As the main source of drinking water for Fayetteville and Cumberland County, the Cape Fear River serves as the lifeline for the residents of our community and the surrounding areas. The Town of Fuquay-Varina is seeking state approval for an Interbasin Transfer certificate that would authorize withdrawal of 6.17 million gallons of water from the Cape Fear River.
An Interbasin Transfer refers to the process of withdrawing surface water from one river basin and subsequently discharging the wastewater into a different basin. Under this proposal, rather than returning treated wastewater to the Cape Fear River Basin, the discharge would occur in the Neuse River Basin.
This approach will almost certainly have implications for the long-term stability of our region's primary water source.
Every day, the Fayetteville Public Works Commission delivers safe and reliable drinking water to over 250,000 residents within our service territory, while also supporting nearby communities like Fort Bragg, Hoke County, the Town of Spring Lake, and the Town of Stedman. This river, a limited and essential resource, must be managed with care and responsibility. It doesn’t belong to any one person or group; instead, the Cape Fear River is a vital, shared resource that sustains life throughout our region.
Since PWC was chartered in 1905 and began offering water services, our mission has been to help manage this river carefully for the wellbeing of all communities, both local and downstream. As a regional water supplier, we recognize and acknowledge statewide water needs, however our focus remains in delivering safe, affordable, regulation-compliant water with enough supply for current residents and future growth.
Responsible resource stewardship is returning water to the river promptly, which supports all local communities' growth, sustainability, and ultimate viability.
When water is permanently diverted and not returned, the river’s flow decreases, straining the ability of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, Fort Bragg, and other downstream communities to access the water they need for drinking, sanitation, industry, agriculture, and recreation. Over time, the ongoing loss of this volume of water will lead to water shortages, hamper economic growth, and reduce the Cape Fear River’s capacity to support healthy ecosystems, ultimately threatening the wellbeing and prosperity of our entire region.
The absence of returning water to the basin from which it was taken should raise alarm for all who depend on the Cape Fear River’s enduring vitality. PWC keeps water in the Cape Fear River Basin by withdrawing, treating, and returning it to the same source.
This closed loop supports both local and downstream communities. When water is removed without being returned, river levels drop over time, especially during droughts, impacting drinking water, industry, recreation and PWC's infrastructure.
These risks are especially important because the basin currently provides resources to hundreds of thousands of people as well as a key military facility.
The Cape Fear River has sustained our region for generations, supporting families, businesses, and national defense. It is a shared resource, not a commodity to be moved from one basin to another for convenience. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and the Environmental Management Commission must reject this Interbasin Transfer request as proposed and uphold a principle that has served this state well: water drawn from the Cape Fear River Basin should stay in the
Cape Fear River Basin.
No one can predict what river conditions will look like decades from now. Climate change, population growth, and industrial demand make it even more important to protect what we have. Once water is allowed to leave the basin, it does not come back.
PWC has a long history of defending the Cape Fear River from similar proposals. With your help, we have successfully challenged past attempts to move water out of the Cape Fear River Basin, ensuring that this essential resource remains available for the people who depend on it.
Those efforts reflect our responsibility not only to our current customers but also to future generations.
We need your help again; our community’s future depends on it.
How You Can Help
Protecting the Cape Fear River Basin requires community action. Attending public hearings on the Interbasin Transfer proposal is a direct way to make an impact and show support for preserving our water source.
Join a hearing to voice your concerns and advocate for responsible stewardship.
Public Hearing Details
• Fayetteville, N.C.
When: 6 p.m., Dec. 4, 2025
Where: Fayetteville Technology Community College, Cumberland Hall Auditorium, 2220 Hull Road, Fayetteville, N.C.
Register: Sign-in and speaker registration will begin at 5:30 p.m.
• Raleigh, N.C.
When: 6 p.m., Dec. 9, 2025
Where: Ground Floor Hearing Room, Archdale Building, 512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, N.C., 27604
Register: Sign-in and speaker registration will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Parking information: Public parking will be available after 5 p.m. at Parking Deck 64, which is located across North Salisbury Street from the Archdale Building. Please see the Interactive State Parking Map for additional parking options: https://www.doa.nc.gov/divisions/state-parking/interactive-state-parking-map
• Pittsboro, N.C.
When: 6 p.m., Dec. 11, 2025
Where: Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center, 1192 U.S. Hwy 64 West Business, Pittsboro, N.C. 27312
Register: Sign-in and speaker registration will begin at 5:30 p.m.
By attending a public hearing, registering to speak, and sharing your perspective, you will help ensure that our community's concerns are heard and considered. Together, we can protect the Cape Fear River Basin and the future of our region.
Help us Save Our Water.
Very truly yours,
Fayetteville Public Works
Commission
Richard King, Chairman, PWC Board of Commissioners

Rachel Heimann Mercader has done an excellent job of reporting in her recent CityView article, shining a light on Fayetteville’s little-known City Council dinner meetings. Her thorough coverage captures both the history and the controversy surrounding these gatherings. Yet the point that truly stunned me was learning why these meetings actually began in 2008: former Mayor Tony Chavonne revealed they were created because council members were failing to read their packets and come prepared for official sessions.
Both Mayor Chavonne and his successor, Nat Robertson, admitted the practice was meant to bring council members up-to-date and avoid embarrassment once the TV cameras rolled. That revelation raises a troubling question—why are we electing leaders who are too lazy or incompetent to understand the business of governing our city? These closed-door dinners either need to end or be made fully accessible to the public.
Transparency is not difficult, and Cumberland County Commissioners under Chairman Kirk deViere have shown how to effectively keep citizens informed with openness and accountability. Yet when Councilman Mario Benavente’s motion to make these meetings more transparent failed in a 5–4 vote, the message was clear: Mayor Mitch Colvin intends to preside over a rubber-stamp council beginning Dec. 1, with business as usual and little interest in bringing Fayetteville citizens into the sunlight. Not good. Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.
—Bill Bowman, Publisher

Before the cameras roll, before the microphones click on, and before the public meetings begin, the Fayetteville City Council gathers in a cramped room on the third floor of City Hall.
These sessions are the council’s little-known dinner meetings. For nearly two decades, the gatherings have quietly shaped city policy—all without livestreams, video or audio archives, or easy public access.
The dinner meetings are where council members ask questions, rehearse talking points, and sometimes strategize what they’ll say later in the first-floor city council chamber, where the public is watching.
Critics say the practice reflects a broader culture of avoiding accountability, where key decisions can unfold with little public oversight. Supporters call the meetings essential for candid conversation and practical preparation.
In the November election, the city council candidates campaigned on promises of transparency. As the winners prepare to take office on Dec. 1, the private nature of these dinner meetings puts that promise to a test.
Former mayors said the dinner meeting was created to help unprepared council members get up to speed. But over time, it’s morphed into something more opaque, former and current council members said, where votes are sometimes taken, discussions veer off agenda, and the public is left guessing what happened.
“The city’s preference is always going to be to obfuscate,” said City Council Member Mario Benavente, who will leave office on Dec. 1.
The dinner meetings start at 5:30 p.m. and end by 6:30 p.m., when the regular council meetings are scheduled to begin. If the dinner meetings run long, as happened at a recent gathering in October, the council meetings start late.
Access to the dinner meetings is limited. The stairwell to the third floor requires a staff badge. If members of the public want to attend, as allowed by law, a city employee has to be summoned to let them in and take them up to the meeting room.
Once there, attendees will find limited space. The room seats maybe eight members of the public, shoulder to shoulder against the wall, next to the long table that the city council and staff sit around.
The city clerk makes an audio recording of each meeting, but the file is destroyed once the council approves the minutes at the following session, as permitted under state law, city spokesperson Loren Bymer told CityView.
In the last two months, council members used dinner meetings to discuss a new contract with developers to build a hotel and apartment tower atop the downtown Hay Street Parking Garage, and whether the city should re-file a lawsuit against the previous developers who never finished the project.
They also had a polarizing vote on Oct. 27 to postpone a council meeting until after the Nov. 4 election. Some members believed it was designed to avoid discussion of an audit of controversial and failed construction projects on the day before the election.
“I think they should be moved down to the first floor so they are more accessible,” Benavente told CityView. “It’s not truly public.”
Last week, Benavente put forth a proposal to make the dinner meetings more transparent. It failed in a 5-4 vote.
The dinner meetings have not had written agendas. Benavente’s proposal would have required a formal agenda set by the city manager. He said this would be a small step toward greater transparency and accessibility.
Benavente and Council Members Courtney Banks-McLaughlin, Kathy Jensen and Deno Hondros voted yes. Mayor Mitch Colvin and Council Members Lynne Greene, Brenda McNair, Malik Davis, and D.J. Haire voted no.
Council members said dinner meetings foster more candid conversations.
Greene, who voted against Benavente’s motion to have more formal agendas, acknowledged that dynamic to CityView.
“Do I think that sometimes with the public present, we are limited and we are more cautious in the way that we speak to each other? Yes,” she said.
Greene said it was her understanding that the meetings are intentionally structured to limit public access. “Not to prohibit the public, to just make it not as easy,” she said.
Critics say that’s exactly why the meeting should be more accessible.
“It’s important for us to gain the public’s trust by doing our business in public,” Hondros told CityView.
The dinner meetings weren’t always controversial. Former Mayor Tony Chavonne, who led the city from 2005 to 2013, said he started them in 2008 to address a basic problem: Council members weren’t reading their agenda packets.
“It was embarrassing,” Chavonne told CityView. “We had to get it together for the public.”
Chavonne’s successor, former Mayor Nat Robertson, had similar thoughts.
The dinner meetings, Robertson said, were meant to help council members prepare, especially those who hadn’t done their homework before the cameras turned on. Robertson left office in 2017.
Former Council Member Kirk deViere described the dinner meeting as informal. It was never a place for votes, just a space to ask questions and get clarity.
deViere was on the city council from 2015 to 2017. He is now the chair of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners.

UCW Editor's note: This article has been edited due to space. To read the article in full, visit https://bit.ly/3XIPjFk

Many vitamins are important for personal health, but come the wintertime, vitamin D may dominate the headlines. That's because hours of sunlight dwindle in the winter, which can lower levels of vitamin D in the body.
Vitamin D is sometimes referred to as the "sunshine vitamin" because of its ties to the sun. The Cleveland Clinic says sun exposure on the skin is one way for people to get vitamin D. However, people with darker skin or those in certain geographical locations that do not get enough sunlight may not get sufficient vitamin D. Supplementation with foods that contain vitamin D or through pills may be necessary.
Vitamin D helps maintain a balance of calcium in the body and facilitates the building and maintaining of strong bones. The Mayo Clinic says low vitamin D levels have been tied to cancer, cognitive decline, multiple sclerosis, rickets, and psoriasis. But how much vitamin D does a person need? The recommended daily amount of vitamin D is 400 international units for children up to age 12 months, 600 IU for those ages one to 70 years old, and 800 IU for people over 70 years of age. However, some doctors recommend people take higher amounts. The Endocrine Society, for example, suggests higher daily doses of 1,500 to 2,000 IU may be needed for some adults.
Although vitamin D deficiency may compromise health, it's important to note that going too far in the other direction also is unhealthy. Harvard Health advises against taking more than 4,000 IU per day, which is considered the safe upper limit. High doses of vitamin D can cause too much calcium to form in the blood, a condition called hypercalcemia. This raises the risk of fatal heart conditions. Increasing vitamin D intake also increases the risk for kidney stones, so the pros and cons must be weighed. Symptoms of too much vitamin D can include vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, increased thirst, and frequent urination.
Getting vitamin D naturally through sunlight and food sources is preferable to supplements. Fatty fish, mushrooms, liver, shrimp, and oysters are some foods that are excellent sources of vitamin D. UCLA Health says eight to 10 minutes of sun exposure at noon produces the recommended amount of vitamin D. However, in the winter when only 10 percent of the body is exposed, nearly two hours of sun exposure at noon is needed to produce a sufficient amount of vitamin D. Geographic regions may produce different rates of exposure needed to ensure sufficient vitamin D production.
Vitamin D is necessary for health, but many people are not getting enough. Increasing exposure to the sun, eating the right foods and supplementation when needed can improve vitamin D levels.

At Fayetteville Technical Community College, creativity and technology converge under the Computer Information Technology Department, where the Simulation & Game Development and Digital Media programs are redefining what it means to prepare students for the modern digital world. Both programs empower students to transform imagination into interactive experiences and visual storytelling. Students learn to blend technical precision with artistic innovation. Together, these departments serve as a hub for aspiring creators, programmers, and designers eager to shape the future of entertainment, education, and digital communication.
The Simulation & Game Development program provides hands-on experience in designing and programming interactive 2D and 3D environments, from video games to virtual training simulations. Students learn industry-relevant tools and techniques in areas such as game design, 3D modeling, level development, motion graphics, and artificial intelligence. By combining creativity with critical thinking, the program prepares graduates for a variety of careers—not just in gaming, but in fields such as defense, education, healthcare, and corporate simulation. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that FTCC students are ready to meet the growing demand for immersive and interactive digital experiences.
Meanwhile, the Digital Media program focuses on the art and technology of visual communication. Students master digital video production, user interface, animation, figma, and multimedia storytelling, using industry-standard software to bring their ideas to life. Through collaborative projects and real-world assignments, they learn to communicate effectively through visuals, sound, and motion—skills that are increasingly vital in marketing, entertainment, and online content creation. The program encourages students to merge artistic expression with technical proficiency, preparing them to thrive in a fast-paced and media-rich professional landscape.
The excellence of FTCC’s Simulation & Game Development and Digital Media students has also been recognized at both state and national levels. Most recently, FTCC students earned third place in a national competition for game development, showcasing their talent and innovation on a major stage for SKILLS in Atlanta, GA. In addition, they achieved impressive placements in animation, video editing, and audio editing categories at state competitions, demonstrating the department’s comprehensive strength across multiple digital disciplines. These achievements highlight not only the skill and dedication of FTCC students but also the strong mentorship and collaborative learning environment fostered by the department.
Students from both areas often collaborate on projects, combining animation, coding, and design to produce professional-quality digital content. This synergy fosters teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity—key competencies for success in today’s digital industries. As technology continues to evolve, FTCC’s Simulation & Game Development and Digital Media departments stand at the forefront, shaping the next generation of digital storytellers and interactive creators.
Are you ready to learn more?
Please contact Torie Quismundo, department chair, at FTCC. Spring classes begin in January, and registration is now open. The start of a new year is a great time to explore something new. Quismundo’s office is located in the Advanced Technology Center, Room 220-D, 2300 Hull Rd., Fayetteville. Call 910-678-8331or email Quismundo at quismunt@faytechcc.edu.

Karen and Andre Wynn never expected to hear the word cancer and especially not at the same time in their lives. Being diagnosed a month apart, the married couple allowed their faith, love and the care they received at Cape Fear Valley Cancer Treatment & CyberKnife Center to carry them through their darkest days.
Their journey began with Karen’s routine yearly mammogram at Valley Regional Imaging. Because her mother had breast cancer, she made sure never to miss her screenings. This visit would be different; her doctor would call with difficult news.
“I was at work when she called,” Karen said. “She told me, ‘I hate to say this over the phone, but it’s breast cancer.’ Words can’t explain how I felt at that moment.”
Doctors found Karen’s cancer on the outside of her milk duct, which is the tube that carries milk to the nipple. The doctors decided to do a lumpectomy, a surgery to remove the cancer, and another surgery to take out lymph nodes under her right arm to make sure it hadn’t spread. Thankfully, it hadn’t.
Following the procedures, Karen began radiation treatments and started medicine to keep the cancer from coming back.
“Everyone at Cape Fear Valley Cancer Center was wonderful,” she said. “They played the music I wanted during treatments and made me feel at ease. Now, follow-up mammograms show the cancer is gone, and I only go back once a year.”
While Karen was fighting her battle, Andre began his own. He noticed a growth in his neck that quickly became prominent. After an Ear, Nose and Throat evaluation and biopsy, he was diagnosed with stage-two throat cancer, which was located at the back of his tongue.
“The first day I stepped into the cancer center and saw the sign, that’s when reality really hit me,” Andre said. “But everyone there made me feel so loved and cared for.”
Andre began radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Halfway through, he lost his voice — a painful loss for a minister who loves preaching and singing. He also developed severe burns on his neck from radiation, with open sores that nearly exposed bone. His weight dropped from 250 to 170 pounds, and he eventually needed a feeding tube because he could no longer swallow.
“There were days I couldn’t walk or bathe myself. My wife took care of me through it all,” he said. “But honestly, watching her go through cancer, too, was the hardest part.”
Karen agreed. “My journey was hard, but seeing his burns, weight loss and pain was heartbreaking.”
Despite their challenges, they supported each other every step of the way, and the couple is grateful for all their doctors, including radiation oncologist, Dr. Sunjay Barton.
“He was amazing,” Karen said. “I also had Dr. Kenneth Manning for chemo, and Andre had Dr. Sajjad Malick. Both were wonderful. Whenever we needed anything, they were there for us. Dr. Barton always kept it real. He told us, ‘You can beat this.’”
Both Karen and Andre were touched by the kindness of volunteers and staff. “People offered us blankets and drinks, always checking on us,” Karen said. “When Andre had chemo on Mondays, I never worked those days so I could sit in the lobby and wait for him.”
The couple has lost many loved ones to cancer over the past year, making them even more grateful for each other and the care they received at Cape Fear Valley Cancer Treatment & CyberKnife Center.
“Early detection saved my life,” Karen said. “Many people skip their yearly screenings, especially in the Black community, but you have to go,” she insisted. “God is a healer, but we have to do our part, too.”
Andre added, “We men hesitate to go to the doctor, but if something feels different, get it checked out. It could save your life.”
Looking back, Andre says Cape Fear Valley Cancer Center gave them truth and hope.
“They treated us like family,” he shared. “They told us cancer is not a death sentence. Look at us now. We’re here!”
Their journey changed how they see life.
“We slow down and appreciate everything,” Andre said. “The flowers, the colors – it all feels more vibrant now.”
Karen nodded. “We spend more time with family. You never know when it’s your last day.”
Above all, Andre wants others to know:
“Cancer is not the end. You have to fight, believe you’re healed and trust the treatments. There’s a testimony on the other side.”

(Photo courtesy of Cape Fear Valley Health)

Just in time for the eerie season’s lingering chill, The Exorcist returns to the big screen at the Cameo Art House Theatre. Often hailed as one of the scariest films ever made, William Friedkin’s 1973 masterpiece remains as unnerving and powerful today as it was over fifty years ago. Now, audiences in downtown Fayetteville will get to experience it once more as part of the Cameo’s Fourth Friday Fright Night series.
A nightmare that changed cinema
When The Exorcist premiered in 1973, it didn’t just scare audiences; it shocked them. Reports from the time described moviegoers fainting, screaming and even fleeing the theater. Police were called to control crowds. Churches condemned it, and lines still wrapped around blocks. The film became more than a movie; it was a cultural event that blurred the line between entertainment and trauma.
Directed by William Friedkin and written by William Peter Blatty (based on his own best-selling novel), The Exorcist tells the story of 12-year-old Regan MacNeil, a sweet Georgetown girl who suddenly begins exhibiting terrifying and inexplicable behavior. Her mother, played with desperate realism by Ellen Burstyn, seeks medical and psychological help. She tries everything until her last resort arrives, the Church. Enter Father Karras (Jason Miller), a young priest struggling with his faith and Father Merrin (Max von Sydow), an older exorcist who’s faced this evil before. What follows is one of the most harrowing confrontations ever depicted on film: the battle for a child’s soul.
The power of cinema and the devil’s details
What made The Exorcist different wasn’t just the subject matter; it was how seriously it treated it. Friedkin, fresh off the Oscar-winning The French Connection, approached the supernatural story with a documentary-like realism. He insisted on shooting on location, using cold breath effects, hidden sound cues and even extreme methods to elicit genuine reactions from his actors. The result was a film that felt disturbingly real, grounding the unholy in the ordinary. The ordinary home became a battleground between heaven and hell.
Blatty, whose novel was inspired by a 1949 case of alleged demonic possession in St. Louis, wanted to explore the question of faith in a skeptical age. The movie, for all its spinning heads and projectile vomit, is at its core about belief; both the loss and rediscovery of it. Father Karras, tormented by doubt and guilt, finds redemption not through theology, but through sacrifice. It’s a horror film that moves beyond fear into something deeply human.
Why The Exorcist still matters
In an era when horror films are often saturated with digital effects and quick scares, The Exorcist endures because it lingers. Its fear is psychological, spiritual and deeply personal. The film also broke barriers in Hollywood. It became the first horror film nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards and earned ten nominations in total, winning two with Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Sound. Its success paved the way for a new era of “serious horror,” leading to films like The Omen, Alien and Hereditary.
And even fifty years later, The Exorcist continues to provoke discussion. Is it a story of possession or psychological collapse? A tale of faith rediscovered or the cruelty of the unknown?
Of course, part of The Exorcist’s mythology comes from its reputation as a “cursed” production. Fires destroyed sets, actors were injured and eerie coincidences haunted the cast and crew. Nine people associated with the film died during or soon after production. Whether one believes in curses or not, the stories have added to the film’s aura.
Even today, Friedkin’s direction feels dangerous, unflinching and completely committed. The crucifix scene, the levitation, the demonic voice (created by actress Mercedes McCambridge through whiskey and cigarettes). And yet, through all the sensationalism, there’s still heart, faith and sacrifice at the center of it all.
Fourth Friday Fright Night: where horror lives again?
The Cameo Art House Theatre has made a name for itself as Fayetteville’s home for great films—both new independent releases and classic revivals. Its Fourth Friday Fright Night series has become a beloved local tradition, giving moviegoers the rare opportunity to see the horror greats on the big screen. From Halloween to Psycho and The Shining, each screening is a celebration of cinema’s darker side. On Friday, Nov. 22, at 9:30 p.m., The Exorcist will take over the Cameo’s main auditorium. Patrons are encouraged to come early, grab popcorn and a soda or beer. Tickets and info can be found at www.cameoarthouse.com.

“Keep Moving Forward” will be more than a slogan in Cumberland County this Christmas season. It will be a promise laid gently on thousands of veterans’ headstones.
Wreaths Across America, a national nonprofit organization, coordinates an annual effort in which volunteers place live evergreen wreaths on veterans’ graves each December. A tradition that began in the early 1990s as one small act of gratitude at Arlington National Cemetery has grown into a year-round mission to remember the fallen and honor those who serve.
This tradition reminds future generations of the value of freedom. Each wreath is laid by hand, and each veteran’s name is spoken aloud in a moment of personal remembrance.
For 2025, Wreaths Across America has announced its new national theme: “Keep Moving Forward.” Those three words were the final command of Capt. Joshua Byers, US Army, who was killed in action in Iraq in 2003 when an improvised explosive device struck his Humvee. As smoke filled the air and chaos unfolded, Capt. Byers urged his driver to keep moving forward. That command saved other soldiers’ lives and later became a rallying cry for his unit, his family and now for volunteers across the country.
The theme also connects to an idea Wreaths Across America highlighted in 2024: the “ten bouquets” that make up a veteran’s wreath. Written as a poem by the organization’s founder for Gold Star parents Mary and Lloyd Byers, the ten bouquets represent qualities such as courage, character, loyalty and sacrifice. Together, they form a living symbol of what our service members stand for and why their stories should never be forgotten. The 2025 theme invites communities to carry that spirit into their daily lives and to keep moving forward with purpose.
Here in our area, the mission comes to life in a very visible way at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery in Spring Lake and at the Main Post Cemetery on Fort Bragg. Several local Wreaths Across America groups support these efforts in and around Fayetteville, but the primary Sandhills campaign is led by local coordinator Ann Provencher. Each year, she and her volunteers set a clear goal: to place a wreath on every single grave at Sandhills and at the Main Post Cemetery so that no veteran is left out.
That goal is both inspiring and challenging. Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery alone is the final resting place for thousands of men and women who served. So far for the 2025 season, 3,790 wreaths have been sponsored for Sandhills, which represents 42.1 percent of the total goal.
To cover every grave, the community still needs 5,210 more wreaths. Each wreath sponsored moves the cemetery one step closer to complete coverage and ensures another veteran’s name will be spoken aloud on Wreaths Across America Day.
National Wreaths Across America Day will be observed this year on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. At Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery, the ceremony will begin at noon, with wreath placement taking place immediately afterward. The event is free and open to the public.
Families, veterans, civic groups, churches, and individual citizens are all invited to attend.
Volunteers typically gather for a brief program honoring service and sacrifice, then spread out across the cemetery with boxes of wreaths, quietly working their way down each row of headstones.
What sets this ceremony apart is the simple ritual that accompanies the wreath placement. Volunteers are encouraged to pause at each grave, place the wreath, read the name engraved on the stone, and say it out loud.
That short act turns the gesture from a decoration into a personal tribute. For family members who may be present, hearing a loved one’s name spoken by a stranger can be deeply moving. For those without family nearby, it is a promise that their service still matters to the community they once defended.
Although the wreath laying happens in December, the work to make it possible begins months in advance. Wreaths can be sponsored now, and early sponsorships are vital to ensure there are enough wreaths available to cover both Sandhills and the Main Post Cemetery when the big day arrives. Community members can also volunteer to help on the day of the ceremony. Assistance with outreach, promotion or help with organizing group efforts through schools, businesses, places of worship, or civic organizations.
One wreath represents one name spoken, one life recognized and one more step forward together in gratitude.
To sponsor a wreath, visit https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/16700/Overview/?relatedId=0

The holiday season has officially started. Shopping lists are being made, menus are being prepped, traditions are being locked in on the calendar, and the Gilbert Theater is preparing for its annual Christmas production. Last year’s production sold-out shows and brought an aura of nostalgia so overwhelming that they had to do it again.
For the second year, the classic family tale of a boy and his journey to secure the most coveted gift on his list, a Red Ryder BB gun, is coming to the stage. Based on the classic 1983 Christmas film of the same name, and adapted for the stage by Philip Grecian, this funny and still relatable story set in 1940s America follows Ralphie, a young boy with big hopes to secure the BB gun of his dreams. But much to his dismay, all the adults he talks to, including a memorable department store Santa, consistently and loudly declare, “You’ll shoot your eye out.”
A Christmas Story runs from Nov. 21 to Dec. 7. Tickets are available at the box office located at 116 Green Street or online at https://ci.ovationtix.com/36002/production/1236835.
Choosing to do A Christmas Story again as the holiday season production was a no-brainer for Artistic Director Matt Lamb. After seeing such success last year, including guests dressed as their favorite movie character, packed shows, and the pure joy the show brought, there was no denying the love for this production.
“We had a lot of great compliments last year where audience members said that ‘it wasn't Christmas until I watched this movie, and now I get to see it live.’ And we did have a lot of patrons that left that said, ‘This is better than the film, because of the way they get to experience [it].’ We had audience members dressing up, and we had audience members who were literally moving their mouths to what the actors were saying,” Lamb said.
This year’s production will have all the favorites from last year but with some slight differences, with Lamb handing over the Director’s chair to industry veteran Malissa Borden. He will instead be taking on his first role since an accident sidelined his onstage presence. Ralphie is a ten-year-old local actor and rising star, Oliver Benander. Sydney Dukic, local thespian and teacher, will play opposite Lamb as Mother. The incredibly witty, eleven-year-old Renny Westmoreland will be playing the role of Ralphie’s younger, more whiny brother, Randy. Rounding out the cast is a Gilbert Theater newbie, Fritz Barnes, playing Ralph, the present, much older version of the story’s protagonist and narrator.
Although Barnes is fairly new to acting (just around 5-6 years), he’s excited to join the Gilbert family and bring such a beloved production to the stage.
“I am playing Ralph. I'm not playing the old man. I am the old man. There's nobody in the room who couldn't be my child or younger. I didn't get into acting until I was in my late 50s. I've been acting for five or six years now and am having a good time with it. This is my first show at the Gilbert, and I'm just really happy to be here,” he explained.
With such a beloved classic in their hands again, the cast and crew are working hard to repeat the magic and create some new, in this year’s production. Westmoreland is excited about his role, being that he’s a huge fan of the classic film.
“What made me really want to audition for this show is that it's like my favorite movie ever! I have a Red Ryder BB gun, and I was very, very excited to be put in that gigantic snowsuit and see that lamp sitting on that table over there. [And] to have my mom do it with. My mom [being in it] has just made me love it even more,” he said.
Lamb, whose performance will mark his grand and brief return to the stage, is equally excited about the show.
“I wanted to do something this season, and I thought, you know what, why not this one? As the season progresses, my job's going to get a lot crazier with all the projects we have coming and some new things that we are working on. And just being on the director's side of the table and knowing I wanted to work with Malissa, flip-flopped it this year, and it's been a lot of fun,” he said.
“I keep going back to this is my first full production back… There were things that I have gone back within, you know, I'm basically here around the clock, but I actually listened to Gene Shepard's old radio broadcasts while I'm at work. And I've discovered things that I thought I knew about this show or the movie that I didn't realize are spun differently. I've been learning a lot, and I deeply love what this show is, what it really is. And I think this is a great way to be able to do something. I'll be back to the other side of the table as soon as the show closes.”
Dukic, a longtime Gilbert Theater actor and the co-star of last year’s hit production, Stop Kiss, sees parallels between her character, Mother, and herself.
“Being cast as a mother, I see so much of her in my day-to-day job, when I'm working with my students. I see so much of the ‘let's go, let's go.’ [As] a mother, you're the heart of the family. Being a teacher, you're the heart of the classroom. It's been such an enjoyable experience being able to just recognize that, both in here and in the classroom. I'm really excited to be part of it,” she said.
The Gilbert Theater isn’t just bringing the nostalgia with this show. They are bringing food security to the Cumberland County community. For a second year, the theater will be partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank to collect donations of nonperishable food items and toys.
Anyone interested in donating can do so at one of the shows, Friday through Sunday, or during office hours, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., by appointment only. There will also be a mailbox to drop off letters to Santa during the production.
The Gilbert Theater is a true Fayetteville gem and downtown staple. For more information about the upcoming season, visit https://www.gilberttheater.com/.

(Photo: The cast of A Christmas Story at The Gilbert are excited to bring the production back to the stage. Photo courtesy of Matt Lamb)

“Four wheels move the body; two wheels move the soul” (STUDDS)

The ALL-AMA Partzilla Regional Arenacross Series Fayetteville takes place at the Crown Coliseum, Crown Center in Fayetteville on Nov. 21 and 22, at 7 p.m. The Crown Coliseum is located at 1960 Coliseum Drive. Transworld Motocross presents this event. Ticket prices range from $51 and up, depending on seating. Tickets are available at the Crown Box Office, Fort Bragg Leisure Travel Office, and online at Ticketmaster.com.
The Arenacross has roots in motocross. The sport’s history is tied to the evolution of motocross in the UK during the early 1900s and eventually spread to the United States. The American Motorcyclist Association approved rules for motocross in 1961, and by the 1970s, both motocross and its indoor counterpart, AMA Supercross, had gained massive popularity. Arenacross emerged as a distinct discipline, taking the core elements of motocross and adapting them to an indoor seating arrangement, according to the AMA.
Arenacross is a dirt bike racing event held in an arena with man-made tracks filled with obstacles, tight turn berms, jumps and woops. Woops are specific bumpy parts of the track designed to test the rider’s skill in speed regulation, and can increase the technical difficulty of a track.
Arenacross is a type of indoor motocross racing held on man-made obstacles. It is known for its fast-paced action and often includes entertainment like pyrotechnics and music. Riders greet the guests, making it a family-friendly event. The races cater to different skill levels, from professional to amateur, and follow the guidelines of the AMA.
Gary Rogers, Director of Marketing, Oak View Group, shares his enthusiasm.
“Get ready for heart-stopping action as the AMA Partzilla Regional Arenacross Series rolls into the Crown Coliseum on Nov. 21 and 22,” he said. “Fans of high-octane two-wheeled mayhem won’t want to miss this pulse-pounding event, where the top athletes in indoor motocross will battle for the gate, the checkered flag, and arena bragging rights. Expect gravity-defying jumps, tight turns, screaming motors and non-stop excitement. Whether you are a devoted motocross fan or looking for an electrifying night out, Arenacross has something for everyone: friends, family, music, entertainment, fast bikes, and unforgettable memories. We are so excited to get Dirty at the Crown! We are hauling in 2050 cubic yards of red clay so Arenacross top athletes can race, jump, and compete. The athletes may inspire the next generation of motocross athletes. We are excited.”
See the dirt fly! Feel the heart pump with gravity-defying jumps. The AMA Partzilla Regional Arenacross Series Fayetteville will be held at the Crown Center on Nov. 21 and 22 at 7 p.m.

Get ready to make your season merry and bright. Fayetteville Holiday Lights is back at Segra Stadium for another dazzling year. From Nov. 28 to Dec. 31, the home of the Fayetteville Woodpeckers will be transformed into a winter wonderland filled with over 2 million sparkling lights, festive displays, and joyful holiday experiences for the whole family.
Visitors can stroll through a breathtaking maze of lights, explore themed areas, enjoy choreographed light shows, and even roast s’mores under the stars. Santa Claus will also be making special appearances through Dec. 23, ready to hear holiday wishes and pose for photos. A variety of food options, along with holiday-themed drinks and concessions, will be available throughout the concourse — making it the perfect spot to sip, snack, and soak in the magic.
New this year will be a corn hole tournament, held Dec. 4. Thirty two teams will battle it out in a double elimination tournament. The entrance fee is $65 per team and includes admission into Holiday Lights as well as two drink tickets per team. First place wins $500, and second place will win $250. All proceeds go to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. To register, visit https://bit.ly/4pcQBnW
Here is the nightly line-up of promotions and deals:
Daily Deals
• Military Mondays: 12/1, 12/15, 12/22, 12/29-Every Monday, active duty service members and Veterans can receive a free ticket. Family and friends will receive $8 tickets, up to 6 tickets per order, with proof of military ID. This deal can only be done at the box office.
• Kids-Eat-Free:12/2, 12/16, 12/30-Kids eat free on select Tuesdays. Every kid 12 and under can get a free hot dog and drink with the purchase of a ticket. The “kids eat free” deal can only be done at the box office.
• Silver Bells (60+): 12/2, 12/16, 12/30-Anyone 60 years or older can be a part of the Silver Bells program and on select Tuesdays get an $8 ticket with proof of ID. This deal can only be done at the box office.
• Lights and Leashes: 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, 12/21, 12/28-Bring your four-legged friends out to enjoy the beautiful light displays on any of these selected dates. NOTE: Dogs do not require a ticket. Those with dogs will need proof of updated vaccinations (Bordetella, DHPP, Rabies), and dog owners will have to sign a waiver before entering the park.
• Friday Night Flicks Deal: 12/5, 12/12, 12/26- Take advantage of the Friday Night Flicks Deal every movie night during Holiday Lights. For only $64, get four tickets to Holiday Lights, four popcorns, and four hot chocolates (or soda/water). Use the coupon code MOVIE when purchasing your tickets. This deal can only be done online. Have tickets scanned at participating concession stands. and you'll receive popcorn and a drink! The movies this season are: 12/5 - Home Alone; 12/12 - National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation; 12/26 - Moana (Hawaiian Night)
• Family 4 Packs: 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, 12/21, 12/28-Take advantage of their Family 4 Packs every Sunday during Holiday Lights. For only $56, get four tickets to Holiday Lights, four hot dogs, and four sodas/waters. Use coupon code CHEERS when purchasing tickets. Like the Friday Night Flicks Deal, have tickets scanned at concession stands to receive hot dogs and drinks!
Promotions
• Friday, Nov. 28: Opening night with fireworks
• Saturday, Nov. 29: First 500 fans through the gates will get a replica Christmas jersey
• Thursday, Dec. 4: Healthcare Appreciation Night Medical professionals get a free ticket and family and friends receive a discounted $8 ticket. Take advantage of this deal at the box office with proof of ID.
• Thursday, Dec. 11: First Responder's Appreciation Night All first responders will get a free ticket, and friends and family can get a discounted $8 ticket. This deal can be done online or at the box office with proof of ID.
• Saturday, Dec. 13: The first 500 fans through the gates will get a Bunker Santa Bobblehead.
• Thursday, Dec. 18: Teacher Appreciation Night. All teachers and school faculty can receive a free ticket and friends and family will receive an $8 discounted ticket. Take advantage of this deal at the box office with proof of ID.
• Friday, Dec. 19: fireworks at the end of the night.
• Saturday, Dec. 20: The first 500 fans through the gates will get to take home a Bunker Beanie.
Adding to the festivities is the return of Pints and Lights on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. For $40, guests can enjoy an exclusive evening featuring unlimited samples of 12 beers and seltzers, all-you-can-eat appetizers, and full access to Fayetteville Holiday Lights. The event will take place near the Right Field Bar and includes delicious bites such as Buffalo Chicken Sliders, Sausage and Brat Kabobs, Potato Wedges, and Cheese Curds.
Beer lovers can sample popular brews like Shiner Bock, Blue Moon Belgian White, Dirtbag Ales Blood Orange Kolsch, Hatchet Brewing Bragg N Rights, and Downeast Cider Guava Passionfruit, among others.
All tickets are general admission, giving guests full access to all attractions and activities. Children 2 and under are admitted free, and ticket prices vary by night. Once inside, guests are welcome to stay as long as they’d like to take in the sights. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.fayettevilleholidaylights.com/ or at the Segra Stadium box office at 460 Hay Street.
Hours for Fayetteville Holiday Lights are Sunday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (last entry at 8:00 p.m.) and Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (last entry at 9:00 p.m.). On New Year’s Eve, the celebration continues until midnight, offering a magical way to ring in 2026 with lights, laughter, and fireworks.

(Photo courtesy of Segra Stadium's Facebook page)

The sound of laughter, the smell of broth, and the thump of bass will fill the air on Saturday, Nov. 23, when Ichi Kaku, Fayetteville’s Japanese street food restaurant, hosts its annual Ramen Eating Contest and Block Party at 350 N. Eastern Blvd.
The event kicks off at 1 p.m. and promises more than just a food challenge. It’s a celebration of community, culture, and culinary creativity. Five competitors will battle it out to conquer a five-pound bowl of ramen, complete with noodles, vegetables, and steaming broth. The rules are simple but ruthless; every bite, every sip must be finished. The first to clean their bowl earns the title of Fayetteville’s Ramen Champion, along with three free ramen tickets valued at over $300.
“This isn’t just a contest, it’s a thank you to the people of Fayetteville,” said Chef Yohei, owner and head chef of Ichi Kaku. “We do this every year to show appreciation to our customers and community. It’s fun, it’s loud, and it’s full of love.”
The challenge, now in its third year, began as a playful in-house idea among regulars. In its early years, contestants were faced with seven pounds of ramen, a Herculean task no one could complete. This year, Chef Yohei decided to scale it down to five pounds to make victory possible.
“I think someone can finally finish it this time,” he said with a grin in his voice.
But the event is about far more than who eats the fastest. The restaurant transforms its parking lot into a full-on block party, complete with live music, food specials, and a lineup of Japanese sports cars courtesy of Cruzin Auto Performance. The cars gleam under the sun as spectators gather to cheer on their favorite contestants, creating a mashup of speed, sound, and spice.
“We wanted it to feel like an outdoor festival,” Chef Yohei said. “You get the energy of a car meet, the flavor of Japan, and the warmth of Fayetteville all in one space.”
Hosting duties will be handled by MC Tameka Bright, a familiar voice to local radio listeners and fans of the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, where she serves as on-field host. Her charisma and humor will keep the crowd engaged while a live DJ spins upbeat tracks that blend hip-hop with Japanese pop and lo-fi instrumentals, a nod to Ichi Kaku’s modern yet authentic style.
The restaurant will also feature a special one-day-only menu, showcasing new street food items alongside customer favorites like tonkotsu ramen, chicken shio, and Japanese curry. Patrons can grab a drink, enjoy the music, and watch as five brave challengers attempt to conquer their massive bowls.
“People think it’s just about the food,” Yohei said. “But it’s about connection, seeing everyone together, smiling, supporting one another. That’s the best part for me.”
For Ichi Kaku, the event is both a culinary spectacle and a love letter to its loyal customers. Yohei’s approach to community is as generous as his portions. “Every time someone comes into my restaurant, I’m thankful,” he said. “This block party is how I say thank you back.”
As the countdown begins and the competitors take their seats, the crowd will chant encouragement while the DJ drops the beat. In minutes, the air will fill with cheers, laughter, and the unmistakable rhythm of chopsticks clinking against bowls. When the dust and broth settle, one person will stand victorious, holding up an empty bowl and earning the bragging rights of Fayetteville’s fiercest noodle warrior.
For everyone else, it’s a chance to enjoy good food, good people, and good vibes in a space that celebrates both flavor and friendship.
The Ramen Eating Contest and Block Party begins at 1 p.m. on Nov. 23 outside Ichi Kaku, located at 350 N. Eastern Blvd., Fayetteville, NC 28301. The event is free and open to the public. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early, as space fills quickly.
Follow @ichikakufay on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for updates, sneak peeks, and highlights from past events.
“It’s all about fun,” said Chef Yohei. “We just want to make people happy, one bowl at a time.”

(Photo: Chef Yohei, owner of Ichi Kaku, hopes the ramen eating contest is part of a larger day of celebration, giving back to the community. Photo courtesy of Ichi Kaku Facebook page)

On Thanksgiving week, volunteers from across Cumberland County will gather at the Fayetteville Chapter 82nd Airborne Division Association to turn smoked turkeys and donated sides into something more than a holiday meal.
Operation Turkey Fayetteville is a local branch of the national nonprofit Operation Turkey. It’s a community promise that neighbors in need are not forgotten.
This year’s ambitious goal is to serve 10,000 meals to people who are homeless or struggling across Cumberland County and surrounding communities. The effort is led locally by volunteers, including community organizer Kimberly Fleming and state leader Venassia Gunter. Efforts are community-driven and entirely by unpaid help.
“We are 100 percent volunteer-run,” Gunter said in a recent announcement. “Every plate that goes out the door is a direct reflection of this community’s generosity and willingness to show up for one another.”
A virtual volunteer orientation on Nov. 23 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. will walk new and returning helpers through food-safety rules, site layouts and delivery procedures, giving them a chance to meet city leaders and ask questions before the rush of Thanksgiving week.
The hands on work starts early Wednesday, Nov. 26, with the Fayetteville “Turkey Tailgate,” an all day prep event from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the 82nd Airborne Division Association building at 606 Johnson St. Smokers and pitmasters will work in shifts to cook hundreds of turkeys, while other volunteers assemble care packages with toiletries, warm clothing and other donated items.
“We like to say the Turkey Tailgate feels like a family reunion with a purpose,” Fleming said. “People are cooking shoulder to shoulder, making new friends and laughing, but they never lose sight of why they’re there. The gathering is focused on making sure that someone else has a hot meal on Thanksgiving.”
Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 27, is the main event. Beginning at 6 a.m., teams of volunteers will set up assembly lines to plate turkey and traditional sides, package meals and load vehicles. Drivers are especially needed between 7:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. to get meals directly to encampments, shelters, roadside locations and individuals who have requested help.
Children are welcome to participate if accompanied by a parent or responsible adult, and organizers encourage families to serve together as a way to teach younger generations about gratitude and community service. The final shift of the day focuses on clean up and takedown, with volunteers needed from late morning into the early afternoon.
Operation Turkey began in Austin, Texas, in 2000, when founder Richard Bagdonas shared his Thanksgiving leftovers with a homeless man on Sixth Street. That simple act grew into a grassroots movement that now operates in multiple states and delivers tens of thousands of meals each Thanksgiving through volunteer-led city teams.
Fayetteville’s team is working to increase its impact as the community continues to grapple with housing insecurity and rising food costs. Organizers rely on both individual donations and corporate sponsorships to cover the cost of food, packaging and supplies. Local businesses, civic clubs, churches and military-affiliated groups are invited to form volunteer teams, sponsor portions of the event or host collection drives for toiletries and cold-weather items.
Because the operation is entirely volunteer-driven, monetary donations go directly toward feeding people, organizers say. Contributions can be made online, by mail or through mobile payment platforms under the Operation Turkey name. In-kind donations of turkeys, sides and desserts are also welcomed as long as they meet food-safety guidelines.
For many volunteers, the day has become as much a personal tradition as a charitable act. Some start their own family dinners later in the afternoon, after spending the morning plating and delivering meals. Others say the experience of looking someone in the eye, handing over a hot plate and offering a simple “Happy Thanksgiving” reshapes how they see the holiday.
Operation Turkey leaders hope the spirit of connection will continue to grow in 2025 and beyond. In addition to serving 10,000 residents locally, the organization encourages people in other communities to explore starting branches in their own towns, using Fayetteville’s model, rooted in military camaraderie, civic pride and neighborly care as an example.
Anyone interested in signing up to volunteer is encouraged to register through Operation Turkey’s website so they can receive orientation details, site information and day of instructions. Community members with questions about sponsorships, meal requests or partnerships can contact Gunter and her team.
As Thanksgiving approaches, Fleming says the message is simple: no one person can do everything, but everyone can do something.
“If you can cook, cook. If you can drive, drive. If all you can do is share the information or make a small donation, that matters too,” she said. “When we each bring what we have, we make sure our neighbors are seen, fed and cared for on a day that can feel very lonely otherwise.”

(Photo: Volunteers pack up meals to hand out during the 2024 Operation Turkey Fayetteville's Thanksgiving event. Photo courtesy of Operation Turkey Fayetteville)

Christmas will always be my favorite time of the year. There is something so captivating about watching the Christmas tree lights, my Black Santa figurines and the gas fireplace roaring while Babyface’s Christmas album plays in the background. A lot of us will never outgrow loving Christmas, and this is why A Dickens Holiday, which will take place Friday, Nov. 28, from noon to 9 p.m. in the heart of historic downtown Fayetteville, is so successful.
“A Dickens Holiday is a celebration of the opening of the season of the holidays downtown,” said Elaine Kelley, chair of A Dickens Holiday Committee. “It started out as a traditional thing to try to get people to join us downtown on what is known as Black Friday.”
She added, “It turned into a tradition of holiday shopping, community and fun.”
The day-long Fayetteville tradition includes businesses with seasonal specials, shopping with artisan street vendors, carriage rides, people dressed in Victorian costumes, selling of handmade goods and holiday treats, characters from Charles Dickens’ book, A Christmas Carol, including Ebenezer Scrooge, the ghost of Marley, Tiny Tim, The Cratchit Family, the Queen and her court, holiday music, contests, performers, local kids from dance and theater groups, carolers, specialty events and more.
“You can come at 1 p.m. to the Hay Street United Methodist Church to hear Dr. Elliot Engel, professor, talk about A Christmas Carol and how it transformed to what we know as Christmas today,” said Kelley.
“You can attend A Royal Tea and Tour of the Sandford House, which is the Heritage Square Historical Society’s property, and have a tea with some light things to eat, get a tour of the facilities and take pictures with Queen Victoria.”
The horse-drawn carriage ride is an event favorite, and reservations fill up quickly.
“You pay for the carriage ride that lasts about 15 minutes in downtown Fayetteville," said Kelley. "You can have between 4 to 6 people in your carriage and have a lovely time together.”
With any great event, there is great food.
“There will be hot cocoa, apple cider stops and an area where there will be food trucks,” said Kelley. “In addition to our restaurants that are always going to be open, many of them have specialty items just for A Dickens Holiday.”
Kelley added, “You can get everything from street food to being able to sit down or grab a quick bite all the way through the day and into the evening.”
Step into the Fezziwig Ball at A Dickens Holiday. Come dressed in Victorian attire and enjoy afternoon dance instruction with Jeremy Gershman and the Cape Fear Heritage Dance Club at Volta Space from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and an evening celebration at Skyview on Hay Street from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
There is a gingerbread house contest that will run the entirety of the day, and public voting takes place between noon and 7 p.m. Come dressed in holiday attire or Victorian attire and enter the Photo Contest for Best Dressed. Vendor booths will also be judged for the most festive and creative décor.
“We had lots of Cumberland County Schools that participated, and it was just so much fun to see the creations that students, young adults and professionals had made,” said Kelley. “We will also have Victorian llamas, a magician, a balloon twister and picture opportunities with Father Christmas and the llamas.”
She added, “The gingerbread house contest and the costume contest winners will be announced on the Person Street stage between 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.”
The most popular attraction of the event is the Candlelight Procession that will begin at 5 p.m.
Cape Fear Valley Scottish Clans and Cross Creek Pipes & Drums will play and lead the procession. “Thousands of people light candles and we walk down the street to the lighting of the Christmas tree and have a small ceremony,” said Kelley. “It is just a magical moment, and if you have not been there before, you will find that this is the thing that you will remember above all.”
Kelley added, “After that, we are going to have Elves’ Night Off, where Santa’s helpers, who are so tired from working and need some time off, come down and spend the evening enjoying our nightlife. We want to encourage everyone to go to the Segra Stadium and see the Holiday Lights. The evening will conclude with a dazzling fireworks display in Segra Stadium at 9 p.m.”
“This event has had a 26-year run, and we have enjoyed anywhere between 18,000 to 21,000 people through the course of the day,” said Kelley. “We are looking forward to celebrating the holidays in full force, and this year’s event is spread throughout downtown Fayetteville on Hay Street, Franklin Street, Person Street and Maxwell Street.”
The event is free and open to the public; however, there are some special ticketed events that cost an entrance fee. The first 100 patrons will receive exclusive “Dickens Dollars” that can be used that day at participating shops. For more information, visit www.adickensholiday.com or email director@adickensholiday.com.

(Top Photo: The Ghost of Christmas Present makes an appearance in Downtown Fayetteville. Bottom Photo: Marley's Ghost haunts the streets of Fayetteville during A Dickens Holiday. Photos courtesy of A Dickens Holiday)

Nonprofits play a pivotal role in Cumberland County. From championing the arts, education and history, to fighting for crime reduction, food security and healthy pets, the categories are as varied as they are inspiring. Some nonprofits pour directly into the community, others, like the Cumberland Community Foundation, pour into other nonprofits.
Towards the end of the year, nonprofits often experience a push to the finish; programs and services accelerate instead of dwindling. Often, these are holiday-related programs and services. Always, they are programs and services that enhance community life.
Honestly, who doesn’t feel the strain when the holidays roll around? For nonprofits, the strain is doubled as they accelerate programs and services, while also participating in many end-of-year fundraising opportunities that will ensure their services remain in the new year. One of those fundraising opportunities is Giving Tuesday.
Known as a day set aside for showing generosity, Giving Tuesday is a prime time for nonprofits to solicit donations from community members who share their mission. With significant time and effort going towards Giving Tuesday marketing and donation processing, it is a vital part of any nonprofit’s annual fundraising efforts, but yet another ball to juggle as the year comes to a close.
Enter the Cumberland Community Foundation’s Giving Tuesday campaign. Think: everything it takes to run a successful Giving Tuesday—marketing, raising matching funds, and receiving and processing donations—but managed by CCF on behalf of participating nonprofits. While participating nonprofits focus on the programs and services they do best, CCF acts as their temporary fundraising arm.
“It’s really an honor to have this platform,” said Maddie Kellogg, Cumberland Community Foundation donor services manager. “We’re just managers of the process. The donors who give and the nonprofits who deliver the services are what make this successful.”
CCF’s Giving Tuesday preparations begin in June, when they invite nonprofits to participate. From there, the nonprofits undergo rigorous training on how the program works. They listen to classes and panels that share tips and tricks on how to get the most out of participation in Giving Tuesday. They undergo communication training, and they receive an extensive nonprofit toolkit that Kellogg says contains "anything and everything they need to be successful.”
Meanwhile, CCF raises $500,000 in matching funds. They compile and publish a Guide to Giving in collaboration with CityView, which lists all participating nonprofits and contains instructions on giving.
“We’ve had great feedback from community members about the Guide to Giving,” said Kellogg. “They love getting it every November and spend time flipping through and marking organizations for giving or volunteering.”
Many Guide to Giving readers find nonprofits they didn’t know existed.
Ways to give include credit card, check, donor-advised grant, stock gifts, and charitable IRA Rollovers. Since 2020, CCF’s Giving Tuesday has raised over $10.6 million on behalf of local nonprofits. Donations from community members are matched proportionally from the $500,000 matching funds. At the end of the campaign, which runs from Nov. 24 to Dec. 2, participating nonprofits each receive a single check.
“It alleviates the fundraising burden for them at the end of the year,” Kellogg shared. “They don’t have time to be processing all these donations.”
Last year, CCF processed 3,709 gifts during the giving window.
“We pay 100 percent of the gifts we receive to the nonprofits; they are not charged a fee,” she said.
Matching donors who contributed to the 2025 $500,000 matching fund include:
• Fayetteville New Car Dealers Association
• Holmes Security Systems
• Elizabeth “Beth” Keeney
• Ray and Daphne Manning
• Carol and Sammy Short
• Four Anonymous Donors
• Cumberland Community Foundation (Unrestricted Endowments)
“We have really generous individuals in Cumberland County that support our nonprofits,” Kellogg gushed. “This is the most uplifting place to work because we get to see the absolute best of Cumberland County—so many generous people and nonprofits who are making a difference.”
Two 2025 participating nonprofits, Cape Fear Botanical Garden and Armed Services YMCA Fort Bragg, expressed glowing praise for the campaign.
Cape Fear Botanical Garden Development and Membership Manager Meg Suraci said the campaign has introduced them to new donors who are making a difference through their support.
“This initiative is important, impactful, and inspiring to the garden and the community,” she shared. “These funds can be used for administrative and operational costs, such as utilities and salaries, and allocated where they are most needed.”
Because Giving Tuesday funds are unrestricted, unlike most grants, where funds are restricted, nonprofits can allocate the funds flexibly.
“When an individual donor gives an unrestricted gift, they show trust that the Garden will use the funds strategically and with transparency, which leads to a mutually stronger relationship,” Suraci explained.
She praised the foundation for their hands-on approach.
“Cumberland Community Foundation staff secures the matching funds to amplify donors’ gifts, produces the Guide to Giving, trains nonprofit staff and provides a Giving Tuesday Toolkit, communicates with donors, and documents hundreds of gifts—all during a very busy time of year.”
Jill Kiah-Saslav, development and community relations director for the Armed Services YMCA Fort Bragg, says their organization is seeing new needs that Giving Tuesday will help them meet.
“One in four military families is currently facing some form of food insecurity. Over the last month, we have seen that number surge. With the government shutdown, our ASYMCA food pantry requests in October increased by 55% from the previous month,” said Kiah-Saslav. “It has put an enormous strain on our pantry stock during our busiest period of the year. With support from the upcoming CCF Giving Tuesday campaign, we will be able to continue this vital program for our military families during this financially stressful time.”
The last quarter of the year is always their busiest, Kiah-Saslav explained. During that time, they provide programs and services for military families that include holiday services and support. “CCF does so much of the planning and implementing of Giving Tuesday each year and makes it very easy for the organizations participating in it,” she said.
Participants since 2020, Kiah-Saslav says they’ve surpassed their campaign fundraising goals each year, thanks to CCF.
“Our mission is giving together to enhance the quality and spirit of community life, and I think that’s exactly what our community is doing through Giving Tuesday,” concluded Kellogg. “Everyone who gives wants Cumberland County to be a better place and is taking steps to make that a reality.”
Find Guide to Giving 2025 here: https://issuu.com/cvnc/docs/guide_to_giving_2025-2026

(Top Photo: Maddie Kellogg, Donor Services Manager with the Cumberland County Foundation, left; Tara Martin, Program Coordinator; and Kendra Murray, Community Grants Manager, pose for a photograph during "Hand Off Day," where CCF will give the non profits in their guide checks. Bottom Photo: The Heritage Square Historical Society accepts a check during Hand Off Day, 2024.  Photos courtesy of CCF)

FTCC recognized as a Top 25 cybersecurity program in the nation
Fayetteville Technical Community College has been named as a Top 25 institution nationally to earn a cybersecurity associate degree.
The recognition comes from an independent research team at Cybersecurity Guide, which reviewed 199 associate degree programs in the United States.
FTCC ranks No. 23 on the list and is one of seven schools in North Carolina to be recognized. All N.C. colleges on the list are members of the Carolina Cyber Network, a 23-member collaborative co-founded by FTCC to help strengthen the state’s education-to-workforce pipeline in cybersecurity.
"We are proud to be named in the Cybersecurity Guide’s 2026 Top 25 Cybersecurity Associate Degree Programs, a direct result of our faculty, staff, and students’ outstanding dedication and hard work,” said FTCC President Dr. Mark Sorrells. “As a co-founder of the Carolina Cyber Network, a national cybersecurity workforce ecosystem model, we’re especially pleased that seven fellow CCN members also earned this recognition. Together, we’re strengthening the pipeline of skilled cyber professionals and assisting with hardening the security posture of our state and nation."
The Cybersecurity Guide’s Top 25 designees were evaluated based on academic quality, student-to-faculty ratios, graduation and retention rates, admission selectivity and in-state tuition affordability.
“FTCC is honored to be named one of Cybersecurity Guide’s 2026 Top 25 Cybersecurity Associate Degree Programs,” FTCC Dean of Computer Information Technology Dwayne Campbell said. “Our program combines hands-on training with industry certifications to ensure graduates are workforce-ready from day one. It further reflects the dedication and expertise of our faculty, as well as the drive and commitment of our students.”
FTCC is designated through 2028 as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.
FTCC’s selection to the Top 25 list underscores its commitment to cybersecurity workforce development, supported by CCN’s statewide model that emphasizes affordability, practical skills, industry alignment and support for diverse learners, including military-connected students, career changers and rural communities.
The college is committed to skills-driven, industry-informed learning that prepares students for success in the workforce. A student in FTCC’s Cybersecurity program, a concentration offered by the Computer Information Technology department, will spend an average of 1,000 hours engaged in hands-on learning founded in the competencies of industry-recognized certification exams.
Additionally, through a partnership between the Carolina Cyber Network and the N.C. Department of Information Technology, FTCC students are eligible for competitive internships at NCDIT to enrich their classroom experience and jumpstart their entry into the workforce.
These opportunities and resources keep FTCC students workforce-ready through changes in the cyber landscape.
“As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve,” Campbell said, “FTCC remains committed to preparing skilled professionals who are ready to protect and support
our digital world.”

Fayetteville Technical Community College Welcomes Dr. Vikki Andrews to Board of Trustees
Fayetteville Technical Community College announces the appointment of Dr. Vikki Andrews to the College’s Board of Trustees. Dr. Andrews was officially sworn in on November 12 by the Honorable Judge Rosalyn Hood.
Appointed by the Cumberland County Commissioners, Dr. Andrews succeeds Esther Thompson and will serve a four-year term concluding on June 30, 2029.
A retired U.S. Army officer, Dr. Andrews brings a distinguished record of leadership and public service to FTCC. She currently serves as Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party Veterans & Military Families Caucus and previously led the Cumberland County Democratic Party for two terms. Beyond her political and civic engagement, Dr. Andrews has lent her expertise to numerous community and county boards, demonstrating a strong commitment to education, service, and advocacy.
“Dr. Andrews’ deep roots in community service and her experience as both a veteran and former community college student brings valuable insight to our mission,” said FTCC President Dr. Mark Sorrells. “We look forward to her contributions as we continue supporting our active-duty service members, veterans, and military families.”
FTCC celebrates Dr. Andrews’ appointment as yet another step forward in advancing its goal of connecting education, leadership, and community engagement for the greater good.

(Top Photo: FTCC student learns in an FTCC Cyber Class. Bottom Photo: Ms. Amanda Smith, Ms. Dianica Atkins, Commissioner Glenn Adams, Hon. Rosalyn Hood, Dr. Vikki Andrews, Ms. Edithe McLean, FTCC President Dr. Mark Sorrells and retired N.C. Supreme Court Associate Justice Patricia Timmons-Goodson pose at the swearing-in ceremony for Dr. Vikki Andrews. Photos courtesy of FTCC)

Cape Fear Valley Hoke Hospital Earns Fifth Consecutive ‘A’ Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group
Cape Fear Valley Hoke Hospital has earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade for the fifth consecutive time from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit organization committed to improving healthcare quality and safety.
The “A” rating recognizes the hospital’s ongoing commitment to preventing medical errors, reducing infections, and delivering safe, high-quality care to patients.
The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade evaluates nearly 3,000 hospitals nationwide and assigns grades based on up to 30 evidence-based measures of patient safety. Grades are determined under the guidance of a national expert panel and are publicly available to help individuals make informed healthcare decisions.
“Earning another ‘A’ from The Leapfrog Group is a reflection of the extraordinary teamwork and dedication of our staff,” said Sonja McLendon, Hoke Healthcare President. “Every department, every shift, and every role contributes to a culture that puts patient safety first. We’re proud to provide care that our community trusts. Receiving this distinction for the fifth time in a row shows that safety is not just a goal, it’s part of who we are. Our team continues to raise the bar to ensure our patients receive the safest, most reliable care possible.”
Cape Fear Valley Hoke Hospital’s success in earning this top grade stems from several key initiatives, including:
• Advanced infection control practices: Evidence-based protocols to prevent hospital-acquired infections.
• Technology-driven safety measures: Bar Code Medication Administration and Computerized Physician Order Entry systems to reduce medication errors.
• Comprehensive staff training: Ongoing education focused on patient safety, teamwork, and hand hygiene compliance.
About The Leapfrog Group
Founded in 2000, The Leapfrog Group is an independent national nonprofit organization that advances healthcare quality and safety through transparency and accountability. Its Hospital Safety Grade, launched in 2012, assigns letter grades to general hospitals nationwide based on their prevention of medical errors, injuries, and infections. Grades are updated each spring and fall and are publicly available at HospitalSafetyGrade.org.
About Cape Fear Valley Health System
Cape Fear Valley is a 1,000+ bed, 8-hospital regional health system, with more than 1 million inpatient and outpatient visits annually. A private not-for-profit organization with 8,000 employees and more than 1,000 providers on the medical staff, it includes Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Highsmith-Rainey Specialty Hospital, Cape Fear Valley Rehabilitation Center, Behavioral Health Care, Bladen County Hospital, Hoke Hospital, Health Pavilion North, Health Pavilion Hoke and Harnett Health. For more information, visit www.CapeFearValley.com.

United Way of Cumberland County Partners with the Community Stand Down Information & Resources Fair to Host a “Community Food Collection” Supporting Local Food Pantries
In response to the growing food insecurity crisis affecting families across our community, United Way of Cumberland County is partnering with the Community Stand Down Information & Resources Fair to host a Community Food Collection Drive benefiting local food pantries.
• When: Friday, Nov. 21
• Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until trucks are filled)
• 2 Drop Off Locations:
• Catholic Charities: Cross Creek Commons parking lot, 726 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC
• Fayetteville Urban Ministry: 701 Whitfield St., Fayetteville, NC
All food collected will be donated to the Catholic Charities Fayetteville Region Food Pantry and Fayetteville Urban Ministry Food Pantry.
Representatives from both agencies will be on site to receive donations. Community volunteers will assist with unloading vehicles and loading agency trucks. Donors are encouraged to remain in their vehicles while items are being unloaded.
The community is invited to contribute the following suggested items to support neighbors in need:
• Canned foods: meats, vegetables, pasta, soups, and fruits (preferably pop-top cans)
• Frozen foods: meats, vegetables, and fruits
• Pantry staples: peanut butter, rice, pasta, cereal, crackers, dry or canned milk
• Baby items: baby food, formula, diapers/pull-ups, wet wipes
• Beverages: water, milk, juice, powdered drinks
• Other necessities: hygiene products, laundry pods
For more information, contact United Way of Cumberland County at 910-483-1179. Individuals in need of food assistance should contact the food pantries directly:
• Catholic Charities: 910-424-2020
• Fayetteville Urban Ministry: 910-483-5944
Monetary donations can also be made through the Cumberland Cares Fund at https://unitedway-cc.networkforgood.com/projects/262136-cumberland-cares-fund
About United Way of Cumberland County
The mission of United Way of Cumberland County is to improve lives across Cumberland County by strategically raising and investing resources that address critical human service and health needs while fostering effective and innovative partnerships with direct service agencies.

I am a proud Baby Boomer—one of the millions of Americans born between 1946 and 1964. I have long been interested in the events and movements that shaped my generation—surviving the Cold War, the Vietnam conflict, and massive social changes involving civic and human rights. We even invented hippies.
That said, every generation is unique, shaped by national and world events and trends occurring during their lifetimes, just as birth order affects children born and raised in the same households.
This Boomer has been massively confused by the alphabet soup of generational monikers that followed mine, including Gen X, Gen Y (aka Millennials), and Gen Z. Behind them come the newest Americans, Generation Alpha or Gen A, whose oldest members are 13, and Generation Beta, Gen B, whose earliest members were born this year. Gens A and B are the first generations not to experience a world without AI.
Just so we know who we are talking about, here is a breakdown of recent American generations.
Baby Boomers, many of the children of World War II veterans who returned to civilian life and created a prosperous economy.
Gen X, born between 1965-1980 and sometimes called the “latchkey” generation, facing shifting social norms and the rise of technology.
Gen Y, or Millennials, born between 1981 and 1994/96, are the first digital generation and are highly connected. They value teamwork and want diversity and meaning in their lives.
Gen Z is considered entrepreneurial and financially conscious.
Gens A and B are still growing up.
The largest generation since the Boomers, the Millennials, complain with considerable justification about the world we Boomers have created and are leaving for them. They will cope with global warming because Boomers did not, political polarization, financial pressures and debt, and they are not happy about any of that.
Millennials, their children, and children’s children likely feel more positive toward a trend already and quietly underway, and which will accelerate as we Boomers go to our rewards—the greatest transfer of wealth in United States history. We are talking big bucks here, somewhere in the neighborhood of $84 trillion—yes, with a T—that Boomers will leave to our heirs between 2021 and 2045.
So, how did Boomers build such wealth, now estimated to be more than half of US household wealth?
First of all, we grew up in a strong and rapidly expanding post-World War II economy. Our parents were able to buy homes and to build financial assets which they left to us, and we continued where they left off. A US tax code that allows individuals to transfer such wealth without estate taxes continues to help build assets. Much of this wealth is in real estate and stocks, both of which have historically done well. Millennials and Gen X are expected to inherit the bulk of these assets, but there will be some left over for the younger sets as well. The ongoing transfer of wealth from generation to generation is expected to continue to widen the existing gap between rich and poor families, with the wealthiest 10 percent of Americans set to receive most of these assets.
All of us see major news events and trends that affect our lives—politics, accidents, armed conflicts, and climate change, among them. The largest transfer of wealth in the history of the United States is well underway and well under most people’s radar screens, even though its impact will touch Americans for generations to come.

Democrats claim to have a plan for low-income individuals, but their strategy, such as [specific policy], does not empower those experiencing poverty; instead, it confines them to a life reliant on government assistance. Let me say from the outset that I have nothing but compassion for people experiencing poverty, having experienced it firsthand as a child growing up on the southern edge of Harnett County. Generational poverty is a challenging obstacle to overcome, but it is a task that, with the right strategies and support, is not impossible. There is indeed hope for change, and it's this hope that should guide our efforts, inspiring us to work towards a brighter future.
President Lyndon Johnson's Great Society program disproportionately affected Black families, a concern highlighted by his Assistant Secretary of Labor, Daniel Patrick Moynihan, in his influential publication, known as the Moynihan Report. Moynihan, who served under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, dedicated much of his efforts to the War on Poverty initiative. However, civil rights organizations, including the NAACP, strongly criticized Moynihan's 1965 report, arguing that its framework promoted racist ideas and stereotypes. This historical context is crucial in understanding the impact of past policies on our current social programs.
The Democrats and civil rights leaders won the argument, but the Black community suffered as a result. They continue to struggle, often following Democrats who seem more focused on providing 'handouts' and securing votes on election day than on pursuing true liberation for the underclass of individuals who are descendants of formerly enslaved people. The need for genuine freedom is urgent, and it's time we address it, instilling in us a sense of responsibility and motivation to act.
Unfortunately, over 25 years into the 21st century, very little progress has been made for the majority of African Americans living in the United States. This lack of progress should concern us all and motivate us to work towards a more equitable future, reinforcing our sense of urgency and commitment to change.
The recent government shutdown highlights the issues that need to be addressed for individuals who are generationally dependent on government assistance to survive in America. Let's be honest: Democrats seek votes by appealing to those in distress. They aim to capitalize on societal despair to enhance their chances at the polls. With mid-term elections approaching, there is no better time to create chaos in hopes that it will translate into votes in 2026.
Is America a perfect place to live? Of course not. However, there is no denying that it is the number one destination in the world for success, prosperity, and fulfilling one's dreams. Does racism exist in America? Some say yes, while others say no, I believe it does exist; however, it isn't a barrier to achieving one's dreams.
If politicians can keep voters focused on race, we will remain distracted from the big picture, and ultimately, the masses will lose.
In less than one month, filing for elections will begin again. America will face significant challenges, particularly those related to race. Buckle up; it promises to be a dynamic experience.

Why Fayetteville's City Council must choose transparency over politics

In Fayetteville, trust in government is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. That trust is built on transparency, accountability, and the belief that our elected officials are working with—not around—each other. Recent events at City Hall have tested that trust, and we commend Council Members Mario Benavente, Kathy Jensen, and Lynne Greene for standing firm in their call for openness and clarity.
When Council Member Kathy Jensen asked why Mayor Mitch Colvin failed to share key emails and letters regarding the launch of a criminal investigation into allegations against Mohammad Mohammad’s construction company—including the use of a fake bonding company and the potential misuse of federal funds—she echoed a concern many in our community feel: How can our leaders lead if they’re not fully informed? “If we would have seen these letters when people were asking us questions, we could have been able to maybe answer them better,” she said. Jensen is right. That’s not politics—it’s common sense.
Council Member Benavente went further, calling out Mayor Colvin for what he describes as a tendency to obscure the truth. His push to publicly air a video statement from District Attorney Billy West was not a stunt—it was a principled stand for transparency. The public deserves to know what their leaders know, especially when serious allegations are involved.
Colvin claims council members were adequately briefed. But when multiple council members say otherwise, who should the public believe? Council Member Lynne Greene recalled only a vague and unsubstantiated mention of a “potential” investigation months ago—further reinforcing the need for clearer communication and transparency.
The council’s decision to move forward with a state audit was prudent. It signaled a commitment to accountability, regardless of political optics. The allegations at hand are serious: potential fraud across multiple cities and the misuse of federal funds. These are not issues to be handled behind closed doors or filtered through selective briefings. They demand full transparency and a united front from our city’s leadership.
Moreover, Fayetteville residents deserve answers. They want to know what happened, when it happened, how it was allowed to happen, and who at City Hall will be held accountable.
At Up & Coming Weekly, we believe in celebrating the best of Fayetteville—its people, its progress, and its promise. We also believe in holding our community and local government leaders to the highest standards. Council Members Benavente, Jensen, and Greene have demonstrated the kind of integrity and courage our community deserves. Their insistence on transparency is not a political maneuver—it’s a moral obligation. We hope that the newly elected city council members will be as diligent and assertive. Let’s support the community leaders who choose sunlight over shadows. Fayetteville’s future depends on it.
Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly. Comments and insights are always welcome.

I visited the Butterfly House on a recent trip to the Museum of Life and Sciences in Durham. I love to see the different shades of wings flitting by, sometimes landing on leaves or drinking from a slice of orange. Seeing the butterflies in their adult form is beautiful, but the Butterfly House also shows a wall of caterpillars in various stages of the life cycle. It's a reminder that it takes the small bug a lot of time and energy to wriggle itself out of its chrysalis before it can transform into its new form.
“Every change leaves a mark. Every stage reveals a new skin.” This guiding phrase captures the essence of Metamorphosis, an exhibition at the Arts Council that reflects on transformation through growth, identity, and rebirth. The works are all by Stephany Placencio and are displayed at the conclusion of her stint as the Southeastern Artist in Residence.
“I hope visitors feel inspired to reflect on their own transformations and recognize the beauty in every stage of personal evolution,” the artist explains. With organic textures, warm colors, and recurring symbols like butterflies, honeycombs, and roots, Placencio invites viewers to witness change not as loss, but as emergence.
Themes of motherhood, identity, and connection with nature flow throughout the exhibition, offering a deeply emotional and spiritual perspective on what it means to evolve.
“Although my theme and paintings might seem directed mainly toward women, each piece is open to interpretation. What I truly want is for everyone to take away the message that life itself is a constant transformation, not only motherhood, but every stage we face,” says Placencio. “It’s about turning challenges into growth, and finding strength in change.”
Her residency marked a personal transformation as well.
“I’m proud of myself for having the courage to take this step and join the residency,” she shares. “At first, I thought I wouldn’t be able to do it because of the language barrier, but I faced it and made it through. It makes me proud to realize that I can keep following my dreams without letting anything hold me back.”
Placencio was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and is now based in Fayetteville.
Through Metamorphosis, she not only explored the evolving forms of her art but also rediscovered her own strength and voice.
“I learned to trust my process and embrace imperfection as part of transformation,” she reflects. Her wings, now fully developed, are on display at the Arts Council from Nov. 21 to Dec. 19.

There are few moments in cinema more unforgettable than a bicycle soaring across the moon. Few melodies more instantly recognizable than those first shimmering notes of John Williams’ score. And few stories that have touched the human spirit quite like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Steven Spielberg’s 1982 masterpiece about a lonely boy, a stranded alien and the unbreakable bond between them.
Now, more than forty years after it first captured the world’s imagination, E.T. returns to the big screen for one special showing at the Cameo Art House Theatre on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 4:30 p.m. For longtime fans and new generations alike, it’s a chance to experience the wonder the way it was meant to be seen; in the darkened glow of a movie theater, surrounded by community, where laughter and tears can be shared freely.
The Movie That Sparked a Lifelong Love of Cinema
I still remember the first time I saw E.T. We rented it from our local video store being that I was born long after it had left the theaters. I can’t think of any other movie that made me fall in love with the movies, other than E.T. That spark, ignited in the glow of Spielberg’s storytelling, eventually led me to a lifelong career in film and the arts. I have seen the film at least once on the big screen when it was released in the early 2000s.
A Story That Touched the World
When E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial first premiered in the summer of 1982, few could have predicted its impact. Spielberg, already a household name after Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Raiders of the Lost Ark, crafted something quieter and more intimate. It was a film that looked at science fiction through the eyes of a child.
The story follows Elliott, a ten-year-old boy, played by Henry Thomas in one of the most authentic child performances ever captured on screen. Elliott discovers a small, stranded alien hiding in his family’s backyard shed. Elliott’s loneliness as a result of his parents’ recent separation, mirrors that of E.T., who has been accidentally left behind by his fellow travelers. What begins as a secret friendship soon becomes a journey of trust, courage and love that transcends not only age, but galaxies themselves.
Elliott enlists the help of his siblings. Older brother Michael played by Robert MacNaughton and younger sister Gertie, played by a then-six-year-old Drew Barrymore, help keep E.T. hidden from their mother. Their mother is played by Dee Wallace. The quest to hide him from the faceless government agents determined to capture him becomes most important. Together, the children must help their new friend “phone home” before it’s too late.
At its heart, E.T. is not just a science fiction story, but a film about empathy. It’s about seeing life through another’s eyes and about the universal longing to belong. Spielberg once described it as “a story about what happens when you’re lonely and you make a friend who changes your life.” That emotional truth, as much as the film’s special effects or thrilling sequences, is what has kept audiences returning to it decade after decade.
A Landmark of Film History
The success of E.T. was immediate and staggering. It became the highest-grossing film of all time upon its release, surpassing Star Wars, and held that title for more than a decade. Critics hailed it as an instant classic, praising Spielberg’s direction and the deeply emotional screenplay by Melissa Mathison.
The film went on to win four Academy Awards, including Best Original Score for John Williams, whose music has become inseparable from the image of a bicycle silhouetted against the moon. Williams’ music, much like the film itself, walks the line between wonder and melancholy. That final cue when E.T. says goodbye and says “I’ll be right here” as he points to Elliot’s forehead, still gives me chills.
The film’s legacy extends beyond its box office numbers. It reshaped how Hollywood approached stories about childhood and imagination. It inspired countless filmmakers and artists like J.J. Abrams to Guillermo del Toro.
A Film That Still Speaks to Us
More than forty years later, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial remains timeless because it speaks to something deeply human; the ache of separation and the joy of connection. Its message, whispered through the stars, is one of compassion. That’s why audiences still gather, decades later, to relive the magic. In a world that often feels divided, E.T. reminds us that friendship, courage and kindness can bridge even the widest distance.
The Cameo Art House Theatre at 225 Hay St. invites the community to come home to the movies on Nov. 15 at 4:30 p.m., to your memories and to that feeling of wonder that only great storytelling can bring. Bring the whole family. It’s for all ages. Tickets can be purchased online at https://ticketmesandhills.com/events/et-the-extra-terrestrial-1982-november-15th-11-15-2025

“We laugh at our flaws so we can correct them later, or deal with their existence in peace. This is part of the magic of Black Folk’s comedy" —Johnny Silvercloud

Kat Williams’ Heaven and Earth tour will be at the Crown Coliseum on Nov. 14. The location is 1960 Coliseum Drive, Fayetteville. The Comedy show time is 8 p.m. The tickets start at $77.45 and up, according to seating. Tickets are available at Crown Box Office, Fort Bragg Leisure Service, and online at https://bit.ly/3LhkXqG
Humor and comedy serve as a powerful form of resilience by providing emotional relief, reframing demanding situations, and strengthening social connections. It acts as a healthy coping mechanism that allows individuals to navigate and bounce back from stress, trauma, and adversity more effectively.
Shared laughter is a social bond. It is a shared experience of unity, trust, and mutual support. This social connection is a key protective factor for mental health during challenging times, according to the website, Her Serenity.
The Grio describes Katt Williams’s comedy style is a high energy blend of observational humor, incisive social commentary and physical comedy delivered with a distinct, rhythmic cadence and flamboyant stage persona. He infuses sharp, astute commentary. His material covers a wide range of subjects: pop culture, everyday life, politics, and human relationships.
He is known to work off the audience’s response in the moment. He is constantly developing new material and often develops jokes spontaneously in front of large crowds. Mr. Williams employs various impressions and a story-telling format to make his points, reiterating punchlines for maximum effect. Kat Williams’ longevity in the comedy world is impressive. He manages to stay relevant and continues to perform all over the country.
Spend an evening with Katt Williams for a high-energy, physical performance and storytelling tour, Heaven on Earth on Nov. 14, at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the Crown Box Office, Fort Bragg Leisure Services and online.