something I always wanted to do. We are making enough money where we can try anything we want to try. It has been really fun. It’s like being a chef in a way,” Sara said. She collapses her hands together as she talks to counterbalance her energy. “Tell us what you like, and we’ll work from there.”

It is clear that some people come for the drinks, some come for the games and others do a bit of both. Perhaps it has something to do with the caffeine in some drinks or the combination of fruity flavors and added energy. Sara and Ryker’s drink add-in, Lotus, is equivalent to a Red Bull. Caffeine and a long, competitive card game can go well together.

The shop, which sits only minutes outside Fort Bragg, is the perfect location for Ryker, an active duty soldier. When asked about moving and if it makes them nervous, Sara and Ryker shoot each other a look.

“Oh yeah,” they say in almost unison.

They laugh, but ultimately both are hopeful to be stationed at Fort Bragg for many more years. If not, Sara says, they feel like they have the right staff that could continue things on with them being in a different area.

“We trust that we would be able to continue to run this,” she said. “We have been really lucky to get such a good group of people here.”
Sara and Ryker both put in a lot of hours at the shop. Ryker puts in between 60 to 80 hours, while Sara clocks in about 40 to 50. The duo have two kids at home to juggle, along with the business and Ryker’s full-time job. The rewards, however, outweigh the added stresses of being a business owner.

“My favorite part is interacting with the customers and the area. The amount of people that wouldn’t have been in the same place at the same time and fostering that relationship …” Sara gets emotional and trails off for a second. She wipes her eyes and continues, “We get a lot of different crowds in here … I can’t hold it together.”

Sara wipes her eyes again as she and Ryker both laugh.

They hold many events at the hobby and game cafe, including one-shot adventures on Tuesdays and Pokemon leagues for kids on Saturdays. The Pokemon League is free; parents can bring their kids in and learn about the card game and how to build decks. The shop even has Professor George, a certified Pokemon professor, to teach the kids. Above all, Ryker says, they teach good sportsmanship. When asked why they offer it free, Sara and Ryker have a quick and easy answer — “community building.”

“From a mom’s point of view, there’s not a lot to do when it’s hot out,” Sara said.

Ryker got into competitive Magic the Gathering games and is the Team Captain for the U.S. Army’s E-Sports Program for Magic the Gathering. For the Army, this is more of an exposure and recruiting effort, showing those interested in what the Army has to offer.

For the Taylors, they aren’t quite at the place where they take a check. They said, first and foremost, they want to ensure they are paying their staff well and secondly, they love being a part of the community in this way.

“The nerd community that people kind of hide from, the whole having a place where people can come and be themselves,” Ryker said.
The business, so far, even without a paycheck for the owners, is doing well. The community is noticing them just driving by, and some people come in for just the coffee.

“Hard work beats out knowledge. If you are willing to come and work the hours … I am not smarter than anyone else. I am just willing to work harder. I am willing to dump hours into it to make it successful without taking a wage.” Ryker smiles as he talks. And once again, they both mention how lucky they are to have their team. As Ryker says, they “crush” it.

And whether it’s for coffee, games or a place where there are actually Pokemon cards in stock, Game On as a whole is crushing it.

Over time I’ve come to recognize freedom less for the ideal we portray it to be and more for the double-edged sword it truly is. In America, we lend a lot of credence to the ideals of freedom. Freedom of speech. Freedom of religion. Freedom of Information. Freedom of choice. As the sword of those freedoms cut one way, there is always the dangerous second edge that slices just as cleanly as we draw it back to its scabbard.

We are free to choose, but we are not free from the consequences of our choices. In “The Message,” a modern English translation of the Bible, there’s some good advice in the book of Proverbs. Chapter 3, verses 3-4, says, “Don’t lose your grip on love and loyalty. Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart. Earn a reputation for living well in God’s eyes and the eyes of the people.”

We see the two edges of the sword of freedom in use more often than we might even realize, cutting first one way and then the other. Freedom of speech, for example, sounds like a great idea at the onset. As part of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, this freedom grants us the right to speak our mind or beliefs without the fear of retribution on the front edge, but it grants anyone who opposes that view the same right. This concept doesn’t necessarily sit well in the modern American culture, in which opposing views are often labeled hate speech in an attempt to shut down the very freedom employed by their team. That’s why I presented the Bible Proverb as good advice. It suggested (long before our Constitution or the First Amendment, by the way) that we not lose our grip on love or loyalty. And the truth is that we can assert our beliefs and even speak our mind and do it with love, respect and even loyalty to fellow citizens of this nation and planet.

Freedom of religion, another facet of the same amendment, bears a similarly sharp edge. In a nation arguably founded on the premise of one religion, we are granted the free exercise of that religion without interference from the government so long as it doesn’t interfere with any of the other rights and freedoms granted within the Constitution. Still cool. But what about religions other than our own? Right. Same freedom. Again, let’s go back to that Proverb, and maybe even go a line or two further where we read, “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all” (Proverbs 3:5-6). So as you celebrate our nation’s independence this year, think about the freedom you’ve been given, but take a little extra time to consider those same freedoms granted to those you’re lining up against. Don’t lose your grip on loyalty or love. And don’t assume you know it all.

Cumberland County Public Libraries and Fort Bragg’s Throckmorton Library have begun their summer reading programs.
Both programs offer a fun opportunity for every family member to dive into a book during the hot summer months ahead. Using READsquared, an easy-to-download app, participants can track their progress and find games, challenges and activities to help make reading a pleasure, not a chore.

Cumberland County Libraries will also have reading records at each branch or available for download on their website. Throckmorton Libary will use its app, https://jlthrockmorton.beanstack.com/reader365, to track reader progress.

Participants can win prizes by reading books or attending or watching programs at the library. Prizes range from exclusive limited-edition t-shirts, books and gift cards to an annual family membership to the North Carolina Aquarium. Readers can unlock rewards from the program with as few as five logged hours of reading time.

Summer reading programs are not a modern concept and have encouraged children to read throughout the year as early as the 1890s.
Though the goal is the same, methods and certain program elements have evolved with time, technology and the target audience’s interests.

“The emphasis of summer reading – getting kids and their families to read in the summer months – has been around as long as the program,” Faith B. Phillips, director of Cumberland County Library, told Up & Coming Weekly.

“However, elements of the program have evolved as technology and interests have changed. For example, we now have apps that allow customers to log their reading minutes. We also include listening to audiobooks and reading e-materials for the program. There are many ways for folks to engage with a text, and we want to be inclusive of as many as possible.”

As children, teens and adults become ever more dependent on screens, and their phones, the importance of reading and its benefits to cognitive development and learning are at the forefront of creating these programs.

“Reading will always be a skill that humans need,” said Carla Brooks, division manager for programs. “By reading through the summer, kids and teens can prevent the summer slide —a decline in their achievement gains during the previous school year. Studies have shown that students who read through the summer make a better transition back to school in the fall and have higher reading performance.”
Phillips, whose first favorite book was "Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown, hopes the program creates life-long readers.

“Ultimately, I hope that summer reading cultivates a love of reading in every person. I hope that the programs provide opportunities for community members to learn new skills and facts. And that both the reading and the programs bring laughter, fun, and joy to our citizens,” she said.

Brown hopes the program helps participants gain more confidence in reading, noting the impact "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin made on her as a young reader.

“[That book] made a huge impression on me as a child. I even started writing my own book after reading it. I loved how the author developed the characters and let me, as the reader, get to know them as if they lived in my hometown.”
Natasha Dass-Ford, chief librarian at Throckmorton Libary, who loved Cinderella as a child, hopes the Summer Reading Program encourages a love of nature and a love for reading.

“This year’s theme for the Summer Reading Challenge is ‘Beyond the Beaten Path.’ In keeping with that theme, Throckmorton is offering a variety of outdoor activities and story times about camping. We hope to promote reading as a fun activity incorporating crafts and outdoor events such as kite flying, star gazing and bird watching.”

With eight branches, both Brooks and Phillips feel Cumberland County Library has a book for everyone inside their doors to unlock an Ocean of Possibilities.

“There are so many good books available to all ages,” Brooks said. “I encourage customers to come in and talk with one of our library staff members to help them find some good books tailored to their preferences. Adults can use our online BookMatch service for a list of personalized reading recommendations.”

Cumberland County Public Library’s Oceans of Possibilities program will continue until August 15 at all Cumberland County Library locations.

Cumberland County Public Library’s Oceans of Possibilities program will conclude on July 31.

To view a Cumberland County Branch Locations list or download a reading log, visit their website at https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/library-group/library.
READSquared can be accessed at ccplnc.readsquared.com.
To learn more about Throckmorton’s Summer Reading Challenge, visit https://bragg.armymwr.com/programs/summer-reading-program.

There are many reasons why we eat what we eat. Obviously, we eat when we are hungry; we also eat when we are emotional or to socialize with our friends. Certain smells, aromas or the taste of a particular dish evoke memories of meals past. Definitely, the link between food and memory is a powerful one. Food becomes a travel machine that transports us to a moment in the past where we enjoyed ourselves in a time/space/food continuum. Food memories engage all of our senses and are easily triggered. However, some of us purposely engage in what I call “cognitive eating.”

Cognitive eating goes beyond food memories or mere emotional eating. We all have to eat to survive (biological eating), and we also tend to eat foods we are accustomed to or with which we are familiar (cultural eating).

People eat at different levels: to satisfy hunger, quench a craving or evoke a memory. When we eat, pleasure and reward sensations are activated. However, when we eat culturally, the food and the act of eating take on a cultural context, and the reward is different. When biological and cultural eating come together, we have cognitive eating, which has a deeper purpose and reward.

When seeking, cooking and eating authentic food from one’s country or ethnic enclave, they engage in cognitive eating. Foreigners are not the only ones affected by this type of eating.

Americans seek types of food they grew up eating in their native state or community. But, their culture is still ubiquitous. For people born in other countries, it is a different story.

When I asked Luz Velasquez, born and raised in Santo Domingo but residing in the United States, if she craved and sought her native cuisine, her eyes grew in size. She prefers eating and cooking Dominican dishes for many reasons. “I seek my native food because it is part of my identity,” she said, “part of my DNA!” Of course, eating the food her grandmother and mother cooked evokes childhood memories; however, she says that

“When I eat my native food, I am remembered about my roots and how important staying in touch with my history is for me. If you do not know where you come from, you do not know where you are going.” Velasquez also stresses the importance of teaching her son about Dominican culture, including native food. “You cannot separate culture and food; they are one,” she says.

When asked how important is authenticity for those engaging in cognitive eating, Rebecca King said it matters.

“It is very important,” claims King, born and raised in Germany now a resident of Fayetteville. “I am always on the lookout for authentic German food because it reminds me of home, which I miss.”

There have been many discussions about authenticity in the culinary and food studies fields. Some maintain that authenticity is essential in helping future generations understand traditional cuisine and food habits.

Others claim that authenticity is archaic in today’s global food scene.

To this foreigner from Naples, Italy, and others like me who engage in cognitive eating, authenticity is that umbilical cord that connects us to our motherland.

Editor’s note:This story has been updated. A spokeswoman for the U.S. Army Special Operations Command is double-checking the location where the incident occurred.

A soldier assigned to the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School died Sunday after being struck by a vehicle on an interstate in Duplin County, the U.S. Army Special Operations Command said in a release.

The soldier, whose name was not released, was participating in a training exercise when he was identified as needing medical treatment, the release said.

Womack Army Medical Center, which had limited beds, made arrangements to send the soldier to the Naval Hospital at Camp Lejeune, the release said.

While en route to Camp Lejeune, the soldier exited the vehicle and was struck by oncoming traffic, the release said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident remains under investigation.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday released national drinking water health advisories for four PFAS chemicals including GenX, which has plagued private well water supplies near the Chemours plant off N.C. 87 at the Bladen and Cumberland County line.

The EPA release includes interim health advisories for PFOA and PFOS and final health advisories for GenX and PFBS.

The EPA lists the health advisory level for GenX chemicals of 10 parts per trillion, and for PFBS at 2,000 parts per trillion.

The EPA drinking water health advisory released Wednesday for GenX replaces the 2018 North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services provisional drinking water health goal of 140 parts per trillion.

GenX is the trade name for a chemical component of a larger collection of man-made chemicals known as per- and polyflouroalkyl substances or PFAS. Manufacturers use GenX, a replacement for some PFAS, to produce nonstick coatings, pizza boxes and a number of other consumer goods. GenX also can be a byproduct of some manufacturing processes.

For years, Chemours has discharged GenX into the Cape Fear River and the air. Groundwater and well testing revealed that Genx has contaminated the drinking water supply for much of Cumberland County’s Gray’s Creek community. Well contamination also has been discovered 25 miles from the Chemours plant, in an area between the towns of Falcon and Wade.

 The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality obtained a consent order that requires Chemours to test private wells for PFAS if they are located within a certain distance of the plant or the Cape Fear River.

The order requires Chemours to provide whole-house filtration for private drinking water wells that contain concentrations of GenX greater than the recommended levels in the newly released health advisories. The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality also requires Chemours to keep affected residents informed about all of the available options for testing and filtration.
The DEQ estimates that more than 1,700 additional private well users are now eligible for whole house filtration systems or connection to a safe public water supply.

GenX and other PFAS have been associated with several types of cancer, liver disease, high cholesterol, low birth weight, immune system disorders and other diseases

The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners on Monday is scheduled to get the latest update on the EPA results as part of its regular monthly meeting. The county administration is keeping the affected population informed about the presence of GenX and any other compounds produced by Chemours that have leached into the Cape Fear River and nearby drinking water wells.

The board meets at 6:45 p.m. in Room 118 of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse.

The board recently hired an engineering firm to complete an engineering report for extending water lines in the Gray’s Creek Water and Sewer District. The project is among the board’s top priorities and is funded in the fiscal 2023 budget. The county is working on extending water to two elementary schools and homeowners with contaminated drinking water wells and has unsuccessfully sought the Fayetteville Public Works Commission's inclusion in the project. PWC did participate in paying for the engineering study.

The EPA also invited states and U.S. territories to apply for $1 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grant money to fix PFAS and other drinking water contaminants. The $1 billion would be the first of $5 billion available in grant funding, specifically for small or disadvantaged communities.

A news release from the Southern Environmental Law Center said the EPA drinking water health advisories for GenX and other PFAS show the need for EPA and state agencies to enforce existing laws against polluters.

The inaugural Juneteenth Jubilee was a big success over the weekend for the city and its co-sponsor, the Cool Spring Downtown District, according to organizers of the celebration.
The jubilee was a first for Fayetteville tie-in to the federal holiday that commemorates the abolishment of slavery in the United States. It also was observed as a city holiday for the first time on Monday.
Bianca Shoneman, president and CEO of Cool Spring Downtown District, called the festival “absolutely” successful. She said feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

“We had two full days (with) … three different events,” she said.

“Many of the vendors that attended the Saturday event (reported) strong sales,” Shoneman said. “(They were) pleased with management and communication from the managing partner and in general had a good experience. Enjoyed the diversity of the music. Enjoyed the day as a whole, the spirit of it overall.”

An estimated 7,000 to 8,000 people attended Saturday’s part of the two-day jubilee at Festival Park. The entertainment included saxophonist Reggie Codrington of Fayetteville; the musically diverse Diwali Cissokho and Kaira Ba; the funk-based Fatback Band of Fayetteville; Americana singer-songwriter Amethyst Kiah; and hip-hop artist Morray, another native son who is perhaps best known for the song Quicksand from 2020.
Cumulus Media of Fayetteville oversaw Sunday’s Praise Party in the Park, which concluded with a performance by acclaimed gospel singer and minister Donnie McClurkin.

Early Monday afternoon, Shoneman said she had not yet spoken with a representative of the radio group.
Phone messages left Monday with Cumulus were not returned, but Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin and City Councilman D.J. Haire both said they were told that a crowd of about 15,000 filled Festival Park for the Sunday proceedings.

“It was full,” Colvin said. “That’s what I was told.”

Last week, Shoneman had said she hoped Juneteenth Jubilee would draw about 10,000 people.

“I didn’t attend all of the events,” Colvin said Monday. “What I did attend, I was very impressed. It looked like people were enjoying themselves, and I think that was the intent of the council. I really went to Praise in the Park. It was very good.”

The mayor said he has no complaints.

“It really showed that the city of Fayetteville is diverse, and it also showed that entertainment is desired,” Colvin said. “I’m not aware of any major incidents down there. I think that was groundbreaking to show that we can have a lot of people in a space without any issues from different types of music.

“They had a really diverse selection of entertainment, from gospel to hip-hop to other,” he said. “And it was really enjoyed. They’re only scratching the surface. At the end of the day, it’s about bringing people downtown to spend money and have a good time.”

Like Colvin and Haire, Shoneman reported “zero” problems, including no arrests.

Haire, who attended the first day of the jubilee with his wife, said he thought the earlier part of Saturday's activities was “beautiful.”

“I think that Sunday was probably the best,” he said. “Sunday had a theme of history, so it kind of took you from one part of culture to another. For our first go-around, I think we did pretty good."

Haire said he received phone calls on Monday morning from people saying they thought the celebration was great.

“People from Moore County, just various folk from all over the city. We really enjoyed it,” said Haire. “Many people thought it was like integrating Juneteenth and Father’s Day. I think it was nice. Nothing but a plus.”
Shoneman said organizers encountered some production challenges throughout the day Saturday. Kiah, the Americana artist, appeared upset on stage as her band warmed up for its set. She was having problems with

sound and her amplified acoustic guitar. At one point, she could be heard saying to someone onstage, “Let’s just get it done.”

“It was the intent of the festival to hire locally owned, Black-owned businesses across the board,” Shoneman said. “Not only on stage was it Black-led talent, but there certainly was diversity onstage. We engaged a Black-owned production business, and we were very proud of that. If there was folly, it was to support the spirit of Juneteenth.”

The local celebration was put together in a matter of months by the downtown district staff members after the City Council requested that they come up with ideas for a Juneteenth celebration.
In early March, the council approved $141,000 for the roughly $160,000 festival.

On Jan. 10, the City Council voted to make Juneteenth a city holiday.

“One of the things I’ve been working on and I’m continuing to work on are quality-of-life things,” said Colvin. “What determines to make the community fun and enjoyable is always connected to entertainment. … This weekend was successful. I think we’ll continue to do that. That’s what makes communities. I talk to a lot of people – a lot of younger people – and they say they spend time in Raleigh and other places because they have things to do. We have a beautiful city.”

HOPE MILLS — The Hope Mills Board of Commissioners on Monday night voted to hold a public hearing in July on a temporary moratorium on some types of businesses while the town staff researches a proposed zoning overlay district.

Chancer F. McLaughlin, the town’s Planning and Economic Development director, appeared before the board to ask for the moratorium.

Overlay zoning is a regulatory tool that creates a special zoning district over existing zoning. It can include additional or different regulations that apply within the district.

McLaughlin said he wants to do more research into overlay districts, which are a way to help guide development. For the past 10 years, there have been some business uses the town has no interest in, McLaughlin said.

“A moratorium is a temporary halt by a government on business permits,” McLaughlin said, reading from a prepared statement.

”Why do we need one?” he asked. “Over the last year, staff have noticed a particular trend in businesses that can create an issue in saturation from economic development.”

“Without these types of checks and balances, citizens and towns are left open to transitions that are detrimental to the town’s growth,” McLaughlin said.

McLaughlin told the board he had received several calls from concerned businesses. Some board members said they also had been contacted.

Some new businesses expressed concerns that a moratorium would halt their planning. McLaughlin said a moratorium or an overlay district would not affect businesses that already have been approved. McLaughlin said a moratorium would only affect new establishments.

McLaughlin said he has started the research and discovered the town needs to have a public hearing in order to implement a moratorium.

The board decided to move its workshop scheduled for July 18 to Aug. 1 and voted to hold a public hearing on a proposed moratorium on July 18.
In a memo to the board that was included in the agenda packet, McLaughlin said the staff wants a six-month moratorium while they work to develop an overlay district.

The uses that staff would like included in the proposed moratorium include:
● Motor vehicle parts and accessory sales.
● Motor vehicle repair and/or body work.
● Motor vehicle rentals.
● Motor vehicle sales, new and used.
● Retail establishments that are primarily tied to smoke shops and vape establishments.

In other business, the board heard an update on the new public safety building from its architect, Scott Garner. Garner said the building has 40% of the interior painting done, 80% of the tile done and 90% of the plumbing done.

“We just need to set the fixtures,” he said.

Garner said the project is on track, and the building is expected to be occupied by October.

Garner also asked the board to approve the eighth change order for the building. The money would come from the contingency fund.

The biggest item on the list was $66,102 for the building's BDA system, Garner said. The BDA, or Bi-Directional Amplifier, enhances frequencies and gives a signal boost within the building allowing the police and fire personnel to use their required radios, phones and WiFi in the building, Garner told the board.

Commissioner Jerry Legge, who has builder experience, asked Garner why the project wasn’t turn-key.

Garner said there was no way to accommodate or plan for that type of expense using blueprints until the building got to that stage. Garner said this was needed and expected.

Also included in the change order was $9,775 for the removal of a modular trailer.

The trailer initially was going to be used later by the town, but town staff decided it was of no use and needed to be removed, Town Manager Scott Meszaros said. Several people told the staff they would haul it off but those plans fell through, he said.

The trailer has since been hauled away. Meszaros said the funding in the change order was a formality.

Commissioner Joanne Scarola said she would have liked more time to find a use for the trailer.

“We’re not going to use it, and now we have to pay to have it hauled off,” Scarola said.

The board voted 4-1 to approve the change order. Commissioners Bryan Marley, Kenjuana McCray, Grilley Mitchell and Scarola voted in favor of the change order. Legge voted in opposition.

When asked why he voted against the change order Legge said, “I’m tired of change orders. A contingency fund is good to have in case of an emergency. But when we do this over and over, someone didn’t do their homework.”

The Fayetteville Police Department is investigating a shooting Sunday morning on Danish Drive that left one man dead.

Police were dispatched at 11:38 a.m. to a reported shooting on the 800 block of Danish Drive.

Officers found a man who had been shot and performed CPR, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police on Sunday night identified the man as 32-year-old Marshall Parks of the 800 block of Danish Drive.

“The preliminary investigation revealed the shooting was the result of some type of disturbance between a male and female on scene that are known to each other,’’ police said in the release. “The shooting was not a random act of violence.’’

Police said a suspect is in custody, but no other information has been released.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact Detective J. Nevitt at 910-703-3499 or Crimestoppers at 910-483-TIPS (8477).

The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners agreed Monday night to approve a $510,000 incentives package for a national home construction company that says it plans to build a manufacturing plant in Fayetteville.

The move follows the Fayetteville City Council’s approval last week of a $317,000 incentives package for the same company.
Robert Van Geons, CEO and president of the Fayetteville-Cumberland Economic Development Corp., said the industry recruitment effort is code-named “Project Dogwood.” He said the proposed site for the 130,000-square-foot manufacturing plant is on Dunn Road, on vacant property across from the former MJ Soffe garment and apparel factory.

Van Geons said developing that site may cause a ripple effect and open the area to other industrial investments.
The county’s incentives will be paid over five years.

“To receive the incentives, they must produce jobs,” Van Geons said. “We don’t front anything in these agreements.”

The company would pay taxes and adhere to agreements that include creating 189 jobs by 2027, he said. The average annual wage would be $45,079, and the annual payroll would exceed $8.5 million. The unnamed manufacturer also would be required to invest $25 million in real-estate improvements.

Van Geons estimated the company will pay $210,000 in county taxes annually and $134,000 in city taxes.
No one spoke for or against the project during a public hearing held just before the board took action.
Commissioner Charles Evans made the motion to approve the incentives, and it was seconded by board Vice Chairwoman Toni Stewart. The vote was unanimous with Evans, Stewart, Jeannette Council and Chairman

Glenn Adams voting in favor of the project. Commissioners Larry Lancaster, Michael Boose and Jimmy Keefe were not present.

In other action:

The commissioners voted to incorporate the town of Spring Lake into the county’s recreation district. The town, which has its own recreation department, asked to be included.
Only one person spoke during a public hearing before the vote. Former Spring Lake Alderwoman Fredricka Sutherland asked the board to ensure Spring Lake would “have a seat at the table and a voice” on recreation issues. She expressed concern that low-income youths would not have easy access to recreation programs because fees have not been discussed.

Adams assured Sutherland that “at the end of the day,” Spring Lake residents would have more recreation programs and services without added taxes.

Also, the commissioners voted to use a portion of the county’s American Rescue Plan funds to pay incentives to help retain county employees.
The fiscal 2023 budget includes a 4% pay raise for county employees, but an 8.5% inflation rate has made it difficult to retain employees, according to Brian Haney, assistant county manager and interim human resources director.

Haney told the commissioners that private-sector employers and other government agencies with higher wage plans are constantly recruiting employees away from the county.

The county management staff recommended giving each employee $4,000 in incentives in fiscal 2023, which starts on July 1. Qualified employees would get $1,500 in the July 22 payroll, another $1,000 in December, and a final $1,500 in July 2023. Part-time employees would get a pro-rated share, Haney said.

Haney estimates the maximum cost would total roughly $8.176 million and includes retirement.
The county manager, county attorney and board clerk are not eligible for the incentive payments.

Stewart made a motion to approve the use of ARP funds for the first incentive in the July 22 payroll. The vote was unanimous.

Some people are asking if North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper might be the Democrats’ best presidential candidate in 2024.

Not likely, you say, Joe Biden is president. And every first-term Democratic president in modern times has run for reelection.

There have been no serious challenges for Democratic incumbents seeking their party nomination, with one exception. In 1980 Ted Kennedy challenged Jimmy Carter. Although Biden has not announced his candidacy, it would be fair to assume that he will run and will be the Democratic nominee. Even so, people are talking about other possibilities.

In an article titled “There Has to Be a Backup Plan” in the June 5 edition of New York magazine, Gabriel Debenedetti wrote about a gathering of the national Democratic Establishment held in North Carolina at Pinehurst in April. He called the attendees an “unsettled cross section of the Democratic Establishment.”

Debenedetti explained, “The lobbyists, donors, staffers and elected officials were gathering for the spring policy meeting of the Democratic Governors Association, and the scheduled sessions concerned such topics as health care and diversity in governance.”

But there was also talk about politics, including worried conversations about the midterm elections in November.
Conversations shifted from “grim-the midterms-to grimmer.” The grim refers to the prospects for this fall’s elections. The “grimmer” for them was “the state of the party's planning for 2024, when Biden will stand for reelection on the eve of his 82nd birthday.”

Although there was no serious question raised about Biden’s intention to be a candidate for reelection in 2024, some of those gathered in Pinehurst were “calculating contingencies: If Biden's health turned, or if his polling truly collapsed, which of the party's governors might step up and save them from electoral ruin-and the nightmare of a Trump comeback?”

“Roy Cooper — the conference's host, who had twice won North Carolina in the same years the swing state was carried by Donald Trump — was the most frequent topic of shadow-campaign chatter,” wrote Debenedetti.

Other governors were mentioned, too: Phil Murphy, from New Jersey; J. B. Pritzker, Illinois; Jared Polis, Colorado: Gavin Newsom, California; and Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan.
Bernie Sanders sent word that he also might be available for another run. And there are plenty more including Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Senators Amy Klobuchar, Corey Booker, Elizabeth Warren and California Rep. Ro Khanna. Many more are in the wings.

But Cooper has something the other possible contenders lack. He is a Southerner. And Democrats will remember that beginning with Harry Truman, and until Barack Obama, every winning Democratic presidential candidate, except John Kennedy, had a Southern connection: Harry Truman (1948), Lyndon Johnson (1964), Jimmy Carter (1976), and Bill Clinton (1992). Include Al Gore if you count his popular vote victory in 2000.

How do you explain their success? First, they learned to respond to the challenges in their states with pragmatic rather than doctrinaire solutions that did not frighten conservatives. Second, they learned to gain the support of Black voters and open doors with opportunities for them.

Democratic governors of southern states are a vanishing breed.

Two other Southern governors, John Bel Edwards of Louisiana and Andrew Beshear of Kentucky join Cooper in this small group. Like Cooper, they must work with Republican dominated legislatures. Edwards, has a progressive record, but because he signed a very restrictive abortion law he probably would lose the support of many Democrats.

Andy Beshear is up for a tough reelection battle in Kentucky in 2023, one that will almost certainly preclude his preparing for a presidential run.

Thus, if Biden is not a candidate for reelection in 2024 and the Democrats want to try their winning Southern governor formula again, they have one choice. Roy Cooper.

Solve the fictional mystery of Miss Veronica Falcone’s disappearance during the first event of the Sunset Series on Friday, June 17, at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden.

On August 26, 1947, Miss Falcone’s motorcycle was found crashed at the bottom of the river. Police found that a brake cable was deliberately cut, rendering the brakes useless.

There are five suspects who may be responsible for her death. Guests are invited to crack the cold case — and they can bring their dogs to help sniff out the killer.

The fictitious murder occurred in 1947, but attendees can use modern technology to gather clues and investigate the case.
The guest detectives will be able to scan a QR code to submit their findings online and receive instructions for the next phase of the investigation.

Prerecorded witness statements will be available for guests to view and use in solving the case.

The 1940s-themed event features music from the era playing throughout the garden. Guests should dress to impress because there will be a contest for the best throwback styles from that period in fashion.
Local dance instructor Molly Hamelin will teach guests how to get down with the lindy hop and jitterbug during swing dance lessons.

“We also got our hands on a 1949 Ford that will be a selfie spot, parked in the garden for visitors to take pictures with,” said Meghan Woolbright, Cape Fear Botanical Garden marketing coordinator.

To keep guest detectives from getting hungry on the job, the Jaz-N-Soul food truck will be on-site. Other vendors will be announced closer to the event.
This marks the third year for the Sunset Series, a public event and fundraiser for the garden.

Additional murder mystery events will be held on July 15 and August 19 from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Dogs are allowed for the June 17 event only, but must be on a non-retractable leash. Guests should plan to pick up after their pets.

The event is free for Cape Fear Botanical Garden members and $10 plus tax for non-members. Masks are not required this year.
Visit www.capefearbg.org/event/the-sunset-series to learn more.

It will be a night of drinks, laughter, fun and PRIDE in downtown Fayetteville on Saturday, June 25.

Cool Spring Downtown District will host its inaugural Heyyy Gurl Hay Comedy Trolley featuring the comedic stylings of three fabulous North Carolina Queens: Amanda LaRouxx, Michelle Michaels and Aida Stratton.

Immediately following PRIDE in the Park, the comedy trolley will depart from Blue Moon Cafe at 7 p.m. Drinks will be permitted on board as the trolley makes its way through downtown.
Cool Spring Downtown’s Director of Marketing and Events, Lauren Falls, is excited about this event and notes that it speaks to the heart of Cool Spring’s mission to bring diversity and inclusivity to its events.

“The Cool Spring Downtown District’s mission is to not only create an arts and entertainment district but to promote an inclusive environment for our diverse community,” she explained. “Our downtown community will display their PRIDE flags, and next to the Cool Spring Downtown District’s office is a PRIDE photo station for all to enjoy.”
Up & Coming Weekly also spoke with Amanda LaRouxx and Michelle Michaels, and both shared their excitement for the upcoming event and their thoughts on the importance of LGBTQ visibility.

“We’ve been told to go all out,” joked current Miss NC PRIDE, Michelle Michaels. “I would definitely say this is an adults-only event.”

“Everyone and anyone who likes to have a good time should jump on the trolley,” echoed Amanda LaRouxx. “I want people to go home with sore abs from laughing so hard.”

With over 35 titles and over 30 years of performing experience between them, LaRouxx and Michaels shared their love of drag and the stage.

“I have been performing in drag for eight years,” LaRouxx said. “The one thing I love about drag is the transformation and the art form.”

Michaels, whose been performing as that character for nearly 25 years, shares a similar sentiment, saying, “The artistry is beautiful; nothing like seeing a dedicated performance and having it move you. I love the audience interaction and the emotional ties I can have with them.”

In its modern interpretation, PRIDE originated from riots (most notably, Stonewall) as people in the gay community fought for their rights and fair treatment from the government and police throughout the 1970s.

In keeping with the tradition of strength, pride and resilience, PRIDE marches turned into the global parades and celebrations more well-known today.

It is precisely due to the bitter roots and violent history of PRIDE that LaRouxx and Michaels feel empowered and responsible for holding up a legacy of visibility.

“Visibility is everything,” Michaels explained. “It’s PRIDE month, and we’re not celebrating who we sleep with. We celebrate our community becoming fuller than those before us. We celebrate the lowering of fear walking down a street, not being harassed or beaten up just by living. I celebrate the struggles and hard work of the generations before us who fought to make it a little freer.”

LaRouxx agrees, saying, “LGBTQ visibility is so important, to be able to show the diverse, inclusive community we have built. We want to let those who feel invisible know they are seen and heard.”
Ultimately, both performers want people to come out and have some laughs and a good time with one another.

Tickets for the event are $30 and include one adult beverage. This event is restricted to those 21 and older.
Blue Moon Care is located at 310 Hay St. in downtown Fayetteville.
Tickets can be purchased at www.eventbrite.com/e/heyyy-gurl-hay-comedy-trolley-tickets-346149461357.

For those who want to help celebrate Father’s Day at another level, look no further than The Dragon’s Lair. The local comic bookstore wants to highlight dads and celebrate them and their families.

“We’re going to have local artists, we’re going to have live entertainment and, of course, we’re going to have sales on comics and stuff that we have in the store,” Beatrice Jackson, the store manager, told Up & Coming Weekly. “We’ll have raffles, and there’s a Cool Dad T-shirt contest. So, there’s going to be quite a bit going on.”

The sales include 15% off bags, boards and the Spider-Man and Batman walls. Back issues will be buy-two-get-one-free, while kids’ comics will be buy-one-get-one-free.

There will also be grab bags, specifically for fathers who come to the event. Inside those bags will be free comics and items from the vendors at the event.

There will be live music throughout the event. Jammin' Jon Kiebon will kick off at 11:15 a.m. Richard Dixon Peacock takes the stage at 12:15 p.m. Mike Pennino will begin a performance at 1:15 p.m. The Kevin Regan Band will take over at 2:15 p.m. Finally, Fear State will close out the festival with its debut performance starting at 3:15 p.m.

In addition to the fun, the comic bookstore will be collecting donations for the Karen Chandler Trust, a local nonprofit. The Karen Chandler Trust helps support local cancer patients who are undergoing treatment. That support ranges from helping with car rides to treatments and doctor’s appointments to paying off utility bills, car payments, mortgages and rents. All proceeds from vendor fees will go toward the nonprofit.

“We kind of want to bring dads together on the day before Father’s Day and just have a really awesome time, but also raise money for the Karen Chandler Trust, which is a local organization that helps local cancer patients.

So, we’ll have a good time while also raising money for a really great cause,” Jackson said.

But of course, dads will still be the number one focus for the event. The Dragon’s Lair plans to do a “Best Dad Award” where people can submit nominations ahead of the event. Those details on how to submit have not been made public yet but will be available on the Dragon’s Lair Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Dragonslairfayetteville.

Dragon’s Lair Comics has been a part of the Fayetteville community for over 40 years and has often given back to local nonprofits and causes at many of their events.

The Father's Day Fest will take place on June 18, beginning at 10 a.m. and will end around 5 p.m. The comic bookstore is located at 6243 Yadkin Road.