*Disclaimer: My apologies to Archie Comic Publications, Inc. There is no connection to their iconic comic book characters, Archie and Jughead, in this editorial.The Merriam-Webster dictionary definition of jughead is referenced as a stupid or foolish person. Any content similarities to individuals or groups, living or dead, are purely intentional. (If the shoe fits.....)

 

I admire Archie Barringer. He loves this community, has a passion for humanity and couldn't care less about being criticized and canceled by a "woke" society.

I have known Archie for over two decades, and he has written several excellent articles for us full of wisdom and spiritual insights. Without a doubt, this retired U.S. Army Chaplain is a man of character, wisdom and fortified convictions who has spent his life serving God and all God's children.

Archie, like many of us who call Fayetteville home, is frustrated and disappointed at the continued divisiveness in our community that has evolved since the unfortunate death of George Floyd in 2020 and the May 30th riots. That day, a hostile, angry mob terrorized downtown citizens, destroyed personal property and attempted to burn down the Historic Market House while our former Police Chief and Mayor "stood down" watching the lawless acts and failing to serve and protect Fayetteville citizens and their property.

Today, our Fayetteville elected officials continue to "stand down" in initiating the actions that would work to normalize race relations and restore dignity, pride, and honor back to our community.

That is precisely what Archie Barringer attempted to initiate when he addressed the Mayor and City Council requesting that the "Black Lives Do Matter” and “End Racism Now” messages be removed from the downtown monument's circumference.

Like many Fayetteville residents, Archie loves Fayetteville and believes Fayetteville is a community of History, Heroes, and a Hometown Feeling.

However, the message that is broadcasted daily from the Market House sends a consent reminder to residents and guests that we are a city divided.

Archie wants city leaders to remove the words “Black Lives Do Matter” and “End Racism Now.” with an alternate message that is more reflective and representative of our community's diverse population.

I had a personal, heartfelt conversation with Archie about his quest and concluded it was reasonable and practical.

He reminded the Mayor and Council that history cannot be erased or undone, and we must learn from it and move on. He recommends replacing the words with alternate phrasing.

It was a solid, well-thought-out recommendation, and the council extended him the obligatory courtesy of listening to his request. Still, from their responses, you could tell his suggestions fell on deaf ears.

Archie views everybody in the same light. "We are all God's children," he often reminds us. His enthusiasm and motivation come from wanting this community to live up to its status as an All American City and a community of History, Heroes, and Hometown feeling.

Archie Barringer is correct. Removing those words would be a huge step toward bringing the community together.

A community that is becoming more and more divided and culturally insensitive as a result of inept leadership.

We need more people speaking out and letting their feelings be known. We need more Archie Barringers and fewer jugheads.

Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, almost! Cold weather, the smell of apple spice and lights!

Christmas lights are a big deal, with elaborate displays popping up all over, attracting crowds by the thousands. For those looking locally, no need to travel outside of Cumberland County to see the best lights in North Carolina.

Sweet Valley Ranch is hosting its 4th Annual Festival of Lights. Located at 2990 Sunnyside School Rd, Sweet Valley Ranch is nestled away in the outskirts of the city, making it the perfect place for a light showcase and family fun. Families will enjoy a full drive-thru light display featuring some of the farm animals and Tiny’s Winter Wonderland, named after the Sweet Valley Ranch mascot, their Brahma bull, Tiny. Owners Fred and Anita Surgeon have added additional holiday treats and surprises to this year’s show.

Mr. Surgeon said, “This year, we’re going to have Santa’s Livestock Barn. Basically, guests will drive in what normally is a hay barn. And this year we are going to bring up some of our special animals. A lot of times when you’re coming through, you don’t get to see all the animals. Here, you will have animals on your left and your right, along with the lights. Some of our animals will have their nice Christmas attire on.”

The drive-thru light display will also feature some fun new additions, according to Mr. Surgeon.

“We are going to have a few characters running around. The Grinch is certainly one of them. We’ll have some elves running around. And that’s another thing we are excited about. When you ride through the festival of lights, and you go to our Nativity scene, you’re not just going to see that Nativity scene represented very well, you’re going to see live animals. You may also see our shepherd down there. We try to incorporate the characters because it’s really fun for the children. You’re riding around and then all of sudden you may see a Star Wars character or the Grinch, or who knows what you’re going to see!”

Directly across the street from the ranch is Tiny’s Winter Wonderland. There, guests will be able to enjoy carnival games and inflatables, take pictures with Santa and buy merchandise from the gift store.
Mr. Surgeon said this year, they have added even more family fun to the area. “

We will be playing a movie. We’ll have a fire pit and s'mores, and there will be no charge for going over there sitting around the fire pit, watching a movie,” he said.

Festival of Lights is a passion project for owners Anita and Fred Surgeon. “We love Christmas. It’s just our favorite holiday. For Anita, it has a really special meaning and we decided that we wanted to put up Christmas lights. And then we realized that we’ve got some beautiful animals and wondered how can we integrate animals into the attraction. That really was the genesis of our Festival of Lights attraction.”
This year’s schedule allows families four weekends and the day after Christmas to come to enjoy all the ranch has to offer during the holiday season.

Nov. 24th, 25th, Dec. 1-2 (Fri & Sat)

Dec. 8th-10th (Fri, Sat & Sun)

Dec. 14th-17th (Thurs-Sun)

Dec. 21st-23rd (Thurs-Sat)

Closed Dec. 24th and 25th

Last Day: Dec. 26th (Tue)

Ticket prices are based on the occupancy of the car.
1 to 3 occupants, adults and children- $10.00/person

4 to 11 occupants- adults and children- $9.00/person

12 or more occupants- adults and children - $8.00/person

Anyone aged 2 and under is free

Once the holiday season is over, Sweet Valley Ranch will be in full swing to prepare for its Spring attraction, Spring Time Adventures! March is the beginning of the spring season on the farm. Guests will be able to enjoy fishing on the farm, guided farm tours, with up-close experiences with the animals, ATVs and go-cart rentals (rentals include ATVs small enough for children aged 4). Guests who rent ATVs and go-carts have access to fun paths within the farm.

Tiny’s World gets a spring makeover with more inflatables added and the playground. June is the launch of Dinosaur World, an ever-growing attraction at Sweet Valley Ranch, that offers animatronic dinosaurs and dino-related children’s activities. Mr. Surgeon promises there will be some fun and exciting new additions for this year’s summer attraction starting in June.

To purchase tickets and learn more about what Sweet Vally Ranch offers, visit their website, www.sweetvallyranchnc.com or follow them on social media.

Coming Saturday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. to the Crown Coliseum, Josh Turner is set to help folks unwind and groove to his newest album and fan favorites. Up and Coming Weekly was able to catch up with Turner before his upcoming performance and ask him about his career in music, performance goals, inspirations and his advice for the next generation of performers and entertainers.

Turner, born in Hannah, South Carolina, has spent the last 27 years perfecting his craft as an entertainer.
He remembers growing up and watching Johnny Cash's recorded performances and being inspired by the craftsmanship and heart behind Cash's music. Moments like this, along with his deep roots in his faith, have guided Turner throughout his career in the music industry.

When asked how his relationship with God has affected his career trajectory, Turner had this to say.

"Well, I've definitely faced my challenges as far as that goes. I had a lot of people early on in my career that really tried to influence me to do different things that I wasn't comfortable with or didn't agree with. It's something I had to learn at an early age; that I was either going to let these people tell me what to do and push me around, or I was going to stand my ground and stand up for what I believe in,” he said.
“It's a double-edged sword, because of me standing up for what I believe in, I've missed out on a lot of success, and I'm okay with that. I don't look back and regret that I missed out on certain things because of my values."

Turner believes people like him in the music industry need to exist; those who stand up for what they believe in and won't compromise on their morals to achieve success.

Turner mentioned how glad he was to have learned those lessons earlier in his career rather than later. In a time where more and more musicians and artists are practically required to conform to industry standards and algorithm-focused content to succeed, Josh Turner and his purist approach to music is a refreshing breeze cutting through the stale and stagnant air like a guitar chord in an empty bar.
Having started out in his early 20s, Turner also has a unique perspective as a performer who has been active in the music industry for twenty-two years. U&CW was interested to know what Turner's advice would be for upcoming artists hoping to break through and excel in the industry today.

Thankfully, Turner, touting years of experience, was more than happy to oblige. Speaking on staying true to oneself and striving to succeed in a business so cutthroat and tumultuous, Turner stated,

"Johnny Cash had a song talking about how people are so heavenly-minded that they're no earthly good. I tell my boys this all the time too, just because you're a Christian or true believer, doesn't mean you don't live in a world where there's brokenness, where there's sin, and where there's people struggling,” he said.

“When Jesus came to earth, he dealt with those same kinds of people, but he loved and forgave them. He wasn't afraid to get near those people. I tell my boys that, and would recommend to younger artists who are believers to realize that hey, going out into the music business into the world is not going to be sunshine and roses every day. You're going to have to fight and stand your ground. You're going to have to be resilient and you're going to have to do it with a smile on your face. Let people see the Lord in you."

U&CW next wanted to know how Turner stayed inspired and continued creating throughout his career.

"I've never stopped being a fan,” Turner said.

“I think when people get into the music business and stop being a fan, then it just becomes a business. Just somebody's spirit, their creativity, is enough for me. I don't try to manufacture anything. I continue to be a fan and love music. I continue to go back to what got me into music, to begin with, and look at things through a fan's eyes. I try to let things happen naturally. I don't force anything. That's the key to creativity; letting things happen naturally."

When asked about his favorite song, Turner initially couldn't answer easily but settled for Keith Whitley's "I'm No Stranger To The Rain" because of what it means to him.
Turner mentioned he personally related to the narrative of enduring the hardships of life and persevering in spite of them.

Through it all Josh Turner has remained a creative voice with the purpose of inspiring others, alleviating the stresses of daily life and spreading the love and kindness he's experienced in his life.
Turner will be performing at the Crown Coliseum on Dec. 2. Prepare for fan favorites, songs from his new album and special guest Jared Harder.

"When people show up to a show of mine; when they spend their hard-earned money and take time out of their weekly schedule to come to my shows, I don't take that for granted. I'm very thankful that they would show up. I want them to feel better after they leave my show than before they got there,” Turner said.

For more information on this event, how to buy tickets and other upcoming shows like it, go to https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/josh-turner-with-special-guest-jared-harder or https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/all.

Pickleball is a racket/paddle ball sport that includes the infusion of other sports such as tennis, badminton and ping-pong.

The sport can be played indoors or out with two to four players. Solid paddles are the requirement for playing the sport with plastic balls with holes. It is a popular game for all ages and a great sport for social engagement.

The idea for Pickleball was derived in 1965 when Washington State congressman, Joel Pritchard and a business friend became inspired to create a sport the family could play. Pritchard’s property had a badminton court, but he did not want to play a badminton game and improvised with ping-pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball.

 

He lowered the net and adjusted the rules and the sport of pickleball was born. Pickleball has evolved from a game played with handmade equipment and improvised rules to a sport that is now recognized as a popular activity in the US and Canada. The sport has captured the attention of millions of players in America.

There are many health benefits associated with playing pickleball and it is not defined as an aerobic sport but a sport with a moderate intensity that aids in burning calories. It is recommended for all ages but suggested for older adults who may have less mobility and stamina because of the size of the court.

Moderate exercise can help with the reduction of cholesterol levels and lower the risk for cardiovascular disease. Activity can also help in the lowering of blood pressure and increased cardiovascular endurance. The movement can help improve mobility, balance, and range of motion. The sport does not move as quickly as tennis, which allows for better mobility and form.

Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court which is twenty by forty-four feet. The net is three feet high at the sideline and thirty-four inches at the center. There can be two to four players and each player takes a stand position to the right and left of the center line. The players hit two types of shots.

Groundstrokes hit off the base from the baseline and valleys are hit out of the air closer to the net. The game rules can be a little complex but once you learn the rules of the game it can be a fun and
social sport.

The main muscles involved in pickleball include the deltoids, biceps, triceps and lats. Muscles engaged in the lower body are the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes and calves. Agility, speed and balance are one of the great benefits of pickleball. In the beginning, your muscles will get sore from playing with the combination of movements. Sore muscles are common with engaging in a new activity. Sore muscles are called DOMS (delayed onset of muscle soreness) anywhere from one to several days afterward.
Exercises to consider for training can include lunges which improve your balance and stability. Pushups which can be done against a wall, counter, or on the floor, and planks that engage your core muscles and improve stability. There can be injuries associated with any sport and pickleball injuries include shoulder and muscle strain and twisted ankles from turns. With any new sport, it is advised to seek medical advice if you are under the care of a physician.

Additionally, if a person has cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions a release from a physician may be advised before signing up for a course. Pickleball is popular in the Fayetteville area. Fourteen courts are presently scattered around Fayetteville, Hope Mills, Eastover, and Southern Pines. Check local listings for courses and times.

Live love life and pickleball.

Twinkling lights, Santa, and the lighting of the Garrison Christmas Tree are all staples of the Annual Ft. Liberty Christmas Tree Lighting, the start of the holiday season for soldiers and their families. This year’s free holiday kickoff is on Nov. 30 at the Main Post Parade Field at Fort Liberty from 4 to 8 p.m. with plenty of family fun planned for the evening.

Families will enjoy holiday music, movies and A Winter Wonderland Station, which will feature inflatables and other fun for the kids. Kids will also be able to enjoy a ride on the trackless train, a letter to Santa writing station, and of course, the topping on the fruit cake, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Santa will arrive at 6 p.m.. and will be available for the rest of the event. Food vendors will also be on sight to feed the masses. American Cravings is just one of the local food trucks that will be present at the tree lighting. Specializing in American favorites like hamburgers, hotdogs, fries, grilled cheese sandwiches, and tacos.

Amanda Cahill, Special Events Coordinator, Directorate Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, said, “The tree lighting is a special night that kicks off the holiday season here at Fort Liberty. The community comes together to share some cheer as we reflect on the hard work of the soldiers and families who give so much to the country. It’s a festive and exciting event…Fort Liberty Family of the Year will be announced and they, along with the XVIII Airborne Corps Commanding General will pull the switch to light up the tree. The tree itself is decorated with lights and ornaments that include patches from the units based here at Fort Liberty.”

This event is open to the public. Civilians wishing to take part in this free event should get their visitor passes early. Passes can be picked up from the Visitors Center at All American Gate, every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

No event at Fort Liberty would be complete without a parachute demonstration from the Golden Knights. Founded in 1959 to compete against the Soviet Union, the Golden Knights always wow the crowd with their synchronized high-flying shows. Since their inception, The Golden Knights have earned over 3,800 medals in competitions and broken 348 World Records. Truly, they are a parachuting and skydiving phenomenon. They are long-time supporters of the event and always put on a great show.

Gracing the stage on the ground again this year will be the now globally recognized and popular, 82nd Airborne Division Chorus. The acapella group consists of members of the U.S. Army and is currently a viral phenomenon. The chorus is coming in hot off the America’s Got Talent stage and the Today show, to come home and serenade the crowd, allowing the community to hear those magnetic voices live. This will be a performance that shouldn’t be missed.

For more information and/or updates on food vendors, make sure to follow the event page on Facebook, Fort Liberty Annual TreeLighting, or visit https://liberty.armymwr.com/calendar/event/6649.

Right now, you are probably asking yourself, “Self, what is the strongest force in the universe?”

Mr. Science has the answer. Inertia is the strongest force. It cannot be denied. We just enjoyed the switch from Day Light Savings Time to Eastern Standard Time. Who wanted this time change? Nobody. Why did it happen? Inertia. Every year people fuss about it and nothing happens – reason Inertia. The two likely candidates for President next year are President Biden and Trump. Who wants this return match up? Practically nobody. Why is it going to happen? Inertia. Everybody talks about the weather. Nobody does anything about it. Why- Inertia. Let us examine how Inertia controls the universe.

Sir Isaac Newton is guilty of creating the Triumph of Inertia. Sir Ike invented Inertia. Before Ike came along, Inertia was spelled with a small “i” and was considered inconsequential like gluten allergies before they became fashionable. Ike came up with three laws of motion back in 1687. It is no coincidence his first law dealt with Inertia stating “If there is no external force, an object that is at rest stays at rest, and an object that is in motion continues to move.”

For purposes of today’s lesson, we will ignore the other two laws. His first law applies not only in physics but in politics. Inertia keeps things the way they always have been unless something major happens.
Examples of Inertia: Put this copy of Up & Coming down on a table, it will stay there until someone uses it for kindling. Put a pack of cigarettes on a table, they will remain there unable to give anyone cancer until someone smokes them. Put an AR-15 on a table, it will remain there unable to be a part of a mass murder until a moron picks it up and starts shooting.

Sir Ike was a man for all seasons. He also invented gravity while sitting under a tree in 1665. He was leaning back on an apple tree and noticed that when apples fell, they went straight down instead of falling up or sideways. Something was pulling them down to the ground. He cyphered that the mysterious force that kept people on the ground and planets in orbit was called gravity. There are no credible reports of people flying off the Earth before Ike invented gravity, but he gets credit for figuring it out. After Ike’s revelation, gravity is not just a good idea but it is the law.

When Sir Ike wasn’t inventing Inertia and gravity, he was also an inventive cook in the kitchen. He invented America’s third most popular cookie – the Fig Newton. According to the South Florida Reporter, only Oreos and Chips Ahoy cookies are more popular. I am not one to second-guess the South Florida Reporter. If they said it, I believe it, and that settles it.

Some folks think the Fig Newton was invented by Charles Roser of Ohio in the mid 1800s. Other cooler heads point out that Charles’ version of the Fig Newton came from a British treat called a Fig Roll. Follow the dots, Ike was British, his last name was Newton, he liked sitting under fruit trees, both apples and figs are fruits, the fig roll came from England, Roser merely industrialized the production of Fig Newtons. Ergo, Sir Isaac Newton is the Father of the Fig Newton. I rest my case.

The US Congress has a current favorability rating of 17%. Yet 98% of Congress Persons get re-elected each year. Why does this happen when they as a group are so unpopular? Once again, the answer is Inertia. They ain’t going anywhere, protected by the benevolent and malevolent arms of Inertia.

The permanent ruling class of Congress Persons remain in office like stalactites until they die or get convicted. Members of Congress are immune to a sense of shame. Mere indictments will not cause them to leave office. They will hold on with their fingernails until a Judge sends them to the hoosegow. Exhibits A: Congressdude George Santos and Senator Robert Menendez. Congress folks are protected by a reverse evil version of Father Merrin in the original version of “The Exorcist”. The Patron Saint of Congress is the Dark Lord Sauron who protects crooked or merely incompetent Congress Persons with the incantation: “The Power of Inertia Protects You!” Like cock roaches and Twinkies, the permanent class of Congress Persons will outlast all life on Earth except for Keith Richards.

So, what have we learned today? Inertia by any other name would smell as sweet. Fig Newtons are the third most popular cookie in America. Congress is protected by the Inertia of Dark Lord Sauron. I like Ike, but we are not in Kansas anymore.

The streets of Downtown Fayetteville brim with excitement and holiday enchantment on the day following Thanksgiving. A Dickens Holiday has been a cherished tradition for 24 years.

During the Dickens Holiday event, Downtown Fayetteville offers a fantastic shopping experience. In addition to the more than 100 vendors participating in the Dickens Holiday, the local downtown shops are not to be missed for great holiday shopping.

Get your day off to a great start by fueling up with a cup of coffee or a delicious breakfast.

Visit Rude Awakening Coffee House at 227 Hay Street for the opportunity to indulge in fantastic coffee, tea or smoothies. Enhance your experience by pairing your choice with a delectable pastry.

While you are there, be sure to check out their gift mugs for the coffee and tea lovers on your list. Not to be missed is their highly anticipated seasonal alcohol chocolates.
Get one for someone special, and one for yourself.

Let the shopping begin!

Pressed-A Creative Space at 120 Hay Street is a great place to start! They carry a variety of unique gifts, from a huge selection of crystals to tee shirts.

During the Dickens Holiday Event on Friday and Shop Small Business on Saturday, they will have 40% off crystals and 30% off crystal rings. Crystal bracelets will be Buy One Get One Free, and regular-priced shirts will be Buy One Get One 50%.

Don’t miss their Cyber Monday sale, where everything on their site will be 35% off. Visit their website at: https://pressednc.com/

Another great downtown gift shop with over 60 artisans in their store is A Bit of Carolina at 306 Hay Street. A great place to find a single item or to put together a customized gift basket, they will have $15 Simply Southern Christmas Long Sleeve Tees, regularly $25.95, $5 Christmas Earrings, regularly $12.95, and Simply Southern Beanies, 1/2 off during Dickens Holiday.

Come back for Shop Small Business Saturday for 10% off gift boxes and gift baskets, gift with a purchase of $25 or more, while supplies last, and 25% off Simply Southern, excluding sale items.

Not to be missed is Cursive at 223 Franklin Street. You will surely find something amazing here for even the hardest person to shop on your list. Get a complimentary Bah Humbug ornament while supplies last when you make a purchase at the Dickens Holiday event. Also, enjoy free gifts with purchases of $50, $100 and $150.

Shop Small Business Saturday shoppers will get a swag bag with coupons and other surprises!

After a hectic day of shopping, take a break and enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner.
In downtown, there are a variety of options available to satisfy your cravings after a day of shopping, with more than 20 restaurants and cafes to choose from.

Cool Springs Downtown District’s website also does a great job listing them, including their location, the type of food they serve, hours and contact information.

Check it out here: https://visitdowntownfayetteville.com/places/c-dining/

An after-meal stroll is the way to go.

Once you have satisfied your appetite, continue exploring downtown by immersing yourself in the Dickens Holiday festivities or taking a leisurely walk through the local bookstore. City Center Gallery & Books at 112 Hay Street is not only a great place to find your next read but also a place where local artists sell their latest creations.

They will feature a large selection of holiday books at great prices as gifts for the season.
There is a wide selection of unique art pieces you can get as gifts in all price ranges by local and regional artists. Mark that book lover or art lover off your shopping list!

One last stop to cap off the day.

It’s time to unwind from the day, and there’s no better place to do that than The Sip Room at 106 Hay Street.Feeling warm enough to sip some wine or champagne on the patio? If not, enjoy the great ambiance inside. Take advantage of their Dickens Holiday specials with $5 mimosas, $20 hookahs and $4 beers.

Have some wine lovers to shop for or want to get a head start on beverages for your holiday dinner? Don’t miss their 40% off retail sale. And the more you buy, the more you save with 10% off three bottles of wine, 20% off six, and 30% off 12 or more bottles.

When in doubt, give them a gift card.

Did you know that Cool Springs Downtown District offers a Downtown E-Gift Card? An easy gift to give and a great way to support the local downtown businesses.

For more information or to purchase a gift card, visit: https://visitdowntownfayetteville.com/downtown-fayetteville-e-gift-card/

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks and celebrate with loved ones over a delicious meal. And what better way to elevate your feast than with a great bottle of wine? The wine connoisseurs at Grapes & Hops have shared their top recommendations for wine pairings. Whether you’re looking for the perfect match for appetizers or a delightful companion for dessert, and everything in between, they’ve got you covered.

Can one wine be chosen to perfectly complement the entire Thanksgiving feast, from the appetizers to the main course of turkey, mashed potatoes, yams, herb-infused stuffing, cranberry relish, and pumpkin or pecan pie?

“A variety of dishes sometimes goes best with a variety of wines! Consider multiple bottles at the table to sip on as you work your way through the feast! If you need to choose just one, Pinot Noir is the classic choice. The tartly fruit-forward profile makes this the perfect complement to almost all Fall dishes.”

What are some white wine suggestions to pair with a classic Thanksgiving turkey dinner?

“White wine is so versatile. Ranging from dry to sweet, Riesling is a definite people pleaser. They are formidable enough to cut through the richer side dishes, yet minerally enough to not overpower your turkey. Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Bordeaux blends also have a crisp acidity that will complement your meal.”

Top Recommendations:

Kalls Riesling ($20)
Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc/Viognier Blend ($16)
White Queen Chardonnay ($30)
Bordeaux Blanc ($15-$25)

 

What are some suggestions for a classic Thanksgiving dinner with turkey for those who enjoy red wine?
“Lighter-medium bodied red wines, such as Pinot Noir and Beaujolais, made from the Gamay grape, are ideal for Thanksgiving because they won’t overpower the medley of flavors in your meal. Zinfandel is also a great choice, and has natural smoke and spice notes that highlight grilled meats.”

Top Recommendations:

Violin Pinot Noir ($30)
Orin Swift Slander Pinot Noir ($64)
Beaujolais ($20-$30)
La Storia Zinfandel ($30)

 

Wine suggestions for a gathering that involves only appetizers or as a way to kick off the holiday dinner?
“Bubbles! Popping bubbles is perfect as an aperitif before sitting down to a big meal, or for enjoying by the glass with a charcuterie board.”

Top Recommendations:

Zardetto Prosecco ($16)
Pizzolato Sparkling Pinot Grigio ($20)
Scarpetta Sparkling Rose ($22)
Bernard Gaucher Champagne ($52)
Pol Roger Champagne ($94)

 

What are some suggestions for pairing wine with pie?

“Tawny Port is a sweet, fortified wine from Portugal. The nutty, caramel flavors of this wine will easily complement a Pumpkin or Pecan Pie. Sauternes, a French dessert wine, is richly sweet with notes of apricot, honey, peaches, ginger & toasted baking spices, making it the ideal accompaniment to apple and other fruit pies. A Rose Port would pair nicely with this type of dessert as well.”

Top Recommendations:

Presidential Tawny Port ($21)
Château Saint-Vincent Sauternes ($24)
Quinta do Tedo Rose Port ($33)

 

What if, instead of the traditional turkey, someone decides to have ham for Thanksgiving?
“Ham, both savory and sweet, has a richness that pairs well with wines. A Rose, Riesling, or even a Lambrusco would accompany it well, and have enough acidity and fruit to refresh your palate to keep each bite delicious!”

Top Recommendations:

Greetings Rose ($20)
Kate Arnold Riesling ($20)
Lambrusco ($15-20)

 

And if someone decides to serve fish, what would be the ideal wine choice for their Thanksgiving meal?
“Sauvignon blancs are light and crisp, and their grassy/herbaceous notes pair perfectly with most fish entrees. We would also suggest a Pinot Grigio; the high acidity and citrus/apple notes complement fish beautifully.”

Top Recommendations:

Lobster Reef Sauvignon Blanc ($19)
Sancerre (French Sauvignon Blanc) ($25-$50)
Scarpetta Pinot Grigio ($20)

 

If you’re not the one responsible for cooking Thanksgiving dinner but have received an invitation to indulge in someone else’s feast, what type of wine would you suggest bringing as a gift for the host or hostess?

“Sparkling wine is always a crowd pleaser. It brings elegance and food-pairing versatility. You can never go wrong with bubbles! Does your host have a sweet tooth? Look for an Eiswein or other dessert wine to end the evening with!”

Top Recommendations:

Trentadue Chocolate Amore Red Dessert Wine ($27)
Eiswein ($40-$55)
Head to Grapes & Hops and select the perfect wines to complement your Thanksgiving celebration. Grapes & Hops is Fayetteville’s oldest, locally-owned craft beer and wine shop.

 

For twenty years, they have prided themselves on helping customers find exactly what they need, whether it be a fine wine to give as a gift, a keg of craft beer or bulk orders for weddings and events. If they don’t have it in stock, they can special order it.

Additionally, Grapes & Hops works hard to give back to our community through their Karma Beer Program and by sponsoring local charity events.

Learn more about them at their complimentary wine and beer tastings at both locations every Friday evening.

Grapes & Hops - Fayetteville
5780 Ramsey Street
910-822-8700
Open Wednesday, November 22, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving

Grapes & Hops - Cameron
1550 Highway 24/87
910-960-9606
Open Wednesday, November 22, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving

Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree can save drastically on tuition costs and student loans by taking the first two years of study at FTCC. Our transfer counselors can assist in planning the best transfer pathway to achieve your goals.

FTCC and FSU Keen Scholarship

An exciting partnership exists between FTCC and Fayetteville State University. The FSU-FTCC Keen Scholarship, in honor of former FTCC President Dr. J. Larry Keen, assists with financial relief in covering tuition costs at Fayetteville State. Eligible students must have earned an associate degree from FTCC, have a minimum GPA of at least 3.0, and meet the requirements for admission to FSU. For the 2024-2025 academic year, students must apply for this scholarship by March 31, 2024. For more information about the FSU-FTCC Keen Scholarship, please contact Brittany Mundy (FSU Academic Advisor for FTCC) at mundyb@faytechcc.edu or 910-486-7455.

The Guaranteed Admissions Program is a program that ensures students who graduate from FTCC with an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree and have met all requirements are able to transfer to any North Carolina public university with junior status.

The Carolina Student Transfer Excellence Program is a partnership between the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and community colleges in North Carolina that provides transfer opportunities for talented low- and moderate-income students. Admission into professional programs at UNC-Chapel Hill is competitive, and all students are not guaranteed acceptance. Admission to UNC-Chapel Hill through Undergraduate Studies is guaranteed upon completion of the AA or AS degrees.

C-STEP is an all-encompassing program that helps students gain extensive knowledge of the campus, meet key individuals who will be of aid when they arrive, and, more importantly, provide them an opportunity to learn and grow with like-minded individuals who become far more than peers.

University Outreach Program Benefits

Students who participate in GAP or C-STEP programs enjoy many exclusive opportunities:

•Exclusive Advising: Get
Customized Advice Which is Tailored to Your Needs
•Special Events: Make Connections with Mentors and Peers at Great Events
•Transition and Support Services: Get Help Making the Transition to a University
•Special Scholarships: College is Expensive, but Our Scholarship Programs Can Help
Both GAP and C-STEP are highly competitive programs that are only available to the most highly qualified students.
“Sometimes things don’t quite work out as you had planned, but blessings come from the support of others and the ability to stay humble along the process," said Bryan Cuevas-Figueroa, FTCC C-STEP Graduate
Other Partner Universities and Deadlines
•North Carolina State University, FTCC’s newest partner in the GAP Program, admission Deadline: September 1 and November 1
•The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (C-STEP Program), College Admission Deadline: October 1, High School Admission Deadline: April 1, Rolling Admissions
•North Carolina A&T University , Rolling Admissions
•Pirate Promise at East Carolina University, Fall and Spring Admissions
•University of North Carolina Wilmington, Complete interest form – deadline not applicable

Are you ready to learn more about how FTCC can help you save money on tuition costs when considering a four-year degree?

Please reach out to Loutricia Nelson in FTCC’s University Outreach office at 910-678-8205 or nelsonl@faytechcc.edu.

“We have to stop equating policing to public safety. These are not interchangeable terms. Public safety has its own priorities; certainly there will be times, when there will be bank robberies, times when violent crimes require police presence. So much of our public safety issues have nothing to do with the police,” said Mario Benavente, Council Person, District 3.

“Public Health is the science of reducing and preventing injury, diseases, and death; promoting health and well-being of populations through the use of data, research, effective policies, and practices…. addressing underlying causes of disease, injury before they occur, and promote healthy behaviors,” according to John Hopkins, Bloomberg School of Public Health.

The Public Health approach for preventing injury, diseases and death, is defining and monitoring the problem, identifying risk and protective factors, developing preventive strategies and ensuring widespread adaptation of effective strategies.

Firearms, gun violence, substance misuse, injuries, mental disorders, domestic abuse, reproductive and sexual health, food insecurity, infectious diseases, cancer, diabetes and environmental pollution are all Public Health issues.

Lisette Rodriguez, Shawn McMillian and Angela Malloy have been the boots-on-the-ground community leaders advocating for the Office of Community Safety in Fayetteville.

“Jada Johnson, a Fayetteville resident, died as a result of a police encounter on July 1, 2022. She was having a mental health crisis. She held the gun in her hand and threatened suicide. The event became deadly; officers were trying to get the gun from her hand. One of the officers shot and killed her.

“Our police department receives four thousand mental health calls per month. Which is a lot for a city of 200,000,” said Rodriguez.

Mental illness and substance misuse are deeply associated with public safety, “a new study looking at the years 2017 through 2019 finds one in nine of the arrests were a person grappling with mental health and substance misuse,” stated Josh McGhee.

Multiple studies have supported data that shows people with both substance misuse and mental disorders are grappling with homelessness, childhood trauma, sexual abuse and poverty, leaving them in circumstances requiring police presence.

Mental health disorders and substance misuse are also considered medical conditions. A substantial number of these individuals are cycling and recycling through the criminal justice system.

The Police presence has limited options for mental disorders, substance misuse, and co-occurrence of substance misuse and mental disorders. The police can arrest the person, take the person to the emergency room, or place the person in jail. The police officer does not have holistic options for the person.

One viable option is a mental health organization to serve as first responders for people with mental disorders and substance misuse.

“Stop trying to force the police to be the tool we use for everything. When we do this, it is that hammer that treats every single thing as a nail. Not all issues are nails to be dealt with, our young people do not need more interaction with the police. That is how you get the school to prison,” said Benavente.

A common first thought to address youth criminality is enhanced police presence, arrests, and incarceration. This action, using the medical model, addresses the experience of the disease. The public health model addresses the causes before the disease. It addresses the root causes to prevent or reduce the disease. The root causes are access to illicit substances, firearms, and alcohol, poverty, limited social and life skills, conflict management and anger management.

Youth incarceration is not the best option based on brain development research.

“The brain does not fully develop and gain maturity until the age of twenty-five. This is the neurological basis for the risky behaviors and questionable choices before the age of twenty-five. Research confirms majority of youth age out of law breaking," said Richard Mendel, The Sentencing Project.

Youth incarceration has a life-long negative impact on the physical and mental health of the individual: educational and employment opportunities are limited, and exposure to physical and sexual abuse. There can be challenges finding housing in nicer neighborhoods.

The Public Health approach to youth criminality is workshops addressing social development, life skills, anger management and conflict resolution. Pre-school programs for youth exist to acquire and develop academic and social skills. The first responders for mental disorders and substance misuse can be mental health and substance misuse organizations.

“It is not about defunding the police [or] putting them in every available building. It is about reducing the number of times citizens have to interact with law enforcement. What poor people need are resources,” said Benavente.

The Fayetteville Office of Community Safety provides mini-grants to community-based organizations and individuals. The grant is not available to for-profit enterprises. The awards are based on Conflict Resolution and Mediation, Community Crime Prevention, Opportunities for Youth/Parents/Families, Family Stability, Addressing Upward Mobility, and Implicit Bias and Diversity.

The City of Fayetteville will allocate fifty thousand dollars for four grant cycles. Contact FayettevilleNC.Gov/MicroGrants. Community and individual ideas are welcome to empower, strengthen and supply the resources for Fayetteville, the Can Do City. The deadline for mini-grant submission is Nov. 30 at 11:59 p.m.

The best streetwear store in the city is bringing a “Streetwear Culture Fest” to downtown Fayetteville on Nov. 25th, and anyone who loves art and streetwear absolutely needs to be there. Privei is hosting this one-of-a-kind experience that will feature local streetwear brands, vintage clothing, sneakers, music and more, all at the Skyview on Hay Street, right in the heart of the city.

If you’ve ever been to any kind of market, you know that you’re almost guaranteed to find something unique that you’ve never seen before. There’s a wide variety of markets to choose from depending on what you’re into as a customer, but they’re usually always fun for families and friends, and give communities a chance to support small businesses.

Fayetteville is home to a couple of great markets already. There’s the local market at the Fayetteville History Museum every Saturday, where you can find baked goods and special things for your homes. There’s also the weekly market at Dirtbag Ales every Sunday, where you can find things like your favorite local hot sauce or a unique candle.

These markets are special because the quality of the items is always something to be impressed with, and the experience of hand-to-hand shopping with a brand is a luxury. Privei plans on bringing these same values to their Market Day, but in a curated way that has never been done before.

Those familiar with Privei know that shopping in the store is a special experience. The owner, Nicolino Parisi, takes a lot of time and pride in presenting a high-quality streetwear environment for like-minded shoppers to indulge in, and he and his team plan on bringing the same energy and experience to Market Day.
“I feel like the event is a direct reflection of the store. In the store we try to keep a certain taste level with the things we introduce to our customers, with this event it’s a huge introduction to everything that the store represents, not just as a brand, but as a culture,” he said.

Market Day at Privei began as a way to connect with local creatives and artists in the city, while also giving another life and identity to the lifestyle brand that is Privei. Up and Coming Weekly had a chance to speak with Parisi, and two team members working on Market Day, James Gonzalez and Maria Tainatongo.

“We started with supporting visual artists, where we had two local artists host an exhibit and have their work hanging in the store for a period of time,” Parisi said. “Things snowballed from there, we began to let music artists have performances there, the shows increased in size and we were able to build a trust with our customers and the event goers at the same time.”

 “For me, we began Market Day to support artists in the city. Fayetteville has a buzzing art and music scene, so it was important to make that connection and make it apart of the store,” said Gonzalez, who also goes by James Vader.

Gonzalez is a recording artist that resides here in the city of Fayetteville, and has had his foot in the local music scene for over a decade. He began working at Privei near the beginning with Parisi, and the two were able to transform the store into a creative hub while maintaining their high-quality experience as a brand. Gonzalez also has experience in the art and clothing world.

He is the owner of a brand called Forty Seven Hundred (47XX). Along with his Privei manager experience, he also managed the now-closed Gallery 116th, which was located at 116 Anderson Street in downtown Fayetteville.

Local artists had the chance to submit free work for monthly art exhibits, perform music and sell clothing. They even expanded their space at one point to house a photography studio, recording studio and tattoo shop. Gallery 116th was truly a special place in Fayetteville, and
Privei is the only thing that comes close to that feeling of community and love for art that tied all of these different mediums together.

Maria Tainatongo is a local curator, brand owner of Art & Sole, and event coordinator in Fayetteville who is helping put together the special experience that is Market Day. Along with Gonzalez, they began a brand called 26. Twosix, a quarterly artist showcase that allowed 10 artists to perform 10 to 15 minute long sets and connect with new fans and other creatives in the city.

Tainatongo is in charge of curating performers, food and visuals at this Market Day, and plans to create installations that can be experienced at the event.
“Market Day is really a huge chance for the art community to come together and show unity in the city, to really support each other and put people on to new things,” she said.

Market Day has gotten a little too big to be inside of the walls of Privei, and the city of Fayetteville deserves to see this type of bridging of worlds on a larger scale, which is why it’s taking place downtown in a much bigger space and even partially using outside to host some vendors. Gonzalez’s and Tainatongo’s experiences with hosting events and being tastemakers for the art scene of Fayetteville has fueled them to help Parisi make this event come alive and be as special as it can be. They can’t wait to share all of their hard work and local vendors at Market Day.

If you’re in town for the Thanksgiving holidays, please be sure to stop by downtown Fayetteville on Nov. 25th to experience this Market Day and meet some of the most important artistic people in the city. In the meantime, please stop by Privei, located at Cross Creek Mall, right outside of Macy’s. They’re open every day at noon and they’re available for all your streetwear needs and any questions you’ll have about Market Day. Also be sure to follow Market Day’s Social media for any updates @Privei_Market_Day.

This Week in Fayetteville

November 15-21, 2023

 

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15

SIP & PAINT: CHRISTMAS DOOR HANGERS

PADDY'S IRISH PUB

6:30 p.m.

 

Gather your friends and family and get  everyone into the holiday spirit with Sip & Paint on Paddy's patio.  Make your own Christmas door hangers with SipLee Art.  $45. Price includes door hanger, paints, and ribbon.  Space is limited so please register for this event by visiting the Eventbrite link at https://bit.ly/467sOf9.

 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16

FRIENDSGIVING EVENT 2023

THE GLOW UP SALON & BOUTIQUE

6 p.m.

 

Get a jump start on your holiday shopping by stopping by this great event.  A number of small businesses and vendors will be there to help you cross gifts off your must-buy holiday shopping list.  Support small businesses with a great night out.  Light refreshments will be served.  The boutique will be open with 10% off during the event.  RSVP for head count by visiting https://bit.ly/473SwCi

 

 

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER `17

PINK FLOYD'S "DARK SIDE OF THE MOON" 50TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW

FSU PLANETARIUM

7 p.m.

 

Celebrate Pink Floyd’s legendary 1973 rock album The Dark Side of the Moon's 50th anniversary by indulging in an awe-inspiring, complete dome visual affair. This exceptional show will be split among the album's 10 tracks, each having its own distinctive theme, progressing chronologically. While some envision a futuristic outlook, others provide a retro nod to Pink Floyd's visual past, all amalgamating into an enthralling time and space experience. Experiencing cutting-edge technology only feasible within a planetarium, the event is exclusively hosted in 100 planetariums worldwide, including Fayetteville. Cost is $10, tickets can be purchased by visiting https://bit.ly/3QrOUmJ

 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18

VIVALDI'S "THE FOUR SEASONS"

ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

7:30 p.m.

 

Experience the captivating atmosphere of St. John’s Episcopal Church and indulge in a captivating musical journey. Commencing with "Legacy of Love," a touching composition by William Grimes that honors his mother, Frances L. Grimes, a prominent member of the FSO, who celebrated her 100th year. Following that, our Concertmaster, Fabián López, will treat you to a remarkable performance of Vivaldi’s "The Four Seasons" along with other awe-inspiring musical selections. Tickets range from $5 to $32

And can be purchased at  https://bit.ly/3FRJpJ0

 

 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18

HAWK MANOR FALCONRY & CHIP GENTRY

CAROLINA HORSE PARK

10 a.m.

Embark on a journey of discovery into the ancient and noble art of falconry, widely regarded as the oldest hunting sport known to man. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of birds of prey and gain insight into their unique physiology and vital role in the environment. Prepare for an intimate encounter with multiple species of these incredible animals, as they soar and interact with you in close proximity. Revel in the unforgettable experience of holding one of these majestic creatures and capture the moment forever with a cherished photo alongside your raptor companion. Tickets are free to Friends of the Park and $25 for other participants. Visit https://bit.ly/3MErDwH for more information.

 

 

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19

CORN HUSK DOLL MAKE & TAKES

ARTS COUNCIL OF FAYETTEVILLE

12 p.m.

 

As a part of the Arts Council’s "Still Here, Still Native" Exhibition, they have organized a free, hands-on experience that provides an opportunity for individuals to learn about, create, and take home their very own corn husk dolls. Simultaneously, they are pleased to present a one-hour lecture and presentation delivered by Dr. Suzanne Cross on the subject of residential schools. This enlightening talk will be held in the Main Gallery from 2 pm to 3 pm. Visit the Facebook event page at https://bit.ly/476YwKS

 

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20

PIRATE ADVENTURE STORY TIME

WEST REGIONAL LIBRARY

3:30 p.m.

Ahoy, mateys! Come aboard the library’s ship for a thrilling pirate-themed tale time, perfect for all ye young swashbucklers. They will delve into the pages of “Pirates Love Underpants,” written by Claire Freedman, uncover hidden treasure, and fashion our very own pirate hats. For ages 6 to11 years.  For more information about this program, please call (910) 483-7727 ext. 1481.

 

 

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21

MORNING YOGA IN THE GARDEN

CAPE FEAR BOTANICAL GARDEN

8 a.m.

 

Join instructor Ashley Clayton for a serene session of yoga every Tuesday morning from 8:00 AM to 8:45 AM, held indoors or outdoors depending on the weather. This tranquil eastern practice welcomes all adult yogis. Kindly remember to bring your own yoga mat. Yoga is included for members of the garden or can be pre-paid the day prior to class for non-members. $8. For tickets, visit  https://bit.ly/47sCKkt

 

 

The election cycle has come and gone. Out of the 152,096 registered voters, data from the North Carolina State Board of Elections reports that only 20,229 ballots were cast for the municipal elections.

Though only ~13.30 percent of registered voters came out to cast their vote, their voices will have long-lasting effects on the future of Fayetteville and Cumberland County. These are the returning and newly elected officials chosen by the Fayetteville population.

Mayor
Incumbent mayor Mitch Colvin has once again retained his position as mayor of Fayetteville, securing a fourth term. With 11,469 ballots counted in his favor, Colvin secured ~65 percent of the vote over his opponent, Freddie de la Cruz. Cruz, having 6,089 ballots in his turn, could only secure ~34.5 percent of the vote.
Lastly, 80 individuals wrote in their choice for mayor and took up ~.5 percent of the total votes for mayor.

District 1
Incumbent District One city council member Kathy Keefe Jensen has managed to maintain her seat on the council. Earning 1,088 ballots in her favor, Jensen claimed ~65 percent of the total votes cast for the District 1 race. Alex Rodriguez, however, could only inspire 584 ballots to be cast in his favor. Rodriguez took ~35 percent of the ballots cast for District 1 council seat.
Finally, three people wrote in their choice for the District 1 seat and made up .18 percent of the total ballots counted for the city council seat of District 1

District 2
Coming in with 1,298 ballots cast in his favor, Malik Davis secured the majority of the vote at ~65 percent. This win will mark Davis’s first term as city council member for District 2. The incumbent, Shakeyla Ingram, only managed to have 690 ballots in her favor, leaving her with ~35 percent of the votes in the District 2 race.
Then, 15 individuals wrote in their suggested choice for a council seat and were .75 percent of the total ballots cast.

District 3
Commanding a large majority of the vote at 75~ percent, Mario Benavente, the incumbent city council chair holder for District 3, was able to secure 1,670 ballots cast in his favor. However, Michele Arita Dillon had 535 ballots cast for her and, as such, garnered ~24 percent of the total ballots cast. Eight people wrote in their choice and made up .36 percent of the vote.

District 4
Pushing his lead even further than others, D.J. Haire was able to amass a staggering ~81 percent of the total ballots cast for the District 4 race. With 1,443 ballots cast in Haire’s favor, ~18 percent, or 322 ballots, of the vote was seized by Stuart A. Collick. The remaining .9 percent of the vote came from 16 ballots submitted with write-ins.

District 5
In the second most contested race of the cycle, District 5 has elected Lynne Bissette Greene as the new city council chairholder for their District. Gathering 1,905 ballots cast in her favor, Greene secured ~60 of the vote against the incumbent, Johnny Dawkins. Dawkins, who had 1,261 ballots cast in his favor, was able to hold onto ~40 percent of the total vote in his run for re-election. A negligible .35 percent of the total ballots cast were those for miscellaneous write-ins.

District 6
Running unopposed, Derrick Thompson of District 6 secured 1,559 votes and ~96 of the total for his District. The other ~4 percent were made up of 66 write-in ballots.

District 7
Another single-person race, District 7, has chosen to elect Brenda McNair. With 1,554 votes, McNair won ~97 of the ballots cast. The remaining ballots consisted of 47 write-ins and amounted to ~3 percent of all ballots cast for the District 7 race.

District 8
In the final unopposed race, District 8, with ~97 percent of ballots cast in her favor, has chosen Courtney Banks-McLaughlin to represent them as the city council chairholder from District 8.
Though small, the 38 write-in ballots represented ~3 percent of the total ballots cast in the District 8 race.

District 9
Lastly, 1,815 people came out to cast their ballots for the city council race of District 9. Deno Hondros has once again been re-elected by his constituents. With 1,209 ballots cast in his favor, Hondros managed to cumulate ~67 percent of ballots cast.Meanwhile, Fredlisha R. Lansana only obtained 596 votes. With ~33 of the total ballots cast going to Lansana, the remaining .5 percent comprised nine ballots cast in favor of write-ins.

 

With less than half the total estimated population of Cumberland County registered to vote, this is an opportunity to see that your vote matters and can determine the future shape of legislation, local infrastructure, and even widespread reform.

 

For more information on this election, visit https://er.ncsbe.gov/?election_dt=11/07/2023&county_id=26&office=ALL&contest=0. If you want to know more about upcoming elections, if you qualify to vote in them or your current voter registration status, please visit https://www.ncsbe.gov/voting/upcoming-election for further resources.

“No. I didn’t know George Washington. But I had a friend who knew him very well.”

I remembered these words last week when I was visiting a group of distinguished people in Salisbury. All of us remembered Julian Hart Robertson who died in 1995 and the story he liked to tell about his conversation in the 1930s with Wofford College professor Joseph Augustus Gamewell about George Washington.

Robertson had been so impressed with the remarks of Professor Gamewell about Washington that he said to Gamewell, “You know so much about Washington that it sounds as if you knew him yourself.”

That’s when Professor Gamewell told Mr. Robertson, “No. I didn’t know George Washington. But I had a friend who knew him very well.”

Can this be true? Could Mr. Robertson really have had contact with a good friend of someone who knew George Washington very well?

“Not possible,” I keep thinking to myself. George Washington is ancient history--like Adam and Eve. He is too far back for there to be anything like a personal connection. But it is possible.

Chart it out. Mr. Robertson had his conversation with Professor Gamewell back in the early 1930s. Gamewell was then in his nineties and could have been born as early as the 1840s.Thus, he could have known someone who was born in the 1770s or even a little earlier. And a person born in the 1770s would have had plenty of time to grow up and get to know Washington, who lived until 1799. So, yes, it’s possible — easily.

Are you bored with all this? Are you asking what difference does it make that only three people (Robertson, Gamewell, and his friend) separate me from the father of the country? If you are asking those questions, read no further. Read something else. You won’t understand what is going on in my head.

I keep asking myself, “What things can I tell my young friends, things that they would remember until they are 90 years old — and then tell their own young friends some time perhaps in the 22nd Century?”

And what is worth remembering that long? Could I, for instance, send to the 22nd Century my close, but indirect, connection with George Washington? Probably not. Adding another person or two to the link might make it just a gimmick.

Maybe I can pass on the stories my grandmother heard from her mother.

Civil War soldiers broke everything in her house — except for one cup.

It survived several tosses against the wall with only a broken handle.

We still have the cup to “prove” the story. With the cup’s help, could I get stories of the 1860s all the way to the year 2100 and beyond?

Would anyone ever care?

Would my stories of living in the time of segregation be so incredible that they would hold on to them?

Would they care to know where I was when President Kennedy was killed—and how my friends reacted?

Rightly told, those stories might be remembered through the years.

But why do I care if my stories get passed on? And why do I rejoice in personal links to the past? Why do we sometimes battle hard just to lift ourselves somehow up, above, and out of the present?

Without a past to look back at and without some future hope to hold on to, we are unconnected. We are adrift on an ocean out of sight from shore. We are lost on a desert wasteland without the stars or a compass to guide us.

History ­—not just book history, but our own extended personal experience — can lift us above our everyday boundaries. It can give us the context and the comfort to live in what could, but for these personal connections out of our own times, be irrelevant and painful lives.

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

Downtown Fayetteville is steadily growing with new businesses occupying storefronts on what seems to be a monthly basis. The newest addition is The Salad Box & Some, located at 132 Person Street.

Offering a host of selections for breakfast, lunch and brunch, the restaurant is looking to be the next “go-to” spot for those who live and work in the downtown area. Along with familiar favorites like pancakes, omelets and salads, the restaurant will also offer unique bites that visitors can only find in their kitchen. A few menu offerings that owners hope will become staples are the salmon bites, porkchop bites, and a loaded breakfast potato.

The Salad Box & Some is a vision realized by owners Tonya McNeill and Robb Barber.

“Originally, Tonya had an operating business called the Salad Box. It was all things salad and related. So the “and some” is actually kind of me. It’s the additional items we have, such as the brunch menu. We have that because this location is a little bit larger than the original location and we wanted to be able to incorporate the community a little bit more. We do have an ‘in the box side’ and that will be the salads and then we have the ‘out of the box’ side which would be the pancake sandwiches,” co-owner Robb Barber said. Barber also said they have something for everyone, even those not watching the calorie intake. “Pancake sandwiches…and we are trying to do this fried cheesecake thing.”

Originally located on Murchison Road, The Salad Box made its move downtown earlier in the year, positioning itself among the best of the best of Downtown Fayetteville’s restaurants, a moveco-owner Barber said was essential in making the business, its new menu and name, successful.

“With us being on this side of downtown, I think this side is going to turn into a very exciting side and that will not only help us, but the businesses around us. Being a part of the Cool Springs District and being a part of the community is always dope,” he said.

With the move and new name, came a new look. Patrons are met from the front door with vibrant colors from the counters to the tables, all thanks to local artist, Damien Mathis of Dmathisphere Gallery LLC. A visual experience in every nook, Barber took great care in how the space looks.

“We definitely came together… when I chose the colors, everybody was looking like, ‘that’s not going to look right,’ and then we started talking. The writing on the wall is hardly ever seen in Fayetteville. You want to make it welcoming to the young ladies.” The aesthetic of The Salad Box & Some will surely bring patrons back for the photo opportunities and food.

 

Those interested in viewing the menu or just taking a look can find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSaladBoxRestaurant/. They also hope to have online ordering and mimosas available soon.

The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra is presenting Vivaldi, The Four Seasons, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m.. The Four Seasons presents the musical expression of change.

Antonio Vivaldi composed these violin concerti in 1723. The sequence of the seasons are Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.

Fabian Lopez, concertmaster, is the violin soloist for The Four Seasons concerti. A concerti is a piece of one or more soloists with three or more movements.

“When planning our opening season concert, we develop a classic program that is well-known and adored,” said Megan Woolbright, marketing director, Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra.
The musical program will also feature Legacy of Love, a musical tribute to Frances Grimes. Legacy of Love, composed by William Grimes, was dedicated to his mother on her one-hundredth birthday. She is a founding member of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra was founded in 1956.

Fayetteville Symphony is committed to diversity, reflected by the Baroque Suite, written by Adolphus Hailstork, a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color) composer, and Brendan Slocumb, BIPOC violinist, Fayetteville native, and author. Slocumb is the author of The Violin Conspiracy and Secrets of the Symphony.

Female composers are featured in future programs such as Florence Price, classical pianist, organist and music teacher. Jessie Montgomery is a composer, chamber musician and educator.
Many of us have expectations of concerts at locations such as Fayetteville State University, Methodist University and churches. The Fayetteville Symphony has made these options available to the public. The Symphony on Tap series is classical music performed at local breweries. Beethoven, Bach, the music is free; pay for your beer.

“Symphony on Tap is a new series with the goal to engage the community through music and beer,” said Meghan Woolbright.
“Listening to Classical Music has health benefits, stress reduction, lowers blood pressure, lowers anxiety, improves cognition, positive impact on pain management and enhances blissful sleep,” according to studies by Better Sleep.

The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra is a primary factor in the quality of life in Fayetteville.

“The orchestra contributes to the quality of life in our city by making music accessible for everyone to experience," said Woolbright

Enjoy the musical experience of Antonio Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, Saturday, Nov. 18, at 7:30 p.m., at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 234 Green St. The tickets range from $5 to $32.

 

For more ticket Information contact Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra at info@fayettevillesymphony.org, or visit https://ci.ovationtix.com/36404.

The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County is hosting its second annual “Still Here, Still Native” Exhibition, created in partnership with the Cumberland County Schools Office of Indian Education, along with a series of cultural events in celebration of National Native American Heritage Month.

On Oct. 31, 2023, an official proclamation declared November 2023 to be National Native American Heritage Month–urging all Americans “to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities”–and the Arts Council has several plans to do just that.

According to the Arts Council’s own description of “Still Here, Still Native,” “this exhibition offers a remarkable glimpse into the rich and diverse art and cultural practices of indigenous tribes hailing from different regions across the vast expanse of North America.

Through a captivating blend of original artwork and traditional crafts, this showcase provides an immersive experience that celebrates the unique heritage and traditions of these tribes with great respect and authenticity.”

On Fri., Nov. 10, for the “Still Here, Still Native Exhibition Opening Reception” at The Arts Center, there was a private Artists Reception from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by a free Public Reception from 6 to 9 p.m. The opening featured live music and dance performances by the Cumberland County Culture Class, as well as light refreshments.

Most pieces on display will be for sale, and many prints may be ordered unframed at a reduced price. The exhibition will remain open to the public during normal gallery hours through Jan. 6, 2024.

This exhibit’s curator, Savanna Davis, shares her own aspirations for “Still Here, Still Native”: “I hope people walk through the exhibit and learn something, that they start having conversations with other people in the gallery whom they wouldn’t have an opportunity to talk to otherwise. I hope they rethink the story they’ve been told about the country they live in. I also hope they see that these are real people with real stories, and sometimes there’s real trauma that people have to unpack.”

Amidst this cultural exhibition of fine art and regalia, there will also be a resource wall, with QR codes linking to all types of Native-made content–such as books, movies, TV shows, and a podcast–to support other Native artists beyond just the exhibit.

On Sun., Nov. 19, the Arts Council will be hosting “Corn Husk Doll Make and Takes,” a free hands-on event where attendees will have the opportunity to learn about, make, and take home corn husk dolls.

Coinciding with that come-and-go event, on Sun., Nov. 19, the Arts Council will be hosting “Dr. Suzanne Cross Lecture on Residential Schools,” a free one-hour lecture/presentation in the Main Gallery between 2 and 3 p.m.

Dr. Cross is a featured “Still Here, Still Native” artist, so her work will be on display in the gallery, as well.

Her lecture/presentation is on a heavier topic, but the Arts Council is welcoming children to attend, as there will not be any graphic content. Dr. Cross has asked that no photos or videos be taken during her presentation.

From Nov. 20, through Dec. 1, the Arts Council will also be hosting the final leg of the “Indigenous Dress Tour”– organized by April Whittemore Locklear in honor of her mother, Sandra Whittemore. Fayetteville is significant to their family, because it is where Sandra Whittemore met her husband and settled down to live for more than 40 years.

Thirteen unique pieces of regalia, made by Sandra Whittemore over the years, will be displayed on mannequins in The Arts Center’s gallery during regular gallery hours (closed on November 23 and 24).

Finally, from 12 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 2, the Arts Council will be hosting a free craft-activity event.

During this come-and-go event, the craft will be “Lumbee Pinecone Patchwork Quilt Make and Takes,” and attendees will have the chance to learn about and make their own pinecone patchwork quilt squares. From 2 to 3 p.m., they will also be hosting a local Native storyteller.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                  ‘Twas the day after Thanksgiving, when all through downtown;                                                                                                                 everybody was whirling, through yonder roundabout.
                                                                                            Decorations hung by the streetlights with cheer, getting ready for Dickens Holiday that year.                                                                                             The people were dressed up in Victorian attire; with visions of hopefully not getting a flat tire.

For the last twenty-three years, A Dickens Holiday has been a yearly event for the people of Fayetteville.

Every year on the day after Thanksgiving, our historic downtown becomes abuzz with the sounds of canes clacking on concrete, town crier bells and Victorian era British accents.
Being a celebration of A Christmas Carol, the spirit of the holiday, and local business, the Dickens festival is an annual tradition in the town that aims at connecting the local community through good cheer and festivities.

This year, Up & Coming Weekly was able to catch up with Dr. Hank Parfitt, a founder of A Dickens Holiday, about this year’s upcoming celebration.

Speaking candidly, Parfitt was able to express those visions of sugar plums and holiday cheer that we all hope to look forward to every Christmas season.
With topics such as the future of the Dickens Holiday, ways to get the next generation involved, and the meaning behind A Christmas Carol, Parfitt shared with U&CW his views and history with A Dickens Holiday as well as his Christmas spirit.

A Dickens Holiday is a local event that takes place every year in Fayetteville the day after Thanksgiving as a pseudo-Christmas celebration for the town.
The theme and aesthetics of the festival are based on the Charles Dickens novel, A Christmas Carol.

Each year, people throughout the town dress up in era-appropriate attire, self-made costumes, and as characters from the book or movie to go around downtown Fayetteville and spread good tidings and cheer to those who choose to celebrate with them.

Many of the local shops take part in the event as well. While the size and scale of the event has fluctuated, the crowd has remained, and year after year the people around town continue to come out in support of A Dickens Holiday and each other.

This idea of Christmas cheer and communal support isn’t merely fiction, though. Parfitt spoke about how he felt the event gave people the opportunity to get to know one another and share in the spirit of the holiday.

But what does that mean, exactly?

Charles Dickens had what some believe to be a clear vision of the spirit of the holidays.

“It’s about a man who rediscovers his humanity,“ said Parfitt. “Charles Dickens was trying to show people that we need to treat each other with kindness and respect. There really is this magical feeling of Dickens. When we’re down here on A Dickens Holiday we really feel like a community.”

Having caught the Christmas itch, U&CW dove deeper in to the origin of A Dickens Holiday to find out how and where exactly it was started.

Finding that the first ever Dickens holiday took place in Broadstairs, England, U&CW was surprised to find that A Dickens Holiday is not just a single event our city puts on.
A Dickens Holiday is an international event that happens independently from one another all over the world.

Indeed, each year, at different places across the globe, towns, local communities, and other cities are putting on their own versions of the Dickens festival to celebrate together and spread the Christmas spirit, if only just for the holiday season.

In a way, when we celebrate together each year in our city, we are celebrating with communities, people and groups from corners of the world we’ve never seen.
Parfitt went on to talk about the attraction of the sense of community born from A Dickens Holiday that becomes shared with those who may only visit our city on the holidays to visit friends or relatives.

Parfitt noted that, because A Dickens Holiday is such a community driven event, the experience garnered here is completely unique and special to our city.

Truly, A Dickens Holiday is the after-Thanksgiving-meal-Christmas-dessert we should all be looking forward to.

However, now comes the hardest part about Thanksgiving dinners these days: putting down our phones.

With the growing concern for degrading communication skills in Generation Z and A, the question remains of how to address growing issues in these younger generations such as social anxiety, lack of sense of community, and lack of self worth.

Dickens Holiday, being a completely community driven event, aims to address these matters with the very core of its philosophy.

When asked about the advice he wanted to give to the youth in town who may be struggling with these issues, Parfitt had this to say.

“Best way to not be afraid is to get outside of yourself. Talk to someone who you may not know that well. Talk about some of the things you do have in common. You don't have to talk to someone long to find out you have a lot more in common than that which would set you apart.”

Parfitt continued, “A lot of us have forgotten how to talk to other people. It’s a skill, and, if you don’t practice, you won’t be any good at it! Don’t be afraid to get outside of yourself, talk to other people, find out that you do have a lot in common, and then you'll find you can share these experiences.”

This year’s A Dickens Holiday looks to have no shortage of entertainment either. Parffit also mentioned plans for many of the upcoming attractions, shows and enjoyment to be had
during the event.

Local llamas looking festive, musical performers, Nutcracker ballet performances from local children and a costume walk are all things to look forward to. There will even be members of the Downtown Alliance dressed up as characters from the novel.

With everything U&CW has been told is in store, we can’t wait to come out and celebrate the meaning of Christmas with all those attending.
For those inclined, the registration for new performances, volunteers, craft vendors and food vendors is still open.

If you are interested in applying for any of these options, or would like to know more, you can find more information on their website at https://www.faydta.com/adickensholiday/, or by email at shopdowntownfaync@gmail.com.

Wreaths Across America is preparing for its upcoming wreath-laying ceremony and awaits wreath sponsors and volunteers to line up for this event.

This annual event invites everyone to remember those who gave their lives for our country, honor veterans, and teach younger generations about the importance of those who fought to protect our freedoms.

The Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery wreath ceremony is set to take place on December 16 at noon at the Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery at 8220 Bragg Blvd. in Spring Lake. A ceremony will also be taking place at the Fort Liberty Main Post Cemetery.

Everyone of all ages and backgrounds is welcome and encouraged to tell friends and family about the opportunity to honor and remember our troops. This occasion mainly focuses on saying the name of every veteran aloud and laying Remembrance wreaths on their graves to keep our veterans from being forgotten.

In 2022, WAA had 3,702 participating locations and, with the help of their volunteers and more than 5,000 sponsorship groups, placed over 2.7 million veterans’ wreaths.

Founded by Morrill Worcester, Wreaths Across America started with a few surplus wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery and 30 years later became an annual ceremony held nationwide. WAA’s yearly pilgrimage, also known as “the world’s largest veteran’s parade,” travels from Harrington, Maine, to Arlington National Cemetery, Washington D.C., making multiple stops along the way to talk about Wreaths Across America and their mission to remember, honor and teach.

This nonprofit’s remembrance of veterans goes beyond this ceremony. Their mission lasts all year and encourages others to do the same for their community and America’s veterans.
Since 2007, Wreaths Across America has given back over $20 million to local groups. They continue to work with other nonprofits to raise funds for their community’s needs.

Their museum in Columbia Falls, Maine, displays thousands of donated items that help to provide insight and tell stories of those who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military.
WAA’s Remembrance Tree Program serves as a living memorial to loved ones lost. Replica dog tags are created and attached to the service branch of an evergreen tree in Maine, where the brush is later harvested and made into veteran’s wreaths.

Ann Provencher, a Wreaths Across America location coordinator who has been with the organization for nearly a decade, said, “I feel it is important to give the proper respect to those who went before us and sacrificed everything to defend our country to protect the rights and freedom that we are able to enjoy on a daily basis.”

Ann, who is a veteran, the spouse of a veteran, and the mother of several veterans, has successfully covered every grave in the Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery and helped the Fort Liberty Main Post Cemetery get covered as well.

When it comes to teaching younger generations about what all our veterans do, Provencher said, “When they can see how thankful a veteran is for being remembered, see how thankful a family is for their loved one is not forgotten, it makes an impact that can’t be forgotten. I encourage service hours [to] be spent doing things like feeding the homeless veterans, assisting the veteran home residents playing bingo, or bringing them care packages, etc.”

For those volunteering, Provencher reminds volunteers to bundle up for the cold and take their time placing each wreath.

“While I want them to enjoy coming out and placing wreaths, it isn’t about how fast they are placed. In fact, they are taught in the ceremony prior that they are to take their time, how to properly place the wreath, and to speak the name aloud of the veteran they are honoring and to thank them for their service.”

She reminds us that it’s only possible through teamwork and to be a part of that team, whether volunteering at a homeless shelter or donating a few bucks to a charity you care about.

“There are many ways people can help show support for our veterans. Anything from collecting supplies, making homemade items, helping get sponsorships, donating gifts that can be raffled off (to purchase wreaths), filling holiday stockings for single soldiers, adopting a family, adopting a single soldier, visiting the VA state nursing home and hospital to visit with residents and patients, send cards to them as well. Make care packages to be sent to those serving overseas and so many other ways.”

Provencher and her team thank everyone who volunteers and sponsors wreaths.

Each wreath is $17.00, but with their year-round three-for-two deal, you can purchase three wreaths for the price of two. If you buy a wreath for your loved one and tell the coordinators their name, that wreath is set aside for you to place on their grave.

If you are unable to make it to the ceremony, a volunteer will place the wreath for you.

 

To volunteer for this year’s wreath-laying ceremony, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org, where you’ll find the options to volunteer, sponsor wreaths and invite others to help out. To see the Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery WAA page, visit https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/16700/Overview/?relatedId=0

The Cumberland Community Foundation is having its annual Giving Tuesday, running from Nov. 20 to Nov. 29.. Each year, they award more than $800,000 in college scholarships to students from Southeastern North Carolina.

Giving Tuesday is a global day of generosity celebrated on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Every year, people across the globe come together to thank, help, give, show kindness and share what they have.

CCF works with charitable organizations in this compiled directory to make it easy for those to give to locals to support their important missions.
The funding is essential to enhance the quality of life across the Cumberland County area.

CCF manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations.

Most scholarships are selected by the CCF’s Scholarship Committee, and a few are selected by external selection committees at the individual high schools.

Donors go to the catalog online at CumberlandCF.org and choose which organizations they would like to support. CCF then processes the gifts and passes them through to each of their 79 participating nonprofits, along with matching funds.

Maddie Kellogg is the Donor Service Manager at CCF and speaks about the importance of Giving Tuesday. In past years, CCF noticed that local organizations were not participating in Giving Tuesday campaigns.

“Our nonprofits are doing important work in our community. The only problem is they are stuck in a constant hamster wheel of fundraising to support their important work. We noticed that our local nonprofits were not running Giving Tuesday campaigns.

"A lot of them did not have the capacity to do so. The community foundation noticed this and jumped into action. Processing gifts and managing funds is what we do. So, in 2020, we ran our first Giving Tuesday campaign to raise general operating funds for local nonprofits while providing matching funds, and the rest is history. In 2022, we raised almost $2.4 million for local nonprofits,” said Kellogg.

She speaks highly about her work with CCF, “I couldn’t be happier to be a part of the dream team at Cumberland Community Foundation. Being able to help donors create legacies that support charitable work forever is a gift. I get to see the best of Cumberland County every day.”

CCF would like to extend their thanks to Will Gillis, Elizabeth "Beth" Keeney, Daphne and Ray Manning, Carol and Sammy Short, Fayetteville New Car Dealers Association, Healy Wholesale, and anonymous donors for making the $550,000 match possible.

Cumberland Community Foundation will amplify gifts on Giving Tuesday with matching funds made by sponsors.

Visit their website to donate or to learn more about Giving Tuesday at www.cumberlandcf.org or by calling 910-483-4449.

The Cool Spring Downtown District announces they have scheduled their traditional and new holiday decor and interactive features to be installed in multiple spaces around the district’s footprint on or around Nov. 15.

“Our downtown residents, visitors, and business owners can expect to find quite an array of magical ‘District Winterscapes,’ as we’re calling them, spread throughout downtown this holiday season,” CSDD’s CEO Bianca Shoneman shares.

“We’re especially excited to be one of the first places in the state to welcome three augmented reality stations, allowing visitors to engage on the street level with AR impressions, creating memories through science and digital art,” Shoneman elaborates.

CSDD is welcoming the immersive art of Robin Vuchnich, who will use projection mapping to illuminate the Self-Help building with larger-than-life holiday winterscapes.
According to CSDD, their District Winterscapes will include the following:

Twenty-Two-Foot Carolina Fir Holiday Tree
Location: 301 Hay Street
Designer: Mosca Design
Sponsors: Cool Spring Downtown District; Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation

Holiday Alley
Location: 222 Hay Street
Designer: Downtown Safety and Engagement Ambassadors
Sponsors: Cool Spring Downtown District; Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation
Augmented Reality Station A: “Jack Frost”
Location: 116 Green Street
Designer: NOVABY
Sponsors: Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County; Cape Fear Valley Health; Cool Spring Downtown District; Fayetteville Public Works Commission

Augmented Reality Station B: “Hanging with My Gnomes”
Location: 222 Hay Street
Designer: NOVABY
Sponsors: Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County; Cape Fear Valley Health; Cool Spring Downtown District; Fayetteville Public Works Commission

Augmented Reality Station C: “For the Trees”
Location: 318 Hay Street
Designer: NOVABY
Sponsors: Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County; Cape Fear Valley Health; Cool Spring Downtown District; Fayetteville Public Works Commission

Letters to Santa
Location: 222 Hay Street
Sponsors: A Bit of Carolina; Cool Spring Downtown District
Eleven "Winterscapes" in total can be seen throughout downtown Fayetteville. Shoneman shares that she and her staff recognize many people start shopping and seeking places to take holiday photos with family ahead of the season, a motivation to begin decking out downtown as early as mid-November. In fact, Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation’s crew has already begun hanging the traditional holiday wreaths along downtown’s streets.

“Positioning our arts and entertainment district as a 'vibrant center of artistic, cultural, civic and commercial activity’ means our CSDD team is always exploring new ways to entice visitors here,” Shoneman explains. “This year, thanks to several generous sponsors of our District Winterscapes, we’re giving folks even more reasons to celebrate the season in Downtown Fayetteville.”

It goes without saying that North Carolina’s 16 electoral votes for president will, as usual, be heavily contested next year by the two major-party nominees, who are presumed to be Democrat Joe Biden and Republican Donald Trump.

I’m not yet ready to accept that presumption, by the way. I think it’s possible, for example, that President Biden will decide late, perhaps even after the 2024 primaries and caucuses, not to run for reelection — citing health reasons — and to release his delegates to support another nominee at the Democratic National Convention in August.

But here’s what I know for sure: North Carolina won’t just be a prime battleground in the presidential campaign. Our ballot will feature competitive and consequential races for many statewide offices.

I’ve already written about the gubernatorial race. If it pits Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein against Republican Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson, I expect it to be the most expensive campaign for governor in state history. Even if we see a different matchup, the victor is unlikely to win by a large margin. We don’t see that anymore in North Carolina.

With Stein and Robinson giving up their current offices to run, the races for attorney general and lieutenant governor are attracting high-profile candidates. In the former, two sitting members of the U.S. House of Representatives — Democrat Jeff Jackson and Republican Dan Bishop, both media-savvy and former state senators from Mecklenburg County — seem destined to clash in spectacular fashion.

For lieutenant governor, the Democrats are almost assured to coalesce behind state Sen. Rachel Hunt, daughter of former Gov. Jim Hunt, while Republican primary voters will choose among such candidates as former state Sen. Deanna Ballard, current state Rep. Jeffrey Elmore, Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page, former executive and congressional staffer Hal Weatherman, and Moore County pastor Allen Marshburn.

At least three other seats on the Council of State — state treasurer, labor commissioner, and state auditor — will be open in 2024. The treasurer race will likely pit two additional Mecklenburg lawmakers against each other, Republican state Rep. John Bradford and Democratic state Rep. Wesley Harris.

Rep. Jon Hardister of Guilford County, Raleigh attorney Luke Farley, and Union County activist Travis Wilson plan to seek the GOP nomination for labor commissioner.
The winner may take on Democrat Braxton Winston, a Charlotte city councilman.

As for state auditor, potential Republican candidates include former Greensboro city councilman Jim Kee, former UNC-Chapel Hill board chairman Dave Boliek, former legislative staffer Jack Clark, and party activists A.J. Daoud of Surry County and Charles Dingee of Wake County.

Though it won’t be an open seat, the race for state superintendent of public instruction will also be highly competitive.

Incumbent Republican Catherine Truitt will probably face Democrat Mo Green, former superintendent of the Guilford County Schools.

And now, a confession: I have, arguably, buried the lede. Another critical statewide race next year will feature Allison Riggs, incumbent justice on the North Carolina Supreme Court, against Republican challenger Jefferson Griffin.

Gov. Roy Cooper appointed Riggs to the court only a couple of months ago, after Mike Morgan resigned to launch a gubernatorial campaign. While she’s a political newcomer, Griffin is an experienced campaigner, having won a statewide election to the court of appeals in 2020.

If he wins, he’ll become the sixth Republican on a seven-member court. Democrats would have to win all three seats potentially up in 2028 in order to gain a majority.

Unless Republicans experience electoral catastrophe next year, they’ll continue to control the state legislature, very possibly with supermajorities.

Democrats desperate to block or overturn Republican policies on education, voting procedures, criminal justice, and other issues will have little recourse but to file constitutional challenges in state court.

Given the current composition of the state supreme court, their prospects for success are slim. This isn’t just a case of partisan affiliation working against them. The current GOP justices view novel interpretations of the state constitution with great skepticism. Jefferson Griffin will, too.

Editor's note: John Hood is a John Locke Foundation board member. His latest books, Mountain Folk and Forest Folk, combine epic fantasy with early American history (FolkloreCycle.com).

When I was a child in Fayetteville, all children in my neighborhood attended the only elementary school available, Haymount Elementary School on Hay Street.
Once we reached the 4th grade, we rode our bikes to school in a great herd. As far as I know, there were no other options.

When my own children reached school age, there were several other choices, mostly church-related schools and one academy, birthed in 1970 during the civil rights movement.
Since then, educational choice has exploded, and my head spins at the various options today’s parents are offered, many consider, and some take.

Homeschooling is up nationwide, 51 percent higher now than in school year 2017-2018, with some, but not all, that growth due to Covid. This is true in North Carolina as well.

Homeschooling numbers can be a bit sketchy, but estimates are that somewhere around 170,000 children are now homeschooled in the Tar Heel state. That is roughly 9 percent of our school-age children. If homeschoolers were an actual school district, it would be the largest one in North Carolina.

Homeschooling is not the only option available to parents.

They can also consider various charter schools, loosely regulated public schools, sometimes offering concentrations in various fields, such as STEM, the arts, foreign languages, and others. In North Carolina, these schools are increasingly operated by private companies paid by taxpayers with little public supervision.

There are also many private schools, often with religious bents, many of which operate on shoestring budgets and little to no curriculum oversight.
In addition, North Carolina and other states have begun offering what NC calls “opportunity scholarships,” taxpayer-funded tuition payments to private schools for students who have left public schools for whatever reason.

This smorgasbord of education choice is affecting traditional public schools, whose enrollment is down about 4 percent nationally, according to the Washington Post. Parents report taking their children out of public schools for all sorts of reasons, including bullying, not meeting their children’s particular needs, safety concerns, curricula with which they do not agree, and others.
Also affecting traditional public schools are the tax dollars that once flowed to them being diverted to charter and private schools.

All parents want the best for their children, and we all try to make the right choices for them. This mother of three with decades of schools, both public and private, under her belt has a few words of caution about school choice.

Free public education is not perfect, but it has served this nation well for nearly two centuries, and even with the various options now parents have, most American children are educated in traditional public schools and will continue to be for the foreseeable future.

It is in everyone’s best interest that children, our own and everyone else’s, receive high-quality basic educations. Siphoning tax dollars away from public education into private schools does not seem in the best interests of the overall common good.

When making choices for children’s schooling, be it in your kitchen, in a non-traditional charter, or in a private institution, make sure it is the highest quality you can find in your community.
Houses, cars, and most everything else can be replaced, but it is hard to undo, much less correct, an inadequate education. Education, whether it is excellent or poor, will follow and affect your child’s life after you and I are long gone.

In other words, caveat emptor—buyer beware.

 

This Veterans Day, we celebrated the best our nation has to offer. We extend our respect, our admiration, and our appreciation to all who have worn the flag of our nation on their uniform.
As the representative of the largest Army base in the world, my top priority is making sure our veterans, as well as our troops and their families, get the support they deserve.
I was proud to support the FY24 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which passed the House in July and fully funds veterans’ health care programs, benefits, and other critical VA programs.

I am especially proud this legislation contains my amendment to bring attention to funding the Veteran Crisis Line. I have fought for years to include this necessary funding that our military community deserves, reducing the stigma around mental health, and I was proud to secure these large wins for the thousands of veterans living in our community.
In North Carolina, Veterans Day is not just one day a year—it is a year-long call to action. With the suicide rate among our nation’s veterans being 2.5 times more than civilians, I’ve made it a mission to do everything I can to address this tragedy.

One effort that is making a difference on a national level is Warrior Call Day, which has gathered support from dozens of veterans organizations and seven former Veterans Affairs Secretaries. Earlier this year, I introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate November 12, as National Warrior Call Day for 2023.

I encouraged folks in our community and across the country to take National Warrior Call Day as an opportunity to check in on someone they know, active duty or veteran. I look forward to the day we get this resolution across the finish line and signed into law.

The Veterans Crisis Line acts as a critical tool to help our veterans in their time of need, and the number of annual contacts received—which include calls, texts, and chats—increased 15% between 2020 and 2022.
With this resolution, we are one step closer to addressing the challenges Veterans face head-on by keeping our promises made to them for their service and addressing the stigma around seeking help.
If you are a veteran or know someone who needs assistance, contact the 24-hour Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 or 988 and Press 1, text 838255, or chat online at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.

While we can never thank our active duty military, their families, and our veterans enough for their service, one thing we must do is improve the quality of health care we provide them. For example, Mastehr Sergeant Rich Stayskal, a resident of Moore County, served our country honorably and was wounded in combat. While stationed in our region, a missed cancer diagnosis changed his life. In response, I helped change federal law in 2020 so Rich and other military families who are victims of non-combat related medical malpractice while on active duty could receive support. However, the Department of Defense has failed to implement the law properly, stealing hope from Rich Stayskal and hundreds of military families who have been harmed by medical malpractice.

This year I was proud to introduce the bipartisan Healthcare Equality and Rights for our Heroes (HERO) Act to correct this wrong and give our nation’s heroes who are victims of malpractice from a DoD medical treatment facility the opportunity to take their claim to District Court.

Our servicemembers should have the right and opportunity to fight for the compensation and justice they deserve, and I will not stop fighting until they get it.
Our region is home to thousands of veterans, and it is my duty as their Congressman to ensure our veterans have access to the resources and benefits they deserve.

Too often veterans face bureaucratic obstacles at the Department of Veterans Affairs that hamper their access to care or benefits, and our office is here to help. If you or a veteran you know has experienced issues with the VA, please visit Hudson.house.gov or call our Southern Pines district office at 910-910-1924.

I continue to pray for the strength and safety of soldiers from our region who have been or will be deployed.

As your Congressman, it is an honor to represent so many men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform and who bravely answered the call to defend our freedoms on the front lines.
America’s servicemembers and veterans have given so much in the defense of our nation, and there are no words strong enough to express our sincere gratitude and deepest appreciation.
Until Next Time.

 

Editor’s Note: National Warrior Call Day is nationally held the Sunday after Veterans Day and began in 2021 as an initiative to help veterans who are in crisis. If you know a veteran in need, you do not need to wait until National Warrior Call Day 2024 to reach out to them. For more information, visit https://warriorcall.org/warrior-call-day