Over the past dozen years, North Carolina lawmakers have made our state freer, more innovative, and more prosperous. But in one critical area of policy — the freedom to change careers and enter new occupations — state leaders have made far too little progress.
The Archbridge Institute, which explores ways to help more people achieve the American Dream, has just released its latest index of state restrictions on occupational choice. By this measure, North Carolina has the 11th-worst system of regulations in the country.
The Archbridge team counted 186 instances in which it is illegal to perform a given professional task without a state license. That’s higher than the average for South Atlantic states (176.1) and the nation as a whole (174.1). The number of educational credentials, tests, waiting periods, and other non-licensing requirements North Carolina imposes on our workers is 144, again higher than the regional and national averages.
By contrast, our neighboring state of Georgia — comparable in population and many other ways — follows a much more sensible approach to occupational freedom. It has fewer licensed tasks and non-licensing requirements than we do.
Last year, its legislature also enacted a reasonably good “universal recognition” law. That means that when folks with professional licenses move to Georgia, most no longer have to invest time and money in obtaining a new permission slip from their new state to do their jobs. Georgia recognizes their prior occupational license as valid.
Our state ought to do the same. “Workers don’t lose skills when they cross state lines to live in North Carolina,” my former John Locke Foundation colleague Jordan Roberts wrote last year. “Let’s not punish them for wanting to call North Carolina home.”
You might be wondering whether occupational licensing is really that big a deal. Well, for starters, more than a fifth of workers face some sort of government-imposed licensing requirement for doing their jobs.
I’m not just talking about heart surgeons or transportation engineers designing high-traffic bridges over raging rivers. Massage therapists, cosmetologists, and many other workers providing personal services or assisting other professionals must also be licensed.
There’s little evidence that such regulations confer enough quantifiable health and safety benefits on consumers to justify their costs — which can be measured in tens of thousands of lost jobs, tens of millions of dollars a year in higher prices, and hundreds of millions of dollars in misallocated capital and other economic effects.
Here are some studies of occupational licensing released within the past few months:
• A paper in the July 2024 issue of the American Economic Journal found that higher licensing requirements in the home-improvement industry are associated with “less competition, higher prices, and no increase in demand or consumer satisfaction.”
• A paper in the August 2024 issue of Contemporary Economic Policy examined the relationship between occupational regulation and the “shadow economy” — that is, instances of consumers purchasing services outside of normal conditions and legally enforceable contracts. They found solid evidence that government licensing “leads to higher prices in the formal sector and barriers to entry into formal sector employment, therefore incentivizing individuals to migrate their demand and supply to the underground sector.”
• A new working paper from scholars as George Mason University and West Virginia University compared the effects of technological change and occupational licensing on workers. “We find that a significant share of the prediction of falling income mobility tied to automation are actually tied to changes in occupational licensing,” they concluded. “Areas that experienced labor market deregulation and high exposure to automation suffered far less than areas that did not engage in deregulation.”
• A new book from scholars at Utah State University’s Center for Growth and Opportunity summarized research detailing higher costs for consumers with little corresponding gains in the quality of goods and services delivered.
If licensing reform were something speculative, promising on paper but never tried before, I might understand North Carolina lawmakers being cautious. But if Georgia can do it, so can we. So should we.

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).

Fayetteville Technical Community College has long been a beacon of educational excellence and community development in Fayetteville and Cumberland County. Among its many acclaimed programs, the Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology program, also known as CollisionU, stands out as a vital contributor to both the local economy and a pathway for students to enter a career that pays good wages. Here’s how the program benefits our community.
One of the most significant advantages of the Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology program is its role in developing a highly skilled workforce in a high-demand employment sector. The program equips students with the technical skills and hands-on experience needed to excel in the industry. Graduates are trained in the latest techniques including computerized estimating, frame straightening/painting/refinishing, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Graduates from the program help ensure that local businesses have access to a pool of highly qualified professionals ready to meet the demands of an evolving industry.
The collision repair industry is a critical component of our local economy. By producing well-trained graduates, FTCC supports the growth of small businesses and collision repair shops in Fayetteville and Cumberland County. These businesses, in turn, contribute to the economic vitality of our community through living wage jobs that fuel economic vitality. The program also attracts students from outside the region, bringing in additional revenue and fostering economic development.
Local auto repair shops and dealerships benefit directly from the program’s graduates. With a steady stream of qualified technicians entering the workforce, these businesses can hire skilled employees who require minimal additional training. This reduces costs for employers, increases productivity, and enhances the overall quality of service offered to customers. The close relationship between FTCC and local businesses also ensures that the curriculum remains relevant, reflecting the latest industry trends and technologies. CollisionU also works with employers representing more than 45 states across the country to place graduating students with employers through our Draft Day events held twice a year.
CollisionU doesn't just train students; it also serves the community by providing the public high-quality repair and refinishing services at competitive rates for vehicles less than ten years old. There are other criteria to qualify, but residents of Fayetteville and Cumberland County benefit from having access to reliable, affordable collision repair services provided by students under the supervision of experienced instructors. This not only saves residents money but also gives students valuable real-world experience.
Proper collision repair is critical for vehicle safety. FTCC ensures that our graduates understand the importance of maintaining structural integrity and adhering to safety standards during repairs. This commitment to safety benefits all drivers in our community by ensuring that repaired vehicles continue to meet manufacturer specifications, reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing overall road safety.
Whether students are recent high school graduates or individuals looking to change careers, the program offers opportunities for personal and professional growth. Students gain technical skills and an understanding of business practices, customer service, and entrepreneurship. For many students, the program represents the first step toward owning their own business or advancing within the collision industry.
The Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology program delivers widespread benefits that extend far beyond the classroom. As our community grows, the program’s role in fostering economic growth, career opportunities, and environmental sustainability will remain essential to our collective success. Learn more about FTCC and the Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology program at faytechcc.edu or contact me, Doug Irish at irishd@faytechcc.edu.

The rigors of academia demand every student's utmost devotion. For some, the challenges in the classroom are accompanied by the thrill of competition on the playing fields. Multi-tasking may be most associated with modern professionals, but many might have learned how to balance multiple responsibilities at once during their days as student-athletes.
Student-athletes typically have a lot on their plates. Managing multiple priorities at once can overwhelm anyone, especially young student-athletes without much experience handling such a juggling act.
As a new school year begins, student-athletes can consider these strategies as they try to do their best in the classroom and on the competitive playing fields.
• Practice time management over the summer. Summer vacation provides a much-needed respite for all students, but it also can serve as a time management trial run for student-athletes.
Over the course of summer break, create a schedule of activities and allot a certain amount of time to devote to each. In the spirit of summer vacation, these activities need not be rigorous, but the schedule can lay the foundation for the hopefully successful management of time that will be necessary when the school year begins.
• Take steps to avoid burnout. Burnout can affect student-athletes in the classroom and on the field. Work with parents, coaches and school staff, including a nutritionist if one works for the school's athletic department, to devise a meal plan that will help to energize the body and reduce injury risk.
In addition, follow a consistent sleep schedule that helps to overcome mental and physical fatigue.
According to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 should sleep eight to 10 hours each night.
• Avoid distractions. Student-athletes who are finding it hard to get at least eight hours of sleep each night might be too distracted during the day to get everything done so they can go to bed at a reasonable hour.
Smartphones ensure distractions are never too far away, but student-athletes can take a proactive approach and turn off app notifications once a new school year and season begins. In addition, pick a quiet homework/study room in the house without distractions like a television or the hum of outside noise.
• Set academic and athletic goals. Coaches typically establish goals for players before the season and then again during end-of-season exit interviews.
Such goals can help athletes maintain their motivation, and a similar strategy can be employed in the classroom.
Parents and student-athletes can meet with teachers to establish study goals to keep them striving toward academic achievement. Clearly defined goals can improve student-athletes' focus, and that can make it easier to balance their responsibilities.
Student-athletes face a balancing act once a new school year or season begins.
Various strategies can help young people successfully juggle their academic and athletic obligations.

Why do we fall in love with Fall? Let us count the ways! The crisp weather, the relaxed pace, the irresistible allure of pumpkin spice, and the cozy vibes all make this season special. But there's more! Fall is the perfect time for outdoor fun like pumpkin picking and navigating corn mazes. Plus, it's the season for harvest festivals and craft fairs galore. Dive into our ultimate Fall Event Round-Up and discover all the seasonal delights waiting for you!
• Aug. 30-Sept. 8
Cumberland County Fair at the Crown Complex
https://tinyurl.com/bddchhww
Nothing says goodbye summer, hello fall like the fair! Don't miss out on all the great rides, food, entertainment, live music, animals and more! Great fun for the whole family.
• Sept. 4, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Misfit Market at Dirtbag Ales, 5435 Corporate Drive, Hope Mills
https://tinyurl.com/3k9hbp9h
Set at night, a fun opportunity to shop local oddity vendors. Complete with live music, food trucks and craft beer.
• Sept. 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sandhills Farmers & Heritage Market, 230 Chapell Hill Rd, Spring Lake
https://tinyurl.com/3exmyveb
Get the best in-season produce and other wonderful fall finds at this farmer's market. Happening every Tuesday until Sept. 21.
• Sept. 12, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
FTCC Fall Festival, Tony Rand Lawn on FTCC Campus
https://tinyurl.com/4pf8shuc
Join in for the chance to play games, win prizes, eat some food and paint pottery.
• Sept. 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Carve Out a Good Time On Trade Street: Fall Artisan Fair, 5483 Trade Street, Hope Mills
https://tinyurl.com/5esaj6jy
This Fall Artisan Fair features local craft vendors. Discover a variety of great seasonal decor, gifts and more.
• Sept. 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
20th Annual Fall Harvest Festival & Grape Stomp, 21904 Riverton Rd, Wagram
https://tinyurl.com/me64cfvc
Enjoy live music, arts and crafts, food vendors and grape stomping with Cypress Bend Vineyards as the backdrop.
• Sept. 21, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Click's Fall Vibes Vendor Fair, Click's Nursery, 4181 Barefoot Rd
https://tinyurl.com/yc47kjkj
Spend a beautiful fall day at the nursery with an array of vendors and activities for the kids. This event will support "Let's Walk It Out", a non-profit dedicated to preventing Veteran and First Responder suicides.
• Sept. 21-Nov. 2
Fall Activities at Hubb's Farm, 10276 N. US 421 Hwy, Clinton
https://tinyurl.com/r4nyhfcb
Hubb's Farm has a corn maze, pumpkin patch, farm animal encounters and more!
• Sept. 28, 10 a.m.
Fall Vendor Market at Edward Mendoza Municipal Park, 1774 Little River Rd, Spring Lake
https://tinyurl.com/yc3xbdnv
Enjoy a day filled with unique crafts, delicious food and great kid activities.
• Sept. 28, 3 p.m.
Annual Harvest Festival at Barbecue Presbyterian Church, 124 Barbecue Church Rd, Sanford
https://tinyurl.com/2uu77tdx
BBQ and Chicken Stew plates are available for $10 each with great craft items for sale, a 6 p.m. auction and a quilt raffle.
• Oct. 5-6
Fall Antique Street Fair at Cameron Historic District
https://tinyurl.com/2uu77tdx
100+ antique dealers to buy from plus some good food. This is a rain-or-shine event.
• Oct. 18, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Annual Fall Festival at Cameron Elementary School, 2636 HWY 24/27, Cameron
https://tinyurl.com/y43k8pd3
Join in for food, games and lots of fun.
• Oct. 19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
NC Fall Festival 2024 at 101 N. Main St, Raeford
https://tinyurl.com/y7rc63fe
Shop with over 100 vendors from around NC selling their artwork and crafts. Enjoy food trucks, a Kidz Corner, live entertainment and more.

Emerging Careers in Entertainment Technology
The entertainment industry is rapidly evolving, offering a range of new career opportunities for those equipped with technical skills. Fayetteville Technical Community College's Entertainment Technologies program is designed to prepare students for these emerging roles, particularly in sound and lighting. Graduates can look forward to entry-level positions as crew or production assistants in concert or event setups, with recording companies, or with sound/lighting companies.
This program addresses the industry's need for professionals who can manage the technical aspects of live events and recordings. With a focus on hands-on training, students are well-prepared to meet the demands of this dynamic field.
Core Components of the Entertainment Technologies Curriculum
The Entertainment Technologies curriculum at Fayetteville Technical Community College covers a wide range of essential topics. Students will gain technical skills in running sound and lighting at live shows, recording engineering, and electronic music. The coursework also includes music fundamentals, entertainment law, and marketing and promotion.
This comprehensive approach ensures that students not only learn the technical aspects of entertainment but also understand the business side, preparing them for the realities of a career in this field. The program's structure is designed to provide a well-rounded education that meets industry standards.
Real-World Applications of Technical Training in Entertainment
One of the standout features of the Entertainment Technologies program is its emphasis on real-world applications. Students will gain hands-on experience with the entire live concert and sound recording processes. This practical training is invaluable for those looking to enter the entertainment industry.
By working on actual projects and scenarios, students can apply what they learn in the classroom to real-life situations. This approach ensures that graduates are job-ready and capable of handling the technical demands of live events and studio recordings.
Bridging the Gap: Music Fundamentals and Technical Skills
For students who are passionate about music but do not play an instrument, the Entertainment Technologies program offers a perfect solution. The curriculum includes fundamental music instruction, providing opportunities for students in the Associate in Fine Arts in Music degree program to take courses in the Entertainment Technologies pathway, and vice versa.
This integration allows students to fulfill their graduation requirements while gaining technical skills that are highly valued in the industry. It bridges the gap between traditional music education and the technical expertise required for modern entertainment careers.
How to Enroll in the Entertainment Technologies Program
Enrollment for the Entertainment Technologies program at Fayetteville Technical Community College is now open. The two-year program will make its debut this Fall, and interested students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to secure their spot.
To enroll, visit the college's website here: https://tinyurl.com/3tjs6f6s Follow the application process outlined for the Arts & Humanities program. This exciting new program is an excellent opportunity for those looking to start a career in the entertainment industry with a strong foundation in both technical and business skills.

(Photo: FTCC will offer an Entertainment Technologies degree starting in the fall of 2024. Photo by Brad Losh)

Dr. Stephon Ferguson, an esteemed author and inspirational speaker, is widely recognized as a contemporary embodiment of the principles championed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His most recent publication, "Legacy Reloaded: A Nonviolent Awakening," is a testament to his lifelong commitment to upholding and furthering the tenets of nonviolence that were fundamental to Dr. King's mission. Ferguson's remarkable ability to channel the voice and aura of Dr. King has garnered global acclaim. Whether delivering speeches from the historic pulpit of Dexter Avenue in Montgomery, Alabama, or at the prestigious Teatro Lope de Vega in Madrid, Spain, his presentations have profoundly resonated with individuals of diverse ages, cultures, and backgrounds.
Not mere recitals, his interpretations of Dr. King's orations constitute a profound educational experience designed to reignite the ethos of love, nonviolence, peace, and unity. In "Legacy Reloaded: A Nonviolent Awakening," Ferguson applies the same zeal and authenticity evident in his public appearances to his literary endeavors. Through evocative narratives and incisive analysis, he sheds light on the often-overlooked influence of nonviolence in shaping historical events. The book effectively advocates for the enduring potency of nonviolent activism as a catalyst for constructive societal transformation, furnishing a timely contemplation of its relevance in the contemporary milieu.
I entered Panera Bread on Ramsey Street, and a warm, golden light spilled through the large windows, casting a cozy glow over the bustling café. A few patrons were scattered across the room, engaged in quiet conversations or absorbed in their laptops. Amidst the gentle clatter of plates, I spotted Dr. Stephon Ferguson seated calmly at a corner table near the window.
Dressed in a polo shirt and jeans, Dr. Ferguson exuded quiet confidence. His calm and poised demeanor seemed to draw an invisible circle of serenity around him, a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere of the café. As I approached, he greeted me with a warm smile, his presence immediately putting me at ease. I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement—here I was, about to interview the man known for bringing the voice of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. back to life.
After we exchanged pleasantries, I settled into my seat, and the interview began. "Dr. Ferguson, your ability to channel Dr. King's voice is extraordinary. How did you first realize that this was something you could do?" I asked, eager to dive into the heart of his journey.
He paused thoughtfully before answering. "It wasn't something I planned, to be honest. I was drawn to Dr. King's speeches from a young age. The more I listened, the more I felt this deep connection to his words and mission. When I first took to the podium, I felt an obligation to embody the spirit behind them, not just recite the words."
In his book, "Legacy Reloaded: A Nonviolent Awakening," Dr. Ferguson captures this same essence of commitment and passion. One particular quote from the book resonated deeply: "The burden of carrying the weight of others can be overwhelming and heavy. Now, envision a world where everyone takes up their rightful share of that load; collectively, we lighten the burden for all. In the strength of unity, we carry ourselves forward with purpose and resilience." I asked him to elaborate on this powerful statement.
"Unity is at the core of nonviolence," Dr. Ferguson explained. "Dr. King knew the only way to create lasting change was through collective effort. It's not enough for a few to bear the weight; everyone has to be involved and contribute."
The conversation then turned to some of the poignant moments he wrote about in "Legacy Reloaded." In Chapter 5, titled "Get Off My Shoulders," Dr. Ferguson recounts his visit to Jackson, Mississippi, where he had the honor of conversing with the late Myrlie Evers, widow of civil rights icon Medgar Evers. Another significant moment in his journey occurred inside the historic walls of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama—the site of a tragic bombing during the Civil Rights Movement.
"I remember standing in that church, feeling my soul swell with pain," Dr. Ferguson said, his voice growing softer. "I was amongst the descendants of the victims, and in that moment, I felt Dr. King's presence so strongly. I was channeling him, delivering the eulogy he once voiced within those hollow walls. The expression of those directly connected, who remembered, who felt the loss deeply, contrasted sharply with a broader society that often relegates this history to a single commemorative day, failing to grasp its prophetic relevance."
I could feel the weight of his words and the profound impact these experiences had on him. "How do you believe nonviolent strategies must evolve to address the complexities of modern-day conflicts and injustices?" I asked, curious about his views on the future of nonviolence in today's society.
"Nonviolence has to be adaptable," Dr. Ferguson replied without hesitation. "We're facing new challenges today, but the principles of nonviolence remain the same. It's about finding innovative ways to apply those principles—whether through social media, grassroots movements, or how we engage with policymakers. The goal is always to bring about positive change without resorting to violence."
As the interview drew to a close, I asked him one final question: "What do you hope readers will take away from Legacy Reloaded?"
Dr. Ferguson smiled, his eyes reflecting deep reflection. "I hope they understand the ongoing fight for justice and equality. Dr. King's legacy isn't something to be remembered only in history books; it's a living, breathing mission that we all have a part in continuing. I've done my job if "Legacy Reloaded" can inspire even one person to take up that mission."
As I left Panera Bread that evening, Dr. Ferguson's words lingered in my mind. The man who channels Dr. King's voice is more than just an extraordinary speaker; he is a torchbearer of a legacy that continues to light the way for future generations.
Ferguson is committed to a multifaceted mission that transcends mere written communication. As a distinguished speaker and coach, he has undergone training under the guidance of renowned figures such as Les Brown and John Maxwell. His areas of expertise encompass nonviolence, diversity, equity, inclusion, and personal development. Ferguson has become a highly sought-after presence at conferences, panels, and workshops by integrating a dynamic speaking style featuring live quotations from Dr. King, unexpected voices, and a touch of humor.
For individuals in search of both inspiration and pragmatic insights regarding how to contribute to the ongoing pursuit of a more just and equitable society, Ferguson's message is unmistakable: the enduring potency and relevance of the principles of nonviolence persist today as steadfastly as ever. Under the banner of 'Legacy Reloaded,' Ferguson endeavors to kindle inspiration and fortitude in his audience, perpetuating Dr. King's legacy by cultivating and galvanizing the forthcoming cadre of leaders.
For further details regarding “Legacy Reloaded: A Nonviolent Awakening” or to arrange an interview with Dr. Stephon Ferguson, visit http://thedreamlives.com/.
Dr. Ferguson’s “Legacy Reloaded: A Nonviolent Awakening” represents a literary work and a movement to foster a more peaceful and equitable global community. Engage in the discourse and become an integral part of this transformative initiative.
To learn more about Dr. Fergson, or to purchase his book, visit https://thedreamlives.com/stephonferguson/store 

(Photo:Dr. Stephon Ferguson's book, Legacy Reloaded: A Nonviolent Awakening, takes a look at the principles of Martin Luther King Jr. Photo courtesy of Dr. Stephon Ferguson)

The blue-walled rehearsal space attached to Cape Fear Regional Theatre is a mix of sounds of shoes hitting the floor. A mix of Chuck Taylor's and Cowboy boots move across the room. Looking up from further away, one could only see a sea of mostly cowboy hats on actors, doing steps, swinging in and swinging out, feet kicking up, 1-2-3-4. Again.
And again.
L Boogie is at the front of the rehearsal space with Camo pants, a long sweatshirt and a hat that reads "Do Good. Be Good." She laughs as she mimics a sort of country boogie-scat while the dancers follow out her choreography. She chameleons into her space with dancing being the tie that always binds for her.
"Don't be thrown by people walking by you," Director Suzanna Agins calls to them as the main actors of the show slink through the crowd.
"I'm gonna pray for y'all," L Boogie laughs at the dancers trying to keep the steps and not bump into the actors moving through their couplings. Boogie is a personality unto herself. This go round, she has the opportunity to choreograph CFRT's upcoming production of Footloose. Frequently after each step, she calls to the dancers to give themselves a high five.
Footloose will open in September in just a few short weeks. The actors, some of whom have graced the stage of CFRT before, have the pleasure of coming to the stage in the last production prior to the upcoming large renovation. CFRT will soon move to a space for the upcoming season near the Bordeaux shopping center.
For those who loved Kevin Bacon’s iconic movie growing up, the upcoming musical follows pretty close to the plot line of the 1984 movie.
"Some of those things are difficult to do on stage," Agins says and then chuckles, "two people playing chicken while riding tractors."
The production, however, will include the majority of the original music from the movie. Agins noted that the screenwriter for the movie helped in co-writing the music including the title song, "Footloose" with Kenny Loggins.
For this particular production, Agins viewed 300 tapes from auditions in three days. This did not include the in-person auditions she would do later.
"You start to feel a little fuzzy [watching] but then you watch one and you sit up straight and say, 'this person is amazing.'"
In the front of the rehearsal space, Josiah Thomas Randolph is standing, bouncing back and forth as he waits for his lines in the rehearsal room. His energy can be felt across the room and a smile rarely leaves his face. Randolph knew when he heard about the production of Footloose there was only one role he could do — Ren McCormick.
Although Randolph was born in Greensboro, this is his first production at CFRT. He grew up on Footloose and loving the energy that came from Ren. And this production, his family will get to come and watch.
"His character is so beautifully written. He's a complex teenager," Randolph says.
Randolph moves forward in the rehearsal space, delivers his line about the country bar the teenagers have just found themselves in and then bebops to the wall, but not before grabbing his awkward, lovable best friend Willard, who is played by Charlie Tucker. Tucker, who is no stranger to CRFT, moves awkwardly about the room. In between takes, while other actors are chatting, Tucker is methodically recalling his steps and quietly saying his lines to himself.
Standing beside Randolph and Tucker is Victoria Mesa who plays Ariel. This is also Mesa's first go at CFRT. Funny enough for Mesa, she says she did not grow up watching Footloose but gravitated towards movies like Grease instead.
"I knew some of the songs. I knew 'Footloose.' I knew Kevin Bacon," she laughs.
For Mesa, this has given her the special pleasure of really curating the character, she says. Script analysis, a big love in her life, has been a large part of playing this role.
"I admire her in a lot of ways," she says. "This loss [of her brother] sort of drives her. She becomes a strong, fiery, passionate teenager."
The foursome, including Zoe Godfrey-Grinage who plays Rusty, maneuver through the crowd of dancers and find themselves in the back of the dancing establishment. The only actual recall to the space they will act in is the tape on the floor to show the actors where walls are located on the stage.
Randolph stands at the back of the room beaming. Tucker brings out a script book while he waits and walks awkwardly about. It’s not very clear if this is in character or just Tucker himself. Mesa and Godfrey-Grinage look about the room and wait for the beginning of the next sequence of events which will include dancing of their own.
The rehearsal will go on for hours as they all refine small details. Some of the actors, like Amber Dawn French, who plays Vie, the pastor's wife, are missing tonight. These scenes don't involve their characters. For French, it is also a welcome back to CFRT. She's a local to the area and often gets to audition the productions at the theatre.
This production, however, rings a little different as French says she really identifies with some of the religious undertones in her own character's story. French did not audition for Vie specifically but just for an adult part in the play. The twist of playing a character with religious beliefs similar to those she grew up in was a fortuitous turn.
"I came from a similar background," she says. "Not allowed to dance. Not allowed to wear pants. It's been interesting telling a story similar to mine."
The challenge, French says, is playing a character with such an incredible loss and that French in real life is an empathetic person.
"If I think too hard about it I cry and I can't sing anymore. The challenge is... not falling apart as Amber in the midst of telling
Vie's story."
The actors move about the room again. Tucker, as Willard, says it’s a good time to find a seat (and not dance) while Randolph and Mesa take front stage and join in on the dancing. It’s been a couple hours on this scene but that is nothing new for any of these actors.
The show will start on Sept. 5 and run about three weeks in total. The production will be about two hours and 15 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. This show, Ashley Owen notes, is special because the members of CFRT gave the patrons an opportunity to vote on what play they should do in the first, empty slot of the season and Footloose won "by a landslide."
"It'll be one last hurrah before we officially move," she says. "Celebrate the last 63 years before we open a new chapter."
The production will include a military appreciation as well as a teacher appreciation night and two previews with the first night including a Welcome Back Bash that will feature complimentary drinks and food.
Tickets will range from $19 to $37. For more information about tickets visit CFRT.org or call 910-323-4234.

(Graphic courtesy of Cape Fear Regional Theatre.  Photo: The cast of Footloose pose in downtown Fayetteville. Footloose will open Sept. 5 at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre, and will be the last play held at the downtown location until renovations are complete. Photo courtesy of Cape Fear Regional Theatre)

The girls of the Hope Mills 10U Softball All-Stars Angels were all too happy to talk about their sport and recent win at the Dixie Softball World Series tournament in Monroe, Louisiana.
“Wait, am I gonna be on ESPN?” One asked excitedly. Her mom giggled.
When the 12 girls were picked from their recreational teams and chosen to represent Hope Mills at the World Series in the 10U Angels division, the families individually made the 13-hour drive to Louisiana. Most of the players on the All-Stars team fall between the ages of nine and ten, with just a few having barely turned 11.
“These rec ball teams get formed every single year. There is a draft, and they pick the players that they want to represent the city,” said head coach Brad Gump. Gump is a coach on a volunteer basis.
The tournament was a double elimination tournament where the team ended up playing at least four games to eventually win the World Series. This was all after they won districts and then state before heading to the national tournament. The players felt their coach helped play a pivotal role in this success.
“He is a very positive and great coach,” said Nia Beaty. “He gave us inspirational words and gave us a confidence boost that helped us win that game.”
The All-Stars lost only one of the games they played through all of their tournaments. This was the hardest part for third-base player Brynann Bryant. When asked what the challenging part of being on the All-Stars team was, she just replied, “Coping with the one loss we had all season.”
Brynann said she and the others would ask themselves how they could have played better and try to keep spirits high even with a loss.
Other team members though, like first-base player Natalie Seals, said after seeing the draft of all the players for the All-Stars team, and the level of talent they all had, they felt they might have a good chance of winning the World Series. The loss of one game didn’t shake their confidence in future wins.
“It’s a little bit of pressure to pick the right kids but you get to watch them all year so you kind of have an idea,” Gump said of choosing his team. “You get two months to watch the girls play and practice.”
Most of the girls play both rec and travel ball for softball with a lot of them gushing about the passion they have for the sport. They play the sport year-round.
“I have been playing softball for two years and I have enjoyed every minute of it,” said second-base player Nia. “Softball is a major part of my life, and I probably will never stop playing that sport.”
Her sentiments are also echoed by many of the other players who find themselves hoping to turn their passion into a career one day, like Brynann, who says she wants to "for sure" be a professional softball player. Being picked for the All-Stars team and eventually going to travel to Louisiana only added to the level of excitement for the sport for most of them, Gump said.
“The girls were highly motivated the entire time. Every single game they showed up motivated. They scored 200 runs throughout the whole tournament. They only gave 2 runs against them,” Gump said.
Next year, Gump is moving to the 12U age group for softball and if he stays there, he may get a chance to coach many of the same girls again.
As for now, the girls and Gump will get to celebrate their win with a dinner with the Town of Hope Mills commissioners, a banner on the field at the Hope Mills recreational fields and they will all get to be in the Christmas Parade. One thing is for sure, they all plan to see each other in the future.
“Possibly in the big leagues,” said Nia.

(Photo: The Hope Mills 10U Softball All-Stars pose for a photo. The team won the Dixie Softball World Series in a dominant fashion, outscoring their opponents 200 runs to 2. Photo courtesy of the Hope Mills All-Stars)

Steeped in history and ecological significance, the trails at Carvers Creek State Park weave visitors through Longleaf Pine ecosystems with wiregrass understory, past the longstanding Rockefeller House, and alongside habitats of federally endangered species. Approximately 13 miles of trails blaze through the 4881 acres of meticulously tended land.
Colleen Bowers, Ranger Supervisor at Carvers Creek State Park since 2010, detailed some of the restoration the property underwent in preparation for public access. She says it included reworking wetlands and a stream that was previously used as farm irrigation. The stream is now braided and runs across the front of the property. Restoration also includes regular controlled burns that regenerate and maintain the longleaf pine and wiregrass.
The ecosystem at Carvers Creek State Park is likely the most fire-adapted in the state, according to Bowers. She said there used to be about 90 million acres of longleaf pine in the southeast United States. Through turpentine harvesting and naval store industries in the 1700s, it was diminished to about three or 4 million acres. Longleaf pine sap is more plentiful and rich than other pine trees. They grow particularly tall, straight, and water-resistant. These raw materials were in particularly high demand at one time.
“It's definitely an ecosystem that we're losing but trying to preserve,” Bowers explained.
The preservation process requires controlled burns every few years. Bowers said they burn multiple units within the park on a 3-5 year rotation. The wiregrass meadow, however, is typically burned every year to maintain it as a warm-season grass meadow.
“In Fire-dependent ecosystems, the seeds cannot regenerate unless they’ve been exposed to fire in the summertime. So that way, when the seeds fall in the autumn, they're falling on nutrient rich, bare soil so they can sprout,” Bowers said.
This regenerative cycle and the habitat it provides endangered wildlife is the backdrop that hikers, bikers, and equestrian visitors enjoy on Carvers Creek trails.
Two trail access points, the Sandhills access, and the Long Valley Farm access, offer visitors distinct opportunities. Bowers explained that the Sandhills access trails are considered “multi-use,” meaning they’re open for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and include horse trailer and pedestrian parking lots. The Long Valley Farm access trails are open only for hiking and biking, Bowers advised they can be challenging for bikes or strollers due to areas of soft, sandy terrain.
The Long Valley Farm access includes 2 trailheads: Cypress Point Loop Trail and Rockefeller Loop Trail. The Rockefeller loop trail features views of the Rockefeller house, the former winter escape of James Stillman Rockefeller. The house will eventually be renovated as a Visitor’s Center, but currently can only be viewed from the trail and is not open to the public. Bowers highlighted the first portion of the trail saying, “It’s a nice birding spot because there's a meadow on one side and then Longleaf Pine. So that's the first half mile of the trail is a great edge habitat for all of these birds.” She said sightings often include the Loggerhead shrike, Bobwhite quail, and Red-tailed hawk. The Cypress Point Loop trail runs along the millpond and features a 91-foot observation deck where visitors can access the scenic lake view.
The Sandhills access includes 7 trailheads. Bowers highlighted two. For an easy and approachable adventure, try the Wiregrass Loop Trail. Bowers said visitors don’t have to stray far for this activity, as the 1.4-mile loop starts and ends at the parking lot. For those interested in an up close look at the longleaf pine ecosystem, Bowers recommends the Longleaf Pine Trail. It’s 4 miles one way and does not loop, but visitors can turn around before the trail ends if they don’t wish to traverse all 8 miles. Not only do visitors get to see the towering trees on the Longleaf Pine Trail, but if they watch below, they’ll spy the creek. Hikers and cyclists cross on a footbridge, while horses ride through the water. The Sandhills access will also be the starting point for Fayetteville Running Club’s upcoming Deerfly Trail Race.
Humans and canines are both welcome at the Deerfly Trail Race with separate registrations and start times for both. Courses include an 11k and 6k that the Fayetteville Running Club describes as “fun and challenging race(s) for all ages and abilities.” The race will take place Saturday, Oct.19, at 8 a.m.
Bowers recommends visitors call ahead with questions and come prepared for their hike with important gear such as proper footwear, insect repellant, and plenty of water. Whether visitors are interested in walking, running, biking, or horseback riding, she encourages them to spend time on the trails and observe the unique ecosystems they spotlight.

A little water isn’t going to stop Dominique Womack from raising money for an amazing cause. KidsPeace Art Gallery was originally set for May 19 at the Wharehouse, a new event venue in the downtown area. The event is an annual fundraiser that supports children in foster care and foster care families.
“I’m not going to lie. I was really sad that we had to postpone the art gallery of Hope and even more saddened that our venue had to postpone its opening due to a sprinkler issue. I was super down and ready to give up, but a close person told me to learn to slow down and take inventory of every situation. After having talks with my support system, I realized that just because I can’t have national foster care awareness, it doesn’t it mean I should hang my head and give up (giving up is not the Douglas Byrd way). Then the planning started for the KidsPeace annual auction, and this year we wanted to give back to our supporters the best way we know how which is literally giving so in order to not create supporter burnout, which is a real thing I’m finding out around town, we decided to combine both events this year instead of having the events close to each other,” Womack said.
The guidance Womack received has been the cornerstone of the new event which is a combination of the KidsPeace Art Gallery and the KidsPeace Annual Auction. The new event is set for September 12 at 5:30 p.m. at the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens. The evening will be filled with laughter, fun, and of course the live and silent auction. Five Star Entertainment will be providing the music. Food and adult provisions have been generously donated by businesses like Southern Coals, Breakfast with Tiffany’s, Healey Wholesale, and Southern Pines Brewery. Attendees will also be able to bid on “masterPEACES” and artwork from local artists. Delayed but not denied, Womack is looking forward to an evening of supporting something so near and dear to her heart and appreciates all of the people who have made this happen.
“We are also thankful that Restore Warehouse has returned as our title sponsor. Bill McMillian is a saint. We also have some new sponsors this year and they are still rolling in. Our Fayetteville KidsPeace and Board of Associates are a great team. Honestly would be lost without them. KidsPeace Fayetteville has had the support from this community for over a decade and I am looking forward to making more memories!”

At KidsPeace Foster Care’s Annual “Chair-ity” Auction, you’ll find limitless creativity expressed in the auction items. Past pieces included a rustic wood window upgraded with panes of meticulously laid mosaic glass, and a children’s rocking chair made new with freshly painted dinosaurs. These items, refurbished by local artists, help kids.
According to Mike Edelman, program manager at KidsPeace, the pieces are a reflection of the agency’s purpose.
"The idea is to take something old, thrown away, and discarded, and make it into something wanted, which is really our mission with our foster children. They feel like they're unwanted and they're thrown away. And we want them to feel wanted."
He told the story of one foster child whose summer was changed for the better by the Chair-ity Auction.
“She’s a very good student. She's in an early college program, and she got information at her school for a journalism camp at Johns Hopkins University up near Baltimore. But she crumpled up the paper and put it in the bottom of her backpack because she thought, ‘Nobody has the money.’ Her foster parents found this out a couple of days before the deadline. They called and said, ‘We really want to send her to this camp, we just need help.’ I said, ‘Absolutely, just tell me what you need and I’ll write the check.’ We immediately got that money paid to the school and she attended the journalism camp.”
Funds raised at the auction made her participation possible.
Hundreds of foster parents and children face similar dilemmas. According to Edelman, while Medicaid has increased their rates to an extent that helps KidsPeace keep their doors open, it’s not enough. KidsPeace wants to finance opportunities that keep the kids' lives moving “toward normalcy.” He described opportunities like summer camp, owning musical instruments, and going on vacation.
Despite the ongoing need to maintain a surplus allocated toward supporting these opportunities, 2024’s auction will look a little different. Edelman says they’re focusing on building awareness.
“We're calling it our ‘Give Back Year.’ We cut the cost of all of our sponsorships and our tickets in half this year. I don't want to say we don't need the money, there's always the need for money, but we also really want to continue to build awareness.”
The auction will still feature local artists’ handiwork, upcycling bits of unwanted furniture and turning them into stunning art pieces. But Edelman says they need to highlight more fundamental areas of need.
In Cumberland County alone there are 1,200 children in the foster care system. This is over four times greater than nearby counties similar in size and population. Forsyth County, for example, currently has 250 children in their foster care system. When kids in Cumberland County are placed with a foster family, summer camps and music lessons can become priorities, but delayed placements are not uncommon.
“There are so many kids in our area, some of them sleeping in DSS offices, because there aren't enough Cumberland County foster homes out there available to take them,” Edelman explained.
By cutting sponsorship and ticket costs, KidsPeace brings other needs to the forefront, including the need for more foster parents. But for those who can’t donate or attend the auction, he says there are other ways to help and hopes the community will spread the word.
“There are so many kids out there who need good, loving homes. We have a big need for awareness and just sharing information is often the best thing people can do. Maybe you're not in a financial spot to be able to donate, but if you share about the fundraiser, maybe somebody you know will want to buy one of these upcycled items. Or maybe you know someone who has an event space. We’re always looking for an event space for our Christmas party. As a non-profit, we’re all about doing things for free.”
Though their 11th annual auction won’t focus as heavily on funding, Edelman says the mission at
KidsPeace remains the same.
"These kids have faced enough rejection when they come to us. They've often been in 10 to 12 foster homes already. We want to end that cycle. We want them to know that people care about them."
General admission tickets can be purchased for $35.00 at kidspeacefayettevilleauction.com/annualauction. The “Chair-ity” Auction will be held Thursday, Sept.12, at 5:30 p.m. at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden.

(Photo: A participant holds up a paddle during the 2023 Chair-ity auction at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden. Photo courtesy of KidsPeace of Fayetteville' Facebook page)

We’ve become desensitized to stories about 9/11. We all seemingly know what the members of the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) endured that day 23 years ago. We know that 121 fire engines, 62 ladder companies and 100 ambulances converged on the World Trade Center after al-Qaeda terrorists flew planes into first the North Tower at 8:46 a.m. and then the South Tower at 9:03 a.m.
We know that 23 battalion chiefs arrived at the Twin Towers and only 4 went home and that 750 firefighters were dispatched and that 343 never came back. We know the firefighters came to recognize the incomprehensible sound of human beings impacting the ground.
Faced with being burned alive, people chose to jump to their deaths, and in fact, the first firefighter to die on 9/11 was hit by a falling body. The sound became a siren’s call to the firefighters to ascend. The rescued owe their lives to men who saw and heard a nightmare around them and only thought to free their people. They attempted to climb the height of the building, 110 flights, 2,200 stairs, in full gear, into the smoke and fire. They reached the 78th floor.
That act by New York City’s firefighters on behalf of their fellow citizens is what the 2024 Fayetteville 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is all about. Each climber carries the name and picture of a firefighter who died in the attacks. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Segra Stadium, 460 Hay St.
The climb starts at 8:46 a.m., the exact moment the North Tower was struck. The public is welcome to participate; registration costs $30 and proceeds benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). You’re encouraged to register online prior to Sept. 10 or to sign up onsite the day of the event starting at 6:30 a.m.
Firefighters know there are health concerns associated with wearing turnout gear. That said, young people born after 2001 only have two-dimensional screen images to help them understand what New York City firefighters, police and port authority personnel endured during a terrorist attack with fellow Americans trapped by fire above them. Seeing today’s firefighters wearing the same gear and carrying the same equipment is an in-person, real-world display of risk and self-sacrifice in honor of the fallen. It doesn’t go unnoticed.
Today, more firefighters have died from known cancers associated with the fallout of 9/11 than died in the attacks. The number is now north of 350, according to Regina Livingston, NFFF development program manager. Research shows firefighters are 9 percent more likely to be diagnosed with certain cancers than the average American and they are 14 percent more likely to succumb to those illnesses.
In addition to myocardial infarction within 24 hours of duty, those cancers are: mesothelioma, testicular, intestinal and esophageal. The firefighting community has been aware of this for 15 years, but only slowly has it come to the fore of the public’s consciousness. Here at home, the most recent line-of-duty death within the Fayetteville Fire Department (FFD) was Chief John Bowen from colon cancer. He was 35. Over the course of the FFD’s history, it has lost five firefighters in line-of-duty deaths.
FFD Captain Stephen M. Shakeshaft has “Sola Fide” tattooed inside his right forearm; on his left is “Sola Christus.” From the Latin, they translate as “through faith alone” and “through Christ alone.” They are two of the Five Solas of the Protestant Reformation, the 16th-century Christian movement that sought to bring the Catholic Church back to basics. (The other three are “Sola Scriptura,” the bible is the sole authority for Christians; “Sola Gratia,” we receive salvation solely through God’s grace; and “Soli Deo Gloria,” we live our lives to glorify God alone).
On his left forearm is a cross in color with a red-headed fireman’s axe ensconced within the wood of the cross. He’ll tell you that there’s no more intense rush than running into a burning building, but over time, he has come to realize he was encountering people on the worst day of their lives and that it was a privilege and gift he’d been given to help them. His perspective changed; the adrenalin addictiveness turned into a heart of service to those he encountered throughout his duty.
Brave The Fire is the FFD climb team and the department appreciates the community’s support and participation.
The first-responder community and the military have always maintained close ties. Sure, there is good-natured ribbing, but mutual respect predominates between our armed forces, law enforcement, firefighters and paramedics. This is why the military turns out in force to support their firefighting brethren.
Many of the men who died on 9/11 also served in the military. One firefighter who had served in the Marine Corps 35 years prior to 9/11 heard the cadence “one, two, three, four; I love the Marine Corps” in his head as he ascended the stairs. It got him through; he survived.
FDNY Chief of Department Peter J. Ganci, Jr. served in the 82nd Airborne Division.
When the North Tower collapsed, he did not survive. The Fayetteville Stair Climb has numerous military teams set up. You are encouraged to register with a team or as an individual to help explain to the next generation what happened on 9/11 and over the ensuing 20-year Global War on Terror.
The NFFF Stairs Climb Program began in 2005 as a training exercise in Denver, Colo. Because of 9/11, there was interest in learning about high-rise firefighting. As the anniversary approached, the organizers decided they would make the exercise equivalent to the 110 flights the 9/11 firefighters attempted to brave.
In a few years, other Colorado department heads inquired about conducting their own climbs and then firefighters out of state made contact. The organizers approached the NFFF and a partnership was born whereby events across the country would benefit the work of the NFFF. The organization’s “mission is to honor America's fallen fire heroes; support their families, colleagues and organizations; and work to reduce preventable firefighter death and injury.”
For more information, or to register for the event, visit https://nfff.akaraisin.com/ui/fayetteville24/about

(Photo: Firefighters, Police Officers, EMS professionals, soldiers and civilians took over 2100 steps to honor those who lost their lives in the World Trade Center and those who continue to live with 9/11 related illnesses during the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in 2023. More than 500 people participated in the climb.)

Cumberland County Animal Services reports a confirmed case of rabies in a raccoon in the 6200 block of Withers Drive in Fayetteville. A test conducted at the N.C. State Public Health Lab in Raleigh confirmed the animal was rabid. No people were reportedly exposed to the raccoon, but one dog with current rabies vaccinations was exposed to the animal.
The incident occurred Aug. 17 when a resident reported their dog was in a fight with a raccoon. The dog killed the raccoon and did not sustain injuries. Animal Services responded, retrieved the raccoon and sent it to the lab in Raleigh for testing.
All pet owners are urged to check the rabies vaccination status of their pets. If pets are not vaccinated or are due for a booster shot, they should be taken to a local veterinarian for rabies vaccination immediately.
Pet owners can bring their pet to Animal Services Wednesdays from 2 to 4 p.m. and get a 1-year rabies vaccination for $5. Animal Services is located at 4704 Corporation Dr., Fayetteville.
The first sign of rabies in animals is usually a change in behavior. Animals may become aggressive, attacking for no reason, or they may become very quiet. Wild animals can lose their fear of people and act tame. Rabid animals may walk in a circle, drag a leg, or fall over. Some cannot swallow so they are not able to eat or drink and often drool. Animals usually die within a week after first becoming ill.
Avoiding wild animals and keeping a safe distance from stray dogs and cats is the first step in preventing an animal bite. Any pet which appears to have been in a fight while outside should be handled with caution and seen by a veterinarian.
If you are bitten or scratched by an animal:
• Immediately wash the wound under running water for at least 10 minutes with lots of soap. Seek medical attention/advice.
• Call Cumberland County Animal Services at 910-321-6852, Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. For emergencies outside business hours, call Cumberland County Emergency Services at 910-323-1141 or call 911.
• Go to the emergency room.
It is also important to vaccinate pets for rabies and keep their shots current. Pet owners are reminded that state law requires that all dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies. Pet owners are subject to a fine of $100 for each unvaccinated dog or cat. Pets must be vaccinated when they reach the age of four months.

Howdy buckaroos, it’s time to put on the old Grecian Formula. Let’s mosey down to the Trojan War Corral to watch the showdown between Achilles and Hector. A little Greek mythology can go a long way. Like Brill Cream, a little dab will do you. Here is the highly compressed and mangled story of the importance of washing your ankles.
Achilles was born into a troubled family. His Momma was Thetis, a Sea Nymph. His Daddy was the mortal King Peleus. As a result, Achilles was half mortal and half Immortal. Achilles had the world’s most famous ankle. Gentle reader, you possess Achilles tendons as a result. Look at your feet. You can wiggle them due to your Achilles tendons. Your feet are your personal brush with Greek mythology.
Thetis was the original Mommy Dearest. There are several versions of why Achilles’ ankle became famous. Version A- Thetis wanted Achilles to become immortal and dipped him into the magic river Styx to achieve that goal. Unfortunately, she held him by his ankle while dipping him which left his ankle vulnerable to being killed. Version B- Thetis slathered ambrosia all over Achilles to protect his God half and put him on a fire to burn away his mortal half. Daddy Peleus interrupted her pyromania and saved Achilles from being toasted. This aggravated Thetis no end, causing her to abandon Achilles and his Daddy.
Version C- Thetis had a nasty habit of burning her children shortly after they were born. Peleus finally realized that even though his wife was frequently pregnant, there were no children pitter pattering around the palace. He followed her the day she gave birth to Achilles. He spotted her trying to roast Achilles like a chestnut over an open fire. Peleus yanked Achilles off the fire with only a burned foot. Peleus no longer trusted Thetis to raise Achilles without cooking him like a Toast’em Pop-Up. Like any good absentee Dad would do, he gave little Achilles with his burnt foot to be raised by the Centaur Chiron. Chiron decided to heal the burned foot. Chiron, who had no formal medical training, was resourceful for a half man/half horse. He performed the first foot transplant by digging up the corpse of Damysus, who had been the world’s fastest Giant. Chiron lopped off the Giant’s foot and attached it to Achilles left leg. This healed the burned area leaving Achilles with a vulnerable ankle.
Achilles grew up to be the world’s greatest warrior, despite his ankle secret. He ultimately got tangled up in the Greek versus Trojan War. He led the Greek navy and army to the City of Troy. The Greeks were camped outside Troy ready to be led by Achilles to whup up on the Trojans. Unfortunately, Achilles’ feelings got hurt by Agamemnon in a ruckus over a woman. Achilles started pouting and refused to leave his tent to lead the Greeks until Agamemnon apologized. Like Cartman in Southpark, Achilles wanted to pick up his football and go back to Greece quitting the war. As Cartman said, “Screw you guys, I’m going home.” The Trojans, who were led by Hector, learning of Achilles’ snit, attacked the Greeks. The Greek’s second in command was Patroclus who was perhaps, more than just a really good friend to Achilles. Not that there is anything wrong with that. Patroclus got killed in the battle with the Trojans. His death finally got Achilles fired up to return to battle.
Achilles went one-on-one with Hector. Before Achilles killed Hector, Hector asked for his body to be treated respectfully at a funeral. You would not like Achilles when he is angry. He told Hector: “My rage, my fury would drive me now to hack your flesh away and eat you raw.” Achilles killed Hector and dragged Hector’s body by his ankles behind his chariot to complete his diss of Hector.
As George Harrison sang: “All things must pass.” All good things, and even bad things, must come to an end. Achilles got into some more scuffles and adventures. Hector’s brother, a Dude named Paris, ultimately gets revenge by shooting Achilles with an arrow smack dab into his ankle. Achilles dies and gets sent to the Underworld. Eventually, his old buddy Odysseus visits the Underworld and runs into Achilles. He asks Achilles how things are going. Achilles is not a happy camper. He replies: “I would rather be a slave to the worst of masters, than be King of all the dead.”
What have we learned today? It is not enough to wash behind your ears. Wash your ankles. Being King of the Dead ain’t great.

(Illustration by Pitt Dickey)

Last week, we celebrated two of Fayetteville and Cumberland County's most dedicated and beloved siblings of the Breece family.
Robert and Corey Breece were honored by being initiated into North Carolina's most prestigious organization, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society. Surrounded by friends, family, and elected government officials, State House Representative Diane Wheatley presented Robert and Corey this distinguished state honor on behalf of Governor Roy Cooper at their family business, Rogers & Breece Funeral Home on Ramsey St..
Since 1964, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine has been the most prestigious award a North Carolina Governor has presented to citizens. Robert and Corey now join thousands of outstanding NC residents with documented records of extraordinary, dedicated, and enthusiastic service to the state, their communities, and humanity.
Undoubtedly, these two lifelong Fayettevillians had no trouble fulfilling those qualifications.
Robert and Corey are carrying on the business of their forefathers, a business and calling steeped in 126 years of tradition, love, and compassion. Both brothers cannot hide their pride in operating the family business with their sons and the knowledge and confidence that the Breece legacy is guaranteed.
I have known these gentlemen for over four decades. It was heartwarming to witness such a well-deserved honor being bestowed on two people who first and foremost credit their success and good fortunes in life unequivocally to God and the patriotic freedoms they enjoy daily as Americans.
State Representatives Garland Pearce, Charles Smith, and Diane Wheatley represented Gov. Roy Cooper as Wheatley read the proclamation:
For dedication and service beyond expectation and excellence to the Great State of North Carolina, on behalf of the citizens of this state, I bestow upon:
Robert Breece and Corey Breece
The Old North State Award
'Working together, we can make North Carolina the place of unlimited opportunity — a place where anyone who studies hard, works hard, and lives a life with high values can fulfill and even exceed their potential.'
Roy Cooper
Governor of North Carolina
This was followed by the tradition of reciting the official toast of North Carolina:
Here's to the land of the long-leaf pine,
The summer land where the sun doth shine,
Where the weak grow strong, and the strong grow great,
Here's to "Down Home," the Old North State!
Again, congratulations to Corey and Robert on this lifetime achievement.
And, to our followers, thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

(Photo: Robert (Left) and Corey Breece are initiated in the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society, Aug. 21. The brothers are continuing their family's legacy at the Rogers & Breece Funeral Home on Ramsey St. Photos by Bill Bowman)

"That couldn't happen if you moved every three years."
Reynolds Price, the late novelist and Duke professor, was talking to a group at a Southern Writers Conference in Chapel Hill about memories.
Our memories are our treasures. They are who we are. Looking backwards some of us see our parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents, cousins, longtime friends, teachers, preachers, and the places we knew them--home, church, school, stores, and fields. Those people and places of growing up define us. They are our anchors. They are our foundations. They are our roots. At least they are, if we have those memories — if we remember where we grew up.
But fewer and fewer of us know where we are from. The average American moves every three years. You can't let you roots grow too deep if you move that often.
If you move every three years and live in a new neighborhood where everybody else is new, Price says, you are not going to have the same kind of memories as those who grew up in one place.
Does it make a difference? I think it does. I can't prove it, but look around at the people who are making a difference in North Carolina — the best business leaders, our best political leaders, our best teachers and writers.
Don't a disproportionate number of them come from small towns and farms?
What explains their success in the development of leaders for the rest of us?
Some big city snobs would say that these leaders have had to overcome their culturally deprived backgrounds. Look at the small towns, they say, and see nothing happening, backward schools, no theaters, no big libraries, no big-time sports.
Nothing there? Nothing but the stable nurturing that creates the self-defining memories that Reynolds Price talked about.
North Carolina's small towns and rural communities are the state's "people estuaries."
Estuaries are those protected brackish waters along our coast, which, with the marshes, swamps, and backwaters, are the most efficient producers of food in the state. They are a critical link in our food chain. We often think of those areas as underdeveloped backwaters. But they are irreplaceable treasures where the richness and stability of life makes for one of the earth's most productive ecosystems.
Reynolds Price was right. Those nurturing memories that the small towns make possible are important in giving people a sense of who they are. People who have a sense of who they are become our best leaders, which may explain why small towns are so successful in producing North Carolina's leaders.
They are our "people estuaries."

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.

Starting school for the first time or simply returning to campus after another summer break can lead to mixed feelings. Kids may be excited to see their friends every day, but that comes at the price of the end of lazy summer days.
The first day of school is on the horizon, and parents may discover their children seem a bit despondent that vacation is coming to a close. Such feelings may stem from more than the end of summer vacation. Some students may be nervous about going to school. New faces, new experiences and new teachers can lead to a little anxiety. Here are some ways to tame the nerves.
• Do a trial run. Before school starts, do a test run to the drop-off location, bus stop or pick up whomever will be carpooling together. Getting into that routine can help reduce nervousness.
• Participate in meet-and-greets. Some schools offer certain events designed to introduce students even before classes begin. Schools may host ice cream socials or picnic lunches on school grounds, particularly for younger grades. These events give children an opportunity to get to know their classmates before the first school bell rings.
• Take a school tour. If a student is about to start in a new school or will be attending school for the first time, families will want to see if they can get tours of the school and facilities. Just one glance inside can be enough to familiarize students with the lay of the land, which might make things less scary on the first day.
• Check the class list. Some schools do not provide a list of all students in particular classes, but increasingly those that rely on programs like Google Classroom or Canvas may enable students to see who will be in their class. Children also can use social apps like Instagram and Snapchat to locate school-associated groups to find other students. Parents and their children can brainstorm how to deal with other students who may have been difficult in the past, while also perusing lists for friendly faces.
• Practice conversation skills. Many modern kids have their eyes locked on devices. They may be a little rusty with ice breakers and initiating conversation. Role playing at home can give kids some ideas of how to forge new relationships in the classroom.
• Recognize and take concerns seriously. Parents and other caregivers can be receptive to conversation with children regarding their concerns about starting school. Talking about feelings can help kids tame their nervousness, especially when adults take them seriously.
Children may be nervous about starting school. Parents, caregivers and teachers can work together to help students overcome these jitters quickly.

From the ornate crystal chandlers to the marble flooring, every inch of Shahbain Farms and Event Center has been meticulously selected to create an extraordinary venue, ready to be the backdrop of events from weddings to birthdays. Located at 469 Posey Farm Road, Raeford, this 30,000-square-foot space is the epitome of luxury starting from the palm-lined drive into the parking space, to the grand staircase that greets guests as they enter through the door. The grounds around the event center feature a pond, gazebos and a fountain. Shahbain was built for luxury, boasting 3 Grand Ballrooms, all with a capacity of 1200 people and a 4th “Smoke Lounge” Ballroom, that provides guest with a more unique and niche experience during their event. Twenty-five-foot doors separate the ballrooms and add to the sophistication of the space. The event center features a range of amenities including:
• 10 Hour Rentals
• Venue Manager on Duty
• Crème and gold trim chairs
• 60-inch plastic round tables and 8-foot plastic rectangular tables
• Cake table, sweetheart table, cocktail tables, and 72-inch glass with gold trim tables
• Luxurious restrooms
• VIP parking spaces
• LED lighting system in the fourth ballroom
• Sound system, TVs, and free WiFi
• Indoor smoking ballroom
• Outdoor fountain
• Live horses and a commercial kitchen
• Onsite rentals, a kids’ facility, and a bridal suite
• 2 Indoor prep kitchens
• Commercial Kitchen
• Prayer Room
They also offer a range of services including preferred vendor options and bar packages. Shahbain has partnered with the premier carters, decorators, photographers, videographers and event planners, ensuring clients have the best experience every time they come.
Owner Jamal Shahbain has taken great care in creating an event venue that provides luxury, sophistication and elegance to Raeford and surrounding areas. Settling in Raeford over 25 years ago with his family, Shahbain has always envisioned having a venue in the area that would create the perfect setting for proms, galas, socials and corporate events. The venue’s Director and Operational Manager DeNice Green, has been in the event planning and design industry for over a decade, making her the perfect fit for executing the vision of clients.
Newly opened Shahbain Farms and Event Center has already hosted several events, including a grand wedding, officially marking the opening of the venue. They have also hosted a back-to-school giveaway, supporting local families with school supplies as the beginning of the school year draws closer and a soft opening for vendors. The soft opening gave local vendors and opportunity to tour the venue, and discuss opportunities to be a listed preferred vendor. Coming up on Nov. 3rd, the venue will host The Majority Greek Awards, also known as the Pearly Awards, an event that highlights the community service and involvement of members of black fraternities and sororities in the area. To purchase tickets to this upcoming event, visit the website at https://www.majoritygreek.com/event-details/pearly-awards-fay-2024.
For more information visit the Shahbain Farms and Event Center website at https://shahbaineventcenter.com/. For booking visit https://shahbainfarmseventcenter.hbportal.co/public/66a1c2eeb0236b001fbfc4bf/1-Schedule_your_session.

(Photo:The Shahbain Farms and Event Center is the newest venue in Raeford. The events center has 3 grand ballrooms, a "smoke lounge" ballroom, and outdoor features such as a pond, gazebo and fountain. Photo courtesy of Shahbain Farms and Event Center Facebook page)

Fayetteville Roller Derby is finishing up their season with a doubleheader against Cape Fear Roller Derby at the Crown Arena, 1960 Coliseum Drive (the building with the tin dome beside the theater), on Saturday, Aug. 24 starting at 5 p.m. Tickets are $14. Home team tickets purchased cover admission for both games. The night begins with the Fayetteville All Stars taking on the Cape Fear Roller Derby out of Wilmington, NC, and ends with a match between the FRD Ritzy Rollers and FRD Wreckers. For those unfamiliar with roller derby, it’s an aggressive marriage of rink skating and football. Here’s a breakdown of how roller derby works.
Playtime
• (2) 30-minute halves, broken down into 2-minute “jams” or plays
Players and Positions
• Each team is allowed 5 players,
• 1 Jammer (offense) designated by a star on their helmet
• 3 blockers
• 1 pivot blocker (defense) designated by a stripe on their helmet
• A pivot blocker can become a jammer, switching from offense to defense
Goal of the game
• Get the jammer around the track as many times as possible before the 2-minute jam ends
While some may have grown up watching “bank track,” most roller derby teams now compete on a flat track.
“We play on a variety of surfaces, not polished concrete… sometimes we’re on sport(s) court floors, sometimes it’s a skating rink, so that's a wooden floor and sometimes it’s a basketball court. That's the great thing about flat track [be]cause we can play anywhere that’s a smooth surface. We put a rope down to do boundaries and that gets taped over. That becomes our boundaries, and we can feel that with our wheels,” explained DanniBanannie, league secretary and training board member.
Fayetteville Roller Derby is as much a community staple as the International Folk Festival, with over 15 years in the community. The league is more family than competitors and it’s apparent in the way they talk about not only their teammates but others. Psycho, the league's recruitment chair said, “This is my 11th season with the league. I started in 2013… The hardest thing [about roller derby] is myself. I’m really hard on myself about it. Even after 11 years, I don’t feel like I’m very good. But the thing I love most about it is the family,” she said. “When I moved here, I didn’t have anybody and now me and SheHulk have been friends for 10 years. I really feel like this is my family here. And they always got my back. She (SheHulk) used to babysit for me when I took college classes.”
SheHulk, league President and training committee member said, “I’ve been on the team for 10 years now. I started when I was 19… we started 15, 16 years ago. There were actually two leagues at one point. I actually started on the other league and they kinda fizzled out and I transferred over here,” she said. “I grew up playing sports. When I moved to Fayetteville, I wanted something to do. I was looking for a softball team, literally anything. Then I saw an ad on Facebook that said ‘come play roller derby.’ I was like, Ok, and I’ve been doing it ever since.”
Fayetteville Roller Derby is actively recruiting new members. Members “pay to play” and are responsible for the purchase of equipment. Fayetteville Roller Derby is inclusive and openly invites anyone who identifies on the female spectrum to come out and try out.
One's ability to skate should also not keep them from trying out. Many members admit that roller derby was their first time skating, or they had very little track time before jumping headfirst into the sport. There are also non-skating positions for those who are quad-impaired or just can’t physically skate.
“Our open recruitment starts Aug. 26. There will be a practice Monday of that week and that Wednesday, as well as the following Monday and Wednesday. Anybody can come on any of those days if you want to learn how to skate with us. We’ll teach you everything… I’m primarily a blocker. I got one or two good jams in me [be]cause I have asthma and fun hurts my lungs,” Psycho said of the upcoming recruitment.
Make sure you follow them on Facebook to stay up to date on games and recruitment opportunities at https://www.facebook.com/fayettevillerollerderbyfans. Tickets for the upcoming doubleheader can be purchased at Ticketmaster.

(Photo:From left to right: Psycho, Hannabanannie and SheHulk, members of the Fayetteville All Stars Roller Derby team, pose for a photo during practice. Photo by Amber Little)

Librari-Con has returned! This year it is teaming up with Cool Springs Downtown District's Nerd Market, a great addition to this month's 4th Friday. Dive into the heart of fandom culture with the annual Librari-Con and Nerd Market, where fantasy, anime, and cosplay converge in an unforgettable community celebration.
Exploring the Magic of Librari-Con: Activities and Attractions
Librari-Con is not just another mini-anime convention; it's a portal to a world where fantasy and reality blend seamlessly. Attendees can indulge in a range of activities from gaming sessions that challenge both mind and dexterity to craft workshops that bring creativity to life. Every corner of Librari-Con brims with the spirit of adventure and storytelling, offering a space for fans to connect and share their love for all things anime, manga, and beyond.
The convention is also a family-friendly event where newcomers can experience the rich tapestry of fandom culture. Whether you're participating in a workshop, watching live performances, or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, Librari-Con has something to offer for every age and interest.
What to Expect at the Nerd Market: A Hub for Creatives and Collectors
Nerd Market serves as the creative heartbeat of the 4th Friday in Downtown Fayetteville, transforming Person Street into a bustling hub for artists, musicians, and vendors. It's a collector's paradise where you can find an array of comic books, fantasy artifacts, and anime treasures. The market is a testament to the ingenuity and passion of the fandom community, offering a platform for independent creators to showcase their work.
As you wander through the market, you'll be greeted by the sounds of live music, the sights of stunning artwork, and the friendly faces of fellow enthusiasts. It's an immersive experience that celebrates the diversity of fandom culture and the shared passion that unites its members.
Cosplay Central: Tips and Contests at Librari-Con and Nerd Market
Cosplay is a cornerstone of Librari-Con and Nerd Market, embodying the creativity and dedication of fans. Whether you're a seasoned cosplayer or trying it out for the first time, these events offer the perfect opportunity to showcase your skills and passion for your favorite characters. Tips for first-timers include starting with simple costumes, being resourceful with materials, and most importantly, having fun with the process.
The excitement peaks during the cosplay contest at Nerd Market, where craftsmanship and imagination take center stage. Participants can expect a supportive crowd and the chance to win accolades for their hard work. It's a celebration of the artistry that goes into bringing beloved characters to life.
Both events will be taking place on Friday, Aug. 23 starting at 5 p.m. Librari-Con will be set up at the Headquarters Library downtown located at 300 Maiden Lane. If you have any questions concerning Librari-con you can call 910-483-7727 ext. 1381. Nerd Market will be situated along Person Street, also downtown. For more information on 4th Friday or Nerd Market visit: https://tinyurl.com/3rckkwjx

Fayetteville has something for everyone. There are restaurants, bars, gaming lounges, speakeasies, wine bars, and sports bars. And now there is Seven Horsemen Billiards, a pool hall and venue space that features 4 pool tables, an air hockey table, old school Pac-Man, two bars, a DJ booth, a VIP area, a stage, and a private room, featuring a private bar and bartender dedicated to customers and their guest. The main bar is called the Carolina Room and is pretty self-explanatory. It is painted in Carolina Blue and decked out with TVs and a huge bar. Located at the Downtown Corridor, at 715 W. Rowan Street, Seven Horsemen Billiards is the perfect place to grab a drink, play some pool, and catch a game on the television while you’re at it. Open 7 days a week, there is always something going on.
• Monday- Show off your vocal chops at Karaoke Night!
• Tuesday- Ante up for Poker Night!
• Wednesday- Dive into fun on Wet Wednesday!
• Thursday- College students, make it your night on College Night!
• Friday- Feel the rhythm with Latin Night!
• Saturday- Dress to impress for Grown and Sexy Night!
• Sunday- Jazz Night, 910 Music Bingo
Michael Hayes is the owner, or as he prefers to call himself, the President of Seven Horsemen Billiards. A veteran and seasoned business owner, Hayes has put his all into his new endeavor. The name, Seven Horsemen, has a special meaning to Hayes.
“I used to have a sports bar down the street at 4939 Bragg Blvd, Fanatic Sports Bar with Big Abe, Abraham, who passed away last August. I came up with Seven Horsemen… it’s seven members of my immediate family, the address begins with seven, my Masonic line number is 7, so [it became] Seven Horsemen,” Hayes said.
Hayes is taking over a vacant space, in an area that is seeing growth and revitalization.
“...It was a pool hall, so I left it a pool hall. My main objective is playing pool but at the same time, we do a variety of events. We are open 7 days a week. We do [everything] from karaoke to fun games of poker. And if you’re good enough you build up your points and you get a trip to Vegas to play for $100K. I have a variety of DJs, from DJ Choice to Mike Tech,” Hayes explained.
Seven Horsemen Billiards is creating partnerships with their HBCU neighbor, Fayetteville
State University.
“The 29th of this month will be the official FSU thirsty night, college night… Homecoming is already locked in… The first Saturday in October, we’ll do Lil Roo,” Hayes said of the newfound partnership.
Hayes lost his friend Terrance “Big Abe” Abraham just 2 weeks before his move back to help start what would have been Fanatics 2.0. Hayes knows the value of the people around him. That’s a big part of why he refers to himself as the President; although he’s “in charge,” nothing would be possible without his family and friends.
“First, I want to shout out to my kids and family for supporting me. I want to give a shout-out to Tennessee, he [does] all my cleaning and maintenance work. Jason, he’s like head of security. Besides that, he did all the lights. Sade, she keeps me out of trouble, she’s the brains, she [does] all my paperwork, all my filing. E, she keeps everybody in check. She manages the bar. She keeps me [informed] on who needs to exit; Shai, she just came back from deployment. My sister, she’s the fill-in when someone can’t come in or management needs time off. She’ll do it. And of course, The Mo You Know, she put me in the right place of making things happen. And friends, caring, riding around trying to find buildings. It’s just a bunch of people,” Hayes said.
For more information about the pool hall, call 910-689-6945.

After spending six years operating The Pink Petunia, Jen Britt knew it was time for a change when the business finally took over almost four rooms in her house. She scouted a retail location in Fayetteville's Haymount neighborhood and signed the lease on Christmas day for 1325 Hay St.
“I said, ‘this will be the best or worst Christmas present I have given myself.’ And it truly has been the best,” she recounted. They’ve been operating out of their new storefront since April of this year.
The Pink Petunia is a specialty shop featuring gifts, monogramming services, custom art, home decorating services, children’s clothes, and more. Britt’s multi-faceted small business is built on decades of experience. She spent 22 years as a national sales manager for five major gift companies. During that time, she traveled to China for product development, ran sales forces nationwide, and designed major show rings in Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, and New York.
Art was always a part of her life too. Though she graduated as a communications major and didn’t pursue a formal art education, her grandmother’s influence early in life pushed her to develop her artistic gifts.
"I was very close with my mom's mom growing up and watched her paint. That's where I really picked it up. So, I dabbled in it early in my 20s. On the side of my real job, I would do hand-painted pillows, indoor-outdoor pillows, and custom-painted orders.”
She continued to expand outside of her day job, decorating homes for Christmas and eventually having a home featured in the downtown loft tour. Hints of her future business venture started to emerge, even influencing her eventual choice of business name.
“Pink is one of my favorite colors, and Petunia was one of my grandmother’s (my Mimi’s) favorite flowers. She loved to garden and the name pays homage to her,” Britt said.
As Britt’s career in the gift industry progressed, she faced decisions that would ultimately open doors for the birth of her small business and her daughter, Walker. Britt and her husband were facing fertility issues, so she quit her corporate job and began the IVF process, which she described as a “round-the-clock” job. While home, she continued to paint custom pillows and pursue home decorating opportunities.
“That's really when Pink Petunia began, and I created a business at my home.”
Then came Walker.
“She is our miracle baby.” Britt gushed. Walker is now 4 and Britt says she’s completely comfortable at the Pink Petunia.
“Now that we're in the storefront, Walker loves to go up to Mommy's store. She calls it the Pink “Tetunia” with a “t”. She loves to come in and make herself at home, speak to the customers and play in mommy’s store. I hope one day that she will take it over. She definitely loves painting and art like I do. I hope that as she grows older, she'll come in here and work alongside me,” Britt said.
Over time, Britt knew hand-painted pillows weren’t sufficient, so she purchased an industrial monogram machine and added it to the list of services.
“Today I’ve expanded to interior decorating and seasonal decoration, especially around Christmas. My interior decorating clients I work with in a multitude of ways — from rebuilds to a refresh of rooms in their homes. I do rebuilds from the ground up, decorate single rooms, and decorate seasonally for fall and Christmas,” said Britt. “There's also the gift shop, custom monogramming, and custom art - where I have commissioned pieces I paint, and you can find a lot in my store. I take commissioned art pieces for homes and businesses. And I just added children's clothing, so that portion is called Little Petunias.”
With something for everyone, Britt is delighted that their new location means more traffic and relationships. Since moving into the Fayetteville community, her customer base has quadrupled.
“Many people that were not aware of my business have come in and shopped with us for the first time. On a day-to-day basis, I’m meeting tons of people who have learned about the Pink Petunia for the first time, and I love that. It's very exciting.”
She’s even seen the development of friendships through The Pink Petunia.
"Many of my clients that come to me as strangers become very good friends.” She loves that these relationships are ongoing, and considers her customers part of “The Pink Petunia family.”
Moving forward, Britt says they’re planning to incorporate fun events into the shopping experience and encourages the community to keep track of The Pink Petunia's Facebook and Instagram pages for updates.

(Photo: Above: The store front of the Pink Petunia is decked out in bright pinks. The store, located at 1325 Hay Street in Haymount, is the brain child of Jen Britt.
Bottom: The inside of the Pink Petunia showcases gifts, monogrammed items, and home decor items. Photos courtesy of Jen Britt)

If the summer’s all-things-France focus has you longing for another French connection, you’re in luck.
Au revoir, 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.
Bonjour, Lafayette Birthday Celebration!
But since it is the Lafayette Society of Fayetteville’s 17th annual observance of the famous Frenchman’s September 6, 1757 birthday, another salutation makes more sense:
Ravi de vous revoir — Welcome Back!
To commemorate the 267th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s birthday, various events will take place throughout the city from Sept. 6 to 7. Lectures, exhibits, a book talk, a trolley tour of the Lafayette Trail and a birthday party complete with cupcakes are all part of the festivities, which are free and open to the public.
Fayetteville is named for the Marquis de Lafayette, who was born Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier in Chavaniac, France. A major general in the Continental Army during the American Revolution and a leading figure of the French Revolution and the July Revolution of 1830, Lafayette was nicknamed “The Hero of the Two Worlds.”
While there are over 80 places in eight states named for Lafayette, our namesake city was the first and is the only one the Marquis visited on his 1824-25 Grand Tour of the United States.
According to Lafayette Society president Gwenesta B. Melton, MD, this year’s birthday celebration is the perfect precursor to Lafayette’s Grand Tour bicentennial anniversary and the events the Society has in the hopper for that commemoration.
“The 2024 birthday celebration highlights our excitement and anticipation for the Society's anniversary events planned for March 4-5, 2025. The Marquis de Lafayette was an incredible human being with very amazing humanistic ideals and goals that still resonate today, even 200 years after his last visit to America. We want people here to be proud of our namesake and the
city of Fayetteville,” she said.
The biggest difference for 2024? The Saturday birthday events will be held indoors at the First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall. After the last three years of rain, which canceled and dampened many events, Fayetteville should be happy about the change.

Friday, Sept. 6
First up on the birthday schedule is a literary event at Fayetteville Technical Community College. Mark Trapp, author of A Destiny of Undying Greatness: Kiffin Rockwell and the Boys Who Remembered Lafayette, will present a lecture entitled “Kiffin Rockwell and the Lafayette Escadrille.” Trapp’s talk focuses on the World War I French Air Force unit of volunteer American flyers, the Lafayette Escadrille, an early World War I squadron that embodied the Marquis’ spirit and was named in his honor.
Hear Trapp’s lecture Friday, Sept. 6, at 1 p.m. in the multi-purpose room of FTCC’s Tony Rand Student Center, 2220 Hull Rd. The lecture, part of FTCC’s Community History Lecture Series, will be presented in partnership with the Lafayette Society.
For individuals who cannot physically attend this history lecture, the event can be viewed via live-stream at https://www.faytechcc.edu/history-department-community-history-lecture-series-live-stream/.
Next, Methodist University Professor Dr. Patrick O’Neil will discuss “Lafayette and the Dream of a United People Two Hundred Years Ago.” Exploring how Americans in 1824 hoped that a visiting Revolutionary hero would help the country out of one of its worst political crises, O’Neil’s lecture will help listeners consider possible solutions to today's problems.
The free lecture starts at 7 p.m. on Sept. 6, with an opening reception with refreshments at 6:30 p.m. in the Davis Memorial Library at Methodist University, 5400 Ramsey St.
The lecture is part of The Lafayette Society’s Lafayette Legacy Series, spearheaded by Methodist University Assistant Director of Library Services, Archives Librarian and Associate Professor of Information Science, Arleen Fields. The Lafayette Society president in 2023-24, Fields also curates MU’s Archives and Special Collections. The collection features the Lafayette Room, which houses the Lafayette Collection of over 70 artifacts like letters, monographs, books, commemorative items, maps and other items dating from Lafayette’s lifetime and beyond. A display of artifacts will be featured on Friday night.

Saturday, Sept. 7
Join the fun Saturday by hopping on a trolley tour of the Lafayette Trail with Fayetteville’s favorite historian, Major Bruce Daws of the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry. Daws is the retired former director of the Fayetteville History Museum and historic property manager.
From 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Daws will guide Lafayette's birthday well-wishers to many places the French hero visited during his last visit to the town 200 years ago. Enjoy coffee and croissants while you learn Fayetteville's history.
The event is $20; tickets can be purchased online at https://www.lafayettesociety.org/lafayette-society-online-payment/ or City Center Gallery & Books, 112 Hay St.
The culmination of the two days of activities, the annual birthday party, is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of First Presbyterian Church, 102 Ann St. The free event features Colonial and French-themed activities for the young and young at heart, with free cupcakes at 1:30 while they last.
Cutouts of Lafayette and Marie Antoinette add selfie photo fun. Melton gave Up & Coming Weekly a sneak peek into what party-goers can expect:
“We will have exhibitors, including Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution, Rebecca Russell with Beespoke Vintage, the Bicentennial committee that is preparing for the March grand visit, the Lafayette Society, Camp Flintlock, the Boy Scouts and an activity area for children. With cupcakes in hand, we plan to sing Happy Birthday to the Marquis himself at the Lafayette Plaza as we cross the bridge and commemorate his birthday. We wish him the very best birthday, and we will be even more thrilled to ‘see’ him in March.”
The Lafayette Society, which promotes awareness of the many contributions to America’s freedom by the Marquis de Lafayette, is open for membership.
Per its website, The Lafayette Society was founded by Mrs. Martha Duell (1924-2015) in 1981 to honor the Marquis through the statue erected in Cross Creek Park, funding scholarships for high school and college students, helping establish the Lafayette Room in the Methodist University library and sponsoring lectures by Lafayette scholars.
The Society also commissions bronze and granite historical markers for the Lafayette Trail and brings awareness of his significant contributions to mankind and freedom by conducting similar events, programs and educational activities.
Learn more at https://www.lafayettesociety.org/.

(Top Photo: Party goers experience the Marie Antoinette and Marquis de Lafayette cutouts at the 2023 Lafayette Birthday celebration. Middle Photo: Attendees to the Lafayette birthday celebration in 2023 look at a display of some of the Lafayette souvenirs from 200 years ago, at Davis Memorial Library at Methodist University. Bottom Photo: Participants take the Lafayette Trail Tour. Photos courtesy of Hank Parfitt)

Coffee with a Cop is a powerful initiative that aims to break down the barriers between police officers and the communities they serve. By creating opportunities for open dialogue and personal interaction, these events foster a sense of trust and understanding that is crucial for effective community policing. Cops surprise customers using the drive-thru by handing them their orders.
The purpose of Coffee with a Cop is to remove agendas and allow the public to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know the officers in their local area. This approach has proven to be a resounding success, as it enables citizens to see the human side of the badge and officers to understand more of the needs and perspectives of the people they protect.
The origins of Coffee with a Cop can be traced back to 2011 when officers from the Hawthorne Police Department in California sought to find new ways to engage with the community they served. This national campaign has since spread to communities across the country, with police departments recognizing the value of building relationships and fostering open communication.
As evidenced by the experiences shared by Officer Kelton Glorfield, these events provide an invaluable opportunity for officers to connect with the people in communities, particularly the younger generation. The excitement and respect shown by children towards the men and women in blue is a testament to the positive impact of initiatives like Coffee with a Cop.
I had the pleasure of speaking to Officer Kelton Glorfield at the event on July 9, and he shared that the idea of building relationships within the communities he serves daily is crucial to bridging the gap between the officer and the citizen.
Officer Glorfield moved to the Cumberland County area due to serving in the military and decided to make this home. He’s worked with the Hope Mills Police Department for eight years and enjoys participating in community events so he gets to know the people he serves.
I shared my story of being a child who honored and respected cops. I fondly remember every time I saw a cop, I’d smile and wave. I wondered if children still had the utmost respect for cops and if cops still got that same experience from kids. Officer Glorfield confirmed that he gets to enjoy the excitement children feel when they attend some of the many events the department holds, such as bike rodeos, Walk with a Cop, and when kids come to the parking lot of the precinct to receive snacks and drinks and shake a cop’s hand.
By continuing to host these events and prioritize community engagement, police departments can work to bridge the gap between officers and citizens, ultimately strengthening the bonds that hold communities together.
Officer Glorfield mentioned that they accept donations to continue purchasing small gifts for kids and provide free events to the public. To see all events held by the Hope Mills Police Department or how you can donate, visit their website at https://townofhopemills.com/179/Police-Department or Facebook page under “Hope Mills Police.”

(Photo: An officer with the Hope Mills Police Department serves coffee during a monthly Cofee with a Cop event. Photo courtesy of the Hope Mills Police Department)