When Watts Auman, beloved community and political leader in Moore County, died at 84 on Sept. 17, I knew that I would have to write about him.

But there is a problem. Whenever I have written about Watts in the past, the column turned out to be more about me than him. There is a reason. My connection with Watts and the lessons I learned from and with him have been important, perhaps life changing.

So I cannot write about Watts without trying to explain how much I learned because of him. When I first arrived at Fort Bragg (now Fort Liberty) in late 1963 and was being taken around to see the important places that airborne troops need to know, I learned that my Davidson College friend Watts Auman was commanding a team of airborne riggers.

As paratroopers know, riggers are among the most important people in airborne.

They pack the parachutes, new and used, and get them ready for use. A mistake could lead to a tragedy. Watts and the people under his command regularly made airplane jumps using the parachutes that they had prepared. Watts’s quiet leadership made him a perfect commander of these riggers.

For a short time Watts and I lived with seven other junior officers in a house at 1805 Bragg Boulevard in Fayetteville. But soon Watts completed his service and returned to the family farm near West End in Moore County.

Meanwhile, I was assigned to an intelligence detachment of the Special Forces. One of my first assignments was to participate in the war games in the area known as Swift Strike as an underground spy in Moore County.

Watts and his parents let me live with them for several weeks and pretend to be a part of their family. One of the first things I saw in the Auman home was a plug of chewing tobacco encased in plastic and sitting in a prominent place on the coffee table in their living room.

“What in the world is that?” I asked.

“That was Kerr Scott’s favorite chewing tobacco,” Watts’s mother explained.

Terry Sanford, who ran Scott’s campaign for the U.S. Senate in 1954, sent tobacco plugs to the key campaign workers like Clyde Auman, Watts’ father. He had been Kerr Scott’s county chair and was now campaigning for a seat in the North Carolina House. I learned how much struggling farmers appreciated the roads and services that Kerr Scott had pushed through while governor.

Watts led me around the farm. Although the Aumans were best known for peaches, they also farmed other crops.

He showed me how to string tobacco, take it down, bind it up, and send it to market. I watched as Watts worked with the farm workers.

Always quiet and respectful, but he was also demanding. It was clear that Watts had earned their respect. One day, Watts and I took a small crop of field peas to the Farmers Market in Raleigh, selling them for almost enough to cover the cost of the gas it took to get there.

Clyde Auman let me follow him around from event to event as he campaigned for the legislature. Like Watts, Clyde Auman was quiet and modest in a winning way.
But that modesty made it a challenge to create campaign materials. Even though Moore County was still Democratic, a candidate had to be careful to appeal to traditional Republicans in the northern part of the country and to conservatives in Pinehurst and Southern Pines.

But our candidate was slow to brag.

In those few weeks in the Auman home, I learned more about farming and politics and the strength of humility than I did about “spying.”
Watts leaves hundreds, maybe thousands, of Auman kin across the state and region, almost all sharing Watts’s commitment to community, especially his sisters Nancy Cunningham and Laura Pitts and his brother Bob.

Without Bob’s suggestions for column topics and his careful reading and correction of drafts, I could not continue writing this column.

For Watts’s friendship and example and for my connection to his family, I will always be grateful.

The North Carolina General Assembly approved the $30 billion state budget last week, and Fayetteville and Cumberland County will benefit from the $127M that will flow into our community.
This is excellent news, but unfortunately, it pales compared to what the tour de force Cumberland County delegation of Sens. deViere and Clark and State Reps. Szoka, Richardson, Lucas and Wheatley brought to our community in previous years. ($413M plus!)

Why the success? That delegation worked hard, cared about every segment of our community, and worked together across the aisle for the betterment of the citizens of Fayetteville and Cumberland County. More importantly, they displayed a unified and dignified front in Raleigh. They got things done.

This time, the credit goes to Sen. Tom McInnis, who serves Moore County and a small piece of Cumberland County, and Fayetteville’s District 43 House Representative, Diane Wheatley.

The $127M covers the two-year budget through June 30, 2025.
Because of their focus and hard work, many local organizations will benefit. To name a few of the beneficiaries:

All three educational facilities: Fayetteville State $72M, Methodist University $2M and FTCC $10M

• $12M for Grays Creek
• $14M Cape Fear Valley Medical Center
• $2 million U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum
• $2.1 million Fayetteville Cape Fear Regional Theatre
• $250,000 to the Gilbert Theater

Plus money for nonprofit organizations:

• Cumberland County Fire Chiefs Association
• Heritage Square Historical Society
• Falcon Children’s Home
• Vander Civic Association
• The School of Hope
• Karen Chandler Trust of Fayetteville
• Gray’s Creek Ruritan Club

We thank Sen. Tom McInnis and Rep. Diane Wheatley for a job well done. As for the rest of the delegation, we recommend they spend less time concerned about their political futures and pay more attention to their constituents in Fayetteville and Cumberland County, who sent them to Raleigh.

Make no mistake about it, State Reps. Charles Smith, Marvin Lucas of Spring Lake, Frances Jackson of Hope Mills and Sen. Val Applewhite of Fayetteville paid homage and loyalty to high-ranking Raleigh democrats rather than looking out for their constituents.

And, yes, this group voted Against the Budget. So, they voted Against bringing $127M of North Carolina tax dollars to the Cumberland County community.

This begs the question: What are they there for? Why were they voted into office if not to represent the taxpayers of this community?

I hope that the next election does not forget these irresponsible actions. Undoubtedly, they will want to take credit for these accomplishments or, at best, try to spin it with plenty of excuses for underperforming.
Excuses like they were not invited to participate, they were never included in the conversations or negotiation, or their requests were undermined by someone or something beyond their control abound. Please don’t buy it.

Please don’t buy any attempt they may try to take credit for what McInnis and Wheatley accomplished.

Smith, Jackson, Applewhite and Lucas voted AGAINST the $30 billion budget. They voted AGAINST the $127M to local organizations. They voted AGAINST Fayetteville and Cumberland County residents.
Again, this begs the question: Why do they deserve to represent Cumberland County if they don’t represent us? Curious minds want to know.

Thank you for reading the Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper.

There are few things more delightful than a child’s smile and few things more heart wrenching than a child who can’t smile because of dental pain.

Sadly, one out of every four kindergarten-aged children in North Carolina suffers from untreated tooth decay. When left untreated, tooth decay can lead to severe pain, oral abscesses, and depression, and in extreme cases, untreated tooth decay can even cause death.

If you are concerned about your child’s dental health or if you just want a fun educational activity that will encourage your child to get excited about staying healthy, we have great news. Fayetteville Technical Community College can help you and your child.

Please join us for the second annual Dental Health Fair at Fayetteville Technical Community College, courtesy of the United Way’s Youth Trust Stock Fund.

When: Saturday, Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Where: Tony Rand Student Center, 2220 Hull Road, at the Fayetteville campus of FTCC

Who: This event is primarily for children ages 3 to 12, but children of all ages are welcome to attend and to participate in all the day’s great activities.

Activities will include:

• Oral Health Screenings: Conducted by FTCC Dental Hygiene Students and Faculty
• Microscope Station: Children can view plaque samples
• Art Activities: Arts and crafts available at each activity station
• Dental Instruction: Children will learn how to care for their teeth

This event is free. There is no charge for the event or any of the fun activities. In addition to helping your child get or keep a great smile, this event will also help children realize that science can be great fun!
Questions? We are eager to help your child get and keep a beautiful, healthy smile.

Jessica Jones, Dental Hygiene Instructor
Email: jonesj@faytechcc.edu
Phone: (910) 678-8552
Office: Health Technologies Center, Room 101A

Michelle Ping, Chair of the Dental Department
Email: pingm@faytechcc.edu
Phone: (910) 678-8575
Office: Health Technologies Center, Room 101D

When it comes to things to do in Cumberland County, there is no shortage. A growing list of niche groups from comic book fans to the great outdoors proves there is something for everyone.

Life's A Trip Adventure Club is one of the newly formed groups in the county. It was established in 2022 by founder, local photographer and adventurer, Keith Sykes. Skyes started the group because of his “love of travel and adventure” and sharing that with others.

The adventure club wasn’t created on a whim. Skyes had received encouragement to start the group three years ago, but lacked the time.

“Honestly, I was a little intimidated about what it would take to put it together and run it,” Sykes said.

Thankfully he took the leap and created a Facebook page with the sole intention of bringing people together outside in nature. Life’s A Trip Adventure Club now boasts a membership of almost 800 people. There are planned events and meet-ups just about every weekend.

Saturday Strollz is the group’s weekly meetup at Jordan Soccer Complex. Members meet at 6:30 a.m. and walk the path at the soccer complex. Some “strollz” include yoga sessions. This meetup is completely free and offers a space for members to encourage one another in their health and wellness journey.

Life’s A Trip Adventure Club wouldn’t be an adventure club without the adventure. While there are plenty of local events to participate in with the group, they also travel. On the schedule are several events. The group's calendar is filled until the end of the year with one-of-a-kind experiences for local adventures.

October alone will be a busy time for the group. They have trips planned to the NC Seafood Festival, a train trip to Washington D.C. for a weekend, as well as Saturday Strollz. In December they will head to the Biltmore to explore the grounds during the festive Christmas season. The most anticipated trip is the one to Greece next September.

Sykes looks forward to the future of the group and to “give more individuals access to a community of positive people
and adventurous opportunities.”

“I have been privileged enough to hear stories of the positive impact the group has made on many of the members,” he said.

Even though he is the founder of the group, Sykes recognizes that Life’s A Trip Adventure Club has many members who have contributed to its success and cultivating a safe and healthy atmosphere.

“Angela Lewis is a positive and spiritually uplifting personality. She has invited many people to the group, and she is the perfect representative. Genise Price overcame her fear of heights. She joined the group in the beginning stages and has been another recruiter who has brought other positive individuals into the fold,” Sykes said.

“Belinda Wilkerson has been a role model for healthy living and someone who constantly shows others that they can do it. Her bright smile and positive attitude are infectious, and it is motivating to the group. Mary Hinton is an encouraging spirit. She has recently joined the group, but she is one of our most uplifting members. She is constantly pushing others to give it their all, and she does it all with a smile.”

Life’s A Trip Adventure Club is a positive group that is continuing to grow not only in its number but in its impact.

To join the club, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/5735624283194004/.

Home is a sacred place where families can build memories, find comfort and create a sense of belonging. Unfortunately, not everyone has the opportunity to experience the joys of owning a home.

Connections of Cumberland County’s mission is to help families realize their dream of "home sweet home" by providing the necessary resources and support.

They are an active lifeline for many families in the area, and offer tailored stabilization plans for each family, recognizing that every family is different. Their focus is on single women with children facing or at risk of homelessness, a demographic that is often overlooked. A team of professionals conducts one-on-one assessments to create personalized stabilization plans that cater to each family's specific requirements.

To assist these families, various empowerment groups, budgeting workshops, computer labs, mail services, hygiene closets and birthday/reward closets are provided.

Connections of Cumberland County offers a minimum of 12 months of case management services to ensure long-term improvement. The level of support and aid a family receives is determined by their specific needs, with an average of $600 to $750 allotted to each family.

Connections of Cumberland County believes that everyone deserves a place to call home.

They are committed to making this a reality for families by offering education on home maintenance and repair, financial management, and community resources to help families maintain their homes and improve their quality of life.

All of these great opportunities are not available without the active community support. On Oct. 5, at Studio 215, Connections of Cumberland County will be holding one of their most significant fundraising events of the year.

Their 6th Annual Art Auction, "Home is where the HeArt is" will be held from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., and the community can be a part of it.

The auction will feature original works of art donated by local and regional artists, which will be available for both live and silent auctions. It is an excellent opportunity to own a unique piece while also contributing to a good cause. All the proceeds from the fundraiser will go towards supporting CCC's mission of providing vital services to those who need it most.

Apart from the auction, guests will also be treated to delicious hors d'oeuvres, refreshing beverages and live music that will keep the atmosphere buzzing all night long. The event promises to be an enjoyable experience for everyone.

To learn more about Connections of Cumberland County's case management services, support resources or to visit the Day Resource Center, feel free to do so by visiting https://www.connectionsofcc.org/.

By attending the art auction, the community can help make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Join the community in supporting a great cause on Oct. 5.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to come together as a community and help those in need. Let's make Home is Where the HeArt Is an event to remember.

For more information, visit https://www.connectionsofcc.org/annual-art-auction

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. The premise is the reduction of childhood bullying incidents.

“One in six students will experience bullying on or off school property,” reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. October 2 is World Day of Bullying Prevention Day.

“Bumps and bruises are the rite of passage for childhood bullying. The consequences of childhood bullying and depression can persist forty years after the bullying occurs. The reaction of depression from bullying can cause multiple psychological symptoms and in extreme circumstances, bullying-inducted suicide. Children and adolescents experiencing bullying have significant rates of self-harm and anxiety,” according to recent studies.

The observance of the day is “to encourage schools, communities and organizations to work together to stop bullying and cyberbullying by increasing awareness of the prevalence and impact of bullying on children.”

Bullying is a public health issue. Bullying is a form of aggression. It is continuous and deliberate misuse of the power dynamic in a relationship. Bullying can be physical, verbal, social and cyber.

Physical bullying is a person using their body as a tool for intimidation. Hitting, pushing, tripping, pinching and damaging property is a concise list for physical bullying tactics.

Verbal bullying uses words as weapons. The words are used to threaten, to offend and to hurt the victim.

Social bullying includes teasing, nasty looks, spreading false rumors, spreading gossip and physical gestures. The victim experiences alienation. Gaslighting is a widespread practice of social bullying perpetrators.

Those who use gaslighting attempt to have a person question their reality. For instance, a person can purposely ignore an individual within a meeting. The confrontation with the perpetrator creates the comment, “I didn’t see you.”

Cyberbullying is the evolved technological level of bullying. Cyberbullying is intimidation and harassment on multiple platforms. The messages are sexual comments or gestures, threats of harm to the target, offensive videos about the victim.

“Cyberbullicide” is a term created by Sameer Hinduja and Justin Patchin in 2009.

“It is a descriptive term for suicides that are directly or indirectly influenced by online bullying. Students who participate in bullying and cyberbullying, both offender and victim, have a significant likelihood of experiencing suicidal thoughts, suicidal attempts and completed suicides.”

“In 2013, 12-year-old Rebecca Sedwick was extensively bullied on multiple online platforms by girls from school, including her former best friends. She switched schools, but cyberbullying continued, and after a year and a half, Ms. Sedwick took her life,” according to news sources.

Bullying has three roles: perpetrator, target and bystander. The Bystander has multiple options. The person stays and watches the event. The bystander has a passive response to the perpetrator and target.

The supportive role for the perpetrator is cheering, encouraging and laughing at the intimidating actions. Defenders could ask the perpetrator to cease torturing the target. However, there is the possibility for the perpetrator to torture the intervening individual. Some onlookers are unsure of an effective action. Often the question is, what can I do?

Bullying impacts health habits such as frequent tears and angry outbursts, changes in eating and sleeping habits, stealing and substance misuse.

Help is available. The United States Department of Health and Human Services sponsors the Stop Bullying Now Helpline. The Helpline contact number is 1-800-273-8255.

A second option is 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The 988 Lifeline is sponsored by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and V! brant Emotional Health.

Counselors are available 24/7 on the 988 Lifeline. Spanish and English counselors are available. The Lifeline can be contacted by the website Lifeline-988lifeline.org, 988 for text and chat, and SMS:988.
You are not alone. Reach out and connect for support.

The October 2, World Day of Bullying Prevention and the October, National Bullying Prevention month features community engagement activities.

Blue shirts and banners can commemorate the World Day of Bullying Prevention.

Educators can create bulletin boards about anti-bullying topics. Free sample lessons with multimedia slides and videos about anti-bullying activities are available on School Connect at https://www.school-connect.net>anti-bullying>curriculum.

Oktoberfest is a time for celebration and camaraderie, and this year, military servicemembers are invited to join in on the fun. The Oktoberfest on Fort Liberty will be held on Sept. 30 at the Iron Mike Conference Center. It will feature all of the traditional Oktoberfest activities, including live music, dancing, food and beer.

“We're looking to have a variety of alcohol and food. We have a certain amount of German beers as well as domestics. For the food, we're going to have our Jumbo pretzels with our world famous beer cheese sauce, and also Schnitzels, brats... all the German style food,” said Keith Rigby, Deputy Director of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

The kick off to Oktoberfest will be a Volksmarch (non-competitive walking). The Volksmarch will start and end at Iron Mike Conference Center beginning at 11:30 a.m. Food, beer tents and bounce houses will open at 12 p.m. A live polka band will be playing two to three sessions throughout the day. There will also be a raffle going on throughout the afternoon and evening, giving out prices once an hour.

The Fall Market will be open during the afternoon as well. The market will be located inside the Iron Mike Conference Center. There will be at least 13 vendors on-site offering different items, perfect for anyone wanting to get holiday shopping done.

“There will be a variety of vendors in there. Selling anything from popcorn to laser engraving, to Oktoberfest goods, as well as crafts and supplies,” Rigby said.

For those who love to dress up, there will be an Oktoberfest costume contest. There will be three categories: 12 and under; 13 to 17 years old and 18 and over. Prizes will be awarded to the winners of each category. The costume contest starts at 4 p.m.

For those who want to attend Oktoberfest closer to the evening, there will be a free German meal to the first 250 people in line at 5 p.m. Following dinner, the atmosphere will be focused more for adults only. There will be a DJ and a Stein Holding contest. The first 20 men and the first 20 women to sign up will be able to showcase how long they can hold a full stein of beer. The contest starts at 7 p.m.

Oktoberfest is the kickoff event for the fall season on Fort Liberty. Col. John Wilcox, the Fort Liberty garrison commander, told Up & Coming Weekly that MWR and Fort Liberty plan on holding more events throughout the season for families and for soldiers.

“We are going to focus really heavily, especially getting into the fall season, on making sure that there's plenty of events for families and our soldiers, sailors and the Marines and Space Force guardians to go do on the installation. The focus has been to provide soldiers opportunities to come on post and enjoy themselves,” Wilcox said.

Fort Liberty’s Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory Seymour wanted to ensure families that this is not only a family-friendly event, but there will be plenty of security as well.

“This is a safe environment. There will be security. [Military police] will be patrolling around so it, it will be a very, very safe event,” Seymour said.

Everyone organizing the event all agreed they hope people come out and have a good time. Last year was the first time Oktoberfest was celebrated on Fort Liberty, and there was a good turnout, despite there being hurricane-related weather. The hope is that the sun will be shining on Saturday and people can come out and enjoy themselves.

Oktoberfest starts at noon and will go through 10 p.m. The Fall Market will run from noon to 6 p.m. Entrance is free, but there will be items available for purchase. The event is open to the public. Non-DOD ID cardholders will need to get a visitor pass at the All American Gate Visitor Center. This can be done in person or folks can pre-register for gate access by going to https://home.army.mil/liberty/application/files/6816/8372/2450/FORT_LIBERTY_VISITOR_PASS_REQUEST_USING_ONLINE_PRE.pdf.

For a list of vendors at the Fall Market, go to https://liberty.armymwr.com/calendar/event/fall-market/5959929/65056. For more information about the event, go to https://liberty.armymwr.com/calendar/event/72037 or call (910) 907-2582.

On Saturday, Sept. 30, the Airborne and Special Operations Museum Foundation is hosting the Mogadishu Mile 5K, a poignant event dedicated to paying tribute to the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Battle of Mogadishu. Also known as ‘Black Hawk Down' or Operation GOTHIC SERPENT, the Battle of Mogadishu occurred 30 years ago.

Legacy and Lesson Learned

In the annals of modern military history, the Battle of Mogadishu, remains etched as a tragic and heroic event. The battle, which took place on Oct. 3 and 4, 1993, was a harrowing clash between the U.S. and United Nations forces against Somali militias and armed civilians in Mogadishu, Somalia.

This operation sought to capture key lieutenants of the Somali National Alliance and restore order to a war-torn city. However, what transpired was a grueling firefight that resulted in significant loss of life and countless injuries. Operation Gothic Serpent was part of a larger United Nations peacekeeping mission, UNOSOM II, aimed at stabilizing Somalia, which had descended into chaos following a civil war.

On the fateful day of Oct. 3, 1993, a group of U.S. Army Rangers and Delta Force operatives set out to capture several high-ranking lieutenants of a Somali warlord, Mohamed Farrah Aidid. The mission, however, took a perilous turn when two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters were shot down by RPGs.

The unexpected downing of helicopters and the subsequent intense urban firefight changed the course of the mission, resulting in unforeseen consequences. The heroism and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought in Mogadishu are immortalized in military history. Their bravery, resilience and dedication to their fellow soldiers continue to inspire generations of military personnel and the broader public.

In memory of those lost, we honor their sacrifice and reflect on the lessons learned from this tragic and pivotal event in American military history.

The Mogadishu Mile’s 5K Objective

The "Mogadishu Mile" refers to a route traversed by U.S. Army Rangers and Special Forces soldiers from a helicopter crash site to a designated rally point held by the 10th Mountain Division on National Street during the Battle of Mogadishu, Oct. 3, 1993.

This heroic journey served as the inspiration for the impactful 2001 movie, Black Hawk Down. The MOG Mile 5K is a symbolic event and is not a timed race. It is devoid of prizes or recognitions for the top finishers.
Age groupings have not been considered, allowing participants to traverse the route at their own pace. Registration cost for this event is $40.00, plus a $3.40 service fee. This event is open to individuals aged 18 and above.

Children under 18 can join at no cost, provided they are accompanied by a registered adult. The registration period will close at 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 28th. The location for the event is the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in downtown Fayetteville.

Sign-up at https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/NC/Fayetteville/MogadishuMile5K For those who wish to contribute without participating in the race, there is an option to "Sleep In and Donate." By choosing this option, participants will still receive a Mogadishu Mile T-shirt. Interested individuals can share their preferences by emailing info@asomf.org.

Join in honoring the brave individuals who demonstrated unparalleled courage and sacrifice in the face of adversity during the Battle of Mogadishu. Let us stand united as a community to pay tribute and commemorate their valor.

The Community Action Committee for Fort Liberty met for its monthly meeting Sept. 20. The meetings are aimed to convey information from the post's leadership.

Child care services may expand

A possible return of evening and weekend hours at Chay Youth Center, which provides activities for kids and teens, typically in middle and high school, as well as free programs for students, was brought up.
The facility has a full-size gymnasium with a 20-foot climbing wall, a gaming lounge, an outdoor pool table and computers.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Chay Youth Center was open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and from 1 to 10 p.m. on Saturdays. These expanded hours were beneficial for parents who worked later shifts. Now, the center is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and closed on the weekend.

“We are looking at the extended hours for Friday night, expanding them, looking at that initially first, and working our way onto Saturday,” said Margaret Lilly, chief of child and youth services.

Lilly was asked about the hourly program for day care, which was cut during the pandemic.

“We have a desire for all of our programs, but we need staff,” she said. “And the hourly was a result of the staff shortage. But with the increase of that, we will see additional hours within our program.”

Lilly noted onboarding is trending upward. At a hiring event earlier this week, 42 child and youth program assistants were added, a trend she hopes to see grow.

One ongoing issue is the lack of sensory-friendly classrooms within CYS’ child development centers. As of March, there are nearly 5,000 families enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program at Fort Liberty, the highest for any military installation, according to the garrison command team.

The directorate of the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation office reported a lack of child care to support children; a retention issue for soldiers and child-care personnel.
CYS is also looking at creating more sensory-friendly classrooms with a reduced ratio on Fort Liberty.

It has addressed the issue with Installation Management Command headquarters in San Antonio but has yet to receive a response.

Neighborhood community mayors return

Now that many organizations are moving past COVID restrictions, Wilcox says, it’s time to bring back community mayors for neighborhoods on post.

Each Fort Liberty neighborhood will be represented by a community mayor selected by the garrison commander. Each mayor will undergo training from the Army Residential Communities Initiative Team, including information on regulations, housing policies, customer service and conflict resolution.

Residents of those neighborhoods will be able to reach out to the mayors about any concerns they have, and the mayors will then talk to Corvias and Fort Liberty leadership about resolving those issues. The mayors work on a voluntary basis. Eight mayors were announced during the meeting. There are still vacancies for the Linden Oaks Clubhouse, Ste Mere Eglise, and Randolph Pointe neighborhoods.

Multiple 911 system outages reported

Emergency Services staff confirmed a number of 911 center outages on post but said the outages may have been caused by a fiber cut. The outages affected calls using hardwired telephones. according to Deputy Director Dean DeMarks.

“If you call 911 from a hard line and you get a constant busy signal, call via your cellphone,” DeMark said. “We are in the process of getting systems upgraded here in the near future.”

DeMark also said 911 callers should tell the center they are on Fort Liberty because the call could be forwarded to the city of Fayetteville or Cumberland County, depending on where the caller is on post.
The October meeting of the Community Action Committee has not been scheduled. Meetings are open to the Fort Liberty community and are typically held at the Soldier and Family Readiness Group Center.

In today's fast-paced and digitally connected world, one might assume that loneliness and isolation would be rare occurrences. Yet an alarming epidemic of loneliness has gripped societies across the globe, with individuals of all ages and backgrounds falling victim to its insidious grasp.

The COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated this issue, leaving many feeling more isolated than ever before. However, there is hope. As we navigate this challenging terrain, we can uncover the keys to defeating loneliness and reclaiming the vital social connections that are essential for our health and well-being.

The Loneliness Epidemic: A Silent Plague

Loneliness is not just a passing feeling of solitude; it is a pervasive sense of disconnection from others, often accompanied by sadness and a lack of purpose. Its effects are far-reaching, impacting not only mental health but also physical well-being. Studies have shown that chronic loneliness can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, depression, anxiety, and a weakened immune system.

The COVID-19 pandemic amplified the problem. Lockdowns and social distancing measures forced many to isolate themselves physically from friends and family. The absence of social gatherings, face-to-face conversations, and physical touch took a toll on mental health. A global survey by the United Nations found that one-third of respondents reported experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety during the pandemic.

According to the 19th and 21st U.S. Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, loneliness and isolation harms both individual and societal health. The Surgeon General Advisory calls the American people’s attention to urgent public health issues and provide recommendations at /www.SurgeonGeneral.gov/Connection.

He calls attention to the importance of social connection for individual health as well as on community-wide metrics of health and well-being, and conversely the significant consequences when social connection is lacking. In his advisory titled, Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community states that,

“People may lack social connection in a variety of ways, though it is often illustrated in scientific research by measuring loneliness and social isolation. Social isolation and loneliness are related, but they are not the same. Social isolation is objectively having few social relationships, social roles, group memberships, and infrequent social interaction. On the other hand, loneliness is a subjective internal state. It’s the distressing experience that results from perceived isolation or unmet need between an individual’s preferred and actual experience.

The lack of social connection poses a significant risk for individual health and longevity.”

The Importance of Social Connection

It is crucial to understand the significance of social connections for individual health and well-being. Human beings are inherently social creatures; our ability to form bonds and maintain relationships has been essential for our survival as a species.

Strong social connections provide numerous benefits:

• 1. Mental Health: Engaging in social activities and forming meaningful relationships can reduce the risk of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.
  Social interaction stimulates the release of oxytocin and dopamine, which promote positive emotions.
• 2. Physical Health: A robust social network is linked to better physical health. It can boost the immune system, reduce the risk of chronic diseases and even increase lifespan.
• 3. Emotional Support: Having a support system in times of crisis or stress can make all the difference. Knowing there are people to turn to can alleviate emotional burdens and provide comfort.
• 4. Enhanced Quality of Life: Sharing experiences, hobbies and memories with others enhances the quality of life. It provides a sense of belonging and purpose, contributing to overall life satisfaction.

Victory Over Loneliness: The Path Forward

• 1. Reach Out: Breaking free from loneliness often begins with taking the first step—reaching out to others. Call a friend, send a text or schedule a virtual meetup. Small acts can have a significant impact.
• 2. Embrace Vulnerability: Acknowledging loneliness can be difficult, but it's essential. Vulnerability is not a sign of weakness; it's a strength that allows for authentic connections. Share your feelings with trusted individuals.
• 3. Volunteer: Helping others is a fulfilling way to combat loneliness. Volunteering allows you to connect with people who share your values and provides a sense of purpose.
• 4. Limit Screen Time: While technology can connect us, excessive screen time can also foster feelings of isolation. Set boundaries for screen time and prioritize face-to-face interactions when possible.
• 5. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Loneliness is a common human experience, and it doesn't define your worth. Treat yourself with the same compassion you'd offer a friend. Communities and governments have a role to play in addressing the loneliness epidemic.

The following initiatives can foster social connections and help individuals overcome isolation:

• 1. Community Centers: Expand and support community centers that offer a range of activities and services to promote social engagement.
• 2. Mental Health Awareness Programs: Raise awareness about the importance of mental health and offer resources for those in need.
• 3. Peer Support Programs: Implement peer support programs that connect individuals who have experienced loneliness or isolation with those currently struggling.
• 4. Accessible Mental Health Services: Ensure mental health services are accessible and affordable, allowing people to seek help without barriers.
• 5. Education and Training: Provide education and training to healthcare professionals, teachers, and community leaders to recognize and address loneliness effectively.

The Road to Victory: A Collective Effort

Defeating the epidemic of loneliness requires a collective effort. It involves individuals reaching out to one another, communities providing support,and governments implementing policies that prioritize mental health and social well-being.

By recognizing the importance of social connection and taking proactive steps to combat loneliness, we can create a world where no one feels alone. In the words of Mother Teresa, "Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty." Let us join hands and work together to eradicate this silent plague and build a society where loneliness finds no fertile ground to take root.

Note: If you or someone you know is struggling with loneliness or mental health issues, please seek help from a mental health professional or a trusted individual in your life.

Charlotte and Raleigh certainly have their problems — as discussed regularly in, among other places, this very spot on the opinion page! But as someone who grew up near Charlotte and now lives near Raleigh, I will also say there’s still more going right than going wrong in our state’s two most-populous communities.

Consider the findings of a new report from the California-based Pacific Research Institute. It ranked America’s 50 most-populous cities on a variety of policy measures related to economic growth and opportunity.

The top three cities on the PRI list were Fort Worth, Austin, and Colorado Springs. Raleigh and Charlotte tied for fourth place.

The study used seven bundles of data: marginal state and local tax rates, average state and local tax rates, the regulatory burden, the business environment (including the quality and availability of labor), affordability (consumer prices compared to median income), quality of life (including crime rates and the availability of high-quality services), and poverty (homelessness and other measures of material deprivation).

As should be readily apparent, many of these factors aren’t under the direct control of city policymakers — or of any policymakers, for that matter.

One reason Charlotte and Raleigh fare well in the study, for example, is that the North Carolina General Assembly has spent the past dozen years reforming and reducing state tax and regulatory burdens.

That’s why the Tax Foundation ranks our business tax climate 10th in the nation, a vast improvement from where we were before the legislature enacted its first round of tax reforms in 2011. We also do a better job than most ­— of building and maintaining transportation assets — which in North Carolina is primarily a state responsibility, not a local one.

According to a study by the Reason Foundation, North Carolina ranks second in the cost-effectiveness of our expenditures on highways, behind only our northern neighbor, Virginia.
Still, when the leaders of Raleigh and Charlotte do make critical policy decisions, they usually make wiser ones than their competitors do.

It’s easier to build new homes in our cities than in theirs. Our quality of life is higher. Our homeless populations, though challenging to manage, are smaller and less injurious to public order and safety.
I bet you can guess most or all of the lowest-ranked cities in the PRI study, but here’s the bottom 10, in descending order, just to make it official: Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Long Beach, Baltimore, New York, Los Angeles, and Oakland.

While each of these places retains some economic vitality, stable neighborhoods, and beautiful places, they are clearly in relative decline.

Moreover, their decline is not wholly, or even mostly, a consequence of forces beyond their control. The leaders of their state and local governments routinely make foolish decisions that squander the money, freedom, and trust of their residents — many of whom are, in turn, voting with their feet.
Among those 10 lowest-ranked cities in the PRI study, the average population change from 2020 to 2022 was a 3.4% drop. For the top-10 cities, it was a 1.6% increase. The population growth for Charlotte was, in fact, third in the country by this measure. Raleigh’s was eighth.

San Francisco and New York posted the biggest declines. Of the 14 cities posting significant population growth, three were in Texas. North Carolina, Florida, and Arizona were each home to two. The rest were in Nevada, Oklahoma, Colorado, Washington (Seattle), and California (Bakersfield).

“Many factors inform people’s location decisions,” wrote the study’s author, Wayne Winegarden, but most desire “cities that are affordable, foster economic opportunities, and offer residents a high quality of life. The cities offering families these attributes are growing while the cities that are unaffordable and offer a declining quality of life are losing families.”

Can we make Charlotte and Raleigh better places to live, work, play, rear children, and create new enterprises? Of course! But they could also be much, much worse. Just ask some of their newly arrived residents.

Early voting for the Oct. 10 Fayetteville primary election begins Thursday with new requirements for voters.

For this election, voters will be required to show photo identification. Those without a photo ID can get one free at the Cumberland County Board of Elections Office.

The early voting schedule is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, Sept. 21 to Oct. 6, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7 at the Cumberland County Board of Elections Office, 227 Fountainhead Lane.
Three contests for Fayetteville city office have primary elections this cycle: City Council Districts 2 and 5 and the mayoral race.

Residents can register to vote on the same day they vote during the early-voting period. Voters must be a U.S. citizen, 18 or older, and a legal resident of Cumberland County for 30 days before the date of the next election.

To be eligible to vote in a municipal election, voters must be a city resident. Go to the State Board of Elections website to use an interactive map to see municipal elections by location at www.ncsbe.gov/voting/upcoming-election.

Voter ID requirements

As of 2023, all voters in North Carolina will be required to show photo identification in order to vote.

Acceptable forms of ID include:

• North Carolina driver’s license.
• State ID from the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (also called non-operator ID).
• Driver’s license or non-driver’s license from another state, District of Columbia, or U.S. territory (only if voter registered in North Carolina within 90 days of the election).
• U.S. passport or U.S. passport card.
• Voter ID card issued by the county Board of Elections.
• College or university student ID approved by the State Board of Elections.
• State or local government or charter school employee ID approved by the State Board of Elections.

To learn more about the photo ID requirement, acceptable forms of identification and how to get a free voter ID, visit www ncsbe.gov/voting/voter-id.
For more information, contact the Cumberland County Board of Elections at 910-678-7733 or visit www.cumberlandcountync.gov/elections.

For 27 years, the Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper has served residents, visitors and guests by providing timely, accurate and trustworthy news, views and relevant community information to enhance the quality of life in Fayetteville and Cumberland County.

The Best of Fayetteville initiative recognizes those people, businesses and organizations who have gone the extra mile by investing their time, passion and financial resources into defining value and excellence in our community. Annually, we receive thousands of ballots and painstakingly record the comments and sentiments of our dedicated readers.

The Up & Coming Weekly Best of Fayetteville reader’s survey is not scientific, but it is an informal, well-executed and documented survey that has proven incredibly reliable. Its longevity, popularity and success bear this out.

It is imperative that Up & Coming Weekly’s Best of Fayetteville survey not be confused with other local advertising, marketing and promotional programs. Our readers decide the merits of our winners by their survey entries.

We do not accept nominations; no person, business or organization is required to purchase advertising space, sponsorships or event tickets to find out who the winners are. Best of Fayetteville does not award or recognize 2nd or 3rd place finishers or honorable mentions.

We use well-defined, regulated voting guidelines that ensure and elevate the value, honor and prestige of the Best of Fayetteville designation. There can be only one Best of Fayetteville winner for each category.

We celebrated the occasion with our annual Best of Fayetteville Awards Party at the Crown Coliseum Complex on Sept. 26 to recognize and honor these outstanding people, businesses and organizations. Up & Coming Weekly, Transworld Business Advisors, the UPS Store, and the Greater Fayetteville Chamber hosted the event.

Our community, like our newspaper, has changed over the last 27 years. However, our Best of Fayetteville survey and our commitment to our readers have not. We continue to accentuate the “Best of the Best” aspects of the community. And, we thank you for being part of it.

The Up & Coming Weekly Best of Fayetteville edition you are holding in your hands will serve you well throughout the year. It is a valuable visitor’s guide, service directory, event and cultural resource. In print and online, the visitors bureau, the City, County and Chamber will use this special edition throughout the year to promote the Fayetteville community and the people, businesses and organizations that define it.

Since the first ballots were cast more than two and a half decades ago, Up & Coming Weekly has proudly told the Best of Fayetteville winners’ stories. With your votes and support, we are incredibly proud to share this year’s Best of the Best winners. Please join me, the Up & Coming Weekly staff, and all our 2023 Best of Fayetteville winners and sponsors as we begin this year-long celebration.

This special edition will be posted online at www.upandcomingweekly.com with 24/7, 365-days-a-year access to the Best of Fayetteville winners directory. While on the website, sign up for your free electronic subscription to the Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper and receive it on your home or work computer.

I want to thank our sponsors for their support and participation in making this year’s BOF a success. Nat Robertson, President of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber, and Debbie and the late Steve Milburn of The UPS Stores in Westwood Shopping Center, Hope Mills, and Fort Liberty, for their support and the creation of the beautiful Best of Fayetteville awards. Ashley and Thomas Kelsey, owners of Transworld Business Advisors, make their living providing expert information and consulting on all aspects of business success. Every legitimate survey needs the oversight of a competent CPA, and we have the best. Lee Utley of Utley & Knowles CPAs has partnered with us for over two decades. His services have been invaluable in maintaining the integrity of the survey. General Manager Seth Benalt and Assistant Manager Dorothy Strahley of the Crown Coliseum Complex did an outstanding job coordinating and setting up the Awards Party.

Last but certainly not least, a very special thank you to Don Garner and the entire Up & Coming Weekly staff, who have spent months working tirelessly on this major undertaking. Best of Fayetteville is our most significant and challenging event and the most popular and most-read edition of the year. With pride, they have gone above and beyond their duties to produce this award-winning publication. Keep it handy and refer to it often.

We sincerely thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly and supporting this community newspaper.

Stanton House and the Pork Butt Festival share the concept of hospitality. The root word for hospitality is hospitalitas.

Hospitalitas is defined as receive as guest. The Pork Butt Festival is hosting a fundraiser for the Stanton Hospitality House on Saturday, Oct. 7. The Pork Butt Festival offers the hospitality of charcoal, barbeque, beer, country music, meat and a tee shirt. It is a party with a purpose.

Stanton Hospitality House is a “home away from home.” The mission statement of this private, non-profit organization is that it provides home away from home to families of patients and outpatients receiving medical treatment in the area hospitals.”

It is a temporary residence for those living outside of Cumberland County. People have the option to bathe, to prepare a meal, to wash clothes, to rest and to reduce stress.

“For the past ten years, we have provided so much help for those in need. We see so much pain and grief but also love and joy. We provide a home away from home. We provide accommodations for those receiving treatments such as cancer and surgery,” said Martha Brock, executive director, Stanton Hospitality House.

Danisha is an example of such care hospitality. She resided there for two months during her father’s illness.

Elizabeth, another resident, experienced a residency of five years. She was fourteen, unable to walk or talk and was diagnosed with Lymphoma Cancer. She experienced recovery. She can now speak and walk.
Elizabeth graduated Terry Sanford High school and will be attending college.

The Pork Butt Festival is adding the fun component to the Stanton House fundraiser.

The Pork Butt Festival is receiving the community as guests to a public event. Beer and country music are a cultural legacy, and both will be represented at the festival.

Featured country music artists are Bobby Gilstrap, Brooke McBride, KasCie Page and Dalton Davis. Healey Wholesale and Craft Brews from Heckler Brewing Company are providing the beer for this festival. Attendees have a choice of craft and regular beers.

Pork Butt has an American story. The colonial New England butchers packed inexpensive cuts of meat into large barrels called “butts” for storage and transportation. The shoulder meat packed in these barrels became known as “pork butt.” Pork butt is a meat cut from the upper portion of a pig’s front shoulder.

The shoulder is slow cooked over coals or wood. The meat is seasoned with custom-designed spices and sauces. Southern Coals will be providing the pork butt for the event. The Pork Butt Festival features cornhole, kid-friendly activities and a tee shirt.

The Pork Butt Festival is a complete day of entertainment. The event is Saturday, Oct. 7, at 4058 Legend Road. The festival will be held from noon to 8 p.m. The music begins at 12:30 pm. Ticket price is $45 per person.

The ticket price includes admission, food, tee shirt, and two beer tickets. Children five and under are free. Event and ticket information are available at www.stantonhouseporkbutt fest.evenbrite.com

For far too long I have followed local politics where it appears that decisions are made which are not fiscally responsible or well thought out. I am very committed to our City witnessed through my work with nonprofit Public service organizations such as Care Clinic and Better Health thus, rather than complain I am willing to roll up my sleeves and work for change.

How can Fayetteville be the "Can Do City" if we don't have A "Can Do City Council ." The issue of downtown paid parking is just one of many issues which have hurt our businesses while we are losing about a million dollars a year in costs. Not a proper use of taxpayer dollars nor a productive solution.

I hope to fight for more inclusion of the taxpayers in City decisions, Transparency, Reliable representation, Accountability of tax dollars and Equitable and Fair treatment for all.

Though I have not held public office, I have done the work of a public servant and feel I am competent to contribute to do a better job for our citizens due to my active work in the business and arts community as a professor at UNCP and my cooperative work at FSU, FTCC and Methodist as well as with The Arts Council of Fayetteville, The Lafayette Society, Gilbert Theater, Heritage Square Historical Society and many more deserving service organizations. I am a local business owner.

I would be Honored to receive your vote and Promise to deliver.

Gail Morfesis,
District 2 Fayetteville City Council