Sports fans across the globe will be glued to their televisions this summer when the historic city of Paris hosts the Olympic Games. Beginning with the Opening Ceremony on July 26, the 2024 Olympic Games is sure to feature awe-inspiring athletic accomplishments that mark the culmination of years of hard work on the part of competitors.
Once the games commence, fans can keep an eye out for these five notable athletes who figure to put their stamp on this summer's competitions.
1. Simone Biles: Few athletes at this summer's Games are as recognizable as American gymnast Simone Biles. Biles's accomplishments are already too numerous to mention, but the 27-year-old can pad her legacy even further by earning just one more medal this summer in Paris.
Should she accomplish that feat, Biles will have earned more Olympic medals than any American gymnast in the history of the Games.
2. Daiki Hashimoto: A two-time gold medal winner at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo (which were held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), Hashimoto, who will turn 23 during this summer's Games, will be seen as the athlete to beat in men's gymnastics.
Hashimoto is a four-time world champion, and NBC Sports notes three of those titles were earned in 2023.
3. LeBron James: The National Basketball Association's all-time leading scorer is no stranger to the Olympic Games, but the 39-year-old James has not played on the Olympic stage since 2012.
Over the last several years, James made no secret of his desire to return to Olympic competition, suggesting this summer's Games will be the last time to see arguably the greatest player of all time compete at this level.
4. Leon Marchand: Born in Toulouse, France, in 2002, Marchand figures to be the center of attention this summer. Some suggest Marchand could put on a performance not unlike his fellow swimmer Michael Phelps' efforts in the pool years ago, as the Frenchman is coached by Bob Bowman at Arizona State University.
Bowman famously coached Phelps during his time at the University of Michigan and beyond, and swimming fans will be curious to see how the hometown hero Marchand performs in the pools of Paris this summer.
5. Summer McIntosh: The pride of Canada made a name for herself at the tender age of 14 during the 2020 Games, where she was the youngest athlete named to the Canadian team.
McIntosh finished fourth in the 400-meter freestyle in Tokyo, narrowly missing a medal in that event but still breaking the Canadian national record. Now a seasoned 17-year-old, McIntosh returns to the Olympic stage this summer.
The Summer Olympics return this summer in Paris, and many talented, exciting athletes figure to make this year's competitions as exciting as ever.

Yusef Hamode, the owner of the recently opened Mini Price store at Cross Creek Mall in Fayetteville, is confident that this unique department store will be a game-changer in the local community. Offering a diverse selection of electronics, organic groceries, home decor, beauty products, kids and baby items, and much more, Mini Price caters to all ages and has something for everyone.
"We sell a little bit of everything," Hamode states, ensuring that customers will find what they need. Located next to Belk's in the Cross Creek Mall, this new addition to the Fayetteville community is poised to become a must-visit destination for shoppers in the area.
To celebrate the store's opening, Mini Price will offer discounts throughout. Hamode, who previously owned a different department store in New York City, is committed to providing exceptional customer service and guaranteed lower prices. Recognizing the financial struggles that many families face due to rising food and merchandise prices, Hamode is dedicated to keeping costs down.
"We are trying to make a good addition to the community,"
Hamode says, and with the wide range of products and unbeatable deals, it's clear that Mini Price is set to become a game-changer in Fayetteville. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to save on groceries and other items – head to the store soon to experience the difference.
To thank those who serve or served our country, special discounts are offered to active servicemen and veterans. Students, media employees, and Cross Creek Mall employees can also enjoy special discounts. Come and see what Mini Price has to offer you and your family! (Photo by Lisa Stevens)

In the enchanting world of culinary events, few themes promise as much magic and wonder as a Harry Potter themed brunch.
Get ready to experience the magic of Hogwarts like never before with World of Beer's Harry Potter themed brunch! Whether you're a Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw, this brunch event is sure to delight all fans of the beloved wizarding world. Join them for a magical feast fit for a witch or wizard, complete with themed food, drinks, and activities that will transport you straight to the halls of Hogwarts.
The brunch menu at WOB-Fayetteville features an array of dishes and beverages directly inspired by the magical fare of the Harry Potter universe. Picture yourself sipping on Butterbeer, indulging in delectable treats straight out of the wizarding world, like a Gryffindor Grilled Cheese or Quidditch Quiche.
The attention to detail in every aspect of this event will leave you spellbound and wishing you could stay forever. See the complete themed food and drink menu for this special event here: https://tinyurl.com/5n727npk
Joining WOB’s Wizarding World Brunch event is as easy as waving a wand! Simply grab your broomstick and owl and gather your fellow magical enthusiasts at WOB on 1944 Skibo Road on Saturday, July 27 or Sunday, July 28 at 11 a.m.
The popularity of the Harry Potter theme means seats can fill up quickly. Arriving early will secure you a prime spot where you can comfortably enjoy the event.
Remember to don your finest wizarding robes or attire representing your beloved Hogwarts house. Whether it's Gryffindor's scarlet and gold, Hufflepuff's yellow and black, Ravenclaw's blue and bronze, or Slytherin's green and silver, your chosen ensemble will enhance the magical ambiance and your immersive experience.
Don't miss out on this enchanting event that will make all your Harry Potter dreams come true – grab your house robe and join in for a truly magical experience at WOB's Wizarding World Brunch!
Whether you're a die-hard Potterhead or just looking for a fun and unique dining experience, their brunch will leave you with some great memories. Embrace the magic, feed your appetite, and revel in the joy of being part of something truly special. Remember, the magic of Hogwarts is never far away.

Tell us about yourself and your business.
Hello, I'm April Perton, a former military spouse with a global footprint living in various locations worldwide. While Fayetteville may not be my native home, it has become a significant part of my story. In addition to my diverse experiences, I'm a proud mother with one daughter currently navigating the college journey. My household is complete with the delightful presence of two amazing dogs, adding joy and companionship to my life. Through my journey, I've embraced the richness of different cultures and now find fulfillment in the unique community of Fayetteville.
Cooking4Fitness is located in Downtown Fayetteville, steps from the Market Square at 130 Bow St. Our hours are based on private bookings and or events that are posted on our website: www.cooking4fitness.com; @Cooking4Fitness, LLC on Facebook.
Please tell the readers about your educational background and the careers you have held/professional life.
I have a bachelor's in business management, fitness certifications for over 10 years and several educational certificates in health and wellness, including becoming a nutritionist with Food Saved Me Institute. I spent over 20 years in IT at BlueCross BlueShield of Georgia, working overseas and within the US, before retiring early.
Transitioning to health and wellness, I became a fitness instructor for military families in several military bases, including Fort Liberty. I moved to Fayetteville in 2016 and founded Cooking4Fitness in 2017. Our mission is simple: bring healthier cooking back home. We aim to inspire families in the community to make healthier choices regarding their meals and overall well-being. Being a "cooking coach" nutritionist has become my love to help everyone love cooking just as much as we
love eating.
Did you have mentors or people who inspired you in your work?
Many inspiring individuals have led me to this career path, including my parents and sister, who have worked in a hospital for more than 10 years. My mother's strength to overcome breast cancer twice and the strength of my "local" mom, Ouida Heilman, who is from right here in Fayetteville, inspire me. Awareness of cancer and other health diseases is important for us all to be aware of. Leading healthier lifestyles and attending workshops are ways that everyone can get the information and learn.
What is your position in the business?
I'm the proud owner of Cooking4Fitness, a company with an incredible team of cooking coaches. Our diverse group includes mothers, teachers and RN professionals, all passionate about hosting and educating the community.
At Cooking4Fitness, we go beyond traditional workshops. Our role extends to conducting teambuilding sessions for small businesses, collaborating with military groups, and offering personalized sessions for individual families. We believe in more than just workshops; we like to say, "We change lives."
As the business owner, I proudly lead a team of amazing partners. I hesitate to call them employees because, to us, it's not just a job — it's a shared mission. Together, we are a passionate group of five cooking coaches dedicated to spreading the message of healthy cooking and lifestyle choices. Our collaborative efforts go beyond a traditional employer-employee dynamic; we are a team united in our commitment to empowering individuals and families with the knowledge and skills to lead healthier lives through mindful eating and cooking practices.
What is unique about the business?
Our company is not just about cooking; it's a unique blend of culinary expertise and essential kitchen education. We go beyond recipes, delving into the safety aspects of our kitchens. From understanding the contents of our refrigerators to examining the potential effects of cooking materials on our food, we provide comprehensive educational information. Our goal is to empower individuals with knowledge about the entire food preparation process, ensuring delicious, safe and healthy meals for the families we reach.
What inspired you to start this business?
The inspiration behind Cooking4Fitness goes beyond my personal experiences; it stems from witnessing the impact of health issues, particularly cancer, within my own family. Observing numerous families grappling with health challenges such as heart disease, weight problems and diabetes, I realized that many of these issues were linked to a lack of understanding or misinformation about food. This realization fueled my commitment to make a difference through our company, advocating for healthier eating habits to positively impact lives and prevent such health issues in the community.
What makes your job and business exciting and fun?
The true measure of success for Cooking4Fitness lies in our impact on families. If we can shift the perspective of just one family towards the importance of cooking healthier, steering them away from constant reliance on eating out, and guiding them back to the tradition of preparing meals together at home, then we've achieved something significant.

Can you share any stories or highlights from your work?
Over the past six years in Fayetteville, Cooking4Fitness has had the privilege of stepping into countless homes and working with diverse groups, emphasizing the significance of cooking healthier. Whether it's an intimate session highlighting the ease of home cooking or collaborating with larger groups, we've had special moments with over 1,000 individuals. Our journey is not just about teaching recipes; it's about sharing our passion for cooking and fostering a love for preparing wholesome meals at home. And with enthusiasm undiminished, we look forward to continuing this journey, reaching even more individuals and making a lasting impact on their approach to healthier living through cooking.
We have a host of workshops, from Food Addiction 911 to African American Nutrition, and offer complementary at-home presentations in which we will walk the families through grocery shopping and cooking. We also share necessary products for a healthier kitchen and educate the community on what's in their kitchens.
Do you have events?
We host at least one open house monthly and at least two to three workshops at our office and throughout the community. Families can call us to schedule their date and time for a class. Businesses can contact us for Lunch and Learn sessions for their staff or even schedule teambuilding in our office.
Do you have plans to expand or offer new things in your business?
We would love to expand throughout North Carolina and the surrounding areas of Fayetteville. We do have a few reps in the Charlotte area. We will continue to work and grow with other Health and Wellness organizations and community outreach.

Editor's Note: This article first ran in the March 2024 Women's View magazine.

In the Hope Mills Municipal field, the sun hangs low in the background as faded clouds paint the Carolina blue sky. Players for Hope Mills Rockfish are scattered across the freshly mowed, green field — practicing pitches, catching balls or letting the bat rip the dust-covered white balls to the backs of batting cages. The crack of the ball connecting to the bat can be heard from the surrounding fields — an unmistakable sound.
Today, the Rockfish wear their alter-ego shirts — the Millers. Melissa Marsh, General Manager for the team, says this is a norm among teams. Occasionally, they'll play under an alter ego name.
As the players come and switch out their shirts for the Millers shirts, they laugh and joke. Pewee Holland and Colby Thorndyke stand close to each other. Holland's legal name is something entirely different but neither him nor his teammates say anything other than “Peewee.” Holland's longer blond hair falls past his ears. He's quieter, a stark difference from Thorndyke who doesn't shy away from conversation and is often joking with everyone around him. Holland quietly answers questions and often keeps it to just one or two words.
"He's as country as a turnip green," Assistant Coach Jeff Nance says about Holland.
Holland grew up playing rec ball in these fields and played during his high school years where Nance was his coach at Gray's Creek. Holland says he followed Nance to the team.
"I wanted to play for him one more time," he says while looking off in the distance.
While Holland says he doesn't want to pursue pro ball, he wants to play for a few more years. He says he'll probably end up in construction or another line of work.
Thorndyke, on the other hand, is a new addition to the team and has his sights on pro-ball, a dream he shares with many of the other players. He talks freely about baseball and his love for the game. On Thorndyke's left hand is a white bandage — a souvenir from the night before where cleats met his hand at first base.
"I probably needed stitches," he says looking down at it.
Another team member reports that the medic said he definitely needed stitches. But Thorndyke wanted to play, so butterfly bandages it was and he played the rest of the previous game with the hurt hand. Tonight, it'll be no different. Marsh describes him as a "trooper."
Finally, the crack of the balls hitting bats stops and it's time to play ball. The other players start heading toward the dugout to get ready for the game to begin. It's about that time. Their side of the field is filled with conversations and laughing among the players changing into their game shirts or putting equipment on.
"Let's mix it up," Thorndyke yells to the others laughing.
"No, you'll get us canceled," laughs another teammate.
When they are all dressed and ready, the teammates huddle on bent knees in a quick prayer. Their arms are around the person next to them, knitted in a close circle, heads touching. Around them is the lush color of green, well-kept grass and the dusty brown color of dirt. This field is partially kept up by the head coach Jeff Edwards.
"He's the only coach I know that brings a push lawn mower in a BMW," Marsh says.
Hope Mills Rockfish is a collegiate woodbat summer league that pulls players from all over. Many of the 30 team members, however, are from the area. Among those are Holland, who is from the Hope Mills area, and Thorndyke who comes from Lumberton. Others come from a little further to play ball in North Carolina like Steven Shaffer who came from New Jersey last summer and is back again for this summer's program. Shaffer says his ultimate goal is to play at the next level.
"I think that's why we are all here -- try and get seen. Try and keep developing and get that chance to go to the next level," he says.
As the prayer ends, the players stand at attention for the National Anthem. When it's over, they disperse to their various positions. They are ready for the assortment of lessons that baseball gives them. Failure, according to Thorndyke, is one of the best lessons and best things about playing ball.
"In life, you are going to fail and you have to get back up and keep going. Baseball is a game of failure,” he said.
This year is the first year the league has played in Hope Mills. Prior to that, it was based out of Fayetteville. The change from Fayetteville to Hope Mills came about because the team wasn't able to garner as much support, says Marsh. They are hoping the change to Hope Mills will bring about some new interest and keep that hometown feel.
As the players take their places throughout the field, "Sweet Home Alabama" starts playing throughout the stands. Some of the attendees bring their own chairs while others take spots in the bleachers. Except for the background of Lynard Skynard, there is a brief moment of quiet and no talking as the first ball is thrown, everyone waiting for that first electric crack and Hope Mills Rockfish is happy to oblige.
Hope Mills Rockfish games will run through July and include multiple games per week. Tickets are $10 for adults and free for kids under the age of 10. Refreshments are available for purchase at the games and meal packages and tickets are also available online at www.hopemillsrockfish.com.

(Photo: The Hope Mills Rockfish huddle before a game. Photos by Kathleen Ramsey)

Channel your inner spirit creature, fairy, gnome, wizard, dragon or something else, and head to the 9th Annual Midsummer Magic promotion this weekend, July 12 and 13, in Downtown Fayetteville.
Alternatively, superpower up and propel, fly, tunnel, jettison, levitate or apparate to attend however you can. A beastie’s gotta do what a beastie’s gotta do.
The Downtown Alliance-sponsored enchantment happens from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fri., July 12 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat. July 13. Fan favorites from previous years, including a scavenger hunt, fairy-themed activities, trivia, animal and performer appearances and participating merchant specials, promise magical fun for all ages. While there is no admission fee, some activities and specials will have an associated cost.
Midsummer Magic aims to “boost downtown commerce and bring joy to revelers of all ages,” according to Marketing Coordinator Betsy McElwee. “We hope you will join us for this two-day promotion crafted to beckon visitors to our vibrant downtown businesses, all amidst the enchantment of midsummer's spellbinding allure,” she said.
New this year is a costume contest station hosted by Midsummer Magic merchant chair, Turner Lane. Costumed participants — and pooches — are encouraged to stop by Turner Lane, located at 242A Hay Street, during the promotion hours and hashtag their picture #MidsummerMagicFayNC at the costume contest station to be entered to win prizes in the costume contest officially.
Contest Categories are Downtown Business, Kids 0-4, Kids 5-10, Kids 12-17, Adult, Group and Best Dog. Midsummer Magic revelers have always dressed up to show their sprite spirit; this year, bling and the bragging rights for being the best-dressed beastie in town are cool additions to the party.
Turner Lane owner Elaine Kelley is an integral part of the Midsummer Magic promotion. She said, “We started Midsummer Magic to allow the community to share in the magic we business owners feel everyday about our downtown business community. We love to see people of all ages dress up as magical characters and wander the streets on the magic quest and enjoy the fun. Although it is not a festival, we will have street entertainment, music, art and of course, llamas!”
Another contest targets art aficionados. Coloring pages, available for download at https://www.faydta.com/, can be returned to select participating businesses this week to receive a bonus entry drawing in the Fairy Door Scavenger Hunt & Quest, the promotion’s signature event.
The Fairy Door Scavenger Hunt & Quest is a two-day adventure “where ethereal adventures await amidst the labyrinth of downtown treasures,” per the Downtown Alliance’s recent news release. Questers will explore the wealth of retail stores, restaurants, arts venues and eclectic businesses in Downtown Fayetteville while participating in the fairy-themed fun and games.
To get started, arrive between 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Fri. July 12th with a Fairy Journal, found online at the Downtown Alliance’s webpage, that provides the map and instructions for the hunt. This map will also contain all the themed promotions and activities at downtown businesses.
Greg’s Pottery is one returning participant jumping on the fairy-themed wagon with both wings. Owner Kelly Hathaway said, “I love the Midsummer Magic event because it’s old-fashioned fun for kids and adults to do together, (things like) following a map, looking for clues, figuring out the word scramble, etc.
"The fairy door search gets people to explore Downtown and go into shops they may not have visited before, so it’s great exposure for businesses.
"Through the years, more people have started dressing up as fairies, and that’s always fun to see. We will have fairy-themed pottery at Greg's Pottery, including various mushrooms and gnomes to paint.”
Flower crowns are the rave at The Downtown Market, which owner Joanna Brumm delights in crafting for her wee fairy visitors. “I would say it been one of the most popular events downtown every year and people really get into it with their costumes,” she commented. “The little fairies (kids) are the cutest things running around. I love making the floral crowns available for the little fairies.”
The Midsummer Magic Crawl, for ages 18+, returns Friday at 6 p.m. Participating downtown businesses will have special mocktails, cocktails and other drink specials featured on their menus.
“We’ll publish a list of drink specials and activities during the crawl. And we'll have about 15 or more bars and restaurants, food-based businesses, and a few cafes. It won’t only be alcohol. There’ll be some businesses that will have a dessert on the menu. Because not every business that’s doing the crawl has alcohol, but a big portion of them do,” McElwee said.
On Saturday, downtown goers can visit with the LlamaCorns, whimsical unicorn-outfitted llamas, that stroll the farmers market and downtown shops, meet gnomes and other characters and continue the Fairy Door Hunt and Quest.
All entries must be turned in by 6 p.m. on July 13 to be eligible to win prizes. McElwee noted that prizes will be awarded to three groups who return the Quest form and have all correct answers.
Unless you are like “gnome other” in trivia challenges, you may appreciate the friendly helpers McElwee next described.
“There will also be traveling gnomes throughout the day, which will help people answer different questions on the quest. So, there will be different random kinds of trivia questions, and a gnome may answer that question for you, or they may tell you where you need to go to find the answer. There is a book of knowledge downtown, but you’ll need to locate the book of knowledge to answer the question,” McElwee said.
So, let the mystic begin and enjoy all the fun and fantasy the Downtown Alliance’s Midsummer Magic weekend provides. For more information on contests and downloads, visit https://www.faydta.com.
Stay up to date on all events by following @downtownalliance on Facebook.

(Top Photo: The Llamacorns are a staple of Midsummer Magic. Llamas dressed up as unicorns will be making their way around downtown during Midsummer Magic. Photos courtesy of Downtown Alliance. Middle Photo: Fahada, a performer at previous Midsummer Magics, will be downtown for this year as well.  Bottom Photo: An attendee at Midsummer Magic is dressed as a fairy for the event. )

Rock'n On The River promises an exceptional evening on Friday, July 19. Kicking off the event, the Dalton Davis Band will captivate the audience from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Following their performance, the headliner ZZ Top Notch will take the stage, delivering an electrifying show from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Dalton Davis, hailing from Mamers, will add a touch of country flair to the lineup with his full band. Be sure to give him a listen before you see him live on his YouTube channel here:
https://tinyurl.com/424kxevd
Founded in 2022, ZZ Top Notch is a tribute band that celebrates "that little ol' band from Texas," capturing the essence and excitement of an authentic ZZ Top performance for their audience.
Featuring The Reverend Willie Gibson (Chuck Sirko on guitar), Dusty Thrills (John Hubacheck on bass), and Frank Beardless (Joe Snyder on drums), this trio is dedicated to delivering an unforgettable experience to every concertgoer.
These three experienced musicians deliver an electrifying performance of all the iconic hits, including “Sharp Dressed Man”, “Legs”, “Waiting on the Bus”, “La Grange’’, and “Tush”, spanning decades of beloved ZZ Top music.
With their authentic recreation of the band's look, costumes, and sound, combined with their ability to captivate and entertain the audience, ZZ Top Notch promises an unforgettable show.
This free event is set to unfold at Campbellton Landing, located at 1122 Person Street. Parking is available for $10 per vehicle. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., allowing ample time to secure a prime location, so don't forget to bring a chair.
Please note that outside coolers and containers are prohibited, but a variety of food and beverages will be available for purchase on-site. Notably, 50% of the beer sales will benefit the Karen Chandler Trust Cancer Charity. For more info, visit www.facebook.com/people/Rockn-On-The-River

(Photo: ZZ Top Notch will be the headliner for Rock'n On the River, July 19. Photo courtesy of ZZ Top Notch's Facebook page)

Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity, in partnership with Fayetteville State University’s Athletic Department, hosted a call-to-action event, Homecourt: A Conversation with Coach Roy Williams, at the Felton J. Capel Arena on FSU's campus. The event brought together community members, supporters, and sports enthusiasts to explore Habitat's mission.
The legendary Coach Roy Williams came down to speak about the intersection of sports and community housing.
The goal of this fundraiser was to support Habitat's mission and educate the public on all the work that FAHFH does, including Homeownership, Critical Repairs, the work of the ReStore on Bragg Boulevard, and Trade Days.
"The work of Habitat is creating partnerships to promote affordable housing, helping keep our seniors in the homes they’ve worked so hard to pay for, and inspiring the next generation," said Brandon Price, CEO of Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity.
The event commenced with a VIP meet-and-greet session, followed by a lunch and a stimulating conversation between Coach Roy Williams and Brandon Price. Attendees had the unique opportunity to hear Coach Williams share his insights on the significance of secure and reliable housing and how it has influenced his coaching career, along with a "Q and A session" and a silent auction of items Coach Williams had generously signed.
In addition to the engaging discussion, the Felton J. Capel Arena was adorned with storyboards highlighting the experiences of Habitat beneficiaries.
Exhibits showcased tools and items from the ReStore, as well as displays from the Trade Days initiative, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of FAHFH's impact on the community.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the event sponsors whose generosity made Homecourt possible: Fayetteville State University Athletic Department, Leidos, Cape Fear Valley Health, Up & Coming Weekly, Cumulus Media, Longleaf Pine Realtors, Land Stout, Allegra, and Sweet Valley Ranch. Special thanks to Tony Wooten for his exceptional photography, and to The Belmont Village and Balloon Pops for their services, which contributed to the event's success.
Homecourt not only raised awareness about the crucial issue of affordable housing but also successfully generated funds to support FAHFH's projects, such as the Trade Days of Summer that is coming up this July.
This construction camp will provide a hands-on learning experience for high school students who are interested in making a career in the trades. They are grateful to all attendees, sponsors, and volunteers for their unwavering support in building homes, communities, and hope.
For more information about Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity and upcoming events, please visit the website at fayettevillenchabitat.org.

(Photo: Coach Roy Williams speaks to a crowd at the Felton J. Capel Arena at FSU for the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity Homecourt event, June 27.)

In an era where information is key to community engagement and success, staying informed about the decisions and deliberations of local governance has never been more critical. The City of Fayetteville NC understands this need well, offering live streaming of Fayetteville City Council meetings as a vital service to its residents. This initiative not only empowers citizens by providing them with direct access to the workings of their government but also fosters a transparent, inclusive, and participatory civic environment in Fayetteville.
Informed citizens serve as the backbone of a thriving republic, and Fayetteville exemplifies this through its proactive approach to civic engagement. Access to information empowers residents to participate actively in public life, which is crucial for fostering government transparency and combating corruption. By enabling citizens to secure their democratic rights effectively, Fayetteville strengthens its community fabric.
Live streaming serves as a pivotal tool in Fayetteville, ensuring that all community members, regardless of location or ability, have real-time access to government proceedings. This technology promotes transparency and enhances democratic engagement by allowing citizens to witness and participate in civic activities from afar. Regular meetings, held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, are broadcast live, allowing residents to stay informed and connected with the city's governance.
Fayetteville's live streaming initiatives address several participation barriers by offering solutions like FayTV, available on multiple streaming platforms such as Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV. This accessibility ensures that even those who cannot attend in-person meetings due to geographical constraints or disabilities can stay informed and involved. The inclusion of features like closed captioning further supports those with hearing impairments, ensuring everyone has equal access to information. To install the FayTV streaming app on Roku, Fire TV, Android TV, and Apple TV, search for the words “FayTV” or “Fayetteville.”
By integrating advanced streaming technologies and supporting diverse devices, Fayetteville fosters a connected community. The availability of live streams and digital recordings on platforms like YouTube allows for on-demand access, catering to the busy schedules of Fayetteville’s residents. This approach not only keeps the community informed about current events and council decisions but also encourages a broader participation, making civic engagement more inclusive and comprehensive. See their YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@CityOfFayettevilleNC
The City of Fayetteville has also launched a podcast channel named "Radio Fayetteville" along with a new podcast show, "The Fayetteville 411." "Radio Fayetteville" can be accessed on Apple Music, the Apple Podcast app, and the Google Play Music Podcast Portal. Podcasts enable residents to tune in from their computers, phones, and cars when they are on the go and do not have access to the FayTV option.
"The Fayetteville 411" was specifically created for "Radio Fayetteville" to deliver timely information in a radio talk show style. It's a fifteen-minute weekly show covering various topics of interest and the different departments that keep our city running. "Radio Fayetteville" also features other shows, including MP3 versions of "City Update," "FayTV News" and additional radio-friendly content produced by FayTV, the City of Fayetteville's Government Access Channel.
The implications of these efforts extend beyond fostering a well-informed citizenry; they serve as a cornerstone for building a more connected, engaged, and responsive community.
As Fayetteville continues to leverage technology to remove barriers to participation, it sets a precedent for other municipalities to follow, enhancing the effectiveness of civic engagement across the board. For residents of Fayetteville and beyond, the initiative to engage with the city through these technological options underscores the importance of staying informed and involved, emphasizing that a vibrant republic flourishes on the active participation of its citizens.

(Graphic courtesy of City of Fayetteville, NC Government Facebook page)

Fayetteville City Council Adopts Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
The City of Fayetteville adopted the fiscal year 2025 budget, totaling $320.9 million on June 24. Councilmembers unanimously voted to adopt the budget during a Regular Council meeting held in the council chambers at city hall. The budget can be found at fayettevillenc.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/25866.
“This council did not take lightly and they took into consideration every impact that we could think of to provide the services that residents are accustomed to,” said Mayor Mitch Colvin. “We sent the budget back over and over again to find other ways to do it and to be conscious of the fact that people are recovering financially and economically, but still want service and want to feel protected.”
The FY 2025 budget represents a 3.01% increase over the previous fiscal year and includes critical investments aimed at enhancing community services, ensuring fiscal sustainability, and addressing key priorities identified by both the City Council and residents.
"Working through the budget process this year has been a testament to our commitment to the residents and employees of Fayetteville,” said City Manager Doug Hewett. “I'm proud of the collaborative efforts of our City Council and staff to ensure that we provide the best possible outcomes. Together, we have crafted a budget that not only addresses our immediate needs but also sets a strong foundation for future growth and prosperity.”
These allocations demonstrate the City's commitment to enhancing public safety and community well-being through targeted investments.
Ad Valorem Tax Rate Increase: 100% of the $0.04 ad valorem increase is dedicated to public safety personnel, ensuring competitive compensation for police, fire, and emergency communications employees. The $0.04 ad valorem tax rate increase is expected to generate approximately $6.176 million with each $0.01 increase generating approximately $1.544 million. The new ad valorem tax rate will be $0.5795 per $100 of property valuation for City residents. This funding is crucial to ensure the City of Fayetteville can recruit and retain qualified public safety personnel, maintaining high standards of safety and security for the community.
Allocations to support the Office of Community Safety: $2.5 million in funding is allocated to maintain current Office of Community Safety related activities with $2.3 million in additional funding for the OCS. The new Office will focus on four identified pillars: mental health response and diversion, violence prevention and intervention, homeless risk reduction, and youth opportunities.
Municipal Service District Tax Rate Increase: The tax rate increase for the Municipal Service District is necessary to enhance the quality of life and support the growth of the downtown area. The proposed increase from $0.10 to $0.17 will generate just over $105,000 to maintain services such as enhanced security, street maintenance, beautification projects, community events and Downtown Hospitality Officers.
Employee Compensation: An investment of $4.6 million will provide all non-step employees with a 4% salary increase, along with an additional 1% contribution to the 401(k) plan, bringing the total contribution to 3%. This is part of a multiyear recruitment and retention strategy to reach a total of 5% to be competitive with other employers, municipalities and counties in North Carolina.
Infrastructure Improvements: The budget includes significant investments in infrastructure, such as a $1 monthly increase in the stormwater fee to support stormwater management and ongoing maintenance of the city's 751.6 miles of streets and 122 parks and recreation facilities.

FAST began service to Bill Crisp Senior Center on July 1
The Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST) is adding an additional stop to Route 17 which includes the Bill Crisp Senior Center. Service to the center was slated to start July 1.
A new bus stop pad and shelter has already been installed near the entrance to the senior center, which has an average of 4,500 to 5,000 participants per month. The new service will run Monday through Friday during the center’s operating hours. The frequency of this route will be about every 90 minutes. The new stop will provide convenient access to the center from Cross Creek mall, Two Bale Lane, and numerous other destinations on the west side of Fayetteville.
FAST will also be replacing seven obsolete bus shelters with new upgraded amenities that will match the City’s brand. The total cost of the new shelters is $129,786.60. This includes seven complete shelter packages with a 12-foot shelter, bench and trash can. The shelters were funded by federal grants.
The precise location of each shelter has not yet been determined. For more information on bus schedules and stops, please contact Jaimie Walters, Transit Planner, at 910-433-1626 or by email at JaimieWalters@FayettevilleNC.gov

Additional Flight from FAY to ATL to begin in September
Delta Airlines is set to enhance travel convenience for passengers at the Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY) by adding a third daily flight to Atlanta (ATL) starting September 9. The additional frequency flight will increase travel options and reduce layover times for passengers flying through Atlanta.
The new frequency flight will contribute to a total of 20 flights in/out each day at FAY starting in September. This includes flights operated by both Delta Airlines and American Airlines.
“We are thrilled to announce the addition of a new flight service from Fayetteville Regional Airport. This expansion not only enhances connectivity for our residents and visitors but also stimulates local economic growth,” said Interim Airport Director Deontae Watson. “By providing more travel options, we are making Fayetteville even more accessible and attractive as a destination. We look forward to the positive impact this will have on our community.”
Passengers can now expect Delta Airline flights in the morning, afternoon, and evening arrivals and departures, alleviating layover times.
Passengers can book tickets now for the new flight at FlyFay.com or Delta.com.

My father had been president of Davidson College for almost 10 years when at age 58 he learned that he was afflicted with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
He was popular with students, who often tossed frisbees with him as he walked across campus from his office to the president’s home. He was friendly, likable, and beloved by staff and townspeople.
Davidson’s campus escaped most of the turmoil that disrupted some other campuses. My father hired Lefty Driesell and Homer Smith who brought successful football and basketball teams to the campus.
The college continued to gain recognition as a premier liberal arts college.
There were problems, of course, but most people at Davidson looked forward to his service continuing for many years. The college’s trustees respected and supported him.
Some few noticed his forgetfulness about minor matters and a waning of his enthusiasm for new projects and new thinking. But he was widely popular and most assumed that they would not need a new president anytime soon.
But my mother noticed and insisted that he seek medical attention. At first, my father’s confidence in his own strengths kept him from believing he was compromised. But the doctors recognized early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
My mother pushed him to bring his illness to the attention of the chair of the college trustees who quickly and sensitively worked out my father’s retirement. Without her recognition of the seriousness of my father’s illness and her acceptance of her and my father’s duty to the college, my father’s departure would have been a serious problem for Davidson.
Ultimately, my father understood, accepted the necessity of his withdrawal, and enjoyed his friendship with the new president, Sam Spencer.
What does my family’s and Davidson’s situation with my compromised father have to do with President Joe Biden?
Of course, they are different situations.
My father, with prodding from my mother, accepted the need to step aside.
The Bidens resist any talk of change, notwithstanding the president’s poor showing in the June 27 debate with Donald Trump.
The Economist, a respected British magazine, commented, “The mission for Joe Biden in the presidential debate held in Atlanta on June 27th was clear: to prove his critics wrong, by showing that he was mentally fit and thereby reverse the polling deficit that makes Donald Trump the favourite to win the American election in 2024.
“Unfortunately, his performance was an unmitigated disaster—perhaps the worst of any presidential candidate in modern history. The president, who is 81 (and would be 86 by the end of a second term in office), stammered indecipherably, struggled to complete his lines of attack and proved his doubters completely correct.
“Although Mr Trump was in his typical form—meandering, mendacious, vindictive—he somehow appeared the more coherent and lucid of the pair. Mr Biden’s decision to seek re-election rather than standing aside for a younger standard-bearer now looks like a reckless endangerment of the democracy he claims to want to protect.
“Merely quoting Mr Biden’s rhetorical bumblings does not do them justice, but they do give a sense of the shambles.
“Consider one of his lines at the very start of the debate, the first indicator that the president was in poor form: ‘Making sure that we continue to strengthen our health-care system, making sure that we’re able to make every single, solitary person eligible for what I’ve been able to do with the…uh, covid…excuse me, dealing with everyone we had to do with… look, if we finally beat Medicare...’
“The moderator interrupted before further damage could be done, one of several coups de grâce graciously administered.”
Like my father, Joe Biden has served well. He should be recognized and remembered for what he accomplished for our country. He can serve best now by stepping aside and helping find and elect someone who can win and serve as president beginning January 20, 2025.

North Carolina voters will be asked this fall to remove a troubling ambiguity in the state constitution. An overwhelming, bipartisan majority of state legislators — 40 of 50 senators, 104 of 120 representatives — voted to place the amendment on the ballot.
Nevertheless, say some left-leaning critics, the measure is at best an unnecessary distraction — and at worst a conspiracy to get conservative North Carolinians to the polls.
It is neither. Voters should, and almost certainly will, ignore these objections and approve the amendment, which clarifies that “only a citizen of the United States who is 18 years of age and otherwise possessing the qualifications for voting shall be entitled to vote at any election in this State.”
Resident aliens are not currently allowed to vote in North Carolina, that’s true. And minors can vote in primaries only if they turn 18 by the date of general election. But other jurisdictions allow noncitizens or minors to vote in local elections. And many activists explicitly advocate extending the franchise still further.
We can’t know what future lawmakers or even judges may attempt. Here’s what we do know: only adult citizens should be able to participate in elections. Drawing bright lines here is essential to preserving what it means to be a citizen of a republic.
Here’s what the North Carolina Constitution currently states, Article VI, Section 1: “Every person born in the United States and every person who has been naturalized, 18 years of age, and possessing the qualifications set out in this Article, shall be entitled to vote at any election by the people of the State, except as herein otherwise provided.”
At first glance, that language may sound sufficient. It is not, however, as my John Locke Foundation colleague Andy Jackson argued in a recent paper.
The current provision (properly) requires equal treatment. If you are an adult citizen who is not currently serving out a sentence for a felony — that’s what the “except as herein otherwise provided” clause is about — you are guaranteed the right to vote. You can’t be excluded on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, or other extraneous criteria.
Look more closely at the language, however. It states that every natural-born or naturalized citizen shall be entitled to vote, but it “is silent on whether noncitizens can vote,” Jackson pointed out. “That silence can be exploited by legislators or judges into allowing noncitizen voting.”
There’s another problem with the current provision: it specifies only natural-born and naturalized citizens. That leaves out a small but equally worthy class of citizens. If you are born overseas but your parents are American citizens, you are, generally speaking, a citizen yourself. As Jackson observed, the ranks of such foreign-born citizens include U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (born in Thailand), U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (born in Canada), and Raleigh Dreamville music festival organizer J. Cole (born in Germany).
No one has tried to exclude such citizens from voting in the past, but why should North Carolinians cross their fingers and ignore the ambiguity? The proposed constitutional amendment would eliminate it. Rather than focusing only on who “shall be entitled to vote” — which doesn’t truly preclude additional grants of voting rights — the new language specifies that “only” adult citizens, regardless of how they became citizens, shall be entitled to vote.
We live in highly polarized times, to be sure. Trust, confidence, and mutual respect are diminishing. Too often, we assume that the ranks of the “other side” are populated by liars, ignoramuses, or villains rather than accepting the possibility of honest disagreement among people of good faith.
In that spirit, let me stipulate that I don’t think all critics of the citizen-voting amendment are secretly plotting to extend the franchise to noncitizens or minors. Some surely find the “belt and suspenders” argument I’m advancing here unpersuasive. They think revising the Constitution’s ambiguous language is a waste of time.
They are mistaken. An important principle is at stake. Let’s button those suspenders securely.

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).

The idea of public education has been around about as long as our nation has, but it really took root around the 1830s. That education might be good for most people and that an educated workforce is a plus for everyone prompted the North Carolina General Assembly to begin funding public schools with tax dollars in 1901. The rest, as the cliché goes, is history.
Our traditional school calendar, generally thought of as 9 months on and 3 months off, also dates from the early days of public education. Children, even little ones, were needed to work on America’s farms, so schools operated fall, winter, and spring, with summers off for tending fields and harvesting crops. Other nations use similar schedules for the same reason.
But how many kiddos do you know who work the fields in this era of computer driven tractors? I cannot think of a single one.
That reality, however, has not deterred the tourism industry in North Carolina. Two decades ago, tourism interests including various summer camps, strong-armed the General Assembly into codifying the public school year to start no earlier than the Monday closest to August 26th and end no later than the Friday closest to June 11th.
Tourism officials understandably wanted as much family vacation time as possible. They got legislators to buy into the notion that a long summer without school trumps the need for North Carolina’s public school students to have more classroom time to be competitive with students from other nations, many of them up and coming and outpacing the United States’ educational achievement levels.
The legislatively mandated school calendar has not worked.
One size fits all remains a failure as more and more school districts opt out, largely because they cannot make its constraints work for their systems. Year round schools, charters, early colleges, and private institutions are exempt from the calendar law, but traditional public schools, the majority of schools in our state, have struggled to schedule classes, work days, holidays, and other educational obligations within the narrow time frame imposed by the General Assembly.
Now, one quarter of our state’s 115 public school systems are in open revolt. A Superior Court Judge has weighed in, saying that Carteret County has illegally set its own calendar. It remains to be seen how Carteret or the other 28 systems that have set their own schedules will react.
Thus far Cumberland County Schools have maintained the traditional, legislatively mandated calendar with some schedule juggling, but some of our neighbors no longer comply. Harnett, Lee and Sampson County schools have adopted their own calendars, as have Clinton City Schools.
The General Assembly is nearing adjournment, at least theoretically, and will return to Raleigh early next year for its long session, which will take up much new legislation. Near the top of the list should be the failed and “bailed” school calendar bill. It has not worked for many counties.
The rationale for it, child labor, is no longer operative, and it is not a good look for a growing percentage of the state’s school systems to flaunt state law openly.
As Don Phipps, Superintendent of the Caldwell County Schools recently told the State Board of Education, “Local boards of education should be allowed to choose the best start dates for the school systems they represent.”
Hear! Hear!

I was shocked when I tuned in to Hope Mills Commissioner Joanne Scarola's Fireside Chat several weeks ago and listened to her senseless rant about what she did, what she didn't do, what she said, what she didn't say.
It was all about her and defining herself as a person. Her aggressive, vulgar diatribe told me exactly what Hope Mills Commissioner Joanne Scarola is about.
Not only was her 37-minute rant senseless and without merit, but it was laced with arrogance and profanity so vulgar that it would make a sailor blush. See for yourself. This posting is Rated R for Adults only: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1297476334546539
In just a few minutes, Scarola dropped the F bomb and a dozen other expletives to her viewing audience. Even worse, she justified her actions by declaring, "this is who she is" and states that she enjoys cursing, and when she gets angry, she likes cursing loudly.
Really?
Well, I have news for Hope Mills Commissioner Scarola. When you take an oath confirming your commitment and dedicated leadership as an elected official to a community, you have a responsibility to those you serve and those who elected you. In this case, it is not just the men, women, and children of the Town of Hope Mills but everyone who resides in Cumberland County. To the shock and disappointment of many, Scarola is not projecting the image of governmental leadership, nor is she abiding by the Code of Conduct and Ethics she swore to uphold.
During the past seven months, several concerned members of the Hope Mills community have brought her conduct to my attention. In response, I contacted Hope Mills Mayor Jesse Bellflowers. I shared my concerns with him and those of the Hope Mills residents.
To his credit, Bellflowers agreed that Commissioner Joanne Scarola's behavior has sometimes been inappropriate and not in the town's best interest, and he assured me that he would address the situation at the July 1st Hope Mills Commissioners meeting. I reminded the mayor that Scarola's interactions and programs on her social media platforms are viewed publicly by the citizens of Hope Mills and visitors and guests of Cumberland County.
It's unconscionable that Bellflowers and the other four elected HM Commissioners have remained silent, ignoring this demeaning and aggressive behavior without censoring Scarola for using excessive and hostile profanity and posting vulgar messages on her social media platforms. For years, the Town of Hope Mills has battled a squad of local disgruntled Hope Mills malcontents who weaponized social media against the town, like the trolls behind the infamous Hope Mills Chatter FaceBook site.
Ironically, until recently, Mayor Bellflowers was a participating squad member until the Chatter Trolls kicked him out for failing to goose-step to their dictates. This is the same group of social media trolls that tormented former Mayor Jackie Warner for years. The ousted Bellflowers admitted that he now knows what Warner went through in dealing with their mischievous, non-productive, malicious rumors and criticisms.
To Bellflowers' credit, he appreciated me bringing the citizens' concerns forward. He concurred that the situation must be addressed at the next Hope Mills Board of Commissioners meeting. Unfortunately, to my disappointment, it was not.
Bellflowers addressed the issue passively with no real sense of concern or urgency. He reminded the Board to constantly watch what they say and be on their best behavior. His own words, "…..be cautious of what we say and post, and be mindful of how that may be interpreted by someone watching us."
"Someone watching us?" Of course, someone is watching them. EVERYONE is watching them! Commissioner Scarola's behavior and actions are egregious and demand more attention than a general lukewarm warning.
I assumed the issue would be addressed as a personnel matter and dealt with in a closed board session. What should also concern Mayor Bellflowers and the citizens of Hope Mills is that no other town staff members or elected Commissioners who have witnessed her verbal abuse and unprofessional behavior have come forward to voice objections despite frequent complaints.
This indicates an unhealthy culture within all departments of the Hope Mills government. This type of leadership cannot move a progressive community like Hope Mills forward into the 21st century.
This situation is of grave concern to many. Everyone in Hope Mills expects professional conduct as clearly stated in the Hope Mills Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics statutes. It has nothing to do with inhibiting anyone's First Amendment Rights.
Hope Mills is a beautiful and delightful community. It deserves leadership that is committed to its vision of growth and prosperity.
This means leadership that guarantees good stewardship of its assets and reputation. It's here that robust and committed leadership needs to be applied. Tolerating poor judgment and bad behavior encourages pettiness and only inhibits progress.
Mayor Bellflowers needs to do better, and the Board of Commissioners needs to do better because the Town of Hope Mills deserves better.
Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

(Photo: Hope Mills Commissioner Joanne Scarola. Photos courtesy of Town of Hope Mills webpage)

Air conditioners are a lifeline come the dog days of summer, when soaring temperatures make a well-cooled home a welcome respite from the outdoors. Maintaining an AC unit ensures it will be there to keep everyone cool when the mercury rises.
The following are some steps homeowners can take to keep their AC units in tip-top shape this summer.
• Replace the air filter on the unit. Dirt, dust, debris, and pollen can quickly fill the filter on an AC unit. Replacing these filters prior to summer can make the unit operate more efficiently and keep cool air circulating throughout the house all summer.
Homeowners can first identify which type of unit they have and then find an online tutorial to see how to replace the filter. Some filters are more expensive than others, but the cost is still low and the energy savings can be substantial.
• Schedule annual maintenance on the unit. Routine maintenance performed by a local HVAC technician is another way to ensure an AC unit is running at peak capacity when it is most needed. Such maintenance is perhaps most effective in spring, as that ensures the unit is running strong from the first heat wave of the summer all the way through Labor Day.
HVAC technicians can identify problems and recommend services that homeowners may not recognize they need until it is already hot out. Annual maintenance appointments also give HVAC professionals a chance to assess a system compared to the previous year, which can help them identify if a unit is nearing its end.
That can ensure homeowners are not caught off guard when the unit needs to replaced.
• Help the unit make it through the summer. Whether it is a typical summer or one marked by a handful of heat waves, AC units can use a little help to get through the season.
Closing curtains throughout the house on hot afternoons is a natural way to keep a home cool during a heat wave, and that can cut back on home cooling costs and protect a unit from being overworked.
Ceiling fans also can be installed to keep rooms cool and circulate air, which also makes a hot summer a little less taxing on an AC unit.
• Use a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats allow homeowners to set the temperatures inside their homes throughout the day. If no one is home during the afternoon, there is no reason to have the AC cranking.
Program the thermostat so the house is comfortable when people are home, but raise the desired temperature when no one is around.
That gives the AC unit a break during the day and can help to dramatically reduce the cost of cooling the home.
AC units will not last forever, but some simple maintenance can improve their life expectancy and keep homes comfortable throughout the summer.

Parents often do everything within their means to keep their children safe in and outside of their homes. Throughout the years, child safety seats have helped reduce the risk of serious injuries to children while riding in vehicles. However, incidents of hot car injuries and deaths have increased.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates about 40 children a year die from heatstroke after they were left or became trapped in a car. Roughly one child every 10 days loses his or her life in a hot car. The NHTSA also says there have been more than 950 hot car deaths among children since 1998. The National Safety Council says nearly every state has experienced at least one death of a child succumbing to heat stroke in a hot car since 1998. The agency reports that a record number of 53 children died after being left in hot vehicles in 2018 and 2019.
Pediatric vehicular heatstroke (PVH) poses a serious threat. Health experts warn that a child's body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult 's. When a child remains in a vehicle without ample ventilation, that child's body temperature can rise quickly, turning into a dangerous situation. Heatstroke begins when the core body temperature reaches about 104 F.
Many children who were injured or killed in PVH incidents have parents and caregivers who are thoughtful guardians. No one sets out to forget their child in a car. Since younger children sit rear-facing in safety seats, sometimes their presence is obscured. Those who are rushing around or parents with miscommunication may not realize their child is in the car seat. It is essential that parents and caregivers get in the habit of always checking the back seat before locking the car doors. Heeding some additional tips also can prevent PVH.
• Leave your purse, wallet or another item in the back seat so you are forced to go in the back to retrieve it. This is an added security measure to check the back seat and ensure the car seat is empty.
• Never leave a child in a vehicle unattended for any length of time, even if you only intend to run into a store for a few minutes. Rolling down the windows or parking the car in the shade does little to adjust the interior temperature of the vehicle.
• Write a note or place a stuffed animal in the passenger's seat to remind you that a child is in the back seat.
• Keep the car locked and keys out of reach. Children being forgotten in the car is not the only cause of PVH incidences. Sometimes kids hide or play in cars and become trapped. The NHTSA says 25 percent of PVH deaths occur after kids gain access to unattended vehicles.
• Be an observant bystander at all times. If you see a child alone in a vehicle, make sure the child is alright and responsive, then attempt to locate the parents. If the child seems in distress, attempt to break the window of the car and call for emergency services immediately.
Instances of PVH and similar accidents are not exclusive to summertime. A car can become hot quickly even if the temperature outdoors seems relatively mild, says Consumer Reports.
Various strategies can help prevent hot car injuries and deaths in children.

Are you a boba tea enthusiast? Or are you just starting to explore the world of this delicious and trendy drink? Either way, you're in for a treat! Fayetteville has a thriving boba tea scene that offers a wide variety of flavors and unique experiences. Get ready to dive into the ultimate guide to Fayetteville's boba tea scene and discover all the hidden gems this city has to offer.
Whipping up the quintessential boba tea is akin to conducting a symphony - it's all about hitting the right notes at the perfect tempo. In Fayetteville, the maestros behind your beloved boba cups are not just making a drink; they're curating a culinary concerto. The journey begins with the tea, the soul of the concert, where every leaf plays a note in the aromatic harmony that forms the base of your boba experience.
But what’s a melody without a bit of pizzazz? That’s where the magic of mixology comes into play. Fayetteville's boba artisans are like culinary wizards, blending a variety of syrups, milks, and creative essences to transform each sip into an overture of flavors. Imagine a dash of lavender here or a swirl of caramel there – it’s all part of the spellbinding process.
The grand finale, the boba pearls themselves, are no mere supporting act. Achieving that signature chewy, yet tender, texture requires a meticulous timing and temperature dance. It's a performance where precision meets patience, culminating in those delightful orbs that add the final flourish to your drink. So, the next time you take a sip, remember: you're not just drinking tea; you're savoring a masterpiece.

Ding Tea Fayetteville
Opened on November 28, 2023
5447 Yadkin Rd, Unit 116
https://dingteafayetteville.com/
In addition to boba, they have tea beverages such as milk tea, fresh tea, and lattes.

Queen Bee Boba Tea
Opened June 10, 2023
Cross Creek Plaza, 1800 Skibo Rd, Ste 252
https://queenbeeboba.com/
Making artisanal drinks for tea lovers that include milk teas, fresh tea, smoothies, fruit teas and even coffee.

Happy Cup NC
Opened June 16, 2023
Elmwood Crossing, 2653 Hope Mills Rd 316
https://www.happycupnc.com/
Happy Cup isn't only a place to pick up a great boba tea, milk tea, milkshake, smoothie, slushie, hot tea, or brewed coffee, they also offer acoustic performances on Fri/Sat and karaoke anytime.

Tealicious Boba
Opened March 30, 2023
2711 Raeford Rd Suite 100
https://fayteaboba.com/
Get your flavored teas, milk teas, yogurt juice drinks, slushies, milkshakes, smoothies and coffee, but a snack as well for they also offer egg rolls and popcorn chicken.
Fruity Boba Fayetteville
Opened March 3, 2023
The Piccadilly Circus 2826 Raeford Rd
https://www.skiplinow.com/
The place to pick up a tasty smoothie, milk tea, fresh fruit tea, sparkling drink, supreme foam smoothie, fresh tea, and coffee latte.

ShareTea Fayetteville
Opened June 24, 2023
Tallywood Shopping Center 3116 Raeford Rd Suite 230
https://www.1992sharetea.com/
They offer a wide variety of flavors for bubble and boba tea. They also have some unique toppings for your drink including pudding, aloe vera, lychee jelly, creama and more.

Royal Tea
Opened Sept 23, 2023
Fayetteville Pavilion 2043 Skibo Rd Suite 104
https://www.royalteanc.com/
Looking for cheese tea, matcha or chocolate drink or a really unique seasonal drink or speciality drink? Don't skip on the snack foods either, including egg rolls, fries, wontons and more.

Fresh Rolls (Robo Tea)
Opened Sept 22, 2020
Northgate 3821 Ramsey St Suite 116
https://www.facebook.com/rollsandtea/
One hand is for your boba tea, the other is for one of their delicious ice cream rolls.

LOL Bubble Tea & Coffee
Opened September 21, 2014
5044 Yadkin Rd #101
https://www.facebook.com/LOLbubbleteaNC
Order a coffee, frosted milk drink, sea salt tea latte, milk smoothie, flavored tea, milk tea, slushie, yogurt drink or go for an egg puff or grilled Taiwanese sausage.

Kung Fu Tea Fayetteville
Opened March 26, 2022
7835 Good Middling Dr. Unit 106
https://www.kungfutea.com/
A large variety of drinks that include dairy free, vegan, caffeine free and gluten free options. Also check out their punch, milk strike, and seasonal specials.

Bubble Tea Express
Location one:
136 Westwood Shopping Center
Opened December 22, 2011
Location two:
Cross Creek Mall
Opened July 21, 2014
https://www.bubbleteaexpressnc.com/
One of the OGs of the Fayetteville boba/bubble tea world with two locations these guys have had plenty of practice crafting many great drinks. Don't pass up their tasty snacks like fried okra and fried string beans as well.

Step into City Center Gallery and Books most Monday evenings and you'll find a small group of eager writers. They’re creatives, all rallying around the written word. For the host, Cam Estremadoiro, this isn’t a new venture. Inspired by previous experience in the arts and publishing, he’s been facilitating writer's roundtables for the last six years, most recently organizing this one in downtown Fayetteville.
According to him, downtown Fayetteville is on the cusp of a renaissance, “After witnessing the growing number of people living, working, and spending time Downtown, it felt like a good time to get involved.”
The roundtable offers several benefits for new and experienced writers. Meeting other writers is a way to stay motivated and enjoy the personal connections that arise from shared interests. Estremadoiro says hosting these roundtables has allowed him to connect with producers, celebrities, poets, artists, and other talented people. They spend time sharing feedback, discussing projects, and offering encouragement. He describes the group they cater to as “writers, authors, poets and creatives.”
Here, you’ll find the support to push past writer’s block and press toward the finish line. Diane Parfitt, owner of City Center Gallery and Books, hopes that the sense of community writers find will put them on the path to publication, “We are happy to provide space for budding writers to share ideas as they hone their craft. We hope this encourages writers in Fayetteville to continue to pursue writing and to develop their work so they will be published.”
Whether you write for personal enjoyment, or with an eye to publication, City Center Gallery and Books provides limitless inspiration. There’s no fee to attend the roundtable, but with a voluntary donation of $5-$10, you’ll receive a matching bonus toward books. And as you indulge in the work of writers gone before you, City Center Gallery and Books is eager to help you find “just the right book” to build your library or get you back into reading, Parfitt explained.
It’s the perfect environment for exchanging skills and services that benefit local business owners and community members alike in the burgeoning downtown area. Estremadoiro is excited about what this means for the future, “The emerging arts and culture scene downtown is a continued indicator of good things to come.”
His advice for anyone interested in attending? “If you can make it through the door, you are well on your way!” He recommends you come prepared to put pen to paper by bringing a notepad or laptop, though they’ll have supplies available. Anything from outlines to ideas to full manuscripts is welcome material for discussion. You can arrive around 6 p.m. at 112 Hay St, Fayetteville, and expect the roundtable to start around 6:45 p.m. -7 p.m. He recommends taking advantage of street parking in the surrounding area for easy access to the building and reaching him with questions or inquiries at 816-372-8218.
There’s a world of writing camaraderie available to you, and Estremadoiro hopes you’ll join:
“Don’t be shy. It’s time to do something new and different.”

United Way of Cumberland County is hosting its annual Meal Packing Event on August 22, at the Crown Expo Center, 1960 Coliseum Drive from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Doors open for volunteers at 10:30 a.m. Last year, volunteers packed 70,000 meals within 2 hours. This year, United Way of Cumberland County hopes to match that number again.
What is the Meal Packing Event?
The Meal Packing Event is an annual event, that brings volunteers from across the county together to pack meals that will then be distributed to non-profits who feed those in the community.
What nonprofits are being supported by the meal packing event 2024?
• Alms House Hope Mills
ALMS HOUSE collects and redistributes food to families each day. This food comes from surplus and prepared perishables that make donations to their program. Their goal is to bridge the gaps between individual income and government benefits.
Website: https://www.almshousehopemills.com/food-asisstance/
• Armed Services YMCA
The ASYMCA Fort Liberty Food Pantry helps to combat this issue in the community they serve. This program helps military families worry less about food and focus on mission readiness.
Website: https://fortliberty.asymca.org/services/food-assistance/
• Catholic Charities
Hunger in our communities is an issue that far too many families are experiencing. A lack of nutritious meals can have long-lasting effects on the physical, mental, and social well-being of all members of a family. In response to this need, Catholic Charities operates five food pantries in central and eastern North Carolina.
They recognize that addressing hunger requires a community response. Therefore, Catholic Charities leverages the support of community partners to provide over 3 million pounds of food to families in need each year. Catholic Charities Food Pantry Services are dedicated to distributing healthy groceries, increasing access to food, and developing innovative solutions to address food insecurity in a collaborative way.
On each visit, families receive a week’s worth of groceries, helping to fill the gap that families experience once their resources have been exhausted and before they receive their next paycheck. Once their immediate need for food is addressed, Catholic Charities staff and volunteers may connect families to other critical services that aim to remove barriers to self-sufficiency, increasing access to opportunities and creating hope for a better future. With dignity and respect at the forefront of all interactions, families are offered a hand up during their most challenging times.
Website: https://www.catholiccharitiesraleigh.org/food-pantry/
• Falcons Children’s Home
Falcon Children's Home is a childcare facility. They have no other purpose or business. The care of children is their foremost concern and the centerpiece of all that they do. They seek to provide services and opportunities that will enhance the well-being of every child - mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Website: https://www.falconchildrenshome.org/residential-care
• Fayetteville Urban Ministry
FUM came into existence in 1974 to address the widespread needs of people suffering in crisis situations throughout the county. Starting from a basement, Emergency Assistance grew into an effective grassroots operation that touched thousands of lives. Now the program houses a food pantry, clothing closet, and a financial assistance service for families and individuals in crisis. All of this is made possible by community partners who donate non-perishable food items, new & lightly used clothing, hygiene items, household goods, and money. Their EA department offers financial assistance (when funds are available) and support to help people meet their basic needs and overcome financial barriers that may be setting them back. They help transform lives by providing basic necessities to those in need and strive to help them make permanent improvements to get them back on track.
“It is simply amazing what a bag of groceries, clothing, or a few dollars can do to transform a life story!” In December of 2022, by utilizing funding provided by local partnerships, they were able to provide utility and rent/mortgage assistance to nearly 50 families in need.
Website: https://www.fayurbmin.org/emergency-assistance
• Operation Blessing
Since 1982, they have seen literally thousands of people come to them in need. Through the years, our community has generously donated clothing and food to reach out to their neighbors.
Due to trying economic times and cuts in social programs, many come to Operation Blessing to have their needs met, all without cost.
Website: https://operationblessingfayetteville.com/what-we-do/
• Spring Lake Family Support Services
The Fresh Start program for the homeless is about restoring hope and dignity to those who struggle most in our communities.
A domestic violence program designed to mobilize our community, promote safety & empower victims and their families to break the chains of emotional, mental, and physical abuse.
Website: https://www.thekinseyhouse.org/services

• Second Harvest Food Bank Children’s Backpack Program
The “Hunger Relief for Kids” Backpack program provides end-of-week meals for students who may not have nutritious foods to eat outside of their school system. Each “backpack” contains protein, vegetable, fruit, and grain options for children in easily accessible packaging. Through the backpack program,they are able to provide thousands of meals to students in their service area annually.
Website: https://hungercantwait.org/feed-2/child-feeding-programs/
How can I get involved?
Volunteer!
Last year’s event had 300 volunteers. Organizers hope to increase that number this year. Those interested in volunteering can do so in different capacities. There is Setup, Runner/Table Manager, Meal Packing Attendee, Table Volunteer, and Break down. Each volunteer position, a description, and time slot are available online https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1UdgGPgPsXFsDQ8jNILdqq1HBJ9cSNjhM4oeiX_oFveU/edit?gid=0#gid=0
Volunteers can register to volunteer online https://unitedway-cc.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/2024-meal-packing-event
For community members who are unable to volunteer, United Way of Cumberland County is also taking donations for the Meal Packing Event 2024. Those who wish to donate can do so using the link https://unitedway-cc.networkforgood.com/projects/227735-2024-meal-packing-event
Who do I contact for more information?
Ashlee Pearson at 910-483-1179 ext. 225 or development@unitedway-cc.org
What can I look forward to as a volunteer?
Don’t fear, packing food has never been so much fun. This year’s event will feature a Meal Packing Challenge, a peer-to-peer fundraising challenge, aimed at getting the community energized to raise money to feed individuals and families. The team that raises the most money will receive the Meal Packing Challenge Award. There will also be awards for the team with the most creative team t-shirt and an award for the team that packs the most meals.
Make sure to register today! Let’s fight hunger together.

As the anticipation builds for the Gates Four Summer Concert Series 2024, music enthusiasts are eagerly marking their calendars for three unforgettable evenings of live music. This year's series starts on July 12 and features some of North Carolina's most sought-after bands. Held at the beautiful Gates Four Country Club, the concert series promises fun, great food, and free live music.

A Community Event
The Gates Four Summer Concert Series is a highlight for the Fayetteville, Hope Mills, and Cumberland County communities. Held outdoors at the spacious Gates Four Pavilion, this event is sponsored by a generous array of local businesses and organizations. Key sponsors include Jay Dowdy of All American Homes, Up & Coming Weekly newspaper, Gates Four, Healy Wholesale Company, Carolina Specialties (CSI), Christian 105.7, Certified Heating and Air Conditioning, The UPS Store (Westwood), Two Brothers Catering, Five West Media Group, Bragg Mutual Federal Credit Union, Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce, and PWC Fayetteville's Hometown Utility.

Concert Lineup

Chicago Rewired – July 12
The series kicks off with Chicago Rewired, the premier Chicago tribute band. The band is known for their faithful renditions of Chicago's timeless music and is ready to bring the house down. With record sales topping 100 million, including 21 top-10 singles, five consecutive number-one albums, 11 number-one singles, and five gold singles, Chicago's music has become the soundtrack to great memories for many people.
In the summer of 2015, Charlotte drummer Mike Graci envisioned elevating the local music scene by creating a tribute band that stood out from the typical cover bands. Dissatisfied with the run-of-the-mill cover music prevalent in the area, Graci set out to assemble a group of top-notch musicians who could authentically replicate the complex and beloved sound of Chicago. After five years of meticulous effort and dedication, Chicago Rewired was born.
"Bringing together musicians who could not only play but also feel the music of Chicago was a challenge," said Graci, the band leader. "It took us five years to perfect the Chicago style, but it was worth every moment. The chemistry we've developed is special and resonates with our audiences."
Fans attending the concert on July 12 can expect to be transported back in time as Chicago Rewired performs some of the band's greatest hits. Audience members will have the chance to sing along to classics such as "25 or 6 to 4," "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" "Feeling Stronger Every Day," and "Old Days." These songs, known for their intricate arrangements and powerful brass sections, will undoubtedly evoke nostalgia and excitement among the attendees.
"The goal of our performances is to not only play the notes but to capture the spirit and energy of Chicago's music," said Graci. "We want our audience to feel the same joy and excitement that we feel on stage. It's all about creating an experience that everyone can enjoy."

Heart Breaker – August 9
The concert series continues with Heart Breaker, the ultimate USA tribute to the band Heart. This national touring act, based in North Carolina, is renowned for its dedication to performing each song with love, respect, and passion. Heart Breaker aims to provide a genuinely transcendent and pitch-perfect concert experience, both musically and visually. Audiences can expect to hear Heart's greatest hits, such as "Alone," "These Dreams," "What About Love," "Crazy on You," and the iconic "Barracuda." Additionally, the band will perform classic Led Zeppelin songs, paying homage to the band that inspired Heart and its fans.

Rivermist – September 6
Rivermist, a local favorite, will take the stage next. Formed in July 2014 in Fayetteville, Rivermist is a collaboration of musicians with over 200 years of combined experience. Known for their love of audience engagement and commitment to preserving the music familiar to their roots, Rivermist plays a mix of classic rock, R&B, and various party music. The band has been voted Fayetteville/Ft. Liberty's "Best Local Band" by Up & Coming Weekly for eight consecutive years. With nearly 8,500 followers on Facebook, Rivermist has also gained recognition for their original music, including their chart-topping song "Right Place Right Time." They were nominated for multiple Carolina Beach Music Academy (CAMMY) awards, winning the "Rising Star" award in 2023 and being named the 2021 "Vocal Group of the Year" by the CCMA.

Event Details

• Venue: Gates Four Pavilion
• Doors Open: 5:30 p.m.
• Concert Time: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Admission: Free

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for comfortable seating. The concerts are family-friendly and open to all.

VIP Experience
VIP packages are available for those looking to enhance their concert experience. These packages offer premium seating, special perks, and more, ensuring a memorable and luxurious evening under the stars. To purchase your VIP tickets, visit https://fayettevilledinnertheatre.com/

Food, Drinks, and Fun
No summer concert is complete without great food and drinks. The Rolling Taco Truck will be on-site, offering delicious treats for all attendees. With all necessary ABC permits, various beverages will also be available. Exciting door prizes will add to the evening's fun, ensuring there is something for everyone.

Supporting a Good Cause
Partial proceeds from the concert series will be donated to the Kidsville News! Literacy and Education Foundation of Cumberland County, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This initiative highlights the event's commitment to providing entertainment while supporting the local community.
"Events like these are essential because they bring people together in a positive and fun environment. It's a chance for the community to gather, enjoy great music, and create lasting memories. Plus, it's free, which makes it accessible to everyone. A free event like this ensures that all community members can come together and enjoy a shared experience regardless of their financial situation. It's really about building a sense of unity and togetherness,” said Bill Bowman, Publisher, Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper.
"Supporting local events has always been our priority at Up & Coming Weekly. We believe in the power of community and the importance of giving back. This concert series aligns perfectly with our mission to promote local culture and entertainment. When we saw the potential of the Gates Four Summer Concert Series to bring joy and excitement to Fayetteville, we knew we had to be a part of it. It's an excellent opportunity to showcase the talents of our local and regional musicians while providing a platform for them to shine.
"The impact is significant. It boosts local businesses, fosters community spirit, and provides a platform for local and regional musicians to showcase their talents. It's a win-win for everyone involved. Local businesses benefit from the increased foot traffic and visibility, which helps stimulate the local economy. The series also allows musicians to reach a broader audience and gain recognition for their hard work and talent. Overall, it enhances the cultural fabric of Fayetteville, making it a more vibrant and connected community."
Through this interview, Bowman emphasized the Gates Four Summer Concert Series’ essential role in fostering a sense of community, supporting local businesses, and promoting the arts in Fayetteville.
Jay Dowdy, owner of All American Homes and another key event sponsor, shared his passion for supporting the community through music.
"In today's society, people are stressed out. I want everyone to know it's never too late to be who you might have been. No matter your age, nothing should hold you back," Dowdy said.
"I believe in giving back to my community. Giving back to the community is crucial because they support you."
Dowdy continued, "What we're doing with the concert series is offering something unique. Think about it—what else is there to do in town for free on weekends? Hardly anything. We're opening up Gates Four, a gated community that most folks don't know about. It's the best-kept secret in town. We're inviting everyone to come out and see a free concert, not just local bands but ones that play statewide and even nationally. It shows everyone that you care about them."
The Gates Four Summer Concert Series is more than just a series of concerts; it's an opportunity to create lasting memories with friends and family. These free concerts, set in the picturesque Gates Four Pavilion, promise an incredible experience for all attendees.
With a stunning venue, an impressive lineup of bands, and delicious food and drinks, the Summer Concert Series at Gates Four is set to be the season's must-attend event. So, grab your lawn chairs, bring your loved ones, and join the community for a summer of unforgettable music.
While the concerts are free, VIP packages are available for those who wish to enhance their experience with premium seating and special perks. Remember, partial proceeds from the concert series will benefit the Kidsville News! Literacy and Education Foundation of Cumberland County.
For more information and to stay updated on the event, call the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre at 910-391-3859.

(Top Photo: Chicago Rewired will be the first band playing in the Gates 4 Summer Concert Series.Photos courtesy of Greg Adair.  Middle Photo: Heartbreaker is the second band to play in the series and will play Aug. 9. Bottom Photo: Rivermist, the third band to play in the concert series, will hold their concert Sept. 6.)

Boot camp and youth are not usually two words that are often associated with one another. When people think of boot camps, usually what comes to mind are aggressive workouts meant to push the mind and body. The Youth Boot Camps are a far cry from their adult counterpart, but still equally challenging and appealing to kids. Each boot camp will run for 30 minutes, noon to 12:30 p.m. at the 2803 Ft. Bragg Road location of Fit4Life. Sessions are currently in progress and are free for kids ages 8-14.
Upcoming sessions:
• July 13th
• July 27th
All fitness levels are encouraged to come out; workouts will focus on meeting the kids where they are physically. Whether a common face on the court or field or a gamer, every kid is welcomed.
The boot camp will consist of “dynamic warmups, gameplay focused on functional fitness finishing with proper cooldown and stretching … This event's focus is to build children's confidence in their athleticism, and promote an early start to a healthy lifestyle while incorporating team-building activities. ” said camp founder Nina Batton, CPT and Fitness Manager of Fit4Life Fayetteville.
For Batton, the youth boot camps are the product of her love of fitness and empowering individuals in their own bodies.
“I was first inspired to start my Summer Youth Bootcamp 6 years ago. I had several PT clients who would sign up their kids for personal training during the summer. This forced me to create fun, kid-friendly modifications to their different strength and conditioning programs that the children seemed to really enjoy! The following year I offered several classes biweekly throughout the summer. With such a great turnout, I decided to keep it going annually!” Batton exclaimed.
Summertime is a time for kids to unwind and relax from the 8-month-long school year and the stress that comes along with it. An unfortunate consequence is kids often become idle. With game systems and on-demand television, mixed with the heat of summer, there is little motivation for them to be active.
According to Children’s Health, keeping children active during the summer months can help development in several ways including: reducing the risk of developing childhood diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, increasing confidence and giving a boost in self-worth, reducing feelings of anxiety, as well as improving their ability to concentrate and focus once school starts back.
Summer is a great time for parents to develop healthy habits with the whole family to stay active all year long, like family walks or family bike rides.
Fit4Life, Fayetteville Fort Bragg, has a busy summer schedule packed with family-friendly events and events for a cause. Make sure to check out their upcoming events.
Community Obstacle Course Workout
• July 27th
• 11 a.m. -2 p.m.
• Family-friendly event, top Female and Male Prizes
• Accepting vendors. Contact Kayla Colvin at 660-373-0172 or kayla@5starnutritionusa.com
Psoriasis Awareness Zumbathon + Yoga presented by The Standing Light Foundation
• August 24th
• 4 p.m. -7 p.m.
• Accepting vendors, volunteers, and donations.
• Contact thestandinglightfoundation@gmail.com

“I am constantly reminded to be brave in the attempt and face my fears and overcome the odds. My family and coach helped me to get over trauma by reminding me of the Special Olympics Athlete oath- Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in my attempt,”
— Stephanie Handojo, Special Olympics Athlete
The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office is sponsoring Motorcycle Rides for the Special Olympics, July 13, at the Fuller Center, 314 Jasper St. The rain date is July 20. The check-in time is 8 a.m. and motorcycle rides begin at 9:30 a.m. Rides cost $20 per rider/ passenger. Breakfast and Lunch will be provided for the participants. The proceeds for the event will support the North Carolina Special Olympics. The contact person is Lieutenant M. Dedeaux at 910-824-4220.
“Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded the Special Olympics in 1968. The program provides people experiencing intellectual and physical challenges continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop their physical fullness, and experience joy and friendship. We unleash the power of the human spirit through the transformative power of sports every day around the world,” according to Special Olympics.org
Senior Sgt. Mickey Locklear, Public Information Officer, Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, shares, “We raise funds for the Special Olympics throughout the year in many ways. These include hosting motorcycle rides, selling T-Shirts, patches, participating in events such as Over-the-Edge, Plane Pull and Tip a Cop. One of the annual events is the Motorcycle Ride to benefit the Special Olympics. “
Community involvement is a vital aspect of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.
“The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to community involvement and aims to give back to the community by providing assistance whenever needed. The Sheriff’s office, along with law enforcement agencies, nationwide, raises funds for Special Olympics,” states Locklear.
It is important to understand the relationship of Public Safety and Community Service.
“The Cumberland County Sheriff’s office relies on the public for support and cooperation. In case of any problem, citizens should promptly call 911 to enable deputies to respond before the situation escalates. While our deputies cannot be everywhere at once, citizen vigilant and active participation. Let us stay informed about situations that may not be visible during patrol. The strength of our community is essential for us to carry out our responsibilities effectively. Together we can secure a safe and thriving community for everyone,” said Locklear.
Be a part of the Motorcycle Rides for Special Olympics with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s office., July 13.

(Photo: The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office is going to be holding Motorcycle Rides for Special Olympics, July 13. Photo courtesy of Cumberland County Sheriff's Office.)

Amazon Now Hiring for Fayetteville Inbound Cross Dock Facility
New employment opportunities are posted each Friday after 7 p.m.
Amazon has begun hiring for its completed Inbound Cross Dock facility in Fayetteville. Interested applicants can apply by going to amazon.com/flexiblejobs. The company will be hiring in phases, with additional positions posted each Friday evening (jobs will not be posted before 7:00 p.m.). Pay for these positions starts at $17.00 per hour, with benefits including medical, dental, and vision effective on the first day of employment.
At full operation, the 1.3 million square-foot facility, located in the Military Business Park, will employ more than 1,000 workers in full and part-time positions. Applications must be made online and will not be taken on site.
Those without internet access are encouraged to visit any of Cumberland County’s eight library locations. Residents are advised to be wary of potential hiring scams. Applications are only accepted through Amazon’s job portal on their website, amazon.com/flexiblejobs.
“This project is a tremendous milestone for our community, bringing essential job opportunities and a positive economic impact that will benefit all our residents. The introduction of hundreds of new jobs will invigorate our local economy, support families, and drive the growth of our city,” said Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin. “I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone for their patience and support throughout the completion of this project. Together, we are forging a brighter future for Fayetteville.”
When combined with their existing last mile delivery facility at 1005 Dunn Road, Amazon will soon be one of the largest private sector employers in Cumberland County, contributing millions of dollars in wages to the local economy, as well as property tax revenue to the City and County.
“When we’re able to bring economic development projects like this to Cumberland County, it’s not just an investment in buildings and equipment – it’s an investment in our community and our workforce to provide life-changing opportunities, and we are seeing that investment multiplied throughout our county. We can build a brighter future, where innovation and collaboration make a way for prosperity," said Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Glenn Adams.
The project is the culmination of strong collaborative efforts from multiple public and private organizations including the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, Amazon, Fayetteville, Public Works Commission, Piedmont Natural Gas, North Carolina Department of Transportation, Broadwell Construction Company, Cape Fear Commercial Real Estate, Ryan Companies and FCEDC.

Arts Council of Fayetteville|Cumberland County awards $182,679 in spring cycle funding
The Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County is pleased to announce the distribution of $182,679 in funding during the Spring 2024 grant cycle. This funding includes $147,376 in Project Support grants and $35,303 in Mini Grants.
These two grant programs are designed to stimulate the local arts economy and support the livelihoods and career development of local artists and arts, culture, and history-focused programming.
The Project Support grants provide substantial funding for organizations with programs beginning on July 1, 2024, ensuring a broad range of artistic and cultural activities can flourish in the community. The Mini Grants, awarded to local artists, nonprofits, institutions of higher education, and municipal offices, emphasize the Arts Council's commitment to fostering creativity and innovation at all levels.
Michael Curtis Houck, the Arts Council’s Director of Grants and Allocations, expressed his enthusiasm about the impact of these grants.
"We are incredibly proud to support our local artists and organizations through these vital funding programs. The arts are a crucial part of our community's identity and economic vitality, and this funding ensures that creativity continues to thrive across Cumberland County."
In FY25, the Arts Council has shifted to two Project Support Grant cycles; a second opportunity is now accepting applications with a due date of August 15 to support activity in winter/spring 2025; Mini Grants for individual artists will continue on a quarterly basis with the next cycle accepting applications through August 1.
The Arts Council awarded Project Support Grants to the following organizations for Arts, Culture, and History-focused projects and programs:
• Artist Village Community Theatre will produce a theater series consisting of three productions between October 2024 and May 2025.
• Cape Fear Studios, Inc. will produce ten gallery exhibitions across the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
• Cape Fear Valley Medical Foundation, Inc. will provide art therapy sessions in the Adult Behavioral Health Unit & the Youth Behavioral Health Unit (two awards).
• Cape Fear Valley Medical Foundation, Inc. will provide art therapy sessions for patients and caregivers in the Cancer Center.
• City of Fayetteville/Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation will produce the annual Independence Day Concert on July 4 in Festival Park featuring the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra.
• Community Concerts of Fayetteville, Inc. will produce a series of concerts taking place at Crown Theatre during the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
• Crossroads Outreach Alternative Program Ministries will produce Arts Ex'Posion, weekly after-school courses with a multi-disciplinary arts focus.
• Cumberland Choral Arts will produce a choral series with six concerts over the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
• Cumberland Choral Arts will produce a youth choral series with concerts and public presentations across the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
• Fayetteville State University will produce The Sound that Jazz Makes, a year-long new play development project with a premiere in 2025 during Juneteenth.
• Friends of the Skateparks Foundation will produce the One People Reggae & Arts Music Festival, a one-day music and vendor festival with performances by Inner Circle, Etana, and The Wailers.
• FTCC Foundation, Inc. will continue their Guest Artist Series with professional musician workshops and masterclasses across the 2024-2025 year.
• Groundswell Pictures will produce the 2024 Indigo Moon Film Festival, a three-day international film festival in downtown Fayetteville.
• Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex will produce History Live! Fall 2024, an annual live series with events between Halloween and Christmas.
• Service Source will continue Community Inclusion Days - Bloom Art Therapy, art therapy sessions for adults with disabilities.
• The Tulsa Initiative, Inc. will produce the Tulsa Leadership and Entrepreneurship Academy, a creative arts mentorship program for BIPOC entrepreneurs.
The Arts Council awarded Mini Grants to individual artists and organizations for Arts, Culture, and History-focused projects and programs. For a full list, visit their website.
The next Project Support and Mini Grant cycles open in July with dates due in August. For more information about the Arts Council grants programs, visit theartscouncil.com/grants or email Michael Houck, Director of Grants and Allocations, at michaelh@theartscouncil.com.
For regular updates on the Arts Council, follow this organization @artscouncilfay on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and/or YouTube.

On a vibrant morning at the Main Post flagpole on June 27, officials held a significant change of command ceremony as Col. John Wilcox stepped down as Garrison Commander after his successful two-year tenure.
In his stead, Col. K. “Chad” Mixon assumed the helm, shouldering the responsibilities of leading the Fort Liberty Garrison.
A Legacy of Leadership
During his time as Garrison Commander, Wilcox navigated challenges with unwavering dedication, ensuring the smooth operation of the garrison. His leadership style, marked by precision and empathy, has left an indelible mark on all who served under him.
Wilcox oversaw the historic redesignation of the base from Fort Bragg to Fort Liberty. His leadership and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the garrison's future.
“The redesignation from Fort Bragg to Liberty was certainly met with concern, but this community came together to find a name befitting heroes, history, and culture,” said the outgoing garrison commander, Wilcox. “Sunset Liberty March was put in place simultaneously to ensure that we always honor history and culture and commit never to forget the sacrifices made to our great nation.”
As Wilcox prepares to step down from his role, he will embark on his next assignment with the U.S. Special Operations Command in Tampa, Florida.
Stepping into New Shoes
As Mixon assumes command, the garrison braces for a transition that promises continuity alongside fresh perspectives. The ceremony symbolizes the change in leadership and embodies the garrison's enduring legacy of excellence.
“I pledge to ensure this installation has the resources and support needed for our military families to thrive,” said incoming Garrison Commander Mixon. “Their sacrifices are the backbone of our community and face unique challenges with strength and grace.”
Mixon is no stranger to Fort Liberty, as he is returning to the installation after attending the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. As a former enlisted infantryman, Mixon brings a wealth of experience to his new position.
His previous assignments at Fort Liberty include serving with the 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, and Forces Command. His leadership skills and strategic vision make him well-suited to take on the responsibilities of garrison commander.
The Change of Command Ceremony is a time-honored tradition in the military. It signifies the transfer of authority from one commander to another. It is a formal event that highlights the continuity of leadership within the organization. During the ceremony, the outgoing commander passes the unit's colors to the incoming commander, symbolizing the transfer of responsibility. This moment is steeped in tradition and serves as a reminder of the dedication and sacrifice of military leaders.
“As we look to the future, I’m committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement,” said Mixon. “We will work together to address the challenges we face and seize all opportunities in my capability.”
As Col. John Wilcox passes the baton to Col. K. “Chad” Mixon, the Army Garrison stands poised at the threshold of a new chapter.
The ceremony is a tribute to the dedication, leadership, and camaraderie that define the essence of military service.
It is a moment that encapsulates the spirit of unity and resilience that binds the garrison together, ensuring its mission endures through the flow of change.
“What often goes unnoticed is that while our warfighters are preparing for the nation's needs, you [Garrison DOD Civilians] show up every single day and make certain that the lights are kept on at this installation,” said Wilcox. “Our children are enriched and protected; our roads are safe, and you continue to keep our community safe.”

(Top Photo: Patrick Appelman (right), the Director of U.S. Army Installation Management Command-Readiness, hands the Fort Liberty guidon to Incoming Garrison Commander Col. K. Chad Mixon in a change of command ceremony on Fort Liberty June 27. U.S. Army photo by Steven Frith. Bottom Photo: Col. K. Chad Mixon speaks to a crowd gathered for the Fort Liberty Garrison Change of Command ceremony on June 27. U.S. Army photo by Cheryle Rivas)