Cape Fear Valley Medical Center has been designated one of America’s safest hospitals by a national organization that monitors institutional patient safety. In 1999, the Institute of Medicine reported that nearly 98,000 Americans were dying annually because of medical errors. In response, a group of large employers formed The Leapfrog Group. Their goal was to collect data that ensures they are providing the best health benefits for their employees and to drive giant leaps forward in hospital safety. Thus, the name The Leapfrog Group was chosen.

The group developed the Leapfrog Hospital Survey, which assigns recognizable letter grades assessing the safety of general hospitals across the country: A, B, C, D and F.

Cape Fear Valley Medical Center was awarded an “A” rating this spring, acknowledging its efforts to protect patients from harm. The hospital survey system used 28 performance measures of patient safety. Details on those measures are available at hospitalsafetygrade.org. Across the country, 2,600 hospitals participated. The Leapfrog Group found that if hospitals with a grade lower than A are able to achieve the safety performance of A hospitals, an estimated 50,000 patient lives could be saved.

The 2017 American Hospital Association’s Annual Survey of patient admissions found that the number of avoidable deaths ranged from 3.24 lives per 1,000 admissions in A hospitals to 6.21 lives per 1,000 admissions in D and F hospitals. Overall results reflect average hospital performance in each grade category.

The information about hospital performance collected through the Leapfrog Hospital Survey is unique. “When they look into it, (you) realize how many things can go wrong in a hospital, and that makes a big difference,” said Leapfrog President and CEO Leah Binder. “That’s why I think it’s … important for us to highlight this in a way that’s easily accessible to laypeople.”

In addition to Leapfrog Group’s findings, Healthgrades has conferred three specialty clinical quality awards on Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, which include evaluation of patient safety.

The local hospital was ranked among America’s 100 Best Hospitals for the 2019 Cardiac Care Award. It also earned America’s 100 Best Hospitals’ Coronary Intervention Award for superior clinical outcomes in heart bypass surgery, coronary interventional procedures, heart attack treatment, heart failure treatment and heart valve surgery; and the 2018 superior clinical outcomes in coronary intervention procedures, which involve angioplasty with stent. Healthgrades evaluates hospital performance using objective quality measures, including patient safety, clinical outcomes and patient experience.

Cape Fear Valley Health System’s most recent honors included Get with the Guidelines — AFIB Gold Quality Achievement Award from the American Heart Association — for helping patients suffering from atrial fibrillation. Methods to aggressively reduce risks to prevent stroke and stabilize heart function were established. The American Heart Association estimates 2.7 million adults have AFIB, which is associated with a significant increased risk of stroke.

Cape Fear Valley is a private, not-for-profit health system governed by a 22-member board of trustees. The board includes the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners as well as physicians, registered nurses and various members of the community.

This fall will mark the 50th anniversary of the victory of the "Amazin'" New York Mets over a talented Baltimore Orioles team in the World Series. A veteran bullpen pitcher from Hope Mills named Calvin Koonce played a key role in that title, winning six games down the stretch for the Mets and earning seven saves.

Late last month, friends and family of Koonce, who died in 1993 at the age of 52, traveled back to New York to take part in a 50th anniversary celebration held at the Mets’ current home stadium, CitiField. 

Peggy Koonce, wife of the late Mets reliever, had a hard time believing it’s been 50 years. It was shortly after her husband’s death that she attended the 25th anniversary reunion.

Many of the former Mets stars have since died, players like Tommie Agee, Don Cardwell, Don Clendenon and manager Gil Hodges.

Hall of Famer Tom Seaver, the biggest pitching star for the 1969 Mets, was also absent. His family recently announced he is no longer making public appearances as he’s suffering from dementia.

One of Koonce’s closest friends on the team, Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan, was unable to attend the 50th anniversary. Mrs. Koonce said her husband was a mentor to the younger Ryan, helping the flamethrower deal with control issues taming his lethal fastball. Ryan ended his career with the most no-hitters in major league history: seven.

The Mets treated the Koonces and the other families there for the 50th anniversary weekend firstclass, putting them up at the Plaza Athenee, which has hosted guests like actress Elizabeth Taylor and Princess Diana.

The ceremony held before New York’s Saturday, June 29, game with the Atlanta Braves took about 30 minutes. The deceased Mets were introduced first, with their pictures individually flashed on the giant video screen, followed by a live camera shot of the family member or members there representing them.

The living players were driven via golf cart to a platform in the infield. Lifetime Met Ed Kranepool spoke on behalf of the entire group.

“It was bittersweet because the health of so many of them has failed,’’ Mrs. Koonce said.

But the memories of the victory over the Orioles were still fond ones for her. “I think the thing that was so important was knowing we were playing the Orioles and they were so good,’’ she said. “We were a team not chosen to win it. We were holding our own, and the young pitchers were doing their job.

“When you’ve got Nolan Ryan and Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman and a bullpen consisting of Calvin and Ron Taylor and all those guys, it looks pretty good.’’

Mrs. Koonce said she felt pretty special just sitting in the stands for that World Series, looking around and seeing the late Jacqueline Kennedy just a couple of rows behind her, and the entertainer Pearl Bailey not far away.

“Just seeing the look on Calvin’s face after it was all over,’’ she said. “It was just wonderful. The expressions of love they had for each other.’’

Also along for the 50th anniversary observance was Timmy Smith, who played baseball for Koonce when Koonce was first head coach at South View High School and later at Campbell University.

“Most anybody you talked with about Mr. Koonce talked about how he was a positive influence (on his teammates) and took them under his wing,’’ Smith said.

Smith added that Koonce had a similar effect on him. “He was like my second father,’’ Smith said. “He could tell you more by not saying things than he could with words. Just his looks and his motions.

“One player told me (Koonce) sold him a couple of sport coats, took him under his wing and took care of him and his reputation. Another person said it was great to have (Koonce) there to talk with because he could have made a lot of wrong choices along the way. Mr. Koonce helped

him make the right ones.’’

Fellow Fayettevillians,

For those who know me, they know that I am first and foremost a husband and father who puts his family above all else. I have balanced my personal responsibilities in addition to my professional responsibilities, along with the civic responsibilities of holding the District 2 City Council seat, and I have no regrets.

However, I believe it’s important to listen. So, when (I was) discussing the upcoming election with my family and my daughter innocently asked, as only a 6-year-old can, “Dadda — if you don’t get elected, does that mean you’ll have more time to spend with me?” I had to listen to what that question was really saying.

I have always placed a demanding schedule on myself, but very recently, we had a physician at our practice relocate out of the state. Due to this, I had to take on even more professional responsibility to ensure continuity of care within our practice, which also employs a very dedicated and loyal staff. I have a responsibility to those people and their families as well as the patient base we care for. I have always been a man of my word and live up to my responsibilities to the best of my ability.

I am proud that I have been able to serve the people of District 2 and this city honorably and effectively. I have worked tirelessly to ensure that my constituents have had a strong voice on the council that could be heard out of the other nine I had the honor to sit amongst. I am but one vote of 10; however, I have tried to make sure that vote was the people’s vote and not my own.

During my representation, I, along with the rest of the council and city staff, have made great strides in moving our city forward. We have accomplished much in a short time and at a very critical juncture in our city’s growth. I look forward to continuing that service until the end of my term and will remain steadfast in ensuring other projects and initiatives I am involved with progress on schedule.

However, as I said in my last campaign, actions speak louder than words. And upon much reflection, I must take action for what my heart is telling me. Therefore, I will not be running for another term at this time, so that I may better balance my time with my family and my professional responsibilities. I am hopeful to be able to offer my time and dedication to our city in the future should that path open again, and I will continue to remain engaged in our local community organization.

It truly has been an honor to serve under such an overwhelmingly broad base of support that has come from all sides of the community. Fayetteville, we truly are one. And although there will always be those who wish to divide, do not let them. I have faith that my district will choose wisely in a replacement. I will work with that choice to ensure a smooth transition so that District 2 and our great city continue towards its immense potential that I believe has yet to be reached.

     Cumberland Tractor Kubota of Fayetteville presents Downtown Summer Nights Concert Series every Thursday evening through August 22 in the Cool Spring Downtown District from 5:30-9 p.m. on the 100 block of Person Street. Attendees enjoy free live music from 5:30-9 p.m. on the 100 block of Person Street.

“The purpose of the event is the title, which is ‘Downtown Summer Nights’ in Fayetteville with local and national acts,” said Kelly West, promotions and marketing director of Cumulus Broadcasting, LLC. “There is a lot happening in Fayetteville all of the time … you walk around Hay Street, Gillespie Street, Green Street and Person Street and see the culture and how amazing it is.”

West explained that whenever there is a large local event, it almost always involves one of those streets. For this reason, the event organizers looked at Person Street and felt it would be the perfect place to have the Downtown Summer Nights Concert Series. That’s partly why they created the series — to build even more excitement around something happening downtown.

The event features live music, various food, clothing and business vendors, a beer and wine garden, a kids’ activity area and a misting tent known as the chill zone.

The concert series lineup includes Sherman Neckties and Sidewinder, July 18; the Eastline Band and the Breakfast Club, July 25; Lee Jean Jr. and That Nation Band, August 1; Tyrek and Lotus Sun and Sail On, Aug. 8; 80’s Unplugged and Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute Band, Aug. 15; and Dead City Symphony and Heartbreaker Aug. 22.

“We would love to see 500-600 people at this event, so bring your kids and your dogs on a leash,” said West. “There is no heavy metal or rap music. We will have country/rock, soul, ’80s rock and ’80s tribute bands.

“We would not be able to do this if it wasn’t for our lovely sponsors, who are the Cool Spring Downtown District, Healy Wholesale, Rimtyme, Karma Culture, Dirtbag Ales, Fascinate- U Children’s Museum, Sugar’s, Isabella Effon, Five Star Entertainment, our radio stations and more,” said West. “We invite everyone to come out and enjoy this familyfriendly event on Person Street.”

The event is free for all ages and open to the public. For more information, call 509-901-3467.

The Hope Mills Nationals 8U baseball team will carry the North Carolina Dixie Youth Baseball state title banner to Ruston, Louisiana, in search of a championship. But to get there, they'll need a lot of financial support.

Jesse Cox, one of the coaches of the Hope Mills team, said a fundraiser has been started to try and cover the numerous expenses involved with getting the squad of 12 players and four coaches to their destination.

“We are looking at having to reuniform our team in North Carolina attire,’’ Cox said. “We’ll have some expense in that.’’

But that’s only the tip of this expensive iceberg. The distance by road from Hope Mills to Ruston is just under 1,000 miles and will take just over 13 hours by car. The tournament is scheduled to run July 26-30, and the Hope Mills team is hoping to rent as many as 20 rooms for the players and coaches. Those rooms will cost from $120-$150 per night.

Figuring out how to handle transportation is also a challenge. Cox doesn’t want to rent a full-sized bus. The team hopes to be in Louisiana for more than a couple of days, and a bus would not be a convenient way to make repeated trips to the ballpark and other places.

“We want to be more mobile,’’ he said, considering possibilities like passenger vans or carpooling in SUVs because of the large amount of baseball equipment they’ll need to transport.

Flying wouldn’t be cost effective, he said, unless someone out there wants to offer the team use of an airplane.

“They are a special team and group, and you do want to make it fun,’’ Cox said. But, he also noted, “I’m going down there to win that thing, to compete.

“The town and community should realize this is not only for Hope Mills but the state of North Carolina,’’ he said. “It gives us the opportunity to represent this town in a broad spectrum. We want to do everything possible to get these boys down there, to get them there and enjoy themselves.’’

Sponsorships are available for larger donors from $250 to $1,000. All major donors get their name or business logo on the team banner.

The team is also selling 50/50 tickets for cash only. A date for the 50/50 drawing had not been established at press time.

The GoFundMe web address for the team is www.gofundme.com/state-championship-bound. The page was originally created to raise money for the trip to the state finals in Brunswick County.

Editor's note: The Hope Mills 10U softball team came out of the losers bracket last Wednesday afternoon and defeated Lumberton 2-1 to win the 10U Dixie Softball state championship. In doing so, it become the second Hope Mills team advancing to a Dixie Youth World Series.

Cumberland County’s collective graduating class of 2019 has racked up more than $92 million in college scholarships. Local high school graduates earned $74.7 million in academic scholarships and $5.5 million in athletic scholarships, a Cumberland County Schools news release said.

Military scholarships, including those awarded by West Point Military Academy, Virginia Military Institute and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, totaled $10.2 million. Other awards of community and civic scholarships amounted to nearly $2 million.

This year’s scholarship dollar totals surpassed the class of 2018 by more than $800,000. The class of 2019 graduates will also be financing their higher education at Methodist University, Fayetteville State University, Duke University, the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Morehouse College, Ohio State University, Livingstone College and dozens of others.

Department of Social Services helps fund those in need during the summer heat

The Cumberland County Department of Social Services is accepting Crisis Intervention Program applications from individuals and families who are in danger of experiencing cooling-related crises. Households are being served on a first-come, first served basis. The CIP fund will be in effect until all funds are exhausted.

Eligible families may receive more than one payment during the year. Benefits will vary based on the amount needed to alleviate the crisis, but will not exceed $600. Funds are paid directly to the utility provider.

A household is considered in a crisis if there is a person experiencing or in danger of experiencing a life-threatening or health-related emergency when assistance is not available from other sources.

Applications are accepted Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at reception desk 23 on the second floor of the DSS building, 1225 Ramsey St. For information regarding eligibility criteria, call the Department of Social Services at 910-323-1540.

Register of Deeds staffers may beat their own school supply drive record

The Cumberland County Register of Deeds office is holding its 10th annual school supply fundraiser for homeless school children through Aug. 1. Individuals, businesses, civic groups and churches are encouraged to give. The Register of Deeds office hopes to collect supplies to fill 850 book bags, which will be donated to the estimated 650 homeless children in county schools. Some of the book bags will be set aside for relief events and the American Red Cross to help families that have experienced disasters.

The following school supplies are needed: pencils, pens, notebooks, rulers, composition books, folders, notebook paper, pencil sharpeners, erasers, glue sticks, crayons, toothbrushes, toothbrush cases, toothpaste and hand sanitizer. In addition to school supplies, gift cards or cash donations will be accepted. No checks, please.

Donated items can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Register of Deeds office in Room 114 of the Cumberland County Courthouse, 117 Dick St. For more information, call 910- 678-7775.

Vacation time at City Hall

It’s July, which means local government bodies are taking time off. Fayetteville City Council and Cumberland County Commissioners won’t be conducting regularly scheduled meetings until August. Fayetteville City Manager Doug Hewett took some time off last month so he can be on hand in the event something comes up.

National Airborne day

The 79th anniversary of U.S. Army airborne forces coincides with the 19th anniversary of the opening of downtown Fayetteville’s Airborne & Special Operations Museum. It opened Aug. 16, 2000.

The ASOM Foundation chose to celebrate National Airborne Day on Saturday, Aug.17, to maximize the opportunity for the public to visit and celebrate the museum’s anniversary. Visitors will see iconic static displays of the XVIII Airborne Corps, United States Army Special Operations Command, and 82nd Airborne Division, as well as period reenactors in the world-class museum.

ASOM is owned by the U.S. Army but operated by a local foundation. Local military and civilian officials decided to construct the facility in downtown Fayetteville rather than on Fort Bragg. They said at the time it was the most significant Army edifice in the civilian domain.

Editor’s note: This is part of a series on Cumberland County high school spring football workouts.

The hashtag on the most recent tweets from the E.E. Smith High School football Twitter account succinctly state the focus of the Golden Bulls' 2019 season: #RevengeTour19.

Smith endured a 0-11 season in 2018, closing the year with an agonizing 70-20 defeat to Cumberland County rival Westover. After that kind of year, head coach Deron Donald said it would have been no surprise if some players wanted to get off the boat. He said he’s not seen any signs of that.

“I can honestly say these guys have done a great job staying together and wanting this program to get back where it needs to be,’’ he said. “That’s a big thing for us now.

"When you get knocked down, it’s how you get back up and respond. This is not only a challenge for the players but for myself, the coaching staff and the E.E. Smith community.’’

Donald said the Golden Bulls are working hard to fix things and rebuild. He’s counting heavily on the incoming senior class to buy into the guidance of the coaches, get stronger in the weight room and realize they have a chance to be special.

“When you go 0-11, you’ll be the group that turned it around,’’ he said. “You’ll always be remembered in the history of E.E. Smith. We’re trying to stay positive, letting our guys know they learn from what happened last year. How you learn and grow and build from it, that’s how a man is measured.’’

Donald spent the bulk of spring practice getting everything installed offensively and defensively. “We’re still going to have to teach during the summertime, but that way we’ll have things already installed,’’ he said. “We can get a lot more things implemented going forward.’’

Getting the team in shape has also been a focus and will continue to be one. Donald said being healthy is critical for his team.

“We’re probably the smallest high school in Cumberland County from a numbers perspective,’’ he said. “One of the main things is being in shape and staying strong. I believe we have a group that can compete with anybody inside or outside Cumberland County, but we have to stay healthy because of lack of numbers.’’

Two big losses Smith has to replace this season are leading rusher Jaylyn Locklear and leading receiver Toshiro Spivey, who both graduated.

Donald said the whole senior class must step up for Smith this season. “Everybody will have a role to play and a part to play,’’ he said. “It’s their team, and we’re expecting those guys to lead this team and do what they’re supposed to do to get us back in position to compete for a conference title and make the playoffs.’’

Top returners for Smith include Marquel Samuel at linebacker and defensive end and Randy Franklin at defensive back and running back.

Donald said both players are being recruited by colleges and have offers on the table. “When you have that type of publicity, I definitely expect you to make plays and be great leaders for the program,’’ Donald said.

Franklin, who recently got an offer from Alabama A&M University, said he feels the Golden Bulls need to get more leadership from the seniors this season.

“We have to set an example for everyone,’’ he said. “That was something we really lacked last year. We have to be stronger, get more disciplined, and everyone has to come together as a team.’’

He said players are trying to learn positions on both sides of the ball so lineups can be more flexible and give starters a chance to rest.

He expects the Patriot Athletic Conference race to be challenging again. “There are some great teams out there,’’ he said. “South View, Pine Forest, great teams. We’re going to give them some competition this year.’’

Photo: Randy Franklin

School is out. The kids can sleep late, swim in the pool, play video games and hang out with their friends. But that doesn’t mean they should stop learning. Here is a list of recommendations to ensure your child has a summer full of meaningful learning experiences.

Reading

Summertime reading is a must. Take your child to the library as often as possible during the summer months. They should read daily and answer questions for comprehension. Create a word wall and have them practice the words on a consistent basis. Make sure your child reads both fiction and nonfiction literature. You can browse the internet for free nonfiction reading websites. Children can also watch educational videos and listen to audiobooks.

Math

It is crucial to build both reading and math into everyday activities. For example, a trip to the grocery store can be fun and educational. Make a list of items that are needed, and give your child a calculator to calculate the cost of the items. Read and follow a recipe with your child. Cooking or baking is a wonderful math lesson on measurement and following directions in sequential order. Practice math flashcards for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

Summer programs

Research various summer programs and select the one that best suits your child. You want to find camps that will create an opportunity for the growth of independence in your child. Your child will learn how to interact with other children, which is an important social skill.

Educational trips

Some examples of educational trips to take with your children include the zoo, museums, a planetarium, local exhibits, a state or national park, a farm, the botanical garden, historical sites, local events, camping trips and concerts.

Vacation activities

Quality family time during summer vacation is important, too. This is the perfect opportunity to spend time together doing the things you love the most. When you return from your vacation, encourage your child to write in his or her journal about their favorite things that happened during the trip.

Healthy conversations

Learning begins at home. It is important for parents to have healthy conversations with their children. Teach them to say good morning when they wake up in the morning and enter the classroom and/or front office. Teach them to say please and thank you. Consistent conversation is the key to promoting children’s language development. We want our future leaders to know how to effectively communicate with others.

Playtime

Children learn through play. Limit their screen time this summer, and allow them to do the things we did as kids — like ride their bicycle, play hideand- seek, make mud pies, play dodgeball and kickball, set up a tent in the backyard, and run and get wet in the water sprinkler.

Have a safe and happy summer!

North Carolina law says that any member of the armed services qualifying for admission to an institution of higher education but not qualifying as a resident for tuition purposes shall be charged the in-state tuition rate for enrollments while a member of armed services. Dependents and spouses of active-duty service members using Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits are eligible to be reclassified under the in-state tuition rate without meeting the state’s 12-month residency requirement.

The North Carolina General Assembly passed Senate Bill 257 in 2017 to comply with federal law under Section 702 of the Choice Act. It provides a waiver of 12-month residency requirements for certain veterans and other individuals entitled to federal education benefits. In North Carolina, to qualify for in-state residency, a veteran must show that he or she established legal residence, or domicile, in North Carolina and has maintained that domicile for at least 12 consecutive months before the beginning of the term. They also must demonstrate that they intend to make North Carolina a permanent home indefinitely.

Active-duty members of the armed forces are charged in-state tuition while living in North Carolina because of their active-duty assignment in the state. This also applies to reservists, even those who are not intending to make the state their permanent home. If subsequently reassigned outside North Carolina, the members continue to qualify for instate tuition so long as they remain continuously enrolled in the program they were in before reassignment. Dependent relatives — spouses, children and siblings who share the abode of a service member who is in North Carolina on active duty — also qualify for in-state tuition rates.

Many service members seeking higher education have historically preferred community colleges. Fayetteville Technical Community College has been rated one of the best two-year institutions for service members, and it’s one of the largest in the state. FTCC is a public, two- to four-year school. Its highest level of offering is associate degrees. Tuition and fees for 2019 at FTCC are $2,544 for North Carolina residents and $8,688 for out-of-state students. The school has a total enrollment of 11,660. The studentto- faculty ratio is 19-to-1.

In October 1963, two years after the fledgling school opened, the board of trustees requested that the status technical institute be granted to the institution. The North Carolina State Board of Education did so in January 1964, and the name Fayetteville Technical Institute was adopted. The board of trustees was granted authority to award the associate in applied science degree in addition to diplomas offered in numerous programs. In January 1988, FTI became Fayetteville Technical Community College when the North Carolina Department of Community Colleges changed the name. The change was in name only though, as the purpose of FTCC remained intact.

The North Carolina Coaches Association East-West All-Star games are scheduled July 15-16 in Greensboro in conjunction with the annual North Carolina Coaches Association Clinic.

Following are capsule biographies of the Cumberland County coaches and athletes who were selected to compete in this year’s game. This list was current as of press time, but players can be added or dropped up to the week of the games, depending on availability.

Basketball: Girls

Monday, July 15, 6 p.m., Greensboro Coliseum

• Coach: David May, Pine Forest 

East girls head coach.  This will be May’s final game as head coach. Stepping down after coaching both girls and boys at his high school alma mater, Pine Forest. Career record of 298-199 in 19 seasons. Teams won two regular-season conference titles, two conference tournament titles and made 11 trips to state playoffs. Three-time conference Coach of Year. Also Cape Fear Region and District Coach of the Year. Played college basketball at University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

• Players:

Kendal Moore, Pine Forest: 5-6, guard Named Associated Press All-State. Second team North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association All- State. All-Conference, Conference All-Tournament, All-District. Played in the North Carolina-South Carolina All-Star game. Averaged 24.6 points, 4.5 assists. Headed to North Carolina State on scholarship, where she will major in biology.

Alexandria Scruggs, E.E. Smith: 6-0, forward Associated Press All-State and North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association All-State. District Player of the Year. Led team in scoring with 26.2 points per game and rebounding with 12.8 per game. Member of E.E. Smith Academy of Scholars. Will attend Wake Forest on scholarship and major in health and exercise science.

Basketball: Boys

Monday, July 15, after girls game, Greensboro Coliseum

• Players: 

Brion McLaurin, Seventy-First: 6-7, forward All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year, All-District, District Player of the Year, Ike Walker Holiday Classic MVP. Averaged 17.7 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. Earned scholarship to Chowan University, where he will major in sports and fitness management.

Football

July 17, 8 p.m. at Grimsley High School’s Jamieson Stadium

• Coach: Duran McLaurin, Seventy-First

East assistant coach. In six seasons at his alma mater Seventy-First, McLaurin is 56-18. His career record is 82-44. Teams have won two conference titles with nine state playoff appearances in 11 seasons. Played college football and basketball at North Carolina Central. Has also been a head coach at E.E. Smith and assistant coach at Westover, South View and Seventy-First.

• Players:

Dante Bowlding, Terry Sanford: 5-10, 180, defensive back Named All-Region and All-Eastern. Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Had 172 tackles, 80 solos, five tackles for loss and five interceptions. Alltime school leader in tackles with 419. Will attend University of North Carolina at Pembroke on scholarship and major in exercise science and physiology. 

Kyler Davis, Seventy-First: 6-1, 208, quarterback All-Conference and team Offensive Player of the Year. Passed for 5,829 yards, 55 touchdowns and rushed for 2,262 yards and 24 touchdowns for his career. Volunteer at McNair Foundation. Active member of Spring Branch Missionary Baptist Church. Undecided on college choice.

Photo: David May

Rock’n on the River, presented by Healy Wholesale Company, Inc., is set for Friday, Aug. 16, at 6 p.m. The music event will take place at 1122 Person St., behind Deep Creek Outfitters.

“Rock’n on the River is Fayetteville’s newest free music venue where adults can take kids, be safe, have police protection, have beer and food and listen to free music,” said Greg Adair, founder of Rock’n on the River. Adair compared the event to a small-scale Fayetteville After Five, noting that Rock’n on the River is usually on the third Friday of the month.

The August concert features Adair’s band, Rivermist, and a Leonard Skynyrd tribute band. “Rivermist is a great group of guys,” said Adair. “We have been together since 2014 as a band.

“The direction changed at the end of 2016. We were limiting ourselves to classic rock, and you cannot limit yourself to one genre and succeed there unless you are a tribute band.”

Adair added that some of the biggest things that have contributed to Rivermist’s success locally are being humble, approachable and kind to people. The band has a Christian background. Its members believe their success and anything they do is a blessing, and they know where it comes from. 

“Two of the band members, who are another guy and I, had open-heart surgery years ago, and both of us are walking testimonies,” Adair said. “It has been 10 years now, and I feel better now than when I was in my 30s.”

“My purpose of the event is to have another family-friendly event that all families can go to that does not cost an arm and a leg,” said Adair. “It has been my vision to do this. Plus, it is right by the river, and nobody has really done anything with the Cape Fear River in years.”

Adair added that the first Rock’n on the River show hosted approximately 440 people. At the last show, there were 580 people, which keeps it intimate. The audience is not far from the stage and can hear the music easily.

“I want people to come to the event and be relaxed and drawn to it,” said Adair. “I want to thank Healy Wholesale. I appreciate their friendship and support because we could not do this without them.”

The event is free and open to the public. Food, beer and drinks will be available for purchase. Parking begins at 5 p.m. and costs $5 per car. Coolers and containers are not allowed. Bring chairs, umbrellas and blankets. For more information or to become a sponsor, follow the event on Facebook or email rocknontheriver@gmail.com.

Editor’s note: This is part of a series on Cumberland County high school spring football workouts.

Ernest King took over as Westover head football coach late in the offseason development period last year, making his challenge to field a competitive football team even more difficult.

He responded by guiding the Wolverines to a 4-7 record. Now, with more than a year working on the program behind him, he’s optimistic about this fall’s outlook.

“The biggest thing is we’ve got the majority of our offensive line back,’’ he said. “We’ve got our running backs back, and our receiving corps is back.’’

There is one big hole to fill on offense with talented quarterback Xavier Marsh departed.

“Our receiver corps has to make our quarterback look good this year,’’ King said. “When the ball is in the air, we’ve got to attack it.’’

Most of the defense returns, highlighted by linebacker Taurienne Freeman. 

“He’s our leader on defense,’’ King said. “He finished last year with 169 tackles. We expect him to do the same thing this year, lead us even more and hopefully get us to the playoffs.’’

Freeman said the focus for Westover this season is being more disciplined and knowing assignments on the field along with getting in the weight room every day.

He said things are already ahead of last year. “Everybody is finally developing as a team,’’ he said. “Everything is starting to fit in. We’re building a brotherhood and building a bond with the coaches, too, so we’re pretty good with that.’’

When it comes to returning the Wolverines to winning football, Freeman said the job for the team is obvious. “Playing hard football,’’ he said. “That’s the only way we’re going to get it back. We’ve got to come out here, play everybody hard and win. That’s how we are going to get our respect back.’’

King is expecting another tight battle for the Patriot Athletic Conference title and hopes the Wolverines will have a chance to be in the picture.

“Everybody is learning the system so when we go into summer all we are doing is getting repetitions instead of doing a lot of teaching,’’ he said. “We’ve got our coaching staff, and a majority of the kids have shown up for spring ball. We won’t lack experience.’’

Photo: Taurienne Freeman

The quality I most admire in artists is their ability to see possibility in what many would overlook. This concept is clearly evidenced through the current exhibition held at the Arts Council through Aug. 17. “Reclaimed!” is sponsored by Waste Management and the city of Fayetteville’s Environmental Services Department. It highlights art that is made primarily with recycled, repurposed and found materials. This exhibition and the Arts Council of Fayetteville/ Cumberland County’s partnership with its generous sponsor has been in existence for many years. However, each year the results are radically different. This year, the organizers went national and put out a call for art to creatives from around the country.

Juried by Bryant Holsenbeck, an environmental artist from Durham, the Arts Council received more than 100 entries from artists across the nation, and just over half were selected for inclusion in this exhibition. Holsenbeck also chose first-, secondand third-place awards. First place went to Rebecca Siemering for “Tuft Enough.” Siemering, an artist from Pawtucket, Rhode Island, created what looks like a onesie for a child — made of dental floss and betting slips. From a distance, this work looks to be made from tufted wool or knitted material. Only a close examination reveals the unique materials used to create this work.

Second place went to Bill Sieber from Carbondale, Illinois, for “Ocean Sweep.” This work is remarkable in its simplicity, yet it reflects environmental concerns that are incredibly current. The artist strung together plastic drinking straws with fishing line to create a representation of a fishing net.

The third-place award went to Michael Weddington, an artist from Matthews, North Carolina, for “Piano Lessons: Old School, New Didactic.” The work is crafted from reclaimed piano keys and other hardware combined with wood and metal.

There are many other notable works in this exhibition, including several from local and regional artists. Sherry Young, from Fayetteville, has two works in “Reclaimed!” — including a fish made from Styrofoam cups and a seahorse made from zip ties. Raul Rubiera, also from Fayetteville, has a piece that is striking in its minimalism and balance. It is made from two saw blades connected by a branch and mounted on a slice of a tree trunk.

Many works, like Rubiera’s, are not just works of beauty created with recycled, reclaimed and found materials; they also state something more profound. Rubiera describes his work as “a mixture of natural materials and the tools that transform that material into a tamed object.” While the description and the work itself does not place judgment on the materials or usage thereof, it does make the viewer think more critically about what we toss aside to make our lives more comfortable and more convenient.

Art has the power to make us think critically about our lives. This exhibition does just that while also showcasing the transformative nature of objects and the art that can be created from what is normally discarded.

This exhibition is on display at the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, 301 Hay St., until Aug. 17. For gallery hours and more information, visit www.theartscouncil.com.

Meetings

For details about all meetings and activities, including location where not listed, call Town Clerk Jane Starling at 910-426-4113.

• Historic Preservation Commission Wednesday, July 10, 5 p.m., Parks and Recreation Building

• Board of Commissioners Monday, July 15, 7 p.m., Luther Board Room, Town Hall

• Lake Advisory Committee Tuesday, July 16, 6 p.m., Parks and Recreation Center

• Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Monday, July 22, 6:30 p.m., Parks and Recreation Center

• Appearance Commission Tuesday, July 23, 6:30 p.m., Parks and Recreation

• Veterans Affairs Commission Thursday, July 25, 6 p.m., Parks and Recreation Center

Activities

• Good2Grow Farmers Market Saturday, Aug. 3, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., between Town Hall and Parks and Recreation Building.

• Hope Mills Area Kiwanis Club at Sammio’s, second Tuesdays at noon and fourth Tuesdays at 6 p.m. For details, call 910-237-1240.

• Hope Mills Parks and Recreation Senior programs at Parks and Recreation Building. Senior programs are for those ages 55 and up who are residents of Cumberland County. Various activities, especially Zumba classes, are scheduled Monday through Sunday throughout the day. For details on times and days, check the schedule at townofhopemills.com. You can call the recreation center at 910-426-4109 or e-mail Kasey Ivey at kivey@townofhopemills.com.

• Hope Mills Parks and Recreation is currently accepting registration for men’s and coed adult softball for the fall 2019 season. Registration will end Aug. 3 or when all leagues are filled, and the season will begin Aug. 12. The cost is $500 per team. For additional information, call 910-308-7651.

Promote yourself: Email hopemills@upandcomingweekly.com.

Recently, U.S. Sen. Richard Burr wrote a newspaper column criticizing the Eastern Band of the Cherokee for opposing the South Carolina-based Catawba Tribe’s efforts to acquire land near Kings Mountain to build a casino. Burr also criticized the Cherokees for lobbying against full recognition for the Lumbee tribe because they view it as a threat to their federal benefits and gaming business.

In a response published in the June 23 News & Observer, Richard Sneed, principal chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, stated, “Actually, the Eastern Band has opposed Lumbee recognition legislation for literally a century, long before tribal gaming. The Lumbees have claimed to be a Cherokee tribe and at least three other historic tribes over the years, and their identity as an historic tribe and as individual descendants of an historic tribe has been questioned for many, many years.”

So, what are the facts? Where did the Lumbee people come from? How are they different from other Native Americans, and how are they alike?

Malinda Maynor Lowery, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill associate professor of history and director of the Center for the Study of the American South, takes on this challenge in her new book, “The Lumbee Indians: An American Struggle.”

As a member of the Lumbee tribe with deep family roots in the Lumbee community, Lowery brings more than scholarship to her explanation of her people’s origins and history. She weaves her family’s experience with the defining events in Lumbee history. The main characters in Lumbee and family history turn out to be a fascinating blend of characters, heroes and scoundrels, preachers and bootleggers, lawyers and lawbreakers, and farmers, all deeply attached to the swampy lands along the Lumber River in Robeson County.

In the early 1700s, as early American Indian tribes were decimated by disease and the relentless pressure from European settlement, remnants from these groups made their way to the Lumber River (then called Downing Creek). By the 1750s, Lowery writes, “the people of Downing Creek and its swamps knit together families and places. They traced belonging through kinship, spoke English and farmed.”

Lowery cites reports of violent action in 1773 at Downing Creek that included the names of “Chavis, Locklear, Grooms, Ivey, Sweat, Kearsey, and Dial families, all ancestors of today’s Lumbees.”

During and after the Civil War, Henry Berry Lowry and his gang made war on the white establishment. Though Lowry escaped punishment, a cohort, Henderson Oxendine, was captured and hanged in 1871. For his last words, he sang “Amazing Grace" and “And Can I Yet Delay,” an old Methodist hymn. Oxendine is Malinda Lowery’s great-great-grandfather. Henry Berry Lowry is remembered and revered in the community as the Lumbee Robin Hood.

In the post-Civil War and Jim Crow times, Lumbees fought for Indian schools, state recognition and a tribal name, finally settling on the Lumbee name in the 1950s.

One defining event in Lumbee history occurred in 1958 when a large group of Lumbees disrupted a Ku Klux Klan rally near Maxton and chased its leaders away, gaining positive national attention for the Lumbee.

The Lumbee effort for federal recognition gained partial success in 1956 with the passage of the Lumbee Act. It recognized the tribe as Indian but did not make its people eligible for the benefits accorded other recognized tribes.

As for the future, Lowery closes her book with a strong argument for full recognition of the Lumbee. “Under pressure of European settlement, our ancestors abandoned many of our oldest homeplaces, but having existed for nearly 300 years along the Lumber River, we will not forsake this place.”

Lowery may not persuade everyone that the Lumbee tribe should gain full recognition. But what she has shown conclusively is that the Lumbee people are entitled to respect, admiration and appreciation for their 300-plus years struggle to build and hold their community together.

Photo: Malinda Maynor Lowery

For the last five years, Elizabeth Blevins has been exploring ways to bring art to the town of Hope Mills. After finding out she wasn’t alone in her quest, Blevins put together a committee that is going to try to make this dream happen. The newly created Hope Mills Creative Arts Council held its first official meetings last month and has as its ultimate goal bringing public displays of art to the community.

During her search for ways to bring art to the town, Blevins learned about the nearby town of Cameron in Moore County. Some years ago, a Cameron native moved to New York and became a prominent artist. He then returned to his hometown with some artist friends and painted numerous murals on various local buildings. The murals drew many visitors to the town, and Blevins would like to see Hope Mills try something similar.

“We love art, but art with a purpose,’’ Blevins said. One of the biggest reasons to bring art to a town like Hope Mills, she said, is research shows it can increase both commercial and private property values.

In addition to increasing property values, art has an effect on citizens. “It makes them proud of their community to know we have this,’’ she said. “When they are proud, they act a little better. They invest emotionally and then financially in their own community.’’

A spinoff of the art group would also be to promote a garden club and an appearance club that would work one-on-one with property owners to help them beautify their homes and businesses.

“We want to move forward with that to create an artist’s cooperative where we pair artists with local businesses,’’ Blevins said. “We already have space available and can turn businesses in our community into micro-art galleries.’’

Blevins said this could also lead to local performances with musicians, comedians, dancers and all manner of entertainment.

“We want art to be an integral part of daily life in Hope Mills,’’ she said. “We want Hope Mills to be the kind of destination people are willing to drive three hours to visit because of the art.’’

Karoll McDonald, who runs her own creative marketing agency, reached out to work with Blevins when she first heard about Blevins' idea to bring public art to Hope Mills.

“Whenever you do things that promote art, it creates a connection with the community,’’ McDonald said. “Whenever people see colors, see art, it gives them a sense of belonging, that they are part of something.’’ 

McDonald said the committee has already gotten positive response from a number of businesses. “There are a couple of exciting things coming up this year for the people in Hope Mills,’’ she said.

Hope Mills Mayor Jackie Warner has attended meetings of the committee and is excited citizens of the town are involved in this project. “They’re so interested and have so many creative ideas,’’ she said of the group. Warner said she has displayed local art in her private business and has sold some pieces created by local artists.

“We can tap that talent to start with,’’ she said. “The cultural side has not been developed like it should be. I think we need to start promoting (the fact) that we do have some talent here and some creative people here.’’

Photo:  Some founding members of the Hope Mills Creative Arts Council, left to right: Kenjuana McCray, Beth Cooper, Dennis Brechner, Pat Edwards, Sue Moody, Elizabeth Blevins, Adam Walls, Jim Blevins, Karoll McDonald

South View track and cross country coach Jesse Autry got a phone call recently that nearly brought him to tears. One of his assistant coaches told him work had finally begun on installing a rubberized track at the South View football field.

It was a successful completion of an arduous process Autry has been chasing for years, culminating in a fundraising effort he championed on Facebook.

Autry wanted to praise everyone who helped. “I can’t say enough at what Dr. (Tonjai) Robertson, Chad Barbour and Vernon Aldridge and everyone has done,’’ he said. Robertson is the South View principal, Barbour the school’s athletic director and Aldridge the student activities director for Cumberland County Schools.

“People have pitched in from our community, and alumni from our teams,’’ Autry said. “It’s really been something.’’

There is still going to be a little more money needed to finish the project completely. What’s been raised so far only covers the track. To be able to host meets at South View, the school will need to upgrade the jumping pits for events like the long jump and high jump.

“I know that the powers that be are working to make it a complete facility,’’ Autry said. “I can tell the effort is there, and they are trying to make sure the money is there.’’

The rubberized track will replace an asphalt one South View has had since 2002. While asphalt is better than the dirt tracks still used at some Cumberland County schools, Autry said it was rough on the legs of his runners. “We’ve had to run in the zero lane, as we call it, which means in the grass on the inside (of the track),’’ Autry said.

“You begin to realize rubber is a safer surface. Rubber is also faster. On asphalt, when kids try to wear spikes, they slip.’’

Autry said the new track will pay for itself because South View can host major meets and get teams to travel to run there. “People aren’t going to drive three hours to race on an asphalt track,’’ he said. “Hosting big meets means making money.”

Athletic director Barbour said the company installing the track has a 90-day contract that started June 10. The plan is to have the new track finished by Aug. 23, before South View’s first home football game.

Barbour said the installation won’t interfere with South View’s fall sports practices. Both the South View football and soccer teams have practice fields independent from the football field where work on the new track will be taking place.

History is often a traveler's best companion. I read a book titled "Here Is Where: Discovering America's Great Forgotten History" by Andrew Carroll. In the book, Carroll tells the story of Dr. Joseph Goldberger, who used prisoners in Mississippi as a control group to find a cure for pellagra. Pellagra is a disease caused by low levels of niacin, also known as vitamin B-3. It can be fatal.

In the chapter titled "Sparks: Inventions and Technological Advancements," Carroll opens with the story of Calendonia Correctional Institution. David M. Williams of Godwin, North Carolina, is the focus in this part of the story. Williams was accused of killing Cumberland County Deputy Al Pate on July 22, 1921, during a raid on a moonshine still. The evidence was mostly circumstantial, but Williams pleaded insanity. At the trial, one juror was convinced he was insane, resulting in a mistrial. At retrial, Williams pleaded guilty to a lesser charge in fear of a life sentence or the electric chair.

In 1921, while in prison, Williams eventually was able to work in the metal shop. Williams was talented with firearms, and he began working on a design for a new gun. With the help, trust and encouragement of the prison's superintendent, Captain H. T. People, Williams invented what became the most influential weapon invention in history, the short-stroke piston. The design allowed the breach of a semi-automatic weapon to travel less distance and provide a faster reload capability. This invention led to the production of a shorter, lighter and more dependable rifle, the M1 carbine.

By the end of the 1920s, Superintendent People, North Carolina Gov. Angus McLean, FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, Cumberland County Sheriff N. H. McGeachy and, reportedly, Pate's widow lobbied to have Williams pardoned. Williams was pardoned and was hired by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company.

In 1941, Winchester won a contract with the military to build the M1 carbine. In Carroll's book, he reports that 8 million M1s were produced for Word War II and the Korean War. It was reported that Gen. MacArthur stated the M1 carbine was "one of the strongest contributing factors in our victory in the Pacific."

I did some further research and discovered that in 1952, Jimmy Stewart starred in a movie called "Carbine Williams." I downloaded it from iTunes and enjoyed watching it. During my research, I learned there is a historical marker in Godwin, and that Williams is buried not far from there, at the Old Bluff Presbyterian Church near Wade, North Carolina.

Times are changing, and so are our ways of finding new spots and recommendations. Lately, I've been turning to social media. On Facebook, you can type in the place you want to go and ask for a recommendation. Usually, some nice person will help you out.

Recently, I've been trying to get my head around Instagram and have discovered a few things. If I type in some place I want to go, I can search for pictures and see places that people have tagged. Once I see something I like, I just message the person that posted the picture to ask them more information about the picture or where it was taken. Most of the time, people will be kind enough — maybe even excited — to help because you enjoyed their work.

Traveling and learning are just great companions, and you do not have to go across the country to find a little history.

Oh, and about Williams. I will leave you this thought. Although Williams certainly took his time in prison, he turned an evil act into a historychanging moment. What about People? If People had not recognized Williams' genius and not given him the latitude to work in that metal shop, how would World War II and the Korea Wars have turned out? Due to the superior firepower that the M1 carbine gave the U.S., I would suspect our casualty rates at the least would have been much higher, and history would be different.

It is reported that by the time Williams died at the age of 74, he had between 40 to 60 patents.

If there is a topic that you would like to discuss, contact me at motorcycle4fun@aol.com.

RIDE SAFE!

One look at the cover of this publication and you know which side of this issue we fall on. It’s been a busy Fourth of July week here in Fayetteville and Cumberland County, with the holiday fireworks surrounding the negative effects Gov. Roy Cooper’s, D-N.C., veto of the 2020–22 budget will have on the residents of Cumberland County and the state. My view is that partisan political agendas and the lack of credible communication skills have the governor and his lemmings putting self-serving politics before the people.

Granted, the budget is not perfect, and there is plenty of room for improvement. However, when listening to the arguments of those who support the governor’s veto, like Democrat Sen. Kirk deViere, you would think their goal was to establish themselves as modern-day Robin Hoods.

To hear them tell it, Democrats are the only ones who care about jobs, education, infrastructure, teachers, child welfare, veterans and health care. Listen to their arguments and eventually, the true meaning of their words reveals a political agenda. It’s a biased agenda that varies from county to county, depending on individual political aspirations. Sen. deViere is constantly referring to “his” constituents. Well, we are all his constituents, and many people feel our elected delegation should look to the future of Cumberland County and pursue what is good and beneficial to our community — not short-term fixes that are politically gratifying. The major pushback is coming from the fact it does not include the governor’s pet project, Medicaid expansion.

District 45 Republican John Szoka heads our Cumberland County delegation. Szoka has gained the respect and admiration of local constituents and colleagues across the state. His effectiveness, achievements and overall statesmanship as a legislative delegate is a matter of record in Raleigh. Szoka is known for his relentless work ethic, honesty and integrity — but mostly for his obsession with pragmatic thoroughness when it comes to investigating and researching bills, policies and the needs affecting residents of Cumberland County and our state.

Szoka has rightfully earned that reputation, and it is the reason for his firm stance opposing Medicaid expansion. No one is more informed in understanding the effects of this budget on North Carolina. He was appointed by House Speaker Tim Moore, R-District 111, as a conferee to work out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget. During this time, he was a strong advocate for his district and Cumberland County. During this process, the county received the budget considerations that Szoka included in the House version of the budget. Through his persistence working on HB966, $132 million was appropriated to Cumberland County. HB 966, according to Szoka’s recent newsletter, included:

• $900,000 NC Military Business Center Fund: Provides additional funds for the North Carolina Military Business Center at Fayetteville Technical Community College. The revised net appropriation for the Center is $2.1 million.

• $100,000 Cape Fear Botanical Garden: Provides a directed grant to FTCC to support the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens.

• $4 million Cape Fear Residency Program: Southern Regional Area Health Education Center Provides funds to the SRA Health Education Center for surgery and family residencies in the SRAHEC services area and facility and structural improvements associated with current residency programs. The net appropriation for this purpose is $4 million in each year of the biennium.

• $40,000 Town of Falcon Fund: Provides a directed grant to the town of Falcon for town hall projects.

• $420,000 Texfi Site Cleanup Fund: Provides funds for a directed grant to the Fayetteville Public Works Commission to address contamination at the Texfi Industries site.

• $600,665 Emerging Compounds: Provides additional funding for activities related to emerging compounds. Funds are provided to create five positions for surface and groundwater monitoring and sampling. In addition, nonrecurring funds are provided for scientific equipment and supplies.

• $750,000 Airborne & Special Operations Museum Fund: Provides a directed grant to the ASOM Foundation.

• $750,000 Veteran’s Health Care Pilot Program: Provides funds to develop and implement a two-year pilot program in Cumberland County to provide health care and job training services to veterans.

• $2 million Military Presence Stabilization Fund: Provides funding to sustain and maintain the state’s military programs and activities by providing grants for local communities or military installations, updates to strategic planning, federal advocacy and identification of measures to increase the military value of installations.

• $15 million Civil War History Center Fund: Provides a directed grant to the NC Civil War History Center Foundation for the construction of the North Carolina Civil War & Reconstruction History Center. The total amount authorized for the project is $46 million.

• $2.5 million University of North Carolina- Fayetteville State University Dormitory Demolition and Removal Fund: Provides funding for the demolition and removal of a dormitory.

• $13.7 million University of North Carolina- Fayetteville State University Rosenthal and Chick Buildings Renovations and Additions Fund: Provides funding to renovate the Rosenthal and Chick buildings.

• $1.5 million Martin Luther King, Jr. Park Fund: Provides a directed grant to the Fayetteville/Cumberland County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee, a nonprofit organization, to complete the development of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Park.

• Cumberland County $28,886,745: The General Assembly intends to appropriate at least $500 million. Funds allocated shall be used to issue allotted proceeds to local school administrative units for new construction or rehabilitation of existing facilities and repairs and renovations.

• FTCC $20 million: The State Capital and Infrastructure Fund allocated for capital improvement projects at community colleges in this state in the aggregate amount of $400 million. Funds allocated shall be used to issue allotted proceeds to community colleges for new construction or rehabilitation of existing facilities and repairs and renovations. 

Below is an excerpt from Szoka’s recent newsletter explaining the actions, inactions and political antics taking place in Raleigh.

It is NOT About Medicaid Expansion: It is about Politics.

In good faith, House and Senate leadership met with the governor and brought a list of negotiating positions on top-line budget targets, capital spending, taxes, teacher and state employee salaries, public education and the rainy-day fund. Despite repeated requests, the governor did not come to the meeting with any specific positions on anything other than Medicaid expansion.

Rep. John Szoka: “Medicaid is a separate issue that is very complex and, in all honesty, has been a mess from the beginning. To put money into an already inefficient and broken program would be irresponsible, in the least, and an absolute travesty to the taxpayers of N.C., at its worst.”

Speaker Tim Moore: “Regarding that issue, we offered to include in the budget a provision to convene a special session to address health access issues, including Medicaid expansion. The governor previously proposed a ‘two-track’ solution and wants Medicaid to be ‘part of the conversation.’ This meets both of those requests. The Governor rejected the proposal.”

Rep. John Szoka: “This is not how to govern. In good faith, the ‘vetoed’ budget does include a provision to convene a special session (at the order of the governor) to address health access issues, which include Medicaid expansion.”

At the extra session on access to health care section 5.12: “The General Assembly encourages the governor to convene an extra session pursuant to Section 5(7) of Article III of the North Carolina Constitution. The purpose of the extra session would be to consider access to health care across North Carolina, including issues pertaining to health insurance, association health plans, Medicaid, and Medicaid expansion.”

The entire document can be viewed by clicking the link on Up & Coming Weekly’s Facebook page. You be the judge. Who is being honest? Who is trying to communicate? Who is trying to negotiate? Who is looking out for the residents of Fayetteville and Cumberland County and the citizens of North Carolina? Szoka carries the type of vision and responsible leadership that will grow our community and state while assuring a bright and prosperous future for generations to come.

If you agree, contact your state senator and state representative and ask them to vote for vision, honesty and integrity in North Carolina government. They will know what to do, and ultimately, so will you.

Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

Photo: Rep. John Szoka with former Fayetteville mayor Nat Robertson

If students are looking for an affordable university and prefer going to college near home in the fall, they are in luck. Affordability isn’t simply finding a school with a low published in-state tuition. It’s important to research the typical financial aid package offered by a school, the average net price paid, and most importantly, the quality of education students receive for their tuition dollars. CollegeCalc is a website that lists best-value colleges in North Carolina for rankings that consider school quality and average net price.

CollegeCalc’s proprietary national percentile ranking has an average score of 50. Dollar value is a measure of a school’s academic rating compared with the average net price paid. All price quotations are reprinted from the U.S. Department of Education’s 2017-18 IPEDS Survey and reflect reported costs for the 2017-18 academic year.

The most affordable four-year public colleges in North Carolina are listed by one year’s in-state tuition list price for the 2017-18 school year. Leading the colleges list is Elizabeth City State University with an in-state tuition of $2,856. Fayetteville State University tuition is $2,982 per year for in-state residents. This is 58% cheaper than the national average public four-year tuition of $7,056. The cost is 84% cheaper than the average North Carolina tuition of $18,281 for fouryear colleges.

Tuition ranks second in North Carolina among four-year colleges for affordability in the state. If attending from out-of-state, the tuition at FSU is $14,590, which represents a 389% premium. The school charges a fee of $2,201 in addition to tuition, bringing the total effective in-state tuition to $5,183.

FSU provides on-campus room and board for $8,627 per academic year. Students electing to live off campus should budget at least this amount. The estimated annual cost for books and supplies is $400. Students should budget $2,426 in additional living expenses. The total tuition and living expense budget for in-state North Carolina residents who went to FSU was $16,636 for the 2017-18 academic year. Out-of-state students who don’t have North Carolina residency can expect a one-year cost of $28,244.

Private colleges and universities are considerably more expensive. Duke University has the most expensive tuition and fees in North Carolina, totaling $55,695. Tuition for Fayetteville’s Methodist University was $32,504 for the 2017-18 academic year. This is 17% more expensive than the national average private, nonprofit four-year college tuition of $27,755. The cost is 78% more expensive than the average North Carolina tuition of $18,281 for four-year colleges. Tuition at MU ranks 59th in North Carolina among four-year colleges for affordability and is the ninth most expensive college in the state. The school charges an additional fee of $356 in addition to tuition, bringing the total effective in-state tuition to $32,860.

The school provides on-campus room and board for $12,210 per academic year. Students electing to live off campus elsewhere in Fayetteville should budget at least this amount. The estimated annual cost for books and supplies is $1,400. The annual tuition and living expense budget to go to MU was $54,529 for the 2017-18 academic year. The cost is the same for all students regardless of North Carolina residence status as there is no in-state discount.

Carriage Tours of Olde Fayetteville, sponsored by the Cool Spring Downtown District, offers something special to guests on Saturday, July 13 — an exclusive inside tour of the historic St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church. The church was founded in 1873 by Rev. Joseph Caldwell Huske, rector at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Fayetteville, and its African American members, who constituted one-fourth of St. John’s congregation at the time. The church was built in 1896, thanks to the generosity of a wealthy New York philanthropist, Eva S. Cochran.

That connection to New York may help explain the “Resurrection Windows” in the sanctuary made by Tiffany of New York, the only Tiffany stained-glass church windows in Fayetteville. Another New York connection is the pipe organ, which was purchased from St. John’s. It was manufactured in New York in 1857 and is still in operation today. Heidi Bleazey from the Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum will be on-site to give the back story on these and other features of this historical treasure in downtown Fayetteville.

Because St. Joseph’s is not typically open for public touring, this truly is a special opportunity. Also, on the way to and from the church, the horse and carriage will pass by many of the historic sites within the footprint of the original town founded as Cross Creek more than 250 years ago. A professional tour guide will relate the fascinating true stories of the people and events associated with these sites. The “limousine carriage” features comfortable, padded seats and a canopy overhead.

Because of the specialty tour of St. Joseph’s, the total experience will last an hour and a half. Departure times are 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and noon. Guests will meet their carriage at 222 Hay St., across from the Cameo Art House Theatre. Parking should not be a problem. The Woodpeckers baseball game scheduled for that night doesn’t start until 6 p.m., and parking in the nearby Franklin Street parking deck will be free.

Like all the carriage tours, this is an excellent way to entertain out-of-town visitors. People in Fayetteville have used the carriage tours to show off their city to friends and family for the past three years. A recent survey found that 40% of passengers are from out of town and, of that number, fully twothirds are from out of state.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.visitdowntownfayetteville.com or by calling the Cool Spring Downtown District office at 910-223-1089. The phone reservation system is recommended if there is any problem reserving online. Even with the added experience of the St. Joseph’s tour, tickets will remain at the same low price — $25 per adult, $20 with a military ID and $15 for children under 12. There are only three tours, and reservations are strongly advised.

The sound of music is coming to Hope Mills again. The latest music makers in the town will be DJ King James and his fellow disc jockeys.

Lamarco Morrison of the Hope Mills Parks and Recreation Department said he was approached by James, who specializes in top 40, rhythm and blues, and pop music that features family-friendly lyrics.

James' idea was to provide music in the park free of charge to the town. Morrison said James works with a group of five DJs who have done this kind of performance at other venues.

The plan is to hold the first event in Hope Mills on Saturday, July 13, setting up a stage at the basketball courts in Hope Mills Municipal Park. The performance will last from 6-8 p.m.

Morrison said he also plans to coordinate with Chancer McLaughlin of the town administration staff to have food trucks on hand for the event.

Including the free music, Morrison said he hopes to have some kind of charitable donation event taking place at the same time, but a final decision on that had not been made at press time.

“It’s mainly going to be about the music and giving the community something to do in the park on a Saturday,’’ Morrison said. “I’ve done those in other cities, and it amazed me we didn’t have a music in the park (event).

“I think it will work perfect for us. It was perfect timing for (James) to contact me.

Morrison stressed the music for the performance will feature clean lyrics with no profanity and nothing suggestive. “It will be your top 40,’’ he said. “Whatever the radio is playing and whatever the kids are dancing to. It’s about (being) family-friendly.’’

James has previously performed for Hope Mills events like the health fair.

Photo: DJ King James

Hope Mills has had many Dixie Youth Baseball state champions, but last week, the Hope Mills National team made history by winning the town’s first 8U state championship.

In the championship round of the winners bracket at Lockwood Folly, they fell to Reidsville 10-7 for their only loss of the tournament but rebounded to win the title with a 10-2 victory over Reidsville.

Left to right: Coach Jonathan Ransom, Hunter Matthews, Dallas Lupo, Colby Cox, Tanner Parrish, Joshua Ransom, Colt Burns, Landon Lusignan, Gavin Bowen, Coach Joshua Lusignan, Noah Rivera, Coach Jesse Cox, Ziriyon Campbell, Aiden Peterson- McAlexander, Corey Cox and Coach Jonathan Lupo.

Hope Mills advances to the 8U Dixie Youth World Series, which will be held July 26-30 in Ruston, Louisiana.

The next Fayetteville Citizens Academy class is set for Wednesday, Aug. 14, at Kiwanis Recreation Center, 352 Devers St. Class begins at 8:30 a.m. and features officials of Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation and the Development Services Department.

Applicants must be city of Fayetteville residents or work in Fayetteville. The class size is limited to 25 residents. This session will conclude at or before 5 p.m. To apply, log onto www.fayettevillenc.gov/citizensacademy, scroll to the bottom of the page and download the application.

Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by close of business Friday, Aug. 9.

“The Citizens Academy gives residents an opportunity to see city of Fayetteville employees at work, up close and personal,” said Corporate Communications Director Kevin V. Arata. Lunch will be provided, and residents are asked to dress appropriately for the weather in business casual attire and closedtoe shoes. There will be some walking involved during tours of city facilities.

Splash pads are popping up all over the county

The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners and town of Linden leaders have cut the ribbon on the fifth splash pad opened in rural areas of Cumberland County this year. The water feature is at the Linden Little River Park, located at 5010 Loop Rd. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (3-7 p.m. when school is in session) and Sundays from 2-7 p.m.

Eastover and Wade splash pads opened May 22, Godwin on May 31 and Gray’s Creek on June 7. Each of the splash pads cost between $230,000 and  $250,000, according to Fayetteville/Cumberland Recreation and Parks Director Michael Gibson.

The Linden water feature is 1,000 square feet and was funded by Cumberland County recreation dollars as were the other four. The pad is wheelchair accessible and features a Super Splash and Aqua Dome. Future projects include a shade structure, additional playground equipment and an additional parking lot.

Kids may have the summer off, but parents don’t

Even though school is out for the summer, parents might like to know what their children will need for the upcoming school year this fall. Cumberland County Schools has a one-stop resource that will answer all your questions. It’s called the 2019-2020 Back-To-School Guide. It contains 26 pages of information about the school calendar, needed school supplies, open house schedules, lunch prices, bell schedules and more. This parent resource can be found on the Cumberland County Schools website, http://ccs.k12.nc.us, or at btsg.ccs.k12.nc.us.

Cornhole a popular recreational sport

The Fayetteville Woodpeckers have announced the inaugural edition of its Cornhole Tournament to take place at Segra Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 17. At 3 p.m. that day, teams and spectators can begin entering for registration. Beginning at 4 p.m., registered teams of two are invited to compete for a $250 cash prize for first place and a $100 cash prize for second place. With 50 team slots available for the tournament, fans and competitors are asked to register for the event no later than Friday, August 2.

Each two-person team will feature one captain and one partner. Both competitors will receive complimentary Fayetteville Woodpeckers T-shirts and drink Koozies. Registration is $50 per each twoperson team. Registered teams can also save up to $9 on tickets when purchasing at least two general admission tickets to any upcoming Woodpeckers home game.

Gilbert Theater loses an artist

The board of directors of the Gilbert Theater has reluctantly accepted the resignation of Matthew Overturf as artistic director, effective Jan. 31, 2020.

“All of us are very grateful for Matthew’s enthusiasm, vision and excellent contributions to the Gilbert Theater over the past three years,” said a news release from the theater. “The demands of his full-time faculty position will make it impossible for him to continue as the Gilbert’s Artistic Director,” the statement continued.

The Gilbert Theater board of directors has begun a search for a new artistic director. For more information, including the job description, visit www.gilberttheater.com.

Fayetteville gets one of the first new generation Dunkin’ Donuts

Fayetteville has a new Dunkin’ Donuts on Bragg Boulevard. “The launch of our next generation concept store marks one of the most important moments in Dunkin’s growth as an on-the-go, beverage-led brand,” said Dave Hoffmann, president of Dunkin’ Donuts North American business, in a statement. “Our new look represents both our heritage and our evolution as the brand that fuels optimism and keeps America running with great coffee, donuts and more,” said Tony Weisman, chief marketing officer, Dunkin’ U.S.