Fayetteville has produced some exemplary talent across a variety of industries. From the NFL field to the big screen and the Grammy’s, this area’s knack for being the “hometown” of global superstars is worth a brag. A city that hosts one of the largest army bases in the world, two major universities, a major highway, and an ever-changing and growing economy, Fayetteville is the perfect backdrop for a hometown to Hollywood story.
Ayana Washington is a local creative who everyone should be keeping their eyes on. Founder and the driving creative force behind Book Black Women, Washington has curated artistic and cultural events for families and adults alike.
She is coming in hot off some highly anticipated and enjoyed events, including her highly successful stage production, 400 Years: The Evolution of Black America. Her success is the outcome of her persistence in seeing more art programs and shows in her hometown.
One could say that Washington is destined for greatness. Born at Womack Hospital to a family of musicians and servicemembers, creativity with equal parts determination and grit was there from the beginning. As with any musically inclined family, music education was just a part of everyday life. Her stepfather, a music teacher, introduced Washington to all genres of music and helped her “finetune” her ear, an era of her life she calls the “first step.”
Her resume reads like that of a seasoned professional. From Director to Producer to Creative Director, Washington has done it all, and done it well.
Her past credits include Dolly in Hello Dolly (Actress), Mrs. Phelps in Matilda The Musical (Actress), The Addams Family Musical (Costume Designer), Be Real Macy Weave (Costume Designer), In The Blood (Director), Frankenstein (Director), The Blueprint (Producer), 400 Years: The Evolution of Black America (Co-Producer), the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra Independence Day (Featured Artist), and the Juneteenth Celebration (Creative Director).
Her upcoming project is the Darkness Rising Mental Health Block Party (Creative Director).
While Fayetteville is home, Washington spent some time away from the area, gaining new friends and experiences along the way.
“I traveled the States alone and learned a lot different ways of living and different perspectives. Living in places unlike your hometown will open your eyes to so much! When I stopped in Minnesota I was introduced to musical theatre. My 'second step' was built by my first director Christopher "CT" Teipner and my first MD Derick Rehurek at Lakeshore Players Theatre.
"They pushed me to play during my first show and made me fall in love with musical theatre. I moved around to a few more states before I fell on really hard times and had to seek refuge on my mother's couch. I am grateful for that second step because I learned to embrace all that I am; the weird, the quiet, and the artistic,” she recalls.
Coming back to Fayetteville has been rewarding for Washington and has allowed her to spread her wings far beyond her imagination. She has made connections that will last over a lifetime and built an organization that will go far beyond Fayetteville.
“Being back home felt different. I started seeing, feeling, and noticing more as a black woman in the arts. It was all still very new to me and wasn't sure what to say or do... but I knew the things I was experiencing weren’t right,” she said. “I auditioned for Caroline at Change at Cape Fear Regional Theatre and this is where the 'third step' was formed for me. The content of that show mixed with some things that happened backstage made me want to do something but again, I wasn't sure what. It wasn't until a few years later that I was venting to my friend Michael Houck (Founder of A Yellow Beanie Project) that I had the idea to create a sort of safe place for black women, Book Black Women, Inc. He pushed me to make it a reality and I did.
"Cerina Johnson (No Longer Bound Ent, LLC; CEO), Mary Kate Burke (Cape Fear Regional Theatre; Artistic Director), and Tyanna West (Art of Sankofa; CEO) claim the 'fourth step.' I planned and executed every Book Black Women Inc. event on my own and it was
such a learning experience.
“Burke showed how important it is to strive for excellence backstage. Order and professionalism from the backstage crew, talent, lighting, ushers, and programs are as important as the spectacle produced on the stage itself. Cerina helped me learn networking and discernment are also important. Show your authentic self, collaborate, and network across unapologetically.
"Tyanna is the friend that will say your name in every room and I owe most of my opportunities to her. She grounds me and helps me not to lose my artistic, optimistic, and daring side. She reminds me that safety in black art is always the point, so safety in black art is always first;” Washington said of her journey to this point.
She’s been the literal voice on the stage, the brains, and creativity behind a TikTok viral video, and has secured contracts in other cities and states to do what she does best: create, in whatever form she’s needed. Washington’s career is headed toward more success and opportunity.
Washington is excited about the next step and what it has to offer her, saying, “This fourth step is so important to me because during this step I won BroadwayWorlds 2020 Best Vocalist, became a commission member with Fayetteville Next Advisory Commission, obtained Creative Director and Theatrical Director credits, and won Fayetteville's 40 under 40. This step has also propelled me to my fifth and current step with Dr. DeSandra Washington at FTCC and Carlita Victoria, CEO of Darkness RISING.
"Today, as I watch two of these women navigate their professional lives, I am inspired and pushed to be better. Being a black woman in business is difficult and being a black woman in art is difficult.
"You must invest in yourself and (even as an introvert) push to promote yourself which they do so well! Learning to navigate these new lessons is both beautiful and challenging and I’m excited to see the next step it leads me to.”
Stay up to date on all things Book Black Women at http://www.bookblackwomen.org/ and Ayana Washington at https://bit.ly/3LwOBF4.

(Photo: Ayana Washington is taking Fayetteville by storm. Photo courtesy of Ayana Washington)

Winner of the 2024 American Kennel Club for the Public Education Award, the all-inclusive Fayetteville Kennel Club is one of the oldest kennel clubs in the country. Since its inception in 1952, FKC has been a hub for Obedience, Agility, Rally competitions, and Conformation shows. However, as the 21st century dawned, it became clear that the club needed to evolve to meet the changing needs of AKC and American pet owners.
Over the past few years, FKC has undergone a remarkable transformation. The club has grown from a small group of purebred enthusiasts to a vibrant, diverse community of 65 members, ranging from young children to seniors, as well as active and retired military personnel and disabled veterans. This newfound energy and inclusivity have breathed new life into the club, making it an exciting and fun-filled destination for dog lovers of all backgrounds.
FKC now offers various classes and activities, from Rally and Canine Good Citizen to Scent Work, Frisbee, and Barn Hunt. These classes are primarily for the benefit of members but are also open to the general public at nominal fees. Additionally, owners of dogs adopted from shelters only pay 50% of the class fee, making the club accessible to all.
The club's commitment to innovation is evident in its introduction of new events like the wildly popular FastCAT held monthly during mild weather. Club members have also learned to manage AKC events, gaining valuable insights into dog breeds, care, and behavior. The presence of a chiropractor at these events further enhances the care and well-being of the canine participants.
Yvette Piantadosi is the training director at FKC and has been involved with dogs for over 48 years, having worked with almost all breeds. Her certificates include AKC Fit Dog, Star Puppy, CGC, ATT, Farm Dog, Control Unleashed Certified Instructor, and Certified Council for Professional Dog Trainers.
“Animals provide me with a sense of enjoyment. Dogs are forgiving of our mistakes and give unconditional love. Dogs are the best form of therapy,” Piantadosi shares.
Piantadosi adds, “Since joining the Fayetteville Kennel Club three years ago, I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable growth and inclusivity that the club has fostered. Our talented members have created a welcoming and supportive environment for all. Their proactive approach and the dedication shown whether crafting fun ribbons, improving the facilities, providing free instruction, or volunteering at local shelters, all of the members of FKC exemplify the true spirit of community and service.”
FKC's partnership with the Fayetteville Animal Protection Society is another testament to its inclusive and community-oriented approach. Shelter dogs participate in fun runs free of charge to allow them to socialize and potentially find their forever homes.
The club's calendar is filled with various events, including ATT tests, Scent Work seminars, Farm Dog tests, and Frisbee/Trick Dog workshops. The most recent Barn Hunt practice trial in June 2024 drew over 60 participants, showcasing the club's growing popularity and the enthusiasm of its members.
As the Fayetteville Kennel Club evolves and expands its offerings, it is clear that this is a club on the rise – one that is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and dynamic environment for dog enthusiasts of all backgrounds. For more information about FKC, visit fayettevillenckennelclub.weebly.com or visit their facebook page at www.facebook.com/AKCFKC/

(Photo: Members of the Fayetteville Kennel Club pose for a photo at a FKC event. Photo courtesy of FKC)

The Fayetteville Dinner Theatre, in conjunction with Gates Four Golf and Country Club, is set to host a highly anticipated second concert of the Gates Four Summer Music Concert Series featuring Heart Breaker, a tribute band to musical legends Heart and Led Zeppelin.
The concert is open to the public and takes place in the Pavilion at Gates Four Country Club on Aug. 9. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the concert will run from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is FREE.
Heart Breaker: A Tribute to Classic Rock Legends
Heart Breaker is a popular national touring act based in North Carolina. Their dynamic performances include Heart's greatest hits like "Alone," "These Dreams," "Crazy on You," and "Barracuda," as well as a few of Led Zeppelin songs that inspired Heart.
Staci McBeth and Joan Burton, the band's "Ann and Nancy Wilson," bring exceptional vocal power to each performance, making the Heart Breaker show a full concert experience that promises to thrill and entertain any classic rock fan.
Beautiful Outdoor Setting/Ultimate Concert Experience
The Gates Four Summer Music Concert Series is in its fourth successful season. All concerts are FREE and open to the public. Attendees should bring lawn chairs or blankets for comfortable seating with friends and family. In addition to a beautiful country club setting, concert-goers will experience many signature amenities not found in most outdoor concert venues. This concert features a fully stocked bar with all ABC permits and various beer and wine products. It will also feature many delicious food offerings prepared by Chef Thing from his family-operated food truck, Some-Things-Cookin. In addition, there will be plenty of gifts, door prizes and surprises. The fun begins at 5:30 p.m.
Pavilion Packages & Group Seating Options
The concert is free. However, if you want to make the Heart Breaker a special event for you and your guests, limited reserved Pavilion seating and table packages are available close to the stage and dance floor for partygoers who want to get themselves close to the action. There are several seating packages available starting at $10. A VIP Package is also available that includes preferred Pavilion seating, a reserved table, a Some-Things-Cookin dinner, and unlimited beverages* for the entire evening. (*Beer, wine, and soft drinks only. Mixed drinks not included.) All Pavilion seating packages can be viewed and reserved on the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre website: www.fayettevilledinnertheatre.com .
Behind the Scenes with Organizers and Performers
Bill Bowman, publisher of Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper, shared the inspiration behind the Gates Four Summer Concert Series.
"We wanted to create a free event that brings the community together to enjoy great music in a beautiful outdoor setting. Summer music concerts are an ideal way to celebrate the season, and Gates Four provides the perfect venue," he explained.
Bowman also provided valuable insights into the event. "We believe in the power of music to unite people and create memorable experiences. Hosting this concert series allows us to give back to the community while supporting local artists. It's about fostering a sense of togetherness, having fun, and celebrating the arts in Fayetteville," Bowman stated.
"Up & Coming Weekly and Beasley Media Group play a pivotal role in promoting the event, ensuring the community knows it's a free concert and gets them excited about attending. Our team works hard to spread the word through various media channels, including radio, print ads , and digital media. We are committed to highlighting local events that enrich the community and bring people together." he added.
Ron Goveia, the manager of Heart Breaker, described what attendees can expect from the concert.
"We are the ultimate HEART tribute in the U.S. A national touring act based in North Carolina that performs each song with love, respect, and a true passion for the original material. Our goal is to bring a truly transcendent and pitch-perfect concert experience, both musically and visually," Goveia said.
Goveia emphasized what sets Heart Breaker apart from other tribute bands.
"First, I would say it is the quality of the music. We pride ourselves on staying true to paying tribute to the original Heart group and the Wilson sisters. I always tell people who have never been to a Heart concert to come to a Heart Breaker concert, close their eyes, and it will be the same as being at a Heart concert. We also pride ourselves on being 100 percent live. We do not use any pre-recorded tracks or technical enhancements of any kind. Our harmonies are important to us, and we put a lot of work into ensuring they are perfect," he noted. "Practice makes perfect. Heart Breaker puts the time in to ensure they deliver a quality show every time. It also helps that these six musicians have played together for many years." he said.
Community & Sponsor Support
The success of the Concert Series would not be possible without the involvement and support of like-minded community sponsors and partners.
These are people and businesses who want to not only showcase great musical talent but also want to enhance the quality of life for all Fayetteville and Cumberland County residents. These sponsors make the Concert Series possible, and free to the community.
Presenting Title sponsors for this year's Series are Jay Dowdy and his son Jay Jay of All American Homes, Larry Parker and family, owners of Certified Htg. & Air Conditioning of Parkton, Kevin Lavertu of Gates Four CC, and the J.P. Riddle Family, and Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper. Everyone is community-focused and committed to enhancing lives, having fun and showcasing great musical talent. Other valuable GF Concert Series partners are the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, Healy Wholesale Distributors, PWC, Rocket Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Shop, CSI, 5 West Media Group, and Black's Tire of Fayetteville.
The Gates Four Concert Summer Series promises to be a highlight of the season, offering an unforgettable evening of music, food, and fun.
Don't miss out on this incredible event. For more information about the Concert Series or to reserve VIP Pavilion seating packages, visit www.fayettevilledinnertheatre.com or call the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre at 910-391-3859.

(Image courtesy of Heart Breaker's Facebook Page)

City Center Gallery & Books, located at 112 Hay Street in Downtown Fayetteville, is about to embark on an exciting new venture. The bookstore, which predominantly sells used books, is expanding its store by buying the building next door. This expansion will allow the shop to offer even more to its customers and the community.
With the acquisition of the building next door, 110 Hay Street, owners of City Center Gallery & Books, Hank and Diane Parfitt, have big plans for the future. With this addition, the current shop will go from 1,200 square feet to 2.200 square feet. They envision creating a space that not only showcases the best in literature and art, but continues to serve as a hub for creativity, culture and community engagement.
In November 2021, the Parfitts purchased the neighboring building, which had been neglected and vacant for over 30 years. They bought it not only to expand their shop but also to save it from demolition. If the city had to step in to demolish the building it would have meant long-term structural problems for the current bookstore and a disruption of the street-scape.
Built in 1886, this building originally housed Eggleston’s jewelry store. Over the years, it has remained a jewelry store, most recently known as Henebry’s.
Phase one of the project, which was completed in 2022, consisted of the removal of the metal facade and the demolition of the interior. The Parfitts were thrilled to see a well-preserved architectural brick detailing revealed once the metal facade was removed. There was also the discovery of a large metal safe on wheels that was most likely used to store jewelry and gems back in the day. It was safely removed from the space and donated.
Phase two, where the project currently is, will involve a new roof and the restoration of the facade. They will also remove the brick from the second-floor windows and start to work on the exterior of the building. The original tin tile ceiling, which is mostly in good shape, will be restored and kept in the space. There are also several skylights that will be preserved. The plan is to bring back the original look of the exterior as it was in 1886.
Maintaining architectural design and aesthetic continuity is a key consideration in the expansion of City Center Gallery & Books. The bookstore and gallery has a unique charm and character the Parfitts want to preserve as they expand into the new building next door.
The architectural design of the expansion will be carefully planned to seamlessly blend with the existing structure. The goal is to create a cohesive space that feels like a natural extension of the current store.
Customers will be able to move between the two buildings by a shared opening linking the spaces. The new space will be an open floor plan with books, bookcases and art along the walls giving the current store more space for added inventory. The middle of the space will remain open for meetings and events. From the exterior facade to the interior layout, great care will be taken to ensure that the new space complements the existing one and enhances the overall experience for visitors.
The expansion presents an exciting opportunity for the bookstore and gallery to further enhance their impact in the local community. The Pariftts are planning to use the new larger space for book signings with authors, artist receptions, classes and workshops as well as a place for local book clubs or writing clubs to meet.
They plan to collaborate with local artists, authors, and organizations to create a vibrant cultural hub that brings people together and celebrates the arts. The bookstore and gallery aim to be a place where people can not only discover great books and art but also engage with the creative community and participate in enriching cultural experiences.
25 Years Downtown
City Center Gallery & Books is also celebrating a major milestone - 25 years of promoting art and literature in Downtown Fayetteville. Over the past two and a half decades, this beloved establishment has been a hub for creative expression and intellectual exploration. From showcasing local artists to hosting book signings and author events, City Center Gallery & Books has played a vital role in fostering a vibrant cultural scene in the heart of the city.
The original shop, named City Center Gallery, was opened in 1999 on Maxwell Street and was just an art gallery. The current location and business name was opened in 2003.
The gallery has featured a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums, from traditional paintings to contemporary pieces. The bookstore has offered a wide selection of literary works, catering to the varied interests and tastes of its patrons.
Through its curated collections, City Center Gallery & Books has provided a platform for local artists to showcase their talent and connect with art enthusiasts. It has also been a venue for thought-provoking discussions and gatherings, encouraging dialogue and intellectual growth.
In the realm of literature, City Center Gallery & Books has been a haven for book lovers and avid readers. With its carefully curated collection of books across genres, the bookstore has been a place where literary enthusiasts can discover new authors, engage in literary discussions, and find solace in the written word. It has also been a supportive space for local authors, providing them with opportunities to showcase their work and connect with their readers.
In an era where books are increasingly becoming digital and e-readers are gaining popularity, City Center Gallery & Books has successfully navigated the challenges and remained open in the face of these changes. While the digital age has undoubtedly transformed the way we consume literature, City Center Gallery & Books has found a way to thrive, preserving the essence of a traditional bookstore. In doing so, it continues to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of its customers, ensuring that the love for literature and the joy of reading remain alive and well in Downtown Fayetteville.
“There are still a large number of people who want to experience a real book,” says Hank Parfitt. He believes the difference is that a digital screen lets the reader be a spectator, but a real book lets the reader be a participant.
One of the key factors that has contributed to the gallery's continued success is its commitment to providing a unique and immersive experience for book lovers. The physical space of the bookstore offers a sense of nostalgia and warmth that cannot be replicated by digital platforms. The shelves lined with books, the sound of pages turning, and the opportunity to browse and discover hidden literary gems create a sensory experience that many readers still crave. City Center Gallery & Books also has many out-of-print, rare and hard-to-find books that are not available in digital form.
Over the past 25 years, Downtown Fayetteville has undergone significant changes, and City Center Gallery & Books has been a witness to this transformation. As the city has evolved and grown, so has the cultural scene and artistic landscape of Downtown Fayetteville.
One notable change has been the revitalization of the downtown area, with new businesses, restaurants, and entertainment venues opening their doors. This has brought a renewed sense of vibrancy and energy to the neighborhood, attracting more visitors and residents.
The Parfitts have also noticed a change in the demographics of the downtown area. With additions of events like 4th Friday, there has been a younger crowd. Outdoor dining options, they feel, has been another great addition to downtown Fayetteville.
City Center Gallery & Books has been at the heart of this transformation, serving as a cultural anchor and contributing to the overall appeal of Downtown Fayetteville. Many visitors to the area, when commenting on Downtown, have mentioned they love the local bookstore.
Another significant change has been the increased focus on community engagement and public art. Downtown Fayetteville has seen the emergence of public art installations, murals, and sculptures, creating a more visually appealing and dynamic environment. The Parfitts have actively participated in promoting Downtown events that celebrate public art and engage the community in artistic endeavors.
Furthermore, the downtown area has become a hub for local festivals and events, drawing people from all over to experience the unique charm and creativity of Downtown Fayetteville. City Center Gallery & Books has been an active participant in these celebrations, hosting book signings, art demonstrations, and cultural performances. It has played a vital role in promoting the city as a cultural destination and showcasing the talents of local artists and authors.
As Downtown Fayetteville continues to evolve, City Center Gallery & Books remains a constant presence, adapting to the changing landscape while preserving its commitment to fostering community and culture. It stands as a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of Downtown Fayetteville, a place where art, literature and community converge.

(Top Photo: The original store front for Eggleston's Jeweler, the original tenant of the building.  Bottom Photo: Brick repair has begun on the building next to City Center Gallery and Books in preparation for the expansion. Photos courtesy of Hank Parfitt)

Fayetteville's oldest Bakery is earning new accolades for its amazing baked goods — something of no surprise to its long-standing Cape Fear region customers. Still, the honors are bringing attentive — and hungry — newcomers to the circa-1956 storefront at 2433 Hope Mills Rd.
Superior Bakery scored #1 in the state this year on Yelp's list of the nation's best donut shops, according to the site's top reviewers, the "Yelp Elites." The second-generation, full-service Bakery also made Yelp's 2024 list of the Top 100 places for croissants in the U.S. and Canada, landing at the #11 spot. The new honors combine with numerous other recognitions the Fayetteville business has accumulated in its 68-year tenure; an award-winning experience awaits everyone who walks through Superior's doors.
John S. Poulos, a first-generation immigrant from Greece, opened the Bakery on Raeford Road in 1956. He and his wife Kay grew Superior Bakery into a successful business, expanding and relocating it to Hope Mills Road in 1971. Today, it is owned and operated by the Poulos' son, Nicko; he took over when his parents retired in 1988.
In father-like-son fashion, "Nick" Poulos has a hands-on approach to running Superior Bakery — keeping his hands in the dough, to be exact. Preferring production, Poulos said you can find him "in the back," baking and working alongside the staff, his "team" of 27 employees. He crafts and creates baked goods from scratch using the highest quality ingredients and tried-and-true methods, exactly how his dad taught him.
"I'm a teammate; I love to bake," the Superior Bakery owner said. "It's my passion."
The proof of Poulos' passion is in the pudding — not only for his famous fried and glazed doughnuts and croissants that have made Superior Bakery a destination but also confections, including cakes, cupcakes, pies, brownies, sourdough bread, honey buns, apple fritters, cream horns and more. According to Poulos, the top-selling croissants are cream cheese, raspberry and white butter cream-filled, in that order. For a savory option, Superior's spinach and feta-filled croissant is popular. As for the doughnuts, old-fashioned glazed come in first, followed by strawberry sprinkled, Boston cream, cream-filled, chocolate-covered, and cinnamon-glazed twists. There are also seasonal flavors, such as pumpkin cream cheese in the fall and mango in the summer. Choices, choices.
Superior Bakery is also a go-to for special occasions and cultural baked goods, including New Orleans king cake for Mardi Gras, traditional Paczki, a Polish donut popular on Fat Tuesday and Greek delicacies like baklava, almond horns and wedding cookies, staples at Superior all year long. Whether purchasing from the showcase or placing a custom order, customers receive quality products and exceptional service — business principles repeatedly noted on Yelp and of the utmost importance to Poulos.
One reviewer wrote, "The cookies and donuts are amazing, and their croissants are superior! The service was excellent, and they were so friendly. 10/10 recommend you visit."
Another said, "The name says it all! Everyone gets offered a free freshly made pastry treat of the day upon walking in. No matter whether you buy anything or not! Just a nice place to visit full of happy smiling faces."
According to a third reviewer, "The best breads and sweet treats in town!!! Exceptional customer service!!! They are a staple in the Fayetteville/Hope Mills area. The owners are also very involved with their community!"
Selling thousands of croissants and doughnuts each week, Superior Bakery attracts people from all over the state and nation.
"We have customers from as far away as Raleigh and Charlotte and from 15 minutes down the road. Travelers come off I-95 from California, Florida, Texas — all over. The Yelp reviews have helped us grow, for sure. It validates a lot of hard work and a lot of effort by a lot of people," Poulos said. "I'm thankful; it's unbelievable to get national attention."
From extending friendly greetings at the door, personally gifting complimentary sweet treats in the storefront and ensuring every product is prepared just right, Superior Bakery goes the extra mile for its patrons — treating each one like family.
"We want them to feel like they came to grandma's house," Poulos said.

The Smithsonian’s traveling exhibit “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America” is now on display at the Headquarters Library in Fayetteville from July 18 through September 2. This exhibit is part of the Museum on Main Street program, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and state humanities councils. The Cumberland County Public Library is one of six North Carolina locations chosen by North Carolina Humanities to host this exhibit, which delves into the evolving narrative of American democracy.
A Deep Dive into Democracy
“Voices and Votes” comprehensively explores the nearly 250-year-old American democratic experiment. It examines how each generation sought to shape “a more perfect union.”
The exhibit delves into the action, reaction, vision, and revision inherent in democracy, reflecting on how Americans have continually questioned and reshaped their government. It covers historical milestones from the revolution and suffrage movements to civil rights and contemporary electoral practices, underscoring that every community and individual plays a role in the unfolding story of democracy in America.
The exhibit is divided into several sections that chronicle the origins and development of American democracy, the ongoing struggles to secure and preserve the right to vote, the mechanisms of democratic governance, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens beyond voting, such as petitioning and protesting.
It features various historical and contemporary photographs, educational and archival videos, engaging multimedia interactive, and historical artifacts, including campaign memorabilia, voter souvenirs, and protest materials.
Up Close with UCW’s Staff Writer Jamie Bishop
Upon entering the Pate Room on the first floor of the Headquarters Library at 300 Maiden Lane, I was immediately struck by the breadth and depth of the “Voices and Votes” exhibit. The room was abuzz with visitors of all ages, each engaging with different exhibit parts.
One of the first sections I encountered was dedicated to the origins of American democracy. Historical documents and vivid photographs depicted the early struggles and triumphs in forming a new government.
Interactive displays allowed visitors to delve deeper into pivotal moments in American history, such as the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the framing of the Constitution.
Moving on, I immersed myself in the stories of various suffrage movements. The exhibit highlighted the relentless efforts of activists who fought for the right to vote, including the women’s suffrage movement and the Civil Rights Movement. Personal stories and artifacts, such as campaign buttons and protest signs, brought these struggles to life.
The section on the machinery of democracy provided an insightful look into the processes that underpin our electoral system. From vintage voting machines to contemporary debates about voter accessibility, this part of the exhibit emphasized the importance of maintaining a fair and transparent voting system.
Another compelling area focused on citizens' rights and responsibilities. The exhibit explored how people can engage with democracy beyond voting, such as petitioning, protesting, and community organizing.
Multimedia displays and interactive games made this section particularly engaging for younger visitors, who eagerly participated in activities that taught them about their civic duties.
Interactive and Educational Programming
In addition to the exhibit, the library has organized a series of free programs and exhibits designed to engage and educate the public.
Highlights include talks on the Vietnam War’s Fort Bragg Anti-War Protest Movement, the 1963 Downtown Desegregation Movement, the loss of Fayetteville’s City Charter, the ongoing fight for freedom, and the history of redistricting in North Carolina.
Visiting the Exhibit
The “Voices and Votes” exhibit offers an enlightening and engaging experience for all who visit. The library is located at 300 Maiden Lane, open seven days a week with variable hours.
For more information about the exhibit and the accompanying programs, visit the Cumberland County Public Library’s website at [Cumberland County Library](https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/library-group/library).
For details about the Summer Reading Challenge, visit [Summer Reading Challenge](https://bit.ly/ccplncsrp) or call 910-483-7727.
Stay updated on the free programs offered by the library by visiting [Cumberland County Library Programs](https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/library).
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this unique exhibit and delve into the rich history and ongoing story of democracy in America at the Headquarters Library in Fayetteville.

(Photo: People march for integrated schools and equal rights in this photo from the National Archives. This photo and others like it are on display at the Headquarters Library in downtown Fayetteville as part of the Smithsonian's traveling exhibit.)

Revered Civil Rights activist and politician John Lewis (1940-2020) said in 2012, “Your vote is precious, almost sacred. It is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have to create a more perfect union.” As one of the original participants in the Freedom Rides, organizer of the march from Selma to Montgomery and more, Lewis understood in a more visceral manner than most the costs associated with that right — and the power in exercising it.
Military members surrender certain political rights when they don a uniform. As it says in the U.S. Dept. of Defense Directive 1344.10, “Members on active duty may not campaign for a partisan candidate, engage in partisan fundraising activities, serve as an officer of a partisan club, or speak before a partisan gathering.” Active duty members can, however, express personal opinions on candidates and issues as an individual, contribute to political organizations and attend political events when not in uniform. Of course, every military and family member is actively encouraged to exercise their right to vote.
In a 2020 Blue Star Families survey, 89% of active duty family respondents reported they are registered to vote, with 51% being registered at their home of record, 33% at their current installation, and 15% at a past residence or duty station. However, as of 2022, only 26% of active duty military members actually cast a vote, compared to 48% of the civilian population. Of those who did not vote but tried or wanted to, the most prevalent reasons included uncertainty regarding the procedures for absentee ballots, figuring out how to vote, reporting that the ballot did not arrive and that voting “was too complicated.” Service members who found assistance through a DoD resource were four times as likely to return their ballot in 2022, according to FVAP.
In 2022, 63% of service members expressed an interest in casting a ballot, but just 26% actually did. There are a multitude of reasons for this, such as logistical and administrative challenges, lack of awareness for resources, narrow time margins with multiple moves, and a sense of feeling uninformed about local issues. Sarah Streyder, executive director of Secure Families Initiatives and Space Force spouse, told the 19th, “I try to encourage folks to remember that you’ve lived all around the world, which has given you a really broad perspective about what’s possible, what forms of government can look like, what quality of life can look like that may be different from a more limited vantage point. That is a value add and a gift that you get to give your civilian neighbors back home when you vote.”
Moving from state to state makes the process challenging, but the Federal Voting Assistance Program, Blue Star Families, Overseas Vote, and the Dept. of Defense offer resources for domestic and overseas military families to cast their ballots. The Secure Families Initiative is a military-spouse driven effort anchored in the belief that “[mobilizing] our military family community to vote and advocate is not only the right thing to do on principle, but an effective way of reshaping our country’s conversations around military intervention,” and adding that because foreign policy affects military families, military families deserve a seat at the table. The organization features a variety of tools and resources to equip military families for advocacy, including voting.

Free seminars about voter registration in North Carolina
Do you or your organization want to learn more about the voter registration process in North Carolina? The State Board of Elections is now offering free voter registration seminars, which include detailed information about the following:
• The legal qualifications for registering to vote
• Tips on completing a voter registration application and updating an existing registration
• Key considerations when conducting a voter registration drive
These seminars will also include information about the photo identification requirements for voting. They will be conducted upon request in person anywhere in North Carolina or online
State Board staff have also scheduled in person seminars at the State Board of Elections office in Raleigh. These seminars will be held at 6 p.m. on July 31, Aug. 14, Sept. 12 and Sept. 25.
"This is a convenient way for individuals and organizations to get accurate information about elections straight from the most reliable source: elections officials," said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director, State Board of Elections. "We encourage North Carolinians to request seminars and to attend these in person events."
State Board staff also provide free seminars about the voter photo ID requirement and about accessibilty in voting. Since late April, State Board staff have conducted 29 seminars around the state.
To request a seminar, any interested group can visit the State Board of Elections website, NCSBE.gov and go to "Seminar Requests." Requesters will be asked for their name, organization, contact information, and the proposed date and time for their event. Seminar requests will be considered on a first come, first served basis and scheduled according to staff availability.
The State Board of Elections has recognized the Constitution Party of North Carolina as an official political party in the state.
Recognition of this party means voters now have another choice of party affiliation when registering to vote or updating an existing registration. Voters may register with the Constitution, Democratic, Green, Libertarian, No Labels, or Republican parties, or they can register as unaffiliated. This recognition also means that voters currently registered with a different political party or as unaffiliated may switch their affiliation to the Constitution Party if they wish. For information on how to do that, see Updating Registration.
State Board Recognizes Constitution Party
The Constitution Party of North Carolina also will have candidates on ballots in November, which it chose during its 2024 nominating convention. They include Walter Vinny Smith for governor and Wayne Jones for lieutenant governor. A letter to the State Board (Constitution Party letter to the State Board (PDF)) indicated that the party would have additional candidates, but the party did not want to disclose their names until it was recognized. The Board set a deadline of July 23 for the Constitution Party to provide the names of its candidates for the 2024 general election.
The State Board is updating voter registration applications to include the new political party option. Until then, voters may register with the new party by checking the “Other” box and writing “Constitution Party” on the line in the “Political Party Affiliation” section of the voter registration form.
State Board voter data also will be updated to include the new party registrants.
According to a review by State Board staff, the Constitution Party submitted 14,022 valid signatures from registered N.C. voters, 157 more than the required 13,855 signatures. The signatures were verified by the county boards of elections of the counties in which they were collected. The Constitution Party also received at least 200 signatures from three different congressional districts, a requirement of “Political party” defined; creation of new party (N.C.G.S. § 163-96(a)(2)).
Justice for All and We The People Parties
As it pertains to the Justice for All and We The People petitions, State Board staff, at the direction of members of the State Board, continues to verify whether those groups complied with the statutory requirement for prospective parties to communicate the “purpose and intent” of the new parties to petition signers.
The Board plans to meet again soon to decide whether to recognize We The People and Justice for All. There is still time for these groups to get their candidates on North Carolina ballots if they are recognized as official political parties.

In a decisive move towards improving Soldier living conditions, Fort Liberty began demolition of the outdated Volar-style barracks on Smoke Bomb Hill. Leadership from the Army Materiel Command, Installation Management Command, and Fort Liberty deemed the 50-year-old barracks unfit for occupancy.
Citing safety and quality of life concerns, leadership swiftly relocated approximately 1,200 Soldiers to more suitable housing arrangements. This decisive move underscored the commitment to prioritize Soldier well-being while pursuing a long-term solution for modern housing.
“The demolition of these outdated barracks is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing our Soldiers with the quality living conditions they deserve,” stated Paul Schaefer, AMC Deputy Director for Facilities, Logistics, and Environmental Management. “This is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about investing in the well-being and readiness of our most valuable asset – our Soldiers.”
The demolition marks a significant milestone in a multi-phase plan to revitalize housing on Fort Liberty. With funding secured and plans finalized, the demolition paves the way for the construction of modern barracks designed to meet the needs of today's Soldiers.
The Volar-style barracks at Smoke Bomb Hill were known for their distinctive design, which provided accommodation for military personnel. These barracks typically feature communal living spaces, shared amenities, and barracks rooms tailored to meet the needs of service members.
However, over time, the barracks have faced various challenges and concerns that have impacted residents' quality of life. Maintenance deficiencies, inadequate facilities, and outdated infrastructure have been longstanding issues that require attention.
The new facilities will feature larger living spaces and improved amenities, including a full kitchen, washer and dryer in each unit, modern bathroom fixtures, and energy-efficient features. These upgrades are expected to significantly enhance the quality of life for Soldiers stationed at Fort Liberty.
The demolition ceremony, held on July 18, 2024, marked a significant milestone in improving soldiers' living conditions at Fort Liberty. Senior leaders, including AMC Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Walter Duzzny; Fort Liberty Garrison Commander, Col. K. “Chad” Mixon; IMCOM-Readiness Deputy Director, Col. Christopher Ward, Schaefer, as well as members of the community who have been affected by the barracks' demolition, attended the ceremony.
The immediate action taken to relocate the Soldiers was followed by a comprehensive plan to address the situation. The plan included seeking funding and support to demolish the old barracks and replace them with new living quarters that would provide the Soldiers with a higher standard of living.
“We came together with a plan to move over 1,000 Soldiers from the affected barracks,” said Brian Adkins, Director of the Fort Liberty Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security. “It was very coordinated, and housing was intimately involved. We are good at coordinating, synchronizing, and integrating everyone else's efforts.”
With collaborative efforts from AMC, IMCOM, and Fort Liberty leadership, immediate changes were implemented, and long-term plans were in place to address the identified issues and improve the overall quality of barracks facilities after a thorough inspection. This inspection catalyzed ongoing improvements and underscores the commitment to supporting our Service Members with safe and comfortable living environments.
“The demolition of the Volar-style barracks is a significant step towards improving the quality of life for our Soldiers," said Mixon. "We are grateful for the support of AMC and IMCOM in making this happen, and we look forward to providing our Soldiers with the modern, safe, and comfortable living quarters they deserve."
The demolition of the Volar-style barracks will pave the way for the construction of new, modern living quarters that will provide Soldiers with a safe, healthy, and comfortable environment. The new barracks are expected to be completed by 2025.

Friendship House Fayetteville had a groundbreaking ceremony for its cottages on the corner of Broadfoot Ave & Branson St. on July 10, at noon. The ceremony was attended by a distinguished lineup of speakers, beginning with a prayer by Reverend Chip Stapleton, Highland Presbyterian Church, followed by Andy Rind, ServiceSource Executive Vice President, Weyher Dawson, ServiceSource Board of Directors Member, Michael Brown, Friendship House Fayetteville Resident, Dr. Scott Cameron: Friendship House Fayetteville Chaplin, and Tara Hinton, Employment Source Director - Regional Philanthropy and Fundraising, and Jason Amorose, Employment Source Executive Director.
Friendship House Fayetteville is a planned living community that provides affordable integrated housing for young adults and “friend residents” with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This unique program offers a transformative experience for college students and young professionals in medical/healthcare/human service fields to serve as mentors. By providing affordable, integrated housing, Friendship House Fayetteville is poised to revolutionize how it supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
At the heart of Friendship House Fayetteville is a focus on table fellowship - a daily rhythm of eating, praying, and celebrating together. This faith-based community empowers friend residents to achieve sustainable employment and develop crucial independent living skills. Simultaneously, the students and professional mentors gain invaluable real-world experience and strengthen their empathy for individuals with special needs.
The impact of Friendship House extends far beyond its walls. Friend residents are supported in their journey towards independent living. At the same time, mentors cultivate a deeper understanding that will serve them well in their future healthcare, allied health, and human service careers. This innovative model demonstrates the power of intentional community to enrich the lives of all involved.
The ceremony marks a significant milestone for Employment Source, an affiliation of ServiceSourse, as they embark on their mission to provide exceptional service delivery to create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Working hand-in-hand with Friendship House Fayetteville, the mission of Employment Source is clear - to deliver innovative and valued employment, training, rehabilitation, and support services that transform lives. Through their network of affiliated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, they leverage a nationwide network of resources and expertise to meet the diverse needs of government and commercial customers while creating pathways to competitive integrated employment.
For general inquiries, contact Employment Source at communityNC@employmentsource.org and to learn more about their organization, visit their website at http://employmentsource.org/

(The Friendship House groundbreaking ceremony brought members of the community together on July 10. Photo by Lisa Stevens)

Like Hank Williams, Jr. almost sang before NFL games: “Are you ready for some Grimm’s Brothers old fashioned weirdness?” Today’s effort will retell the curious story of a mutant musical Hafling cockerel riding hedgehog. Trigger warning for sensitive readers: If you fear bagpipes, do not read the rest of this story. Go watch political ads instead. Let us begin.
Once upon a time, there was a rich farmer and his wife. Much to their dismay, despite vigorous repeated efforts, they were unable to conceive a child.
In frustration, the farmer blurted out: “I will have a child, even if it is a hedgehog.” Be careful what you wish for, his wife then gave birth to a baby boy whose top half was a hedgehog covered in spines and whose bottom half was a boy. The new parents were not happy with this situation. However, they were stuck with him. They named him Hans-My-Hedgehog. We shall refer to him as Hans.
Hans, a lethargic child, spent the next 8 years resting behind their stove. The Farmer wished Hans would kick the bucket. But instead of dying, Hans just lay there. Eventually, a fair came to town. The Farmer asked Hans what he would like from the fair. Hans asked for bagpipes and shoes for his cockerel. (Author’s note: a cockerel is a young male chicken.) Hans promised that if Dad brought back the bagpipes and shoes for his chicken, that he would ride away on the chicken to never return. Dad did as was asked. Hans rode off into the woods taking a bunch of pigs with him. The cockerel carried Hans and flew up into a tall tree where Hans spent the next few years learning to play the bagpipes and raising pigs.
One day a King who was lost in the forest came under Hans’ tree. He heard the beautiful bagpipe music. (Proof this is a fairy tale because there is no beautiful bagpipe music.) The King told Hans he was lost and asked for directions back to his castle. Hans told the King he would tell him the way but the King had to promise to give Hans the first thing he saw when he returned home. Naturally, the King saw his beautiful daughter first. The King told her that despite promising her to the half Hedgehog he wouldn’t honor his promise.
Soon after, another lost King came by Hans’ tree. He made the same promise to Hans in return for GPS instructions. King #2 also saw his beautiful daughter first. However, he told his daughter a deal was a deal. She would have to honor his promise. Hans stayed in his tree happily raising a huge herd of pigs for several more years. He eventually got bored living in the tree. Hans returned to his Dad with all his pigs for a big barbecue complete with hushpuppies.
After the party, Hans set out to see King#1 to collect his bargain. King#1 ordered his men to stop anyone riding on a chicken playing bagpipes by shooting, stabbing, bombing, knocking down, blowing up, and strangling him. Riding his chicken, Hans flew over the soldiers landing on the window of the castle. He threatened to kill the King unless he handed over his daughter. The King sent her away with Hans. When they were in the woods, Hans ripped her clothing and stuck her all over with his hedgehog spines. He then ordered her to go back to her castle because she had tried to deceive him.
Hans then went to King#2’ s castle where he was received with great pomp and circumstance. He married the princess. On their wedding night, she was afraid of his spines. Hans told her he would take off his hedgehog skin to have it burned as soon as he entered the bedroom. Hans’ groomsmen immediately burned his hedgehog skin breaking the spell. Hans turned into a real man, like Pinocchio becoming a real boy. Unfortunately, his human skin was charred. However, the King’s physician provided a magic ointment that cleared up his burns. Hans turned out to be quite handsome, much to the delight of his Princess. When King#2 died, Hans inherited his kingdom. Hans reunited with his own Dad who came to live with Hans and the Princess. They all lived happily ever after.
What have we learned today? If you see a half man half hedgehog flying on a chicken, playing bagpipes, do not lie to him. Ladies, sometimes you must kiss a hedgehog to find a Prince. Always remember the definition of a gentleman is someone who knows how to play the bagpipes but doesn’t. You are now free to roam about the forest.

(Illustration of Hans-My-Hedgehog playing the bagpipes and riding his chicken by Pitt Dickey.)

North Carolina plays a starring role in the origin story of college basketball’s shot clock.
That is to say, it was the “four corners” offense of the late Dean Smith, longtime coach of the Tar Heels, that ultimately forced the NCAA’s hand back in the 1980s. Although professional basketball had employed a shot clock for decades, leaders of the college sport long resisted it. They thought limiting the number of seconds a team could possess the ball without shooting would make offenses too similar and force them to take poor shots.
The tipping point came in 1982, after UNC won the ACC championship by stalling for nearly seven minutes with a two-point lead over the Virginia Cavaliers. Conference officials gave in and instituted a 30-second shot clock. The entire NCAA adopted it in 1985.
Now, North Carolina is again at the forefront of debate about shot clocks — only in this case, they apply not to players in a game but to officials in regulatory proceedings.
During its 2023 session, the General Assembly passed a law that mandates a 45-day “shot clock” for municipalities to complete their review of permit applications for commercial construction or multifamily residential projects. It provides a 60-day window for “at risk” permits, in which applicants accept full liability should there be subsequent problems with building structures or foundations.
Rep. Jeff Zenger (R-Forsyth), himself a developer, didn’t push for the change to punish municipalities. “I personally think it benefits everybody involved,” he told Triad Business Journal, by giving the private sector more predictability while giving regulators an incentive to prioritize their time. Zenger reported that other state legislatures seem poised to follow North Carolina’s lead.
Also last year, the General Assembly instituted other shot clocks. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality can consider air-quality permits for major modifications for up to 270 days and for up to 90 days for minor modifications. In water-quality certifications for dredging and pipeline projects, DEQ has a 90-day shot clock for permitting projects for which public hearings are legally required. For projects without a hearing requirement, the clock runs out in 60 days.
This session, many lawmakers want to apply those same time limits to water-quality permits for a new power plant built on the same site as the plant it would replace.
In Catawba and Person counties, for example, Duke Energy wants to swap out coal-fired plants in favor of natural gas. After a 30-day window to ensure the permit application is complete, DEQ would have 90 days to complete reviews of projects requiring a public hearing, and 60 days to review others.
In late June, the measure passed the North Carolina Senate with all Republicans in favor and all but one Democrat opposed. It now awaits action in the House Rules Committee.
There’s nothing magical about these specific numbers. It’s possible that as industries and regulators adapt to the new rules, lawmakers may have to tweak the day counts. But the basic concept of regulatory shot clocks is sound.
It properly balances the legitimate interest in public health and safety with the legitimate interest in ensuring public access to housing, employment, and affordable energy.
The problem extends beyond state and local permitting. Robert Poole, director of transportation policy for the Reason Foundation, argued in a recent paper that environmental litigation impedes critically needed infrastructure projects. “There is growing support among opinion leaders and a large array of business, labor, and public policy organizations,” he wrote, for the proposition that the current process has “gone too far,” ensuring costly “obstacles and delays.”
Among the reforms Poole advocates are, again, shot clocks for filing and adjudicating legal challenges to new construction or renovation projects.
North Carolina isn’t California, which has famously wasted billions of tax dollars on a still-nascent high-speed rail project, in part because of years-long regulatory reviews. But it still takes too long to build things here. Kudos to state lawmakers for doing something about it.

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).

Whitney said it best, “I believe the children are the future, teach them well and let them lead the way.”
The future is very much in the hands of the next generation and how we choose to invest in them now.
While the investment in some kids starts at home, that is not the reality for others. The Dream Quest Foundation is one of many youth organizations centered around building positive attitudes toward self and community for those considered at risk. Founded by Cleveland, Ohio native, mother, coach, teacher and community activist Shayla Wright, Dream Quest is a culmination of what Wright considers her life work and passion: helping kids.
“I came up with the idea of the foundation almost 11 years ago, right before I left Ohio. I tried to start it there, but in my small town, it wasn’t the time or place. Now I’m finishing up my Master’s in Clinic Mental Health and my daughters are getting bigger. It’s time to bring my dream back out. I think that everyone has their gift. Their potential. Something that is inside of them. Everybody has that gift, but everybody doesn’t have the know-how to reach it or there are obstacles. Dream Quest is getting over the obstacles and reaching your full potential,” Wright said.
“The foundation is for at-risk youth but I want to focus on foster care children and non-traditional households. We have a lot of resources for single moms but what about single dads? Or children living with grandparents and aunties. If you’re placed with family members you don’t get any money, like those resources. It’s a whole different beast and a lot of these kids have trauma, and no one is trauma-informed.”
Who is Dream Quest for?
“We actually target all [ages]. Not only are we targeting these kids but we want to provide resources for their caretakers and educators. I’m an educator so I spend time more waking hours with my kids (students) at school than I do with my own."
What does Dream Quest do?
“We have two flagship programs that we are really trying to push. Dream Quest University which is free to all kids, and it’s actually an app. It’s kind of like a Facebook style. They create their profile. We do daily chats. They are assigned a mentor. We do a live biweekly group. And then we are trying to get quarterly events, to teach them about entrepreneurship, [ or how] college might not be for everybody. [We teach about] Mental health because everything we learn, how we act, we learn in childhood. We have to get them early. Teach them the coping skills early. It’s not taught in schools.
"We have the Educator Wellness Program. I’m in education. After Covid, there are no teachers. There are so many demands. You need to do extra and extra and no pay. It’s almost the same as the app. We cater it to the schools. We provide sensory stress relief and areas in the school where they can go to because the kids are overwhelming. They need that outlet, the appreciation.
"We plan things, every other week. The burnout is real. We come every other month and do a self-care thing, whether it be yoga or painting. We are trying to get it out there. We are more in private schools right now. We are trying to build up momentum. We just want to keep up the morale.
"I can’t do anything about pay, but I know what little things can help. It helps the kids overall. I want to do the trauma-informed training, so [adults] can recognize how to spot and deal with children with special needs.
"I want to do more workshops in the community in general. We want to support our kids. But if we are giving them those skills and their caretakers and the people who are dealing with them every day don’t know how to deal then we aren’t doing all the work."
For more information about the Dream Quest Foundation, and how to donate or volunteer visit the website dreamquestfoundation.org.
Upcoming Event:
Dream Quest Summer Camp
• July 29 - August 29
• 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Ages 6 to 14
• Location: Seven Horseman Billiards, 715 W. Rowan Street
• Cost: $125 for the week or $25 per day drop-ins
• Meals included
• Daily games, recreational activities, and events.
• Registration is required at https://bit.ly/3zIM33Y

(Photo: Members of the Dream Quest Foundation visit Segra Stadium to watch the Woodpeckers. Photo courtesy of Dream Quest Foundation Facebook page)

The first annual Kraken Triple 9 Golf Tournament is coming up on August 3. It will be located at King’s Grant Golf & Country Club, a par 71, championship-style 18-hole semi-private facility located at 347 Shawcroft Road in Fayetteville. This event will be a very enjoyable and engaging day with an array of activities planned for participants of the golf tournament. It will go from 9 a.m. to noon. Interested participants can sign up online and learn more on their website at Kraken-Skulls.com.
“Okay Kraken-Skulls Fam!” says the advertisement on social media about the event. “This tournament will be the most fun you can have on the golf course.” According to their Facebook page, there will be prizes, raffles, carts, and minigames within the game. Anyone with team entry will receive a custom Swag Bag and Polo Shirt. Sponsors of the event include Concerned Veterans for America and Jersey Mikes Subs. You can contact Kraken-Skulls about the event at 910-500-9100 (Extension 2). It is important to note that the tournament will only be 9 holes rather than 18.
The tournament is not just about having a great time; it’s also for a worthy and noble cause. The golf tournament Kraken Skulls is hosting is a fundraiser. All proceeds the Kraken Skulls make from the tournament will be donated to Through Tragedy Comes Light, in support of the MAN22 Suicide Awareness Run that is happening in September of this year.
Through Tragedy Comes Light is an organization with the goal of “remembering fallen veterans, first responders and helping prevent veteran suicide.” If you attend the Kraken Skulls golf tournament on August 3rd, you’ll be helping to raise awareness about the critical issue of suicide and suicide prevention. It is a great opportunity to enjoy a fun game of golf, in the beautiful surroundings of King’s Grant Golf & Country Club, all while supporting a good cause.
Through Tragedy Comes Light organizes several suicide awareness runs throughout the year. If you are interested in reaching out to participate in their next run in September, go to their website at ThroughTragedyComesLight.org. You can also learn more at the golf tournament coming up in August.
Kraken Skulls is a veteran-owned establishment that offers all-around services. They are a tattoo parlor, a beard-product store, and a barber shop. They sell products for skincare and beardcare, such as beard balms and beard oil. According to their website, Kraken Skulls appreciate the “dichotomy of man”, which is savage vs gentleman, and they represent that balance.
“At KRAKEN-SKULLS, we fully appreciate man's evolution and understand that transition and change are an inevitable part of the male experience,” says a description on the Kraken Skulls website. “As a young man, men's healthcare was limited to basic hygiene: shower, deodorant, and cologne. As we evolved, we recognized that men's care is another masculine pursuit. It is an essential need for self-improvement, development, and to truly discover a better version of oneself.”

At Level Up Lounge, gaming and entertainment take center stage. Step into their venue located at 841 Elm Street and immerse yourself in a world where gaming comes to life. Whether you're a casual gamer or a dedicated enthusiast, you'll find everything you need to unleash your gaming potential.
With a wide range of state-of-the-art gaming consoles, Level Up Lounge offers an unparalleled gaming experience. Play on top consoles like Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. Enjoy popular games such as Fortnite, Apex, Among Us, Mario Kart, and more. From action-packed shooters to immersive role-playing games, they have something to cater to every gamer's taste.
But it's not just about the games. Their lounge is designed to create a vibrant and social atmosphere where gamers can connect and share their passion. Engage in friendly competition with fellow gamers, join forces for cooperative gameplay, or simply relax and chat with like-minded individuals. Level Up Lounge is more than just a gaming venue; it's a community of gamers coming together to celebrate their love for gaming.
Level Up Lounge is a thriving community hub that plans to host a variety of exciting events and tournaments. They believe in creating opportunities for gamers to connect, compete, and showcase their skills. Their next tournament will be on Saturday, July 27. The cost is $20 to compete on the EA Sports College Football 25 for the chance to win a $500 cash prize. Test your skills in competitive tournaments and prove that you're the best in the game. Check their website for registration information here: https://tinyurl.com/s2xz2snz.
Need a break from gaming? They have a comfortable lounge area where you can relax, grab a drink, and recharge before diving back into the gaming action. Their friendly staff is always available to assist you and ensure you have the best possible experience.
The Level Up Lounge is open Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday through -Saturday, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. The space is also available for booking parties any time outside of regular operating hours. To find out more about renting out the space email leveleduplounge@gmail.com

The Creative Studio by Jae Renee, once located at 8152 Fayetteville Rd in Raeford, has moved to a new, more spacious building now located at 8116 Cliffdale Rd, Suite 120 in Fayetteville. This new location offers the company a more luxurious feel, more space and greater visibility in the community.
The Creative Studio partners with clients to deeply understand their needs and deliver exceptional, beautifully crafted experiences that elevate their brands. Effective collaboration between clients and creatives is a powerful force that drives brand innovation.
By working together, clients and creatives can combine their unique perspectives and expertise to create something truly exceptional.
The Creative Studio understands that when clients actively participate in the creative process, they bring valuable insights and ideas that can inspire new and innovative approaches to branding. This partnership allows for a deeper understanding of the client's vision and goals, resulting in brand experiences that are perfectly tailored to their needs.
This collaboration takes place with various creative amenities offered by The Creative Studio. Creative amenities have become a new frontier in space utilization, offering unique opportunities for individuals and businesses to enhance their creative projects.
By incorporating innovative amenities into event spaces and workspaces, such as podcast studios, photography studios, and content studios, the Creative Studio by Jae Renee aims to provide a dynamic environment for creativity and collaboration. These amenities offer a range of features and resources designed to inspire and support individuals in their creative endeavors.
One of the key benefits of creative amenities is their ability to transform everyday spaces into extraordinary environments. The 1600 sq foot space offered by the Creative Studio is a prime example of this transformation. It has been carefully designed and curated to cater to the needs of podcasters, photographers, content creators, and event organizers.
In addition to the physical space, creative amenities include access to state-of-the-art equipment and resources. The Creative Studio is equipped with top-of-the-line podcasting equipment, professional photography gear and cutting-edge content creation tools. These resources enable individuals to produce high-quality work and explore their creative potential.
The studio also offers a range of services, such as audio and video editing, post-production assistance, and event planning support, further enhancing the overall creative experience.
They know the value of a talented, diverse team. Designers, developers, strategists — all working together. Each project is unique. Each client has specific needs.
Their team is a diverse mix of photographers, PR experts and experienced creative directors. This variety brings a wealth of skills and experiences to every project. Each member was carefully chosen for their unique background and expertise.
In addition to creative services and amenities, The Creative Studio has The Creative Campus. This "provides an alternative safe space and judgment-free zone for teens who possess a creative ability or who want to learn more about tapping into their creativity." Teens can work with like-minded individuals and produce creative content like live stage plays, performances, fashion shows, podcasts, photo shoots and more, all with the goal of building their personal portfolio.
To learn more about their new space, services and The Creative Campus be sure to explore their website: https://thecreativestudiobyjae.com/

(Photo: ae Renee and her family cut the ribbon at the Creative Studio's new location on Cliffdale Rd. Photo courtesy of The Creative Studio's Facebook page)

The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County extends a warm welcome to its new Southeastern Artist in Residence, Katie Crawford. Crawford was selected via a competitive pool process that included applicants from Cumberland, Hoke, Robeson, Sampson and Scotland counties. Crawford’s residency is part of a year-long process funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts to build an arts education strategy for the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County.
Crawford is a local mixed media and watercolor artist whose whimsical designs tell sweet stories of nature and the animals that live there. As part of her residency at the Arts Council, Crawford will create a body of work culminating in a solo exhibit at the end of the 6-month residency. Originally from Virginia, Crawford has exhibited her work across the United States at various galleries and fine arts festivals.
“I am a lifelong creator in many media, concentrating primarily on watercolor and mixed media paintings,” says Crawford in her artist statement. “My art business has traveled with me around the country but I am now happy to consider Fayetteville home."
“The Artist in Residence program will provide the viewer the unique opportunity to be a part of the creative process,” said Bob Pinson, President/CEO of the Arts Council. “They will be able to observe and engage with Katie as she takes ideas in her mind and transforms these ideas into finished works of art.”
In addition to expanding her portfolio with the creation of new works, Crawford will lead arts education activities such as exhibit tours and gallery talks throughout the Fall.
The SEAR initiative provides visual artists of exceptional artistic merit the opportunity to lean into their craft through dedicated studio time, space, and a small stipend to complete a new body of work at the Arts Council. The SEAR program was catalyzed by a $20,000 Grant for Art Projects from the National Endowment for the Arts.
For more information about Katie and the Southeastern Artist in Residence program, please visit: https://www.wearethearts.com/sear
A Virginia native, military spouse and now twice-resident of Fayetteville, Crawford is perhaps most known as one of the city’s most current creatives. A self-taught illustrator and professional artist specializing in narrative watercolor, mixed media painting and 3D needle-felted sculptures, she added writing to this list with the 2021 publication of her first book, What the Map Left Out.
Her authored and illustrated children’s book is the story of a frog and his animal friends whose map-guided adventure leads them on a whimsical journey. Her love of nature and wildlife coupled with a desire to promote friendship and imagination in readers of all ages inspired the tale. In poetic rhythm, each page reveals a playful take on how to endure life’s unexpected twists and turns yet appreciate the journey. You can find What the Map Left Out along with Crawford’s art prints and sculptures — wool, wire armatures not to be confused with toys or stuffed animals — at Leclair’s
General Store in Haymount.
Crawford’s formal journey began with her educational background at James Madison University where she earned degrees in anthropology and art history — domains that connected her interest in human behavior with her love of art, a lifelong passion.
Her experiences as a military spouse and understanding of the difficulties that come with this role also factor into her artistry. She describes art “as an outlet” for the regular uprooting and moving that fosters a deep drive to connect and build community. She also uses art as “a tool for relating with others,” whether through a shared love of fantasy or in connecting “a little bit of herself” through her characters.
Drawing a line between her book’s plot and that of her life, she said, “I think the theme of a journey that doesn’t go as planned resonates with a lot of people. And while I didn’t consciously draw from my life as a military spouse, a lot of the themes ring true. So, I guess the book is mildly autobiographical and contains a lot of the lessons I have learned or at least tried to learn along the way.”
When viewing her work, it is easy to see a creative energy and human-centric nature in her happy and inquisitive animals.
“I have been finding comfort in the thought of living seasonally. Embracing the differences that each season brings. Both the literal seasons and the seasons of life. My favorite part of seasons is that they change. Personally, this is really important when I am having periods of creative dormancy — knowing and accepting that this is only a season,” Crawford said.
For more of Crawford’s art, visit her website at https://katiecrawfordart.com/.

Editor’s note: This article has been updated from a May 2022 article by Audrey Hasslocher in Women’s View Magazine with new information from The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County.

(Photo: Katie Crawford is the new Artist in Residence for the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County. Up & Coming Weekly file photos)

Family legacies are passed down from generation to generation and they can be emotional legacies, spiritual legacies or social legacies. Our childhood experiences and family influences have played an integral role in who we have become. It is vital to enjoy and capture those indelible memories because they are the real treasures of life.
“I wanted to establish an organization where we could have everyone tell their stories under that same name,” said Ammie Jenkins, founder and executive director of Sandhills Family Heritage Association. “We are talking about counties that are in the Sandhills and we are talking about families and their heritage so that is how I came up with Sandhills Family Heritage Association.”
Jenkins tells the profound backstory of how the Sandhills Family Heritage Association was founded in 2001. In 1978, Jenkins’ mother was diagnosed with cancer. They were living in Spring Lake, but her mother wanted to visit the old homeplace in Overhills in Harnett County. She was too sick to go, so she asked Jenkins and her other daughter if they would go back to the old homeplace and find an old mason jar to bring back to her as an artifact. Jenkin’s mother had associated her happy years of living because she was known as a good cook and hostess. Anyone who visited the home left with a jar of something because her mother loved to can foods.
“I wanted to do that for her because it was one of her last wishes and she was getting close to the end,” said Jenkins. “So, my sister and I visited the old homeplace to look for a mason jar, but what I found was my calling.”
Jenkins shared how her trip to the old homeplace evoked a myriad of emotions.
“When we went back, I really did not want to go because we left the homeplace because of harassment and people who had burned crosses in our yard after my dad died. They knew my mother was way down in the country with seven children by herself,” said Jenkins. “Because of her wish, I went back and on that long dirt road I had that same fear that I did 23 years earlier when we left that homeplace.”
Jenkins added, “As we got closer to the homeplace, my sister and I started to reminisce about all of the happy times that we had in this place. I could not find an old mason jar, but I did find an old mason lid that I took back to Mother.”
The Sandhills Family Heritage Association is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit located in Spring Lake.
“I came up with programs of HOPE which stands for Heritage, Outreach Education, Preservation of Land and Natural Resources and Economic Self-Sufficiency, and from these programs we have different events,” said Jenkins. “We do outreach especially to our elders because they are very important to our community because once they are gone they are taking all of that good history and experience with them.”
She added, “We have an oral history collection of these different interviews with them and they share their stories.”
Engaging the younger generation is a major priority for the nonprofit.
“We have different kinds of projects for our young people to engage in such as paid internships, volunteer opportunities, Junior Historian Club and Sankofa 4H Club,” said Jenkins. “We work with our health professionals, military veterans and other nonprofits in assisting low-income families.”
Jenkins added, “We really want to help individuals in the community who are having a hard time by giving them food, supplies, clothing, hygiene products and other things they need. In return, they have to turn around and volunteer to give to other individuals who are also in need.”
There are two major projects that the organization is working on and their fundraising goal is $200,000.
“We have elders who had an old civic center in Spring Lake that they gifted to our organization when they found out our mission was to preserve our community assets,” said Jenkins. “We want to narrow the generation gap between the old and the young and that is why we are doing all of these things for future generations.”
She added, “The civic center has been under renovation and we are on a fundraising campaign because the building has been restored but the underground plumbing, handicap access and other areas need to be fixed before we can obtain a certificate of occupancy.
“All of these things need to be done so that we can reopen the center, not just as a community center, but a historic tour site,” said Jenkins. “The town of Spring Lake has already declared the site as a building of historical significance because of the importance that it played during the civil rights era.”
The organization was also gifted a cemetery that was once part of a turpentine plantation.
“Recently a developer gifted us an old abandoned cemetery where our enslaved ancestors were buried,” said Jenkins. “We are going to clean it up and set up a memorial for the ancestors who were buried in the cemetery.”
Jenkins believes in giving individuals their flowers while they are living and gives credit to the numerous individuals who have been a blessing to the organization.
“The success and sustainability of Sandhills Family Heritage Association for over 23 years can be attributed to the dedicated leaders and volunteers of the organization, grantors, sponsors, partners, donors and friends,” said Jenkins. “I feel obligated to give back because I know what people gave to us and we are just trying to make sure that our young people feel some obligation to give back to those who have helped them make it to where they are today.”
Volunteers are needed. For more information visit www.sandhillsfamilyheritage.org or call 910-309-2198.

(Photo courtesy of Sandhills Family Heritage Association Facebook page)

Anyone who has visited the doctor or dentist knows that charges can shoot through the roof depending on what procedures are performed and what personal insurance will cover.
Costs can become so high, medical financing brochures have become a common fixture at the receptionist desk. Those without medical or dental insurance are put more in a financial hole, coming out of pocket, sometimes for thousands of dollars.
For those who are uninsured and lack the funding or ability to secure funding, doctor visits and dental work are not an option, which only exacerbates the problem and can have significant effects on health.
Several resources in Cumberland County help with insurance, including the county itself, but with the criteria ever-changing and not accounting for the unhoused and the ability to secure an address, there are still those who walk around uninsured and unable to receive any help from government agencies. In 2022, a report by the National Center for Health Statistics found that 17.6% of North Carolinians were uninsured.
When that percentage is turned into a number, that is 1.9 million people in the state don’t have insurance. Fayetteville is home to an organization that is trying to close the health disparity gap by providing free basic health and dental services to the community.
The Care Clinic is a major resource for community members without medical or dental insurance. The clinic's mission is “to provide free quality health care to the uninsured, low-income adult patients who reside in Cumberland and surrounding counties.”
They provide basic medical care for adults: Dental Extractions, Chronic Care (Diabetes Management), Specialty Services (PT, Ortho, Nutrition), Medications ordered during clinic visits, Clinic ordered laboratory tests or x-rays, Education, and Referral to Other Resources.
What started as just an idea by 5 local health professionals, the mission took fire and gained support from The Catholic Social Ministries, Diocese of Raleigh. After a generous donation of $10,000 by the Diocese, Sister Jean Rhodes and the Daughters of Charity took the helm and combined with the support of 16 community leaders, opened the doors of The Care Clinic on November 16, 1993. They have been serving the community since that day. Located at 239 Robeson Street, the clinic only runs on certain days: every Tuesday and Thursday evening and every second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Appointments are made by phone at 910-485-0555 for medical appointments Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Friday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon for dental appointments.
Not in Cumberland County? Not a problem. Aiyana Lynch, Development and Marketing Director for The Care Clinic explained, “We service eligible adult residents who live in Cumberland, Moore, Hoke, Robeson, Sampson, and Harnett Counties. When we first started the clinic, it was only for Cumberland County residents and many people do not know that our service area has since expanded.”
Lynch has been with the clinic since March and has enjoyed her work at the clinic.
“I am originally from Elon, NC, and currently live in Pembroke, NC. I am a proud member of the Haliwa-Saponi Indian Tribe. I have been learning so much about the clinic and the community we serve! I have a strong passion for helping others and expanding my knowledge,” Lynch said of her short but rewarding time. Community members wishing to use the clinic services must meet certain criteria. Those looking for assistance must be an adult resident of Cumberland or surrounding counties, have no insurance, including Medicaid or National health insurance (Ex. ACA), meet an income requirement – household income within 200% of the federal poverty level, must provide household proof of income, must have a valid NC DMV or homeless photo ID, and then must call on the phone to make an appointment.
The Care Clinic is NOT government-funded and relies heavily on donors who give. Lynch emphasized the importance of donors and volunteers to the clinic saying, “The Care Clinic receives no government assistance, we rely solely on the generosity of our donors, grants, and annual fundraisers. To become a CARE Partner, there are many options that you may choose from to help us out. You can also help us by volunteering your time. We can use the following volunteers: Pharmacists, Pharmacy Techs, Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, Nutritionists, Dentists, Dental Assistants, Chiropractors, and Social Workers.”
Fundraising is important to keep the clinic running and The Care Clinic hosts 3 annual events to raise money; the Care Dinner, Boujee Bingo, and the upcoming Annual Toast of the Town Wine Tasting and Silent Auction, set for September 20th.
Tickets can be purchased at https://www.toastofthetownfay.com/. There is also time to become a sponsor or volunteer for this event. Those interested should contact Aiyana Lynch via email at development@thecareclinic.org.
Lynch is grateful for all the volunteers and donors that currently or have supported the clinic in some way.
“We want to thank our numerous volunteers who help our clinic stay running, from the providers, nurses, pharmacy staff, office staff, all the way to the amazing people who come and keep the outside grounds looking beautiful each week,” she said.
Those interested in donating can do so in several ways:
• Individual Donations
Online at http://www.thecareclinic.org/, click the DONATE button
Checks should be made out to The CARE Clinic at PO Box 53438, Fayetteville, NC 28305.
• Honorariums and Memorials
Donations can be made in honor or in remembrance of someone. A card will be sent to the person or family member. If the donation is made during the holiday, they receive a holiday card.
• State Employees Combined Campaign
Campaign code #3746
• Business and Individual
Recommended minimum of $10, the donor receives an acknowledgment card.
• Stocks, Appreciated Securities, Depreciated Securities, Annuities, Trusts, Wills, Charitable Lead Trusts
• Custom Engraved Brick Paver
A custom brick paver will be placed on the sidewalk of the clinic.
Single brick $100, $110 with clip art, $10 off when you purchase multiple bricks
To purchase engraved brick pavers visit the website https://polarengraving.com/thecareclinic
• Giving Tuesday
November 25th- December 4th
For more information on The Care Clinic and the services they provide, visit the website, http://www.thecareclinic.org/.

(Photo: The Care Clinic building is located on Robeson St. in Fayetteville. Photos courtesy of the Care Clinic)

The 12th Annual Southeastern Regional NC Poetry Slam is set to take place on Saturday, September 28 starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Arts Council of Fayetteville. This is an event that you don't want to miss. It is a gathering of talented poets from across the region, coming together to showcase their skills and share their passion for spoken word. The energy and excitement in the room will be palpable as the poets take the stage and captivate the audience with their words. Whether you are a poetry enthusiast or simply curious about the art form, this event promises to be a thrilling experience that will leave you inspired and moved.
This is the twelfth year the event will take place, and LeJuane (El’Ja) Bowens, is the current slam’s organizer.
“I think what keeps [the slam] going is the community on both sides. The organization side is a labor of love and so many folks in the Fayetteville community and abroad always look forward to seeing some of the best poets in the country ascend here to Fayetteville. As for the participants, it’s always that chance to test their skills against some of the best. It also builds camaraderie among the artists as well. It’s always great to see these things happen at an event that has built itself on being a connected community of sorts,” said Bowens.
The NC Poetry Slam shines a spotlight on the talented poets who take the stage. Each poet has a unique journey and story to share, and this event provides a platform for them to do so. From seasoned performers to up-and-coming artists, the lineup of featured poets is sure to impress. Fourteen poets will vie for a $1,000 prize in the upcoming Poetry Slam. Here are the rules:
• Poems must be original work.
• Each poet has three minutes to perform, with a ten-second grace period. Exceeding this time results in point deductions.
• Props, costumes, and musical instruments are not allowed.
The NC Poetry Slam follows a unique set of rules and a scoring system that adds an element of excitement and competition to the event. Five judges will score each performance, dropping the highest and lowest scores. The remaining three scores are added for a final score between 0 and 30. This system ensures fairness and encourages poets to push their boundaries and deliver their best performance. In the past, judges have been well-known local figures. We asked Bowen if there are any notable judges this time.
“Of course, but I’m not going to tell. That takes away the surprise and the essence of slam if the poets know who their judges will be,” Bowen said.
You'll have to attend this spectacular event to uncover the mystery of the “celebrity” judges!
Poets interested in participating in the Slam will have the opportunity at the beginning of next month. Registration for the Slam opens August 1 at midnight. Don't miss out—sign up here: https://sernc24poets.eventbrite.com
Those looking to attend the Slam will be able to purchase tickets starting August 15 at https://serncslam24.eventbrite.com, Attending the NC Poetry Slam is an exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of spoken word poetry. Spoken word poetry covers a wide range of topics and themes. Be open to exploring new perspectives and ideas. Embrace the diversity of voices and allow yourself to be moved by the power of words.
“Some {poems} will make you laugh, some will make you angry, some will make you cry. But, Spoken Word, a combination of poetry and performance art, being used in a competition to determine who will win and be this year’s SERNC Poetry Slam Champion. It’s going to be an exciting time,” Bowen added about the event.
Be sure to follow the Southeastern Regional NC Poetry Festival Facebook page for updates on this event and future events here: https://www.facebook.com/southeasternregionalncslam.

The Montford Point Marine Day Celebration is August 3 at 11 a.m. at VFW Post 670 to educate and honor the first Black Marines who trained at the segregated Camp Montford Point.
Tammy Williamson is the President of the National Montford Marine Association, NC Triad-Triangle Chapter 38. Kenny Joyner, is chapter 38’s team captain for Cumberland County. The two discussed the event.
Williamson said Senate Resolution 587 marked August 26, 2010 as Montford Point Marine Day. It was chosen because, on August 26, 1942, the first African American arrived at Montford Point Camp. The man was Private Howard Perry.
Chapter 38 started celebrating the day in 2017.
Williamson said they asked the Montford Point Marines in the chapter what they wanted that day to look like. She said they wanted a free event where all veterans of all races could come together. They also wanted veterans’ organizations and businesses to provide resourceful information to the veterans.
“That was important to them because of their lack of knowledge of what was available. A lot of Montford Point Marines received little to no VA Compensation,” she said. “Some were not enrolled in the VA Healthcare system.”
Each year they rotate within the different cities in their coverage area to celebrate Montford Point Marine Day.
“Rotating cities also increases our chances of locating other Montford Point Marines who have not been recognized. Nationally, to date, out of 20,000 Montford Point Marines who trained at Montford Point, only approximately 3,000 have been recognized,” she said.
What to expect?
The event is free, and food will be available to attendees.
• Guest speaker is the Secretary of the NC Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, Secretary Grier Martin
• Chapter 38 will donate a plaque to recognize Montford Point Marines who resided/reside in Cumberland County along with the Congressional Gold Medal (Replica) to the State’s Veteran Park in Fayetteville.
• Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony – Private 1st Class Walter Malloy Sr. will receive this posthumously by his daughter.
• Community and Chapter Awards.
• Veteran and Nonprofit vendors providing veteran resources.
For the plaque, they are asking any Marines within Cumberland County who went through Montford Point and want their name on the plaque, to contact Tammy Williamson at 336-684-5524 or email president@nmpma38.org.
Joyner said they will be educating the community about their history and how important Montford Point was to desegregate the Marine Corps.
He mentioned how the Black Marines didn’t have the option of training with the white Marines. The camp wasn’t even completed upon their arrival, they lived in tents and had to build their own barracks. In fact, they spent half the day training and the other half building their camp.
For those interested in donating to the event, do so at https://nmpma38.org/Donate
Passion and Determination
“The passion and determination that they had, is the same determination and passion that we must have to ensure their legacy is preserved,” said Williamson.
To be a vendor or register for the event, do so at https://nmpma38.org/event-5799858/Registration. For sponsorship or additional information please email president@nmpma38.org. Registration is not required but recommended.
Coverage
This chapter is one of five chapters located in North Carolina. They cover the following counties: Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Cumberland, Davidson, Durham, Guilford, Forsyth, Franklinton, Granville, Johnston, Nash, Orange, Person, Randolph, Rockingham, Surry and Wake.

(Top Photo: Members of the Marine Corps League attend the funeral of the oldest living Montford Point Marine Private 1st Class Cosmas D. Eaglin, Sr on August 15, 2023. Pictured are members of the Marine Corps League, Shawn Knisley Detachment #983 and National Montford Point Marines, NC Triad-Triangle Chapter 38 members and Senior Region Vice-President of the National Montford Point Marine Association. Bottom Photo: Fayetteville Team Captain, Mr. Kenny A. Joyner presents a gift card and information about Montford Point Marines with Ms. Leanna Wing of Fayetteville during Thanksgiving, 2023. Photos courtesy of the Montford Marine Association, NC Triad-Triangle Chapter 38.)

Crown Event Center Project holds outreach event
Cumberland County will host a second outreach event for subcontractors, suppliers and vendors that are interested in participating in the Crown Event Center project.
TA Loving/Metcon, which is the Construction Manager at Risk for the project, will host an outreach event Thursday, Aug. 1, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the FSU HUB, located at 1073 Murchison Road, Fayetteville. The outreach event is intended to provide information related to bidding on the project.
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners has approved a budget of $145 million and a building program of 134,000 square feet for the Crown Event Center, which will be located in Downtown Fayetteville in front of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse. The approved construction budget for the project is $117,864,211.
The County anticipates breaking ground on the new Crown Event Center in September 2024 for demolition and early sitework with the majority of construction beginning in early 2025.
The new Crown Event Center is scheduled to open in early 2027.
For more information on the upcoming outreach event, contact Rusty Welch at 910-521-8013 or rwelch@taloving.com.
For more information on the Crown Event Center project, go to cumberlandcountync.gov/crowneventcenter.

Transloading company operations will remove the equivalent of 3,000 trucks per year from local roads
Strategic Transload Services, LLC has announced the opening of a new subsidiary in Cumberland County. STS of Fayetteville adds the corporation’s eighth location in the Southeast.
Through the CSX Rail line, the company will provide direct rail connectivity from ethanol plants in the Midwest to the fuel depot located off Murchison Road, which supplies the vast majority of Fayetteville.
“Supplying the terminal with direct rail will displace two hundred and fifty trucks per month coming into the Fayetteville market, making this a safe and more secure process for fuel transportation,” said Von Friesen, Principal, STS. “The Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation staff was extremely helpful with securing the right location for our expansion”.
The property where STS of Fayetteville will operate is part of an idle landfill.
“We were able to repurpose a piece of land, add a new customer to CSX’s Class 1 Rail network, and create a more economical channel for ethanol customers,” stated Rob Patton, Executive Vice President, of FCEDC.
“We are pleased to welcome STS of Fayetteville to our community,” said Kathryn Cox, FCEDC Board Chair. “Their cost-effective procedure is a great fit and will continue to strengthen the rail business”.
Read about this exciting announcement on their website at https://bit.ly/4dpChCH

On June 3, the Cumberland County Department of Social Services opened a program providing free box fans for eligible citizens. Eligible citizens include, “those who fall below 200% of the current poverty level and who have a family member in the home under the age of 2, over the age of 60, or with a heat-sensitive medical condition.”
The announcement heralded rising temperatures and a corresponding risk of heat-related illnesses that box fans could help stave. According to the Department, the program was enacted to provide relief to eligible citizens who do not have access to air conditioning during the hot summer months.
In 2023, the US Climate Resilience Toolkit found that almost 4,000 individuals in North Carolina visited emergency departments for heat-related illnesses. They believe this highlights an urgent need for heat safety education.
Summer 2024 appears to be on track for similar statistics with multiple July days breaking historic heat records and repeated heat warnings and advisories being issued. Weather.gov defines a heat warning as a heat index at or above 110 degrees and a heat advisory as a heat index between 105 and 109 degrees. Taking precautions against the heat is imperative. While box fans come with a few safety cautions, if used properly, they can provide crucial and life-saving comfort in the soaring temps.
Understanding heat-related illness and safe box fan use go hand in hand. The National Institutes of Health found that box fans may speed dehydration as they do not cool objects, but only move air creating a wind-chill effect that evaporates sweat from skin. This rapid evaporation of sweat combined with high temperatures can be problematic without countermeasures. They suggest countering sweat evaporation by staying hydrated or using simultaneous cooling strategies such as wetting the skin or garments with water. With these measures in place, they suggest that box fans “may yet prove to be an affordable and sustainable strategy for cooling down in a heat wave.”
Weather.gov has issued similar reminders as they publish official heat warnings, noting that heat-related illnesses do not discriminate. “This level of long-duration dangerous heat with little to no overnight relief affects anyone without effective cooling or adequate hydration.”
They recommend drinking plenty of fluids, staying in an air-conditioned room, staying out of the sun, and checking on relatives and neighbors.
The process of receiving a free fan includes speaking with a social worker and completing an assessment at the DSS office. If the process is completed in person, citizens can receive their box fan the same day.
For citizens who cannot complete their assessment in person, social workers are available via phone at 910-677-2388 or 910-677-2389. Citizens can also donate fans to the Fan Giveaway Program. Used fans are not accepted. Donations must be new and still inside the box. For donations, call 910-677-2388.
Social Services is located at 1225 Ramsey Street. For more information, go to cumberlandcountync.gov/social-servicesor call 910-323-1540.

As its operational nonprofit struggles to find new funding sources, Fayetteville’s U.S. Airborne & Special Operations Museum may be unable to sustain its current offerings to both the community and the thousands of visitors who come to Fayetteville each year to see it.
ASOM, located next to Segra Stadium in the center of downtown Fayetteville, is the first U.S. Army Museum built outside the perimeter of an Army installation. It is consistently ranked among the top museums in the state and is often considered Fayetteville’s number one tourist attraction. Admission is free.
Many of the programs that enhance the museum’s experience and ties to the community are provided by the Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation, its Executive Director Renee Lane told CityView. While the Army’s staff handles the core functions, or the “meat and potatoes,” of the museum — like managing the exhibits and collections and securing artifacts — the ASOM Foundation supports the museum by hosting events, planning educational programs, managing its website and promoting ASOM on social media, Lane said.
The museum was originally owned by the foundation, but the foundation gifted it to the Army in 2005 “to better manage and grow the collection and maintain exhibits,” according to the foundation’s July newsletter.
The foundation’s operating budget for this fiscal year is expected to be around $1 million, Lane said, though this could change as the budgeting process progresses. The nonprofit faces additional challenges as it looks to cover a nearly $200,000 shortfall that arose when the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners in June denied funding the foundation previously used to cover outstanding operating expenses.
The board’s decision to cut off the ASOM Foundation’s perennial funding in the county’s fiscal year budget was not an isolated decision. The county denied funding for several other nonprofits that had previously received the government grants — and now have to scramble to make up for the unanticipated loss of funds.
Funding problems
The ASOM Foundation raises funds for the museum to bring in new and special exhibits, as well as gallery renovations and other projects that enhance visitors’ experiences of the museum, Lane said. It also operates the museum’s gift shop and maintains outdoor grounds, including the landscape, monuments, statues, pavers, and puts on the annual “Field of Honor” display.
Lane said this year’s operating deficit has been caused partially by two of the museum’s major attractions and the foundation’s revenue streams being out of service: the Pritzker Motion Simulator and the museum theater. The 244-seat theater closed after a car ran off the road and crashed into the ASOM in February 2023, killing the driver and setting off the museum’s sprinkler system.
The simulator closed in November 2023 because its electronics aged out, Lane said, describing the loss of revenue as a “huge hit to our bottom line.”
Fixing the ride is not an option at this point, Lane said, given the cost and technological know-how that would be required.
“It’s beyond anybody’s expertise here, so we kind of have to close the door on that and look to the future for a new experience,” Lane told CityView.
The Army is assessing the theater’s repair needs, Fort Liberty spokesperson Cheryle Rivas told CityView.
The ASOM Foundation receives the majority of its funding through non-government grants and individual contributions and donations. But much of the money the foundation receives from grants or fundraising is restricted to specific projects, Lane said, and cannot be used to fund salaries or other recurring expenses in the operating budget.
What happened this budget cycle
This year, the county denied the foundation’s initial request of $200,000, submitted in early 2024 during the annual 2024-25 budget request for outside agencies. Lane said she discovered the request had been denied when County Manager Clarence Grier presented the county’s recommended budget to the commissioners on May 23.
The new vote came during the meeting following the budget hearing on June 5, after Commissioner Jimmy Keefe made a motion to provide $60,000 to the foundation, instead of zero. The recommended budget allocated “no new funding” to the ASOM Foundation and two other agencies, citing budget constraints.
The board of commissioners voted 5-2 against Keefe’s motion, with Keefe and Commissioner Michael Boose casting the votes in favor of the funding.
The county commissioners ultimately provided the foundation with $25,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds this year for science and technology educational programming, though this was awarded prior to the county’s budget approval.
Commissioners’ response
During the June 5 commissioners’ meeting, Adams argued denying funding for the foundation “doesn’t impact the museum” and the general fund money given to the foundation was not meant to continue “in perpetuity.”
“I want people to understand that this doesn’t impact the museum,” Adams said. “This is a foundation. This is not the museum. This money is not to keep the museum open. The museum is going to be open regardless, because the government pays to keep this museum open.”
There was some debate and confusion among county commissioners during the meeting about an internal rule they had made to not provide general funding to nonprofits who had already received ARPA funds.
In response to a CityView inquiry as to where the ARPA funding rule came from, county spokesperson Diane Rice said it had originated in a budget work session last year. At the time, Keefe raised concerns about nonprofits who had not applied to receive ARPA funds but had applied for general funds. Stewart then suggested that if nonprofits were getting funded through ARPA, they shouldn’t be eligible for general funds as well. There was no official motion made.
Regardless, the commissioners broke this internal rule when they provided the Child Advocacy Center with $1,000 in general fund money, despite also giving that organization ARPA money earlier this year. The other two nonprofits who had received ARPA money and requested general funds — the ASOM Foundation and the Partnership for Children of Cumberland County — did not receive any budget funding.
Lane said she received no indication on the ARPA grant or in communications with the county about this funding rule for the ASOM Foundation.
“There’s nothing that we have found in any of the information that was sent to us that if we applied for that county annual budget community funding grant, we wouldn’t be eligible for one or the other, because the ARPA really was specifically for COVID-19 relief,” Lane said. “It was not for annual programming, operational relief, that sort of thing.”
Lane said while the county’s funding denial was a setback, the foundation has other sources of funding it can draw from.
“The county has been very generous,” she told CityView. “We know that there are some restrictions on what they can do this year. If a grant program opens in the future, we’ll take a look at it. Will we need it? I don’t know. I don’t know what the future is going to look like. But, like I said, we have other sources of funding, and we don’t rely on them 100% for an award.”
The city of Fayetteville allocated $56,250 for the foundation, according to the fiscal year 2024-25 city budget. That amount is consistent with the past several years, budget records show.
Fayetteville’s budget also includes revenue the city attains from providing maintenance and custodial services at the museum for the Army.
Editor’s note: This article has been edited for space from the original. To read the article in full, visit https://bit.ly/3WtSK34.

(Photo: Photo courtesy of the Airborne and Special Operations Museum Foundation Facebook page)

For 28 years, I have enjoyed writing about Fayetteville and Cumberland County and the people, places, events and organizations that make our community unique and contribute to our quality of life. Organizations like the Fayetteville Rotary Club and long-time Fayetteville residents like Steve Driggers, Paul Johnson, and Charles Koonce ideally make our community more livable.
I have known all three of these gentlemen for decades, so it was no surprise when I found out all three were recognized for their dedication, contributions and outstanding service to the Fayetteville Rotary Club and the Fayetteville community. For their accomplishments they were awarded Rotary International's highest and most distinguished honor, the Paul Harris Fellow award.
Named after the founder of Rotary, this designation symbolizes a commitment to the Rotary ideals of positively impacting communities both locally and worldwide. It's a distinction that signifies an individual's proven commitment to humanitarian services, and quantified community impact.
Steve Driggers currently serves as Athletic Director for Fayetteville Technical Community College. For years, he led the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards program. In 2024, he sponsored 15 students from seven Cumberland County High Schools to participate in a Rotary Youth Leadership program where they interacted with local community leaders, developed communication and problem-solving skills, and learned strategies for becoming dynamic leaders in their school and community.
Steve served as Rotary President from 2021-22 and will always have the heart of a Rotarian while continuing to support Rotary projects and programs.
Recipient Paul Johnson is the freshly retired soft and soothing voice of Beasley Media Group's Sunny 94.3 radio station. He recently completed an accomplished 50-year career in radio broadcasting.
A valuable member of the Fayetteville Rotary, Paul was ideally suited to be the organization's program chair, where he consistently provided a variety of interesting and educational programs that were both interesting, informative, and entertaining to members.
Charles Koonce, known as the voice of Cumberland County High School Friday Night Football for decades as the Play-by-Play announcer for Mid-Sports South, has been a Rotarian for over five decades. He has filled numerous leadership roles in the former West Fayetteville Rotary Club. Charles is a lifelong educator and served many years on the faculty of the Methodist University Golf Program, where he nurtured the program to PGA prominence, annually graduating students prepared to play golf or golf management at the highest levels.
All three distinguished gentlemen exemplify the spirit and commitment Rotary founder, Paul Harris, had to humanity. In addition to the recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow comes a donation of $1000 to the Rotary Foundation in support of a variety of programs, grants, scholarships, and efforts to eradicate diseases like polio. Collectively, the members of the Fayetteville Rotary Club contributed a $3,000 donation to the Foundation honoring these individuals.
Good things last, and Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper wholeheartedly supports organizations where professional businessmen and women dedicate themselves to providing community services and collectively addressing humanitarian needs and challenges. There are many wonderful service organizations in the Fayetteville and Cumberland County area.
I urge our readers to search one out and get involved in building a better community. The Fayetteville Rotary Club is only one of many service clubs doing great things in our community. I would be remiss if I did not invite you to check them out every Thursday at 1 p.m., at The Venue, 3302 Fort Bragg Rd. They always welcome visitors and guests.
To visit as a guest or learn more about the Rotary organization here in Fayetteville, visit www.fayettevillerotaryclub.org or call 910-308-6956.
Tell them I sent you!

(Photo:Left to right: Steve Driggers, Paul Johnson, and Charles Koonce are honored by the Fayetteville Rotary Club as Paul Harris Fellows.)