“True vision does not require eyes. The chief handicap of the blind is not blindness, but the attitude of seeing people toward them. Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the face.” Helen Keller
The Out of Sight Wing Fling Cook-Off will take place on Aug. 24, from noon to 4 p.m. at Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Tap Room. The event features food trucks, lawn games, and a wing cookout competition. General Admission is $20. The proceeds for this fundraiser will go to the Vision Resource Center.
Terri Thomas, Executive Director, Vision Resource Center, shares this perspective about the mission statement.
“The VRC mission is not just a statement, but a powerful force that enhances the lives of adults and children who are visually impaired. Visually impaired means you may be blind or have low vision (not completely blind). The VRC’s work with consumers consists of hosting summer camps for kids with additional programming throughout the year,” Thomas said. “People may be undergoing a rough time, [VRC] helps children and parents with food shortages. This is a testament to the impact of the mission.
"We also help our adults with services such as phones, finding housing options, and assisting with paperwork. Our services include medical assistance and transportation. VRCVLY is a reading service for persons with visual impairment. Volunteers read media publications and news from various counties such as Cumberland, Lee, and Robeson.
"The Walking Group enjoys the experience of the only Braille walking trail in North Carolina. This is a safe environment for enabling individuals to walk in nature without assistance. The monthly VRC Power Lunch is an educational workshop concerning consumer issues such as insurance and housing safety.”
“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you,” states Oprah Winfrey.
Thomas’ passion is advocacy and empowerment of persons experiencing visual impairment. “I am passionate because the blind in our community are a very underserved population. The VRC is their voice at the table within the community. The VRC is the 'persons experiencing visual impairment' advocacy voice.
"The majority of blind people in our community are not cognitively delayed or hearing impaired. These persons are members of our community who like to do the same things as sighted persons. They need to do it differently. VRC is here to show what blindness is not.”
Sponsors for the Out of Sight Wing Fling include Systel, City of Fayetteville Community Foundation, Sam’s Party Tents, and Favored Conferences and Events.
Celebrate with the community. Dance to the music of Perfect Storm Band, and party with host Goldy and DJ Q. Join in the wing-eating contest with cash prizes. The VIP tent is an option for unlimited wings with a designated server. Ticket prices for the VIP experience are $75, general admission is $25. The 2-minute wing showdown entry fee is $10.
See you at the Out of Sight Wing Fling Cook-Off on Aug. 24, at Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Tap Room. Please purchase tickets in advance of the event. For general and ticket information, contact visionresourcecentercc.org or visionresourcecenter.regfox.com.

(Photo: An attendee at the Out of Sight Wing Fling Cook Off enjoys a wing blindfolded in 2023. Photo courtesy of VRC)

Mike and Jennifer Adams, owners of Dogslingers and The Depot, were at the point of no return. They’d poured their time and treasure into a business that wasn’t gaining traction. A year ago July, unbeknownst to each other, they both did something that changed everything. A month later, standing in the bathroom of their home, accessing what had transpired over the past 30 days, Mike admitted where he’d been and what he’d done about it. Jennifer told him she’d done the exact same thing. Teary-eyed remembering the moment, it’s evident how those independent actions changed the trajectory of their business.
Mike is a big, blue-eyed Norwegian-Swede who began skating at the age of 4 and has been heavily involved in hockey ever since. Jennifer is a dark-haired Irish-Italian from Springfield, Illinois, who worked in banking. The couple met when Mike skated for the Springfield Junior Blues; three years later they were married by a federal judge — on an ice rink. Their three children all began skating at 4 and played youth, college and Junior league hockey. For at least 10 years, Mike was a coaching manager of the Cape Fear Youth Hockey program operating out of then-Fort Bragg, coaching multiple teams. Jennifer was its secretary.
Originally from Utah, Mike spent from 1999 to 2021 in the U.S. Army as a Civil Affairs officer. He earned his commission through ROTC at Illinois State University and did multiple deployments to Afghanistan and Africa. Civil Affairs falls under USA Special Operations Command; its mission is to identify the needs of a local population that align with America’s goals in the region. Jennifer supported the demands of Mike’s career, making their home, caring for the children and leaning on her independence to focus on the end game. Homecomings always involved transition so when Mike retired and the kids were grown, she returned to banking.
Mike likes hotdogs. One day, he and Drake, the couple’s youngest son, were eating hotdogs in the parking lot at Lowes on Skibo. They wondered how much a hotdog truck made. They knew what they’d paid, and for an hour they counted how many customers the truck served. It was a lot.
Mike came home and told Jennifer, “I think I want to open a hotdog stand.” She thought, 'OK. Well, he’s retired and needs something to do with his time. Why not?' They bought one truck then a second and eventually a trailer, attending events and building relationships with local businesses.
Dogslingers and The Depot eventually became something the couple worked together. A marriage is always about working together, they agreed, but Jennifer thinks this time it’s even better. Perhaps it’s because Mike is home full-time now, or their clear level of maturity as a couple or maybe because Jennifer is contributing her talents to the mix. Mike praises her cooking effusively. The family used to joke that she should open a restaurant. She always said, “never.” And here they are. Her Pasta Poppers, for example, are fantastic. Think mac-and-cheese bites with an upscale garlic-Parmesan approach.
To be approved to operate a food truck, a purveyor must be associated with a commercial kitchen. The owner contracts with a restaurant to use everything from its prep space, refrigeration and storage to gray water and trash disposal. The Adams were grateful for their kitchen contract, but they knew they had to look for their own space. The Depot is both a permanent home for Dogslingers and a commissary where other truck owners can contract for kitchen use.
Mike was at a Portillo’s in Springfield, Ill., and ordered a hotdog. The quality was discernably better than anything he’d ever had. He found out they served Vienna Beef hotdogs and he determined Dogslingers would sell only that brand from then on. Vienna Beef uses shavings from briskets and only briskets. The taste is noticeably superior. Midwesterners are in on this secret, and it was just such a Midwesterner that turned the tide for Dogslingers.
The business, however, was struggling. The Depot building approval was dragging beyond two and a half years. The couple’s daughter, Delaney, had given Mike a bible and he began to read it. Finally, he got to a “Jesus, take the wheel” moment. He didn’t know if they were going to make it. They’d done everything they could and were out of resources and at the end of themselves. He said, “God, it’s in your hands.” Jennifer prays regularly, purposefully accessing and meditating. She, too, asked God to show her what she was supposed to do and to make His sign very clear. Neither one knew the other had prayed.
Then Carrie Greive, wife of Bright Light Brewing Company co-owner Chris Greive, saw the Vienna Beef signage. Being a Midwesterner, she knew what that meant. She posted an enthusiastic review on Fayetteville Foodies on Facebook. Within two weeks, sales volume at Dogslingers quadrupled. There had been positive reviews before, but this time God had been invited and blessings multiplied.
Twenty-six years ago, when they arrived in Fayetteville, Mike assumed the food scene would reflect the cultural diversity of a melting-pot military town. It didn’t. The culinary situation improved, but it wasn’t until COVID that Mike saw food trucks supplanting mom-and-pop restaurants. Cultural options exploded and places like Haymount Truck Stop, Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom and Bright Light Brewing became counterculture food truck hangouts. At last count, there are 65 food trucks registered in Cumberland County.
The name and logo for Dogslingers is all Delaney’s doing. The family’s dog, Henry, is the company’s mascot. Eldest son, Duncan, a Marine, cheerleads from Twentynine Palms, Calif. and Drake helps regularly. Mike and Jennifer are grateful for all the help they’ve received: marketing from Vienna Beef; food truck and restaurant mentors; and employees who care about customer service as much as they do. The Depot is open 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday at 2801 Raeford Road. I tried the Cheddar Jalapeno Dog. Raving about a hotdog seems silly, but it was hands-down the best I’ve ever had.

(Photo: Mike and Jennifer Adams pose in The Depot.)

Throughout the years, cheer has gone from pom poms and bobby socks to a recognized sport, complete with competitions on the state and national level and rigorous training and conditioning. Even recreational cheer requires regular workouts and practices from participants. Whether cheer is a hobby or a passion, the NC-BGC Cheer Clinic is a can’t-miss for those looking to sharpen their skills and strengthen their foundation. The clinic is on Sunday, Aug. 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 421 Maiden Ln. There will be two sessions, Beginner and Intermediate. The beginners’ session will run from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and will help those new to stunts and tumbling. The intermediate session starts from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and will cover basic tumbling and stunting techniques. Registration is $50. At check-in, participants will complete registration and receive a cheer clinic t-shirt.
Camille Morgan is the name and talent behind the NC-BGC Cheer Clinic. A New York native and a new North Carolina resident, Morgan is a classically trained dancer, certified cheer/stunt judge, and youth and college-level cheer coach. This clinic will be her eleventh overall and second in North Carolina. Morgan has always had a passion for dance, but her path to cheer was not the conventional one.
“I am a classically trained dancer (ballerina). In my senior year of High School, I thought I wanted to be a kid, so I stopped dancing to experience what I thought I was missing. I quickly became bored, and my school did not have a dance team. Someone asked me if I could cartwheel and split, and I said yes. My cheer tryout complete, I became a high school cheerleader. It was fun and I am glad I did it but when I got to college it was back to the dance company,” she said. “One rehearsal, while we were sitting around, one of the other dancers was chit-chatting about cheer and I said I did it in high school. She asked if I would join the college team. I said not really but she was so nice and persistent that I joined the college team. That's when I found out it was a sport. We had practice for two hours, five days a week. We had six hours of required weight room time along with our game and event expectations. We were also required to have a 3.0 GPA.”
Her experience in college didn’t just spark a love for cheer but was a huge realization that cheer is indeed a sport, a concept she wants the world and local community to understand.
“Young women that participate in cheer are athletes, not just cute girls in skirts. It takes a lot of practice and strength and conditioning. The next time you see a young lady in a uniform, congratulate her for having the confidence and mental toughness to earn her spot,” Morgan said.
The cheer clinic will be a great opportunity for local cheer teams, school-based cheer programs, and individuals interested in learning from one of the best. The Dynamic Jewels, a local youth cheer team have already secured their spot and are revved up and ready to learn.
“I am absolutely thrilled for our Jai6 Dynamic Jewels performers to participate in the cheer clinic! This experience is not just about perfecting their cheerleading skills but also about embracing valuable life lessons. Through teamwork, perseverance, and dedication, they will learn how to overcome challenges and support one another, lessons that extend far beyond the cheerleading mat. Their involvement in the clinic will not only enrich their personal growth but also strengthen our community, as they bring their newfound enthusiasm and commitment back to inspire and uplift those around them,” said Dynamic Jewels Cheer Director, Dinesha Neal.
Morgan has a full day lined up. The cheer clinic will not only cover the physical part of the sport, but also the financial. For those looking to make cheer a career or take it to the collegiate level, there will be a session on what the next steps are.
“After a brief introduction, we will have warm-ups and then we will break into training areas: Tumbling, Stunt, Cheer Vocals, Stomp, and Shake and Dance. At the end will be a small awards ceremony and a discussion about the next steps into high school, college, and beyond. [We will discuss] Requirements, education and salaries, knowing your worth. [That will be] followed up with a quick Q&A and then dismissal,” she explained.
Registration can be completed online at https://bit.ly/4dFuNvr

In addition to the cooler weather, concerts at the Crown, and pumpkin spice everything, the next most anticipated joy of the fall is the county fair. The Cumberland County Fair is gearing up for another year of entertainment, rides, food, and of course, pageant Queens.
This year's fair will run from Aug. 30 through Sept. 8, with gates opening at 5 p.m. at the Crown Complex on Friday, August 30. A Ribbon Cutting will take place at 4:45 p.m. in conjunction with the Greater Fayetteville Chamber to officially open the gates and start the 2024 fair.
The Crown Complexes Clear Bag Policy will be in effect for the duration of the fair. There will be no purses, backpacks, or fanny packs. Admission is $10 for adults and children 3 and over, except on special nights. This year’s schedule offers special hours for a sensory-friendly experience and special rates for hometown heroes and children on certain nights.
Aug. 30: Military & First Responders Night (free entry with valid ID)
Gates open at 5 p.m., $5 Admission for children ages 3 to 12
Aug. 31: Gates open at 5 p.m.
Sept. 1: Faith and Family Night ($5 off with your church bulletin)
Gates open at 1 p.m., $5 Admission for children ages 3 to 12
Sept. 2: Sensory Friendly Time 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Sept. 3: $2 Tuesday, $2 Admission
Senior Night sponsored by Carelon Health (free admission for ages 65 and up)
Karaoke Contest
Sept. 4: BOGO Night (Buy one, get one free on admission and unlimited ride badge)
BOGO on select concessions
Gates open at 5 p.m.
Sept. 5: A Day of Giving (supporting Second Harvest Food Bank)
Free admission with 6 non-perishable food items
4-H & FFA Day (Free admission for cardholders)
School Kids and Personnel Day ($2 Admission with School ID)
Gates open at 5 p.m.
Sept. 6: Gates open at 5 p.m.
Sept. 7: Gates open at 1 p.m.
Sept. 8: Faith and Family Day ($5 off with church bulletin)
$5 admission for children ages 3 to 12
Highlighting Cumberland County’s history in racing, this year’s theme is “On your mark. Get set. Fair!” Fairgoers will have the opportunity to learn more about how Cumberland County’s agriculture shaped the history of racing. As always, the fair will feature an array of rides provided by Big Rock Amusements. From the smallest of the bunch to the oldest, there will be something for the whole family to enjoy.
And of course, the food! Hotdogs, corndogs, cotton candy, funnel cakes, fried Oreos, and all the quintessential fair food stands will be ready to delight your taste buds and sweet tooth.
There will be a few changes this year. Maddy Eversole, Marketing Director for the Crown Complex is excited about some of the changes they are bringing this year.
“Karaoke is new this year. This year we’re also bringing the petting zoo inside and expanding it. We’re also adding a Hula Hooping Contest. This is the first year we’re having a Whiskey Wagon – it’s run by local distillers, BHAWK … We’ve worked really hard to add a lot of value to the fair,” she said.
“We have so many specials where people can save money on entry and even rides and food on BOGO night. We’ve also added lots of free entertainment to ensure that families have an amazing time. We’ll have rides, games, local food trucks, local vendors, live music, a beer garden, a whiskey wagon, magic shows, karaoke, a hula hooping contest, wrestling, fire shows, family game shows, the petting zoo, livestock shows, and hundreds of exhibit items from local artists, creators, craftsmen, and school children. The Cumberland County Fair is the perfect place to bring your family for fun,” Eversole said.
The entertainment lineup this year is fire, literally.
“We will have a lot of entertainment each day during the fair. There will be two shows per night by Ember Fire Arts, a fan favorite last year. There will also be magic and family games by Bob Bohm Family Entertainment who was also a hit last year. This year, in addition to live music on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, there will be karaoke Tuesday through Thursday,” Eversole said.
Ember Fire Arts will be hitting the stage nightly at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Ember Fire Arts promises “... You will see some of the most amazing fire artistry that is both incredible to watch and extremely dangerous.” Several bands will be putting on a show during the fair, from country to gospel to variety, there will be something for everyone’s ear. Acts like Third Crush, Autumn Groove, and Destiny Praise will keep the crowd moving, grooving and maybe even praising.
The full schedule of entertainment can be found at https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/cumberlandcountyfair.
No Southern county fair would be complete without a pageant. The Cumberland County Fair Pageant will take place on Aug. 31 at the Crown Theater at 2:30 p.m. (ages 0-6 years) and 6:30 p.m. (ages 7 and up).
With 15 categories and contestants being crowned Miss and Master, this year will surely boast some talented, well-spoken community members of all ages and genders.
This year’s pageant will fund the Fisher House Foundation. Fisher House Foundation provides “comfort homes” for military families to stay while their loved ones are in the hospital.
These homes are provided free of charge for the families and allow them to focus on the care and recovery of their family members. For anyone interested, there is still time to join in on the pageant fun. Application, rules, and rehearsal dates can be found online at https://cumberlandcountyfairpageant.com/. There is still time to get involved with the fair as a food vendor or inside exhibitor as well as sponsorship opportunities.
“We are currently seeking sponsors for Military & First Responders Day, Faith & Family Days, Sensory Friendly Time, and a Day of Giving,” Eversole said.
Between the rides, the food, the entertainment, and the games, the 2024 Cumberland County Fair is going to be a driving force of fall fun and a grand kickoff to the fall season.

(Above Photo: The Cumberland County Fair lights up for the night in 2023. Bottom Photo: Winners of the Cumberland County Fair pageant ride the carousel, showing off their prizes. Photos courtesy of the Crown Complex)

When Curtis and Kanitra Blount, both active-duty U.S. Army captains, arrived in Fayetteville in 2019, they had a vision to bring a unique opportunity for families to create cherished memories. Driven to build generational wealth and provide a fun experience for the community, they embarked on an ambitious journey to open their first brick-and-mortar business - Sweet Factory, an independently owned small business.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties of military life, the Blounts applied their strategic planning skills to turn their dream into reality. They recognized the need for a pick-n-mix bulk candy option in Fayetteville and decided to make it happen. After a rigorous process, they secured a franchise location at the newly-built retail development, The Freedom Town Center.
The road to the grand opening was not without obstacles, as the Blounts spent two years meticulously preparing the storefront, and ordering custom furniture, equipment, and products. With Kanitra on a break from active duty to enroll in graduate school, she laid the groundwork for the business. Curtis continued to serve as an active-duty company commander.
Now, with both spouses back on active duty, the Blounts have proven that through proper prioritization and the dedication of their staff, they can successfully manage the day-to-day operations of Sweet Factory.
From sanitizing the bulk candy scoops twice daily to running the cash register and preparing promotional materials, their team ensures that the store runs smoothly, allowing the Blounts to continue serving their country while fulfilling their entrepreneurial aspirations. Their eight-year-old son, Carter, the Candy Manager, has been a huge help around the store and has a great eye for what customers like. He checks candy inventory, orders or replenishes products, and even signs for inventory.
Since Curtis and Kanitra are active military, customers may question if the business will stay in the Fayetteville area, and both say that it will. They have assembled a strong team, and they're certain that if they were to leave Fayetteville, one of their team members would step up to ensure the continued success of the business.
Sweet Factory is more than just a candy store. They offer a variety of options for events.
“We love doing custom orders. We’ve created quite a variety, including a baby shower at Segra Stadium, a military promotion from Sgt. First Class to Master Sgt., gender reveals, grand openings, birthday parties, and much more. We’re always up for new challenges and love to create something unique for our customers. We'd love to be involved in a wedding to showcase our elegant side. All vendors in our store and on our preferred vendor list can custom order and have been thoroughly vetted,” Kanitra shared.
Their unwavering commitment to their family's future and the Fayetteville community is truly inspiring. Sweet Factory stands as a testament to the power of vision, determination, and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities.
As Fayetteville families flock to this delightful candy haven, the Blounts story is a shining example of what can be when passion, planning, and perseverance come together.
“We are excited to celebrate our 1st year anniversary! We will be offering free candy with every purchase during that time. We’re also planning other fun surprises, so make sure you celebrate this important feat for our business,” Kanitra adds.
Sweet Factory is committed to giving back and helping local businesses succeed by providing vendor space to showcase their products as it allows vendors to focus on crafting their products — while Sweet Factory provides the prime retail space, digital advertising, and the benefits of a supportive vendor community. The dedicated space at Sweet Factory frees vendors from the hassle of running a standalone storefront, allowing them to pour their energy into innovation and growth.
The diverse array of vendors within Sweet Factory is Perky Daisy (freeze-dried candy), Pretty Stickie, (candy apples), Belita Glow (body butter and candles), Addictive Kravings (cake jars), Taylor Prints (3D printing), Bites Beyond Borders (foreign snacks), Litt & Lovely Candle Co. (candles), and Lunysol Designs (gifting products) is a testament to the inclusive and collaborative spirit that the Blounts have cultivated. Each vendor brings a unique offering to the table, contributing to the vibrant and dynamic atmosphere that permeates the store.
Sweet Factory is a candy lover's paradise, offering a delightful assortment of classic and unique treats. From nostalgic favorites to international confections, they have something to satisfy every sweet tooth.
For more information, visit their website at https://www.sweetfactorync.com/

(Photo: A wall of candy bins greets people at the Sweet Factory in Fayetteville. Photo courtesy of Sweet Factory Facebook page)

It’s that time again! Embark on a magical journey through Downtown Fayetteville with the Downtown Alliance’s annual Wands and Wizardly two-day scavenger hunt. Explore enchanting shops, solve mystical challenges, and collect wizarding gear to prepare for the magical school year ahead.
Step into a world where magic comes alive in Downtown Fayetteville at the 3rd Annual Wands and Wizardry event. The streets buzz with excitement as aspiring wizards and witches don their house colors, eager to embark on a fantastical scavenger hunt. This isn't just any ordinary event; it's a two-day quest filled with mystery and enchantment, where participants meticulously search for clues from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17.
The adventure begins with an unexpected twist – your long-awaited acceptance letter to the school of wizardry is incomplete! It's up to you to piece together the puzzle and gather all the magical supplies necessary to begin your educational journey. As you traverse the cobblestone paths and hidden alleys, you'll join forces with fellow first-year students, forging friendships and alliances along the way.
Your quest is clear: locate the missing components of your acceptance letter and the essential gear for your first year. As you delve into the scavenger hunt, keep an eye out for the items that every budding wizard needs. From spellbooks to potions, each enchanted article is crucial for your academic success.
Using the icons and your map, each clue will lead you to a different corner of Downtown Alley, where local businesses welcome you with special offers and hidden treasures. Each business will have a missing item that you must add to your supply list. Be prepared to encounter challenges that will test your wit and intellect, but fear not – the rewards are well worth the effort. Discover your wand waiting for you at a secret location and feel the magic course through your veins as you take hold of it.
The community comes together to create an immersive experience that's nothing short of spellbinding. Cursive, a gift shop known for its unique treasures, beckons with themed trivia that will challenge even the most knowledgeable wizarding aficionados. Reverie offers a Hogwarts back-to-school ambiance paired with enchanting temporary tattoos perfect for young sorcerers.
As you compile your list of academic necessities, Dreams Made Reality provides the back-to-school supplies every student requires, while A Bit of Carolina enchants with a special gift accompanying purchases. And for those in need of a sweet elixir to boost their energy, Pan's ButterBeer promises to be the perfect potion to quench your thirst and lift your spirits.
As the hunt draws to a close and night falls over Downtown Fayetteville, gather with your fellow adventurers to celebrate your triumphs. Share stories of the day's exploits over themed treats and concoctions in the magical eateries that took part in the event.
Don't forget to send off your completed acceptance letter, ensuring your place in the wizarding school and the chance to win a Downtown gift basket. With your supplies in hand and a heart full of memories, you're now fully prepared to embark on the next chapter of your magical education journey.

Scott Embry and the folks at the United Way of Cumberland County have one goal in mind with their launch of a new partnership with Cape Fear Valley Health — that 100 percent of the babies born in Cumberland County will go home with a book and access to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
The members of The United Way of Cumberland County hope to do this by giving every parent of a newborn “The Little Engine That Could” and helping assist them to enroll in the Imagination Library. This program provides children ages zero through five with a free book every month mailed to their homes.
The partnership with Cape Fear Valley Health began this past month.
“This partnership will enhance our efforts to promote early childhood literacy,” Embry said. Embry said they are operating this program in collaboration with Smart Start and Partnership for Children.
“Our collaboration with Cape Fear Valley Health is instrumental in spreading awareness of this program. We believe this book is a great entry point. The impact of early childhood reading research highlights the critical role of early literacy.”
Embry mentioned a study done by Ohio State University that found children who are read to daily hear an estimated 78,000 words per year.
“Over five years, this translates to a cumulative 1.4 million more words compared to children who are never read to. This exposure is vital in bridging the Word Gap and fostering better educational outcomes.”
The book they are giving out to the newborns, “The Little Engine That Could,” was recommended by those at Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Cape Fear Valley Health delivers between 300 and 350 babies each month and the goal of the members at The United Way of Cumberland County is to make sure each one receives this book.
Embry says they are having on-going conversations with local leaders and hope to open additional collaborations.
“We welcome area organizations to join us in this important work,” he said.
At the end of the day, Embry says, the mission is to improve lives across Cumberland County by “strategically raising and investing resources that successfully impact prioritized human service and health needs.”
Once enrolled, the parents will continue to receive a book a month mailed to their homes, funded by about $2.20 per book. For more information about The United Way of Cumberland County or this program, visit www.unitedway-cc.org.

County Leaders Attend City-County Liaison Meeting
Cumberland County officials took part in a City-County Liaison Committee Meeting with leaders from the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County Schools and other organizations within the community. The meeting was held at Fayetteville City Hall.
The meetings, which are typically held every other month, provide County and City leaders with an opportunity to provide updates and discuss issues of mutual interest. Three elected officials from each governing board comprise the Committee, including the chair and vice chair of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, as well as the mayor and mayor pro tem for the City of Fayetteville.
County elected officials who attended Thursday’s meeting included Board of Commissioners Chairman Glenn Adams and Commissioner Jimmy Keefe.
During the meeting, one of the topics discussed was a potential Aquatics Center in the County. An Indoor Aquatics Center was among the top recommendations from the 2020 Parks & Recreation Master Plan.
Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation Director Michael Gibson presented a possible concept for an Indoor Aquatics Center that would include multiple water elements and other amenities. He discussed a possible cost range for a facility, as well as potential partner organizations that could participate in the project.
Chairman Adams offered for County staff to take the lead in moving the discussion forward at a staff-level. The committee voted unanimously for their respective boards to work through the County to determine the next steps to move an Indoor Aquatics Center forward.
Additionally, City staff presented an update regarding the feasibility of an amusement park located in the County and that next steps would be to engage a consultant to conduct a feasibility study at an estimated cost of $75,000.
Chairman Adams said due to the number of major County capital projects currently in development, the County was not interested in participating at this time.
Other items discussed during the meeting included a presentation on the City’s Comprehensive Pedestrian Plan Study and an update from Cumberland County Schools.
Learn more about Cumberland County by visiting cumberlandcountync.gov, and by following the County on YouTube, CCNCTV Spectrum Channel 5, and social media by searching for CumberlandCountyNC.

Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine Receives $8 Million from Golden LEAF Foundation
Golden LEAF, established in 1999 to administer a portion of tobacco settlement agreement monies back into North Carolina's rural and economically distressed communities, announced it has awarded $8 million to the new school of medicine.
“Research has shown that resident doctors trained in rural areas are more likely to practice in rural areas,” said Golden LEAF Board Chair Ralph Strayhorn. “The funding to Methodist University will not only help build hundreds of jobs throughout Southeastern North Carolina, but also increase the number of physicians serving the region. This project will substantially move the needle for rural healthcare in North Carolina.”
“Golden LEAF is excited to be a partner on such a transformative project to address critical healthcare needs in North Carolina’s rural communities,” said Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton. “This partnership between Methodist University and Cape Fear Valley Health System will have generational impacts through the creation of high-quality jobs while addressing the critical shortage of medical professionals in Southeastern North Carolina.”
The SOM – which has a goal of welcoming its first cohort of students in 2026 – is expected to create more than 250 new jobs and graduate more than 100 doctors each year.
“When Methodist University and Cape Fear Valley Health System announced the creation of a new medical school in Fayetteville in February 2023, our vision was to serve Southeastern North Carolina through the education of the next generation of physicians, and to stimulate economic growth and job creation in the region,” said Dr. Hershey Bell, the founding dean of the school.
“We are extremely grateful for the award announced today by the Golden LEAF Foundation to help fund the educational program at the medical school. Our students, faculty and leadership will all benefit from the resources that will be made available because of this wonderful offering and gifts from others in the community who have supported, and continue to support, our efforts.”
Golden LEAF funds will be used for instructional equipment including technology.
“I am deeply grateful to the Golden LEAF Board of Directors for this exceptionally generous award for the Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine,” said MU President Stanley T. Wearden. “This award, one of the largest in the history of Methodist University, is a gratifying recognition of the value that the new school of medicine will bring to this region of North Carolina, both in terms of new job creation and in terms of improved healthcare. We are honored by the Golden LEAF Board of Directors’ confidence in our ability to administer these funds judiciously and effectively to provide world-class medical education, which will improve the economic and physical health of the Cape Fear region.”
The new Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine is to be located on the Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville, combining the expertise and resources of both institutions to provide students with unparalleled educational and clinical experiences.
It will create opportunities for students to learn in a collaborative and innovative environment, with access to cutting-edge technology in a brand-new facility. The new medical school will provide students with the opportunity to work alongside experienced faculty and health care professionals, gaining valuable real-world experience that will prepare them for their future careers.
“We are deeply grateful to the Golden LEAF Foundation for their generous support,” said Mike Nagowski, CEO of the Cape Fear Valley Health System. “This award will enhance our medical school’s educational resources, benefiting our students, faculty, and the entire Southeastern North Carolina community.”
The mission of the SOM is to prepare graduates to be socially accountable, community-engaged, evidence-based, compassionate, equity-focused physician leaders who will contribute to mitigating health disparities and improving health outcomes in Southeastern North Carolina or wherever they may practice. Key values include Humility, Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Community Engagement, Social Accountability, and Interprofessional Collaboration.
“We are grateful to the Golden LEAF Foundation for this significant investment in our new medical education program leading to the doctor of medicine (MD) degree,” said Dr. Suzanne Blum Malley, Provost at MU. “Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine graduates will be well prepared to deliver innovative, community-responsive healthcare and will contribute to improved health outcomes and job growth throughout the region.”
Methodist University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and will submit its new program substantive change to SACSCOC before Jan. 1, 2025. The Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine is also currently an applicant program with the Liaison Commission on Medical Education (LCME). MU will not publish admission requirements nor consider any applicants to the program until it receives those approvals.

Fayetteville switches ethanol transport to rail
Thousands of trucks carrying the majority of Fayetteville’s ethanol supply into the city each year will no longer be coming here. Instead, freight trains will take their place.
That’s because a new transloading facility has opened up in Fayetteville, which will unload the “vast majority” of Fayetteville’s ethanol supply, Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation said in a press release announcing the opening on July 17.
By transporting ethanol directly from the Midwest to Fayetteville via rail, the facility will remove the equivalent of 3,000 trucks per year from local roads, FCEDC said. The economic development corporation expects this to lessen the burden on the city’s infrastructure as roadways will see less traffic.
“That right there alone shows the positive impact of that project, relieving that stress off the roadways and just making it safer for everybody,” Rob Patton, FCEDC’s executive director, told CityView, referring to the number of trucks that will no longer drive through Fayetteville.
Ethanol is a biomass fuel, primarily made from corn, which is used in a wide variety of applications — including gasoline, which typically contains up to 10% ethanol. Ethanol plants are concentrated in the Midwest because that’s where corn production is most prevalent, according to the U.S. Dept. of Energy.
Economic impact
According to a January report from the North Carolina Dept. of Transportation (NCDOT), utilizing freight rail is cost-effective and “reduces wear on roadway infrastructure and creates a safer, less congested road network.”
Intermodal facilities and transloading facilities, like the one built for Fayetteville’s ethanol supply, provide important connection points between different methods of transportation; there are currently 83 such facilities in North Carolina, according to the report.
Located off Murchison Road near the I-295 interchange, the new transloading facility connects to the existing CSX freight rail that runs adjacent to the property and extends to Fort Liberty. The transfer point will unload trains that come from ethanol plants in the Midwest directly to the fuel depot next door off Murchison Road, FCEDC said.
The facility is owned by Strategic Transload Services LLC, a chemical transportation company with subsidiaries throughout the Southeast, according to FCEDC.
“The FCEDC staff was extremely helpful with securing the right location for our expansion,” Von Friesen of Strategic Transload Services said in a press release.
Environmental and safety impact
Patton emphasized the benefits of utilizing existing infrastructure and the energy efficiency of freight travel compared to using trucks as benefits of the project. He said the property where the transloading facility was built used to be a landfill, but has been idle for a “long time.”
According to county land records, the site was owned by Eagle Refuse Company Inc from 1992, which operated a construction and demolition landfill there. The company has been dissolved since 2010, according to state business records, and it sold the land to Strategic Transload Services in 2022 for $25,000.
Because of the debris that had piled up, there were limited options for potential uses of the property, Patton told CityView.
“it wasn’t like the Ann Street landfill where they’re putting everybody’s trash in,” Patton said. “It was more like stumps and things like that; organic material that had been cleared or taken away or whatever, that we really couldn’t do anything with except for, like, this project. So it’s utilizing otherwise unutilizable piece of land.”
Despite high-profile catastrophic incidents — like the 2023 East Palestine train derailment in Ohio — freight trains carrying hazardous materials, such as ethanol, are considered to be significantly safer in terms of the rate of accidents and spills, according to the U.S. Dept. of Transportation. Patton agrees.
Considered a renewable fuel, ethanol releases significantly fewer greenhouse gasses than fossil fuels, according to the U.S. Dept. of Energy.
“The more you can relieve the stress off the roads, the better off we are, and using that rail line that’s right there,” Patton said. “It just makes so much sense for efficiencies across the board, like you stated, for the environmental impact of the fuel, the trucks, all that business. It’s just a really cool project that relieves a lot of stress off a congested area.”

The public school systems are collapsing or have collapsed in many ways. Most of which is due to outdated education methodologies and curricula as well as an inability to meet students where they are at in many cases. Here's a couple problems:
Mental health is educational. They are interconnected, not siloed topics.
While there have been many mental health and educational issues before, those were amplified due to COVID-19. Families, students, and teachers, etc. are still facing COVID re-entry issues. Many students who are falling through the cracks are those with almost invisible intellectual disabilities such as ADHD and PTSD. Students in domestic abuse situations and coercive control situations are also not being served which leads to further traumatization by school staff who do not know how to recognize the symptoms and understand how to intervene appropriately. This increases youth mental health problems.
Parent-School Staff Relationships due to lack of inclusive education for students with disabilities
Many parents who advocate for children in public education are excluded or isolated from important decisions regarding their child's education. Schools have been excused from enforcing individualized education plans (IEPs), which breaks federal law.
As someone who has worked in and with public schools, I help students with disabilities and those that get in trouble frequently. I would say 9 out of 10 times a child gets in trouble it's because of a disability that school staff don't know how to handle. So, children are getting shamed and excluded from school classrooms just for being who they are. It's unacceptable. It also breaks parent trust in school officials. That hurts the child.
Moving forward
To my knowledge, Cumberland County Schools is making social-emotional learning a larger part of their strategic plan for this upcoming school as well as restorative education. This is a move in the right direction, however I fear it is too late for many of the families of whom public education has left a bad taste in their mouth.
If we really want a more inclusive, quality educational system, the structure of the school day and related policies must be reconsidered. What counts as the "normal school day" doesn't serve families with parents whose schedule doesn't coincide with the school day.
Some solution oriented questions:
What if a tiered education day could be adopted, with teachers coming to work in shifts? What if some teachers did direct teaching from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and had planning time until 3 p.m. and other teachers did formal education from noon to 4 p.m. and then did planning until 7 p.m.?
What if afterschool programs filled in the time gaps by starting earlier in the day and operating longer hours to retain after school staff?
What if high school seniors could be substitute teachers for grades K-5 as part of their education and in preparation for job readiness?
What if schools can be used as community hubs where DSS, food banks, and other community based non-profits can deliver services to increase accessibility for parents who struggle with transportation, etc.?
May peace be with you,
Nikki Fynn, Ed.D. MPH
(Doctorate of Education Leadership, Master of Public Health)
Graduate of 71st High School, Class of 1994

If you look at North Carolina’s state flag, you’ll see two dates: May 20, 1775 and April 12, 1776. Each signifies a moment when North Carolinians played a key role in the emerging American Revolution. Each strengthens the claim that our state was, in this context, “First in Freedom.”
On the former date, the leaders of Mecklenburg County either created a new county government or formally declared independence from Britain (depending on which account you accept). On the latter date, the North Carolina Provincial Congress, meeting in Halifax, instructed their delegates to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia to vote for independence.
While very important, neither the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence nor the Halifax Resolves constitutes the first formal act by North Carolinians against British tyranny. That distinction belongs to the Rowan County Committee of Safety. Angered by Parliament’s high-handed legislation and the conduct of royal governors and garrisons in Boston and other American cities, some two dozen Rowan leaders met in Salisbury on August 8, 1774, to draft a response.
Their handiwork, issued 250 years ago, is called the Rowan Resolves. While proclaiming their continuing loyalty to King George III, the signers condemned Parliament for enacting what they considered to be illegal levies and regulations.
“The right to impose taxes or duties, to be paid by the inhabitants within this Province, for any purpose whatsoever, is peculiar and essential to the General Assembly, in whom the legislative authority of the colony is vested,” the Rowan leaders wrote. “Every attempt to impose such taxes or duties by any other authority is an arbitrary exertion of power, and an infringement of the constitutional rights and liberties of the colony.”
They were certainly talking about the reviled tax on tea — the target of the protest, staged eight months earlier, that came to be called the Boston Tea Party. But they were making a broader point. To tax Americans without allowing them representation in Parliament was “an act of power without right.” It was a dangerous precedent.
The leaders named three delegates to represent Salisbury and Rowan County, urging other communities to do the same. They further suggested that all North Carolina delegates convene later in the month to discuss the crisis and propose a Continental Congress to “agree upon a firm and indissoluble union and association for preserving, by the best and most proper means, their common rights and liberties.”
Interestingly, the Rowan Resolves also stated that “the African slave trade is injurious to this colony, obstructs the population of it by free men, prevents manufacturers and other useful immigrants from Europe from settling among us, and occasions an annual increase of the balance of trade against the colonies.”
While hardly a full-throated condemnation of chattel slavery, this section does reflect the stirrings of anti-slavery sentiment on the frontier — and mirrors the language Thomas Jefferson tried to insert in the American Declaration of Independence
two years later.
Among the members of the Rowan Committee of Safety were Matthew Locke and William Lee Davidson. A former treasury commissioner for North Carolina, Locke would later sign the Halifax Resolves and serve as a brigadier general during the subsequent Revolutionary War. After many years in the state legislature, Matthew Locke served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.
As for William Lee Davidson, he would also serve in the war as a lieutenant colonel in the Continental Line and brigadier general of the Salisbury District militia. On February 1, 1781, the army of General Charles Cornwallis began to cross the Catawba River at Cowan’s Ford, just north of Charlotte, in pursuit of the main American army under General Nathaniel Greene. With 800 Patriots, Davidson attacked the British — delaying their crossing, but at the cost of his own life. Decades later, the founders of a nearby Presbyterian college named it in Davidson’s honor.
Such was the mettle of our Founders. They backed their inspiring words with courageous deeds. So should we all.

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).

Once upon a time, long, long, ago, in a galaxy far, far away, there was a magnificent Sears store on Hay Street. It was the anchor of downtown Fayetteville's business district. I first encountered the many wonders of Sears in the late 1950s.
As seen in the photograph above this column, the most amazing thing there was the giant mural of 82nd Airborne paratroopers jumping into the friendly skies at Fort Bragg.
The mural was proudly displayed on the wall above the steps from the second floor to the shoe department on the first floor. Take a moment to marvel at the uniforms and the people in the picture. It is classic Fort Bragg.
As best I can tell, credit for the photograph goes to the late Bill Belch who was a long time Fayetteville photographer. If you know otherwise, let me know, and credit will be given to whom credit is due.
Like the Overlook Hotel in "The Shining," a lot of things happened in Sears and not all of them were good. At the bottom of the stairway lay the shoe department where I got my first pairs of PF Flyers, Hushpuppies, and Penny loafers. I was a fashion plate in elementary school.
Back in the dark ages of the 1950s and '60s, Hay Street had several first-run movie theaters- the Miracle, the Carolina, and the Colony. The Broadway theater was where angels feared to tread. It had excessively sticky floors and second-run flicks of dubious extraction.
As kids, we were frequently dropped off downtown on Saturday mornings to watch westerns and horror movies. After the movies, we usually went across the street to Sears to x-ray our feet in the shoe department. After considerable foot radiation, it's a minor miracle I still have feet.
The coolest thing in the shoe department was the fluoroscope machine used to fit your shoes to your feet. When trying on shoes, you stuck your feet into the machine, wiggled your toes, and admired the bones in your feet.
Mr. Google reports these machines were sold under the brand names X-Ray Shoe Fitter, or Foot-o-Scope. They were sold in the US from the 1920s until the 1970s when they were taken off the market due to some Sorehead's concerns about radiating children's feet.
Although there could be some adverse medical issues from multiple foot X-rays, the good news was that I could read comic books under my bedspread at night with the light emitting from my metatarsals.
Fortunately for Sears the statute of limitations has run on injury claims for irradiated feet.
The shoe department also had White and Colored drinking fountains. The White fountain was fancy with chilled water and the Colored water fountain was bare bones with room temperature water.
As kids, we did not know any better and assumed this was the way things were everywhere. Does a fish realize it is in water? Who knows? Ask the fish.
On a happier note, the Shoe Department also had a pony ride and a rocket ship ride which for a dime would take little buckaroos and buckarettes out to the Wild West and outer space.
The land at the top of the Sears stairs was equally enchanting. The second floor was home to the record section and appliances. On Saturdays, Sears' manager Wilbur Smith would cook a ham on a rotisserie grill which filled the upstairs with the beautiful smell of bacon.
Very little could compare with the joys of x-raying your feet, riding a rocket ship, then going upstairs to smell the bacon, while you flipped through the record bins looking for the latest Elvis records.
It didn't get much better than this.
What have we learned today? Once again, nothing of any practical use. But I can still smell the aroma of cooking ham. Take a sniff, you might too. As Elvis would say: "Thank ya verra much."

(Photo: Paratroopers jump at Fort Bragg in this photo Pitt Dickey reckons was photographed by Bill Belch, a long time photographer in the Fayetteville area. The photograph was on display at the Sears in downtown.)

Have you decided how you are going to vote in the upcoming election?
Even if you have decided between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, there is more to do before you can do your duty on Election Day.
There are more offices that will need your vote: secretary of state, state auditor, state treasurer, superintendent of public instruction, attorney general, agriculture commissioner, labor commissioner, insurance commissioner, state senator, state representative, N.C. supreme court justice, N.C. court of appeals judge, superior court judge, district court judge, district attorney, county commissioner, clerk of superior court, and register of deeds, and, in addition to U.S. president and vice president.
You have lots of choices to make and there are deadlines for making some of them.
Below is a list of some of the important dates and deadlines that apply:
Sept. 6: County boards of elections begin mailing absentee ballots to eligible voters who submitted an absentee ballot request form.
Oct. 11: Voter registration deadline (5 p.m.).
Oct. 17: In-person early voting begins; same-day registration available.
Oct. 29: Absentee ballot request deadline (5 p.m.).
Nov. 2: In-person early voting ends (3 p.m.).
Nov. 5: General election.
Nov. 5: Absentee ballot return deadline (7:30 p.m.).
If the presidential election, or one of the others, is very, very important to you, you may want to do more than vote. In one recent election, I was persuaded to knock on doors of people likely to vote for my preferred candidate—if they voted at all. I spent an afternoon at the task.
My candidate lost. I was disappointed but was then and am still am glad I made the effort. If I had done nothing, I would have blamed myself for the loss.
If you feel this year as strongly as I did that year, here are some things you might do to help your candidate succeed.
1. Give some hard-earned dollars to your candidate. The money is important, but the act of giving is a seal of support, like a small Sunday morning church gift. It is more than just the money.
2. Make a connection with the candidate and introduce him or her to people you know. Invite a candidate to visit your home. Invite neighbors and encourage the candidate to explain his or her views.
3. Attend events sponsored by other candidates and maybe wear your candidate’s button alongside that of the honoree.
4. Have your own big neighborhood party to honor your candidate.
Whatever your neighbors’ views, they will appreciate the opportunity to get to know people who live nearby and learn about the candidate.
5. Create a postcard and make copies to send to your friends and others. Address, stamp them, and send them off.
Write something personal like “this candidate is a friend of mine and a trustworthy person who thoughtfully considers the issues facing us. I would appreciate your consideration and especially your vote on election day.” Add a personal note, if you can, to remind the recipient of the card how you might be connected to him or her.
5. Sign up with a candidate’s organization to knock on doors on election day to remind people to vote.
6. Stand in line to greet voters at the polls. Somebody you know will honor your advice.
7. Especially if your candidate loses, it will be important to know that you did not give up and that you worked hard all the way to the end. Of course, it will be even better if your candidate wins a close election because of your efforts.
8. Win or lose, your activity and participation on Election Day and your participation marks you as an American citizen who does his or her job.

Plant lovers rejoice! The Fayetteville Plant Sale and Swap is just around the corner. Plant lovers around the area will congregate at Smith Recreation Center on 1520 Slater Ave. on Saturday, Aug. 10 from noon to 3 p.m. Attendees can sell and swap not just plants but knowledge, tips, and tricks. Admission is free and vendor tables are available the day of the event. The vendor fee is $10 and comes with up to 3 6x4 tables and 3 to 5 chairs. There is no vendor registration required. For those wishing to purchase a vending space, doors open at 11 a.m. for vendor setup. Doors open to the general public at noon. This is a can't-miss event for those looking to score their first or hundredth plant. There will also be a free plant table, with various donations from vendors for those who would love to start their plant family but may not be able to purchase plants. And of course, attendees can bring plants to swap with other plant owners and vendors. For those planning on buying plants, vendors will be accepting most forms of payment, cash, card, or payment app.
An event like this has to come from love and that’s exactly what one of the event organizers, Silvia Ramon does. She loves plants. She started her journey in 2019 after a few life changes. She got pregnant with her son and quit her job. With nothing but time and a tiny person growing in her belly, Ramon turned to plants.
“I was bored and needed something to do and that’s when I started visiting garden centers and nurseries in Raleigh. I started buying a lot of plants and now am currently growing some of the most exotic plants on planet earth. It makes me so happy to be able to bring them locally to other individuals that also love plants. The smile I bring to locals is priceless! Seeing others happy when they find their favorite plant means everything to me!”
This is not the first Fayetteville Plant Swap and Sale. What started as a private plant and gardening group event has grown to include the whole community.
“The event is every three months during the year. The event started before I started attending by other private groups! My first attendance was 2023 last summer,” Ramon said.
There is a much bigger picture for Ramon and her fellow organizers, who have very impressive plans for community plant lovers saying, “Creating a local market for our community has always been exciting to show what we grow from home and share it with the public. We have a team that organizes the event! The event coordinator takes care of the building and I voluntarily make the event announcements all over the web and social media.”
They are also in the process of developing a website that will serve as a marketplace, Plantgurususa.com. When asked what type of vendors are welcome, Ramone said, “... Anyone that grows indoor plants and artisans that make plant related items are always welcome.”
Although Ramon is a driving force behind this event, she is not the only plant lover putting their time and energy into creating these events for the community.
“The event is hosted by Hannah Soriano a Fayetteville resident and event coordinator and plant lover like me.”
Ramon also credits the members of these 2 Facebook private plant groups in the Fayetteville area:
Plant Purge (Fayetteville & Surrounding areas)
Fayetteville NC Plant swap
Raleigh Plant People
“I highly recommend joining these groups to discover the unbelievably rare plant collection in our home state of North Carolina,” she said.
And about the plant swap, “As soon as the public walks in they can ask any vendors questions about how to grow and different types of species. We have a very friendly environment and kid-friendly,” Ramone said.

Throughout the downtown area, sculptures sprout up overnight, turning our community into a public art gallery. The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County is responsible for these sculptures.
"Public art is art created for general public consumption. Public art is often commissioned by public institutions for a specific site. Public art must always be, by definition, visually and physically accessible to the general population. Therefore it is usually installed or staged in easily accessible public spaces.
"Public art adds enormous value to the cultural, aesthetic and economic vitality of a community. It is now a well-accepted principle of urban design that public art contributes to a community's identity, fosters community pride and a sense of belonging, and enhances the quality of life for its residents and visitors," according to the Arts Council website.
The piece debuting at Up & Coming Weekly's office on Rowan St. is called "Wonder." It is an 114"x5'x5' fabricated painted steel. Here's the information on Wonder. Abigail Law is the artist.
"In much of my work I've attempted to capture both the spontaneity and order found in nature through the use of organic or 'natural' subject matter. Many of my pieces are inspired by the unexpected yet somewhat predictable patterns and forms found in living organisms. I have enjoyed exploring the complexities and sometimes otherworldly visual elements found within even the smallest of living organisms, and aim to create from that inspiration. This likely stems from many years spent working in the garden, and my lifelong love of gardening as a means of therapeutic escape.
'I am interested in making art that not only brings joy and inspires the viewer, but also causes them to ponder the beauty of life and creation. I make art for the enjoyment of the viewer, as well as to satisfy my own curiosity. Hopefully this fabricated steel sculpture called 'Wonder' is able to both instill a sense of wonder, and bring joy to those who experience it," Law said.
The Arts Council has a series of public art sculptures placed all around town. For more information, visit https://www.wearethearts.com/artscape6
The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County just celebrated their 50th anniversary in Fayetteville. Their mission is to "connect our communities, embraces diversity, promotes individual creativity, advances economic development, and fosters lifelong learning through the arts. As the primary steward of public and private funding for arts, cultural and history activities in the Cape Fear Region, the Arts Council, and the agencies it supports are known for the core values of excellence, accountability, transparency, collaboration, and innovation."

("Wonder" sits outside of the Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper's office on Rowan St. in Fayetteville. Photo by Linda McAlister )

One of the great joys of summertime for many North Carolina families is a drive to the Sandhills to visit one of the roadside peach stands that dot the region.
The well-drained Sandhills provide for peach trees what the California Napa Valley does for grape vines. When the peach blossoms survive the late winter frosts and when spring and early summer bring the right amount of rain, it is hard to find anything that tastes better than a Sandhills peach.
Even a perfect peach has to be picked and eaten at the right time.
Peaches are temperamental. A just-picked, fully ripened peach can taste better than the most elegant dessert at a five-star restaurant.
But peaches do not age well. A perfectly delicious, fully ripe peach is right on the edge of disaster. Deterioration and decay begin almost immediately. The best peach will not be as good after a few hours, and it can be a mushy mess of decay in a few days or less.
Peaches don't travel well either. Ripe ones bruise easily. Temperature variations and the lapse of time make the peach less and less appealing every minute after it leaves the tree.
So the best way for a North Carolina family to get a bite of a most delicious peach is to buy a ripe one right after it is picked.
The temperamental peach can sometimes drive a peach farmer crazy as he tries to manage the timing of its growth and harvest. But its nature is also a godsend for the Sandhill growers. It is this temperamental nature that keeps families driving down to the Sandhills to experience the perfect peach taste that is available only close to the source.
Over the last few years, many North Carolina small farmers found that they can no longer compete with the larger operations. As much as they love farming and farm life, many have had to find other lines of work.
Sandhills peach farmers face some of the same challenges. But, as a result of the peach’s temperamental quality, freshly picked peaches sold by the orchard owners directly to consumers are worth much more than those sold before they are ripe to large wholesalers and grocery store chains.
This phenomenon helps explain why North Carolina peach farmers have resisted the pressures of consolidation longer than most small farmers.
Since it is better to buy peaches as close to the source as possible, small orchards can make more money selling directly at their roadside stands than they can by selling large quantities to wholesalers.
Thankfully, there are still plenty of these family-run orchards in the Sandhills, where we can buy those precious peaches from the same people who grow them.
Greene’s Pee Dee Orchard’s peach stand on U.S. Highway 74 is on the west side of the bridge across the Pee Dee River between Wadesboro and Rockingham. (Don’t miss the fresh peach ice cream that Greene’s family makes on the spot.)
Greene is just one of a proud group of Sandhills peach farmers.
“There are lots of others you should mention, lots of other good peach growers around here.” Greene’s friend and fellow peach grower, the late beloved Watts Auman told me. “We are like a big clan. And the truth is, all Sandhills peaches are almost always real good, if you get them fresh and ripe.”

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.

“When you look at a miniature … The beauty is in the details.”
— Bill Richardson
Cape Fear Studios is presenting the Sculpture and Miniature Challenge exhibit from July 26 to Aug. 20. The exhibit will feature 2D and 3D small works by local artists. The studio is located at 148 Maxwell Street, Fayetteville. The exhibit is open Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Best of Show will be determined by guest judge, Silvana Foti.
“2D art exists primarily in a flat, two-dimensional plane, (painting, photograph), while 3D occupies space with a measurable height, width, and depth, (sculpture),” according to Study.Com.
Pandy Autry, president, Cape Fear Studios, shares, “Miniature Art is an intriguing art form that reflects our world on a smaller scale emphasizing details that can get lost in a greater work. Having a show of only miniatures allows us to focus on these pieces, as they are often overlooked when mixed with larger pieces. I hope the show can continue to expand to more awareness and focus our visitors to seek and explore the world of art in miniature.”
Silvana Foti is the guest judge of the Sculpture and Miniature Challenge exhibit. She holds an MFA from the University of Notre Dame and a BFA from St Mary’s College, Notre Dame. She is affiliated with the Association of Academic Museums and Galleries and the Association of Art Museum Curators, New York, to name a few. She is a tenured professor of art at Methodist University and was the executive director of the David McCune International Art Gallery on the campus.
“As a practicing artist, Silvana is best known for her expertise in printmaking. In addition to participating in more than 50 artist exhibitions, her former and current art gallery representation encompasses works on display in nine galleries throughout North Carolina, New York City and Chicago. Her personal works are on display in more than 45 public and private collections,” according to her biography.
Nancy R. Edge won Honorable Mention in the show with the piece entitled “Tundra Swan.”
“I like to play with light. The light follows the form. Light mirrors the swan’s feathers. The contrasts of light within nature are captured by the medium of pastels,” she said.
Small-scale is beautiful. Stop by the Cape Fear Studios Sculpture and Miniature Art Challenge. Admission is free. For more information, contact Cape Fear Studios by email at https://www.capefearstudios.com or phone at 910-433-2986.

Step back in time and experience the excitement of medieval-style combat at the Thaundor Annual Tournament Day VII. This unique event, hosted by The Realm of Thaundor, transports participants and spectators alike to a bygone era filled with brave warriors and epic battles. Held at Dirtbag Ales on Saturday, Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Thaundor Tournament promises a day of thrilling action and fierce competition.
Immerse yourself in the atmosphere as fighters from all over North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia come together to showcase their skills and vie for victory. Dressed in era-appropriate attire, these warriors are ready to engage in medieval style combat using foam weapons. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or a first-time spectator, the Thaundor Tournament offers an exhilarating experience for all.
To participate in the tournament, fighters must be affiliated with a Foam Fighting Association or demonstrate adequate training and knowledge of the rules and guidelines for foam fighting safety. However, the tournaments are free to observe, and spectators are encouraged to join in the fun by dressing in medieval attire, although it is not a requirement.
The tournament day kicks off with check-ins at 10 a.m., where fighters will have their weapons inspected and sign up for the tournaments. Warm-up scenarios will take place at 11 a.m., providing an opportunity for fighters to loosen up before the main battles begin. At noon, the series of tournaments will commence, running consecutively throughout the day.
The tournament structure follows a bracketed format, with seven tournaments for each weapon category. Two fighters will be called from the bracket to engage in a best-of-three, one-on-one battle. The winner advances to the next round, while the loser is eliminated. This continues until the finals, where the two finalists will fight a best-of-five battle to determine the champion of the bracket.
While the focus of the event is primarily on the tournaments, there will also be sparring and small scenario style battles to keep fighters entertained while they wait for their turns. Additionally, participants and spectators can look forward to a raffle at the end of the event, offering the chance to win some exciting swag. After the tournaments conclude, an award ceremony will be held to recognize the winners.
If you're interested in joining The Realm of Thaundor Group and getting involved in foam fighting, you can show up at their practice location at College Lakes Park on Sundays at noon. They also have a Facebook group that provides updates on upcoming events and practices. See their Facebook group page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Thaundor. Don't miss out on this chance to be a part of a vibrant community of medieval combat enthusiasts.

(Photos: Top and Above: The Realm of Thaundor attendees fight using medieval-style techniques. Photos courtesy of Tyler Joseph Hancox from the Realm of Thaundor)

Curate Essentials, located at 1302 Ft. Bragg Rd in historic Haymount, resides in a charming building from 1914 that once served as a private home, offering a unique blend of history and modern elegance. The white storefront beckons with its cozy wrap-around porch and lush garden oasis. Customers can shop, sip on a refreshing tea or coffee on the inviting front porch or take a leisurely stroll through the stunning garden.
Curate aims to craft all-natural products that promote balance in mind, body, and spirit. Owner Leslie Pearson explains more about what Curate provides.
“Curate Essentials is primarily an herbal apothecary. We specialize in handcrafted, all-natural bath and body products and herbal remedies such as functional tea blends, tinctures, balms and salves, and other medicinal alternatives. We make everything in small batches to provide the freshest quality, so visitors can usually find us in the kitchen making anything from soap, lotions, candles, shampoo and conditioner, and sugar scrubs. We also serve tea, coffee and pastries that people can enjoy on our wrap-around covered porch overlooking our herbal education garden.”
The garden features azaleas, camellias, dogwoods and Japanese maples. The herbal section boasts medicinal plants, wildflowers, and pollinator-friendly flora.
“We created an herbal education garden in the front of the shop so people can see, smell and touch many of the herbs we use in our tea blends. It’s a lovely addition to the Haymount neighborhood and quite an eye-catcher for passersby. We have also included many natural dye plants, pollinators, and native botanicals that enhance the overall experience.”
As Curate Essentials celebrates its second anniversary, it's the perfect time to reflect on the key milestones and success stories that have shaped their journey. Over the past two years, they have touched the lives of countless individuals, providing them with natural healing solutions and community that have made a real difference.
“Curate has become a comfortable third place for a lot of people and I feel so blessed to see the connections happening - especially for those with spouses who are deployed. We have a mom’s support group that meets up every week, book clubs, and other groups who come to Curate for informal gatherings,” Pearson said.
“Our inventory has grown based on the needs of the community who we serve - especially our functional tea blends. We make blends to soothe anything from allergies, stress and anxiety, sleep issues, and lymphatic support and even blends for pregnant and nursing mothers. We offer an alternative to pharmaceuticals, which has become important to many people. We like to say we have something from dandruff to athlete’s foot and everything in between.”
Curate Essentials is also looking ahead to the future. They are committed to continuing their research and development efforts, exploring new ingredients and techniques to enhance the effectiveness of their remedies. The team at Curate Essentials is passionate about uncovering the full potential of nature and harnessing it to create even more powerful healing solutions. They also are planning classes and workshops to get the community involved.
“We plan to eventually offer classes on a variety of things like candle and soap making, art, herbalism, and other related interests,” said Pearson.
We asked Pearson to name her top five favorite items in the shop. Here’s her "Favorite Things" list:
• The new men and women’s facial line, which includes a daily cleanser, refining toner, hydrating moisturizer, soothing eye treatment, and an age-defying serum. I feel really good about using these products on my sensitive skin and recommending them to our customers.
• Our Goat's Milk, Oatmeal and Honey bar soap is another favorite - it’s lightly scented, creamy, and gentle enough to use on babies. Oatmeal soothes sensitive skin and exfoliates with a gentle touch, honey is a natural humectant to help lock in moisture, and goat's milk has been used for years to nourish dry skin, soothe eczema and other irritated skin conditions.
• I’m currently in love with our Menopause Relief tea blend. We use Black Cohosh, Eleuthero, Red Raspberry Leaf, Red Clover, Valerian Root, Licorice Root, and Chamomile - all herbs that help reduce hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, constipation, and bloating. I drink a cup every evening before bed and I’ve experienced a noticeable difference.
• I use our Rosemary and Tea Tree Oil shampoo and conditioner. Both are specially formulated to sooth itchy scalps, promote hair growth and revitalize dry, dull hair by lifting buildup. The shampoo has a nice lather and is so invigorating that it wakes me up in the morning. It’s packed with nurturing ingredients like vitamin E oil, rosemary essential oil, and tea tree oil.
• Now let’s talk coffee - we serve Onyx Coffee Lab and my favorite is the Eclipse Blend which has notes of bakers chocolate, burnt sugar, and smoked vanilla bean. It tastes great black or as a latte and has become known as the Bosses Brew. Pair this with one of our fresh made pastries and your morning is set.
Curate Essentials is open Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Their website is www.curateessentials.com. Follow them on Facebook or Instagram @curateessentials.

(Photo: Leslie Pearson stands in front of the Curate sign. Located in Haymount, Curate is celebrating its second anniversary. Photo courtesy of Curate's Facebook page)

DistiNCtly Fayetteville’s recent Sports Commission Initiative is poised to sharpen the competitive edge of Fayetteville and Cumberland County’s sports tourism industry. Since the Commission's launch in April, they’ve only grown more intent on making Fayetteville and Cumberland County a go-to location for marquee events.
“In North Carolina alone, there are eight other sports commissions supporting their communities. Several rights-holders of events and tournaments will not consider destinations unless they have a sports commission to support it,” said Devin Heath, President and CEO of DistiNCtly Fayetteville. “In order for us to be competitive, we created the Fayetteville/Cumberland County Sport Commission.”
Sports Commissions across the country have positively impacted local economies, and Heath believes Fayetteville and Cumberland County are no different. He says they plan to attract tournaments and events by developing a comprehensive strategy, galvanizing the stakeholders, supporting the development of facilities, and developing resources. It’s a promising strategy.
The National Association of Sports Commissions describes this need for specialization in tourism promotion saying, “All across the nation, communities are realizing the massive economic and public relations impact sports can have on a city. Capitalizing on this impact requires special people with unique insights into this market. A special, dedicated effort led by community volunteers and ably assisted by quality staff members can make sports a major force in economic development or revitalization.”
With Heath’s 30-plus years of tourism marketing experience, they’re off to a running start.
Though momentum is building, DistiNCtly Fayetteville is still working overtime to position itself as an attractive destination for amateur and professional sporting events. They’ve booked a couple of tournaments since launching and identified several others that will not consider Fayetteville and Cumberland County on the basis that they do not have enough outdoor bleachers for their events.
Heath says they’re working on sourcing bleachers so they can attract those events. They also need volunteers to work on various aspects of the events. Volunteers fill crucial roles that ensure attendees can focus on enjoying themselves while the event infrastructure functions seamlessly in the background.
In the future, volunteers may have the opportunity to contribute to a signature FCSC sporting event. Heath believes a signature event would be in line with their overarching focus.
“This will promote wellness in our community
and... provide educational opportunities for community members to learn the sports and tourism industry,” Heath said.
Benefiting the community is at the center of FCSC’s mission. According to DistiNCtly Fayetteville, the Commission will initially focus on building local partnerships and improving and developing sporting facilities.
“The community is critical to our mission to make Cumberland County a nationally known destination. Through the commission, we are bringing key players to the table to ensure we’re all working collectively to promote what makes our region distinct,” Heath said.
Heath is optimistic about what the region has to offer and says to expect good things from the Commission moving forward.
“The future is very bright for Cumberland County and with the partnership and forward-thinking efforts of the community, we will become the destination to beat.”
Those interested in volunteering with the Fayetteville and Cumberland County Sports Commission can contact Devin Heath or Rachel Obermeier, Director of Sales & Sports Commission, at their respective emails: dheath@distinctlyfayettevillenc.com and robermeier@distinctlyfayettevillenc.com

Prepare for an electrifying night of music and excitement on Friday, Aug. 16 with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra’s string quartet at Cape Fear Botanical Garden. Don’t miss the grand finale of the Sunset Series summer concerts, featuring a thrilling game of Music Bingo.
Experience the electrifying sounds of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra's star cellist, Jesse Smith, alongside the dynamic Magnolia String Quartet. Get ready for an unforgettable night packed with legendary hits from icons like Elton John, Paul McCartney, Frank Sinatra, and more.
Get ready to crank up the excitement with Music Bingo — a thrilling twist on the classic game. Imagine jamming out to snippets of your favorite tracks while battling it out against fellow music lovers for awesome prizes. Forget the DJ; this is going to be taking it up a notch with electrifying live music!
Here's how it works:
• Musical Clues: Instead of letters and numbers, the quartet plays a 30-second song snippet. Expect pop classics, modern hits, and tunes everyone knows.
• Mark Your Card: If you recognize the song and see it on your bingo card, mark the square.
• Achieve a Win: Complete a traditional 5-in-a-row pattern to win.
• Prizes: Winners receive Symphony tickets, Garden experiences, FSO or CFBG swag, and more!
This high-energy event lasts about an hour and features two intense rounds of bingo.
Food trucks will be on-site, serving up mouthwatering delights alongside a fully stocked bar and a variety of other drink options. Plus, you’ll have full access to explore the stunning garden grounds throughout the event.
Event Timeline:
• 5:30: Food Trucks open and Bingo Cards available to guests
• 6:30: Music Bingo Round 1
• 7:15: Music Bingo Round 2
Admission for this Event (includes entry & bingo game cards for 2 rounds):
• Members Ages 13+: $5 (+tax)
• Non-Members Ages 13+: $15 (+tax)
• Members Ages 6 to 12 – $3 (+tax)
• Non-Members Ages 6 to 12 – $5 (+tax)
• Ages 5 and Under: Free
There is no need to purchase a ticket ahead of time for this event. Cash and card will be accepted for tickets at the time of admission.
Things to Know:
• Limited seating will be available, so bringing your own chairs is recommended for comfort.
• The Garden is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Arrive early to enjoy the grounds or explore during the event.
• The Garden Gift Shop will be open.
• Food trucks will start serving at 5:30 p.m., but you can also bring your own food.
• The event is rain or shine. They prefer to be outdoors but will move to the Orangery if needed.
Be sure to check the Cape Fear Botanical Garden’s website for up-and-coming events at https://www.capefearbg.org/
The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra’s season opener is “Music of the Knights” on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Seabrook Auditorium. Experience the iconic music of Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John, and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber performed by Broadway’s most gifted voices alongside your Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.fayettevillesymphony.org or by calling the FSO office at 910-433-4690.

Kick off the new school year with a bang! Discover the best back-to-school bashes and events that promise fun and excitement for kids as well as get them well-stocked with school supplies to start the school year off in style.

August 8
• Back to School Giveaway & Open House at A&M Youth Cultivation Center, 211 Owen Drive
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Learn about their before and after school Academic Enrichment Program, receive school supplies, and enjoy a complimentary serving of Wisdom Water Ice.
https://tinyurl.com/4frjmxzb

August 9
• Back to School Bash & Alumni Soccer Game at Fayetteville Academy, 3200 Cliffdale Rd
4 p.m.
Join in for this annual alumni event with bounce houses, food trucks, music, and a junior soccer clinic.
https://tinyurl.com/zjvx92kf

August 10
• Back to School Giveaway at Living Spirit Ministries, 951 McPherson Church Rd, Suite 102
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Living Spirit Ministries is hosting a back-to-school giveaway with school supplies and clothing.
https://tinyurl.com/4ndu6sjb

• Back to School Bash at Honeycutt Park, 352 Devers St
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Come out for school supplies, hot dogs, snow cones and a gift for all the teachers.
https://tinyurl.com/y839am9x

• Back to School Backpack Giveaway at Grace Place Gym, 302 Moore Street
10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
The child must be present for a backpack.
For more information call Anita Grant at 910-483-6505.

• Back to School Event at Healing Touch Ministries, 1411 Rim Rd
11 a.m.
There will be food, school supplies, bookbags, games and much more.
For more information call 910-493-0596.
• Back to School Book Bag Giveaway at Mendoza Park, 1114 Little River Rd, Spring Lake
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Enjoy some food, music, vendors and more. For more information call 910-261-1444

• Back 2 School at Simon Temple, 5760 Yadkin Rd
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Free school supplies, free food, vendors, music and much more. For more information call 910-867-1182.

• Big ERV's Back 2 School Bash at Big Erv BBQ & 910 Sweets The Neighborhood Pit Stop, LLC, 670 N. Reilly Rd
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Every child will receive a free meal and school supplies while they last.
https://www.facebook.com/events/881075840709655

August 11
• 3rd Annual Back to School Backpack Giveaway at 1866 Brawley Avenue
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Essential school supplies for students K-12. One backpack per student. Students must be present. While supplies last.

August 12
• Back to School Bash at Imagination Station Kidcare, 232 Westwood Shopping Center
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Enjoy games, crafts, pizza and a small goodie bag of school supplies, for ages 4 and up. Tickets are $60. Call 910-745-7271
for more information.

• Back to School Bash at Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, 4825 Ramsey St
3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Kick off the school year with fun Back to School Bash at Freddy's.
https://tinyurl.com/vdde9jpk

August 14
• CKMC Back2School Ride & Donation Drive at Fort Bragg Harley-Davidson, 3950 Sycamore Dairy Rd.
8 a.m.
This year the CKMC is supporting students of the Westarea Elementary School. Tickets to this event and donations will be used to support this school.
https://tinyurl.com/bdvehz77

August 15
• Community Outreach Day at Kingdom Impact Global Ministries, 2503 Murchison Rd
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This family-friendly event will have free food, food giveaways, clothing giveaways, school supplies, haircuts, and medical screenings. For more information call 910-488-9456.

August 17
• Back to School Party at
Abundant Living, 200 Dick St
2 p.m.
Live music, school supplies and food. For more information call 605-637-9743.

• Back to School Backpack Giveaway at TrueVine, 5315 Morganton Rd
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
There will be community resources, food and games. For more information email thegrouptheoryinc@gmail.com

• Back to School Family & Friends Day at Westover Rec Center/Park, 267 Bonanza Dr
11 a.m.
Free food, school supplies and bounce houses. For more information call 910-978-8010

• 4th Annual I Love My Community Celebration & Giveaway at Crown Complex, 1960 Coliseum Dr
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Free backpacks, supplies, hygiene products, food with live music, games, and health resources. For more information call 910-491-9917.

• Backpack Drive & Block Party at Family Fellowship Worship Center, 1014 Danbury Rd
10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
There will be backpacks and school supplies for grades K-12 as well as food, games and music. For more information call 910-482-4022.

• Back 2 School Drive at Seabrook Park, 708 Langdon St
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
There will be free food, free games, haircuts, hair braiding and a laptop giveaway. For more information call 910-728-8237

• Back to School Festival at Cadillac of Fayetteville, 1637 Skibo Rd
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bring the family, friends and neighbors for free school supplies, games, activities, food trucks and the chance to win some awesome prizes.
https://tinyurl.com/5n7zxxf7

• Back to School Bash at St. Paul Full Gospel Baptist Church,
602 Mann St
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pick up a brand new book bag full of school supplies. Enjoy some free food while supplies last.
https://tinyurl.com/fby6885t

• DCAs Back 2 School Bash at Dominion Christian Academy, 373 Pittman Grove Church Rd, Raeford
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Join in for a fun-filled day planned with games, music, food and more.
https://tinyurl.com/5fdyznh8

• Fayetteville Roller Derby Back to School Bash Double Header at Crown Coliseum Arena, 1960 Coliseum Dr
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Presale tickets are $12 for adults, $7 for kids 8-14. Day of tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for kids 8-17. Kids 7 and under are free.
https://tinyurl.com/b6yjp9u2
• 3rd Annual Back to School Event at Red Coat Design Studio, 7707 S Raeford Rd, Ste 109
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
There will be free backpacks, school supplies, hygiene items, apparel, food and drinks. Enjoy games, bounce house, face painting and more.
https://tinyurl.com/32cncnmc

School year information
Immunizations
As families begin thinking about their child heading back to school, they are reminded of their child's required immunizations for the new school year. Many can beat the rush and think ahead by taking advantage of Cumberland County Schools' upcoming Health Assessment Clinics, which have been rescheduled to Thursday, Aug. 8, and Monday, Sept. 23 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the T.C. Berrien building, located at 800 North Street in Fayetteville. Visit the district's website at https://bit.ly/3SToD2T for more details and information. Families are being encouraged to also visit the local health department or their primary care physician to get their child immunized.
Volunteers wanted for Student Success
In the district's effort to create opportunities for families to become engaged partners in their children's education, CCS is recruiting candidates at select schools for the Family Ambassadors Program. Those interested in helping CCS families to become more engaged in their child's educational success, promote a positive and welcoming learning environment at school and meet monthly with other families to learn more about what is happening in CCS, the Family Ambassador volunteer position may be the program for them. Participants could receive up to $150 monthly for completing certain family engagement tasks. For more information, visit CCS' Cumberland Family Academy website at https://bit.ly/3LSSmER.
High School Connections New Student Orientation
Students new to High School Connections are invited to the New Student Orientation on Saturday, Aug. 17 in the Horace Sisk Gym on the campus of Fayetteville Technical Community College. For students with last names A-K, orientation begins at 9 a.m. with an 8:30 a.m. check-in. Students with last names L-Z, will attend Orientation at 11 a.m. and check-in at 10:30 a.m. Students and their parents will receive program information, student account assistance, a student ID, a parking pass and a self-guided tour of the campus.
Want CCS Media Alerts?
If you are interested in receiving media alerts from Cumberland County Schools, text MEDIA to 888-897-0649. It's a toll-free number. After subscribing, you will receive media alerts via text message, e.g., press releases, media advisories, etc. Your wireless carrier's standard messaging rates will apply.

The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association NC 15-1 (CVMA NC 15-1) is excited to announce the upcoming Annual Summer Bash, scheduled to take place on Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Fort Bragg Harley-Davidson located at 3950 Sycamore Dairy Rd. This event promises a day filled with camaraderie, fun, and community support for veterans in the surrounding areas of Fort Liberty.
The festivities begin with registration at 9 a.m., followed by the ride commencing at 11 a.m. and the last bike returning by 3 p.m.
April "Bubbles" Hawkins, the event coordinator, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome all motorcycle enthusiasts to join us for a great cause. Whether you’re an experienced rider or new to the community, this event is for everyone who wants to show support for our veterans.”
Open to the public, the Summer Bash is an important fundraiser for CVMA NC 15-1. All proceeds from the event will support veterans in need. The day's activities will include a variety of vendors, a poker run, food and drinks, and a raffle featuring intriguing "pew pew" items that will capture everyone's interest.
Hawkins further emphasized, “We have an exciting lineup of activities planned for the day, and we anticipate a fantastic turnout. Bring your bike, bring a friend, and come out to support a good cause. You might even go home with something you didn't know you needed!”
The event will host diverse vendors offering unique products and services contributing to the vibrant atmosphere. But that's not all. Participants in the poker run will have the chance to win exciting prizes, adding an extra layer of thrill to the ride. And the raffle items are always a highlight, offering attendees the opportunity to win valuable prizes while supporting a worthy cause. It's going to be an exhilarating day for everyone involved.
Various food and drinks will be available throughout the day to ensure that everyone stays energized and hydrated. The Summer Bash aims to provide a fun and engaging environment where attendees can connect with fellow riders and show their support for the veteran community.
For those interested in becoming a vendor or seeking more information about the event, please get in touch with April "Bubbles" Hawkins at 910-578-3568. This event presents a prime opportunity for local businesses and individuals to showcase their products and services to a large and diverse audience while contributing to a noble cause.
The CVMA NC 15-1 is dedicated to supporting veterans and their families in the Fort Liberty area, and events like the Annual Summer Bash are crucial in raising the necessary funds to continue this important work. Your participation in this event is not just about having a good time, it's about making a real difference in the lives of our veterans. The association is grateful for the community's support and looks forward to a successful and enjoyable event.
Hawkins urged, “Come out and join us in supporting veterans in the community. Your participation makes a significant difference, and we can't wait to see everyone there.”
The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association NC 15-1 Annual Summer Bash is not just an event but a celebration of community spirit and support for those who have served. Join the ride, enjoy the festivities, and make a difference in the lives of veterans.

(Photo: CVMA NC 15-1 poses for a photograph at Legends Pub. The veterans motorcycle group will be hosting their annual Summer Bash at the Fort Bragg Harley Davidson on Aug. 10. Photo courtesy of CVMA NC 15-1 Facebook page)

Being a professional woman in 2024 means walking the tightrope of professional and personal life with the constant pressure from society to be Superwoman, making support groups all that more important.
Fortunately, there are groups like Networth, a collective of professional women started in the spring of 1980. What began as a one-time professional women-centered workshop, sponsored by the North Carolina Governor’s Council on the Status of Women at Fayetteville Technical Community College, has grown into something far bigger and impactful than anyone could have anticipated.
Locals Suzanne Barlow, Evans Clark, Mary Grace Cain, Vonna Biglione, Jean Smith, Jessica Steward, Anne Nimocks, Lucy Wofford, Omega Weeks, Jan Babcock, Suzan Cheek, Betty Chiles, Jeanette Council, Sandra Edwards, Phyllis McLeod Laslett, Virginia Thompson Oliver, Carol Parker, Sophia Pierce, Ashley Rabun, and Susan Sheref continued to meet regularly for lunches and discussions on how they could not only support one another but the community that they lived and worked in.
They eventually reached out to the Women’s Forum in Greensboro for guidance. September 27, 1980, marks the official establishment of Networth, and when the organization started meeting formally.
At the first meeting, the founders established the organization's mission, to recognize the success of the individual woman in her business, professional, and or community role; to exchange knowledge, experience, and encouragement with one another; to provide an informal, out-of-the-office atmosphere to create a network of professional friendships; to meet monthly for business-related programs designed to educate rather than entertain: and to limit membership to a manageable number (through a sponsorship-endorsement system) in an effort to nourish friendships and to build a well-balanced blend of talents within the group.
Although most organizations like Networth are open to all women in the community, Networth membership is by invitation only. This allows the organization to stay small with the maximum impact on the community.
“Membership is by invitation and is open to such professional and executive women as managers; licensed or degreed professionals, business proprietors, partners, or local agents; holders of elected or appointed public office; and others who, in the judgment of the Membership Committee, can contribute to and profit from the activities of the organization. A new member must be sponsored by two current members in good standing,” explained member Dena Breece.
Breece also said, “The purpose of Networth, then, is the mutual support of women on a professional level. We learn from one another by sharing professional information, experience, and ideas. We develop the confidence of women executives and offer educational experiences for them. We encourage one another and other women to aspire to higher career goals. Our aim is to create an influential forum uniting women who have excelled in their vocations, to lend support to one another, to encourage others, and to help the community at large.”
Networth not only pours life and knowledge into its members but also the community through its scholarship program. Every year, they give 3 local women each a $2,000 scholarship. Scholarships are given to those who attend one of three institutions of higher education in Fayetteville: Fayetteville Technical Community College, Methodist University, and Fayetteville State University. Scholarship winners are announced at the annual Scholarship Luncheon with members, scholarship recipients, and their families. This year’s scholarships were awarded to three brilliant and talented women.
This year's winners were:
DIAMOND FRANKLIN
Methodist University
Doctoral of Occupational Therapy
DANIELLE VINES
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Radiography
ANDREA ROSS
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Associate Degree of Nursing

Unpaved and secluded, the J. Bayard Clark Park boasts a series of short trails perfect for various ages and abilities.
With three individual trails totaling 1.4 miles and loads of activities available, a visit can be shaped as a brief, self-guided nature walk, or as a pinecone scavenger hunt complete with a visit to the Nature Center or playground.
Park Ranger Supervisor Denise Brown vouched for the distinctiveness of the Clark Park Trails, explaining that the seclusion and organic footpaths provide a close-up look at a large variety of plant and animal life.
“You can hear a lot of bird sounds out on the trails this time of year. If we have a decent amount of rain like we have lately, you can overlook the waterfall near the start of the Bear trail and see it flowing. Our trails are particularly shady as well, which I think is noteworthy this time of year. The Wetlands trail is my personal favorite for walking on a warm day.”
The Wetland Trail, the Laurel Trail and the Bear Trail are the Park’s three main attractions for those interested in strolling. Each trail offers something different. Measuring .3 miles, the Laurel Trail is the shortest and features a fairy garden at the start of the trail. The second longest is the Wetland Trail, which features a somewhat swampy terrain. Brown says it’s perfect for spotting animal tracks.
The Bear Trail offers the longest stretch of path. It’s .6 miles and takes visitors closer to the Cape Fear River. All three trails can be walked in succession, and alltrails.com advises that it only takes an average of 26 minutes to do so. This includes a slight elevation gain of 59ft on portions of the trail.
As you walk, you can soak up the joys of nature at your own pace, or you can participate in one of several trail-themed activities the park offers. Currently, there’s a pinecone scavenger hunt on the Laurel Trail, which encourages visitors to keep their eyes peeled for specimens that fall from the towering pines above.
There’s also an event called Fun with Fungi. According to Brown, participants will learn about the fascinating world of fungi and their importance to the forest. This includes toadstools, morels, fairy rings, puffballs, truffles, mold and lichens. Participants get to view preserved specimens before heading down the trail to find living fungi. It’s a free event that will take place Thursday, Aug. 22 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and is suitable for all ages.
For a fusion of self-paced and guided experiences, there’s a stretch of paved trail near the playground featuring StoryWalk. StoryWalk is a collaboration between Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation and the Cumberland County Public Library. Funded by the Women’s Giving Circle, the trail features a series of stands displaying pages of the picture book Mouse House Tales.
By walking the trail, visitors can follow the story of turning a house into a home and learn from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) themes the book features.
The park also welcomes volunteers and provides training for all roles. For those who prefer to take an active role in helping others enjoy the outdoors, the park offers Nature Hike Guide training. As a Nature Hike Guide, participants learn to give structured Nature Hikes to groups ages 4 to 12 years. It’s a perfect way to pass on the joy of nature and exploration while spending time outdoors.
Consistent with the park’s focus on engaging visitors of all ages, the trails feature free activity stations as part of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s “Kids in Parks” network of trails. According to their mission statement, Kids in Parks began in 2018 as a way to “Engage kids and families in outdoor recreation to foster lifelong wellness and meaningful connections to public lands.”
Fayetteville-Cumberland Co. Parks and Recreation explains how Kids in Parks works: “Goals are to encourage physical activity and build connections with nature to inspire the next generation of public land stewards. Each station has a series of brochures that turn an ordinary hike into an adventure. Pamphlets encourage children to identify plants and animals, view the forest from the perspective of creatures, and search for natural features. Children can record their adventures at KidsinParks.com to earn PRIZES and plan more adventures.”
Mailed prizes include collectible stickers, first aid kits, bike lights, and more.
Visitors can access the trailheads and the rich variety of free activities at J. Bayard Clark Park by parking in the paved lot at 631 Sherman Dr.

(Photo: StoryWalk is part of a paved stretch of trails with a collaboration between the Fayetteville Cumberland Parks and Recreation and the Cumberland County Public Library. The trail features displays of the picture book "Mouse House Tales." Photo courtesy of City of Fayetteville Flickr)