Tough but fair. Those were the words most frequently used to describe the late Bob Lewis by friends and former co-workers.

Lewis, 88, was a coach, teacher and principal in New Bern before relocating to Fayetteville, where he largely made his reputation locally as the principal at Seventy-First High School in the 1970s.

He went on to serve in local government, elected to the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners and eventually rising to the chairman’s seat.

Larry Lancaster, who currently serves on the Board of Commissioners, was an educator at roughly the same time as Lewis. Like many, he knew of Lewis’ reputation.

“Bob was a man of conviction,’’ Lancaster said. “He did not shy away from controversy. Back when he was principal, it was a tough time. There were a lot of things going on in this country and a lot of stuff that was brought to the schoolhouse door.’’

Lancaster said Lewis ran a tight ship and expected both students and staff to follow the rules. “There were no shortcuts with Bob,’’ Lancaster said. “Strict, fair, but he had an eye for great people.’’

A number of the people who served under Lewis during his Seventy-First days went on to become leaders in both education and politics.

One of those was Alex Warner, who was an assistant principal with Lewis and became a member of the Cumberland County Board of Education and later the North Carolina General Assembly.

Warner said Lewis faced multiple challenges in his time at Seventy-First. The Vietnam War was raging, and public schools were about to be fully integrated for the first time when Lewis came to Seventy-First as principal in 1968.

On top of that, the building at Seventy-First was built for about 1,100 students, Warner said. At one point during Lewis’ tenure, they had 2,300 enrolled.

“It was dynamite fixing to be set off by some incident,’’ Warner said.

Warner said Lewis had a knack for finding the good in everyone he encountered and nurturing it. Lewis would frequently hold round-table discussions with his whole staff to get various opinions on problems they were dealing with, but when a decision had to be made, Lewis made it and stuck with it.

“When we left the office, we were unified together because the mission was established by the boss,’’ Warner said. “He was the boss, and I admire him for that.’’

Gerald Patterson, another former Lewis assistant who went on to become principal at Seventy- First, said the most important thing he learned from Lewis was to stand up and be counted. Patterson said it was the strength of Lewis’ leadership that propelled many of his protégés into administrative careers of their own.

“What he gave me was the impetus to stand on my own two feet,’’ Patterson said. “Don’t be afraid of who might come after me. Be yourself.’’

Photo: Bob Lewis

Fayetteville is dealing with a tremendous challenge regarding downtown parking. In the big picture, paid parking in city lots that has been instituted during baseball games is adversely impacting businesses and those who work downtown. A further complication is that people who want to go downtown during a game but not attend the game find it difficult to locate free onstreet parking. This condition is caused, in great part, by game attendees using on-street parking. Fayetteville City Council is looking for a solution to this problem.

As Council and others decide on a course of action, the starting point should be clearly defining city government’s overall goal regarding conditions in the downtown area. The following statement appears on the city’s website under “Economic Development”: “The City of Fayetteville’s vision includes a vibrant downtown and a strong local economy. The activities included in this section focus on small business development activities with a concentration on economic development activities in the downtown area in support of the Fayetteville Renaissance Plan and the City’s redevelopment plan areas throughout the community.”

This parking challenge should be addressed in light of that overall desired condition for the downtown area. The next step would be to honestly define our circumstance. This step is critical because, if it is not executed, we run the risk of taking a cookiecutter approach. That approach would be concluding that we can just do what other cities do and all will be well. The problem is that serious examination of our circumstances might show that we are not so much like other cities — that we cannot simply do what they do by way of downtown parking.

For example, does our downtown offer a similar variety of businesses and general experiences as cities being looked at as models of what might be done regarding parking? There are some wonderful restaurants downtown, but since I live in the north area, I can drive a much shorter distance to great restaurants that offer free parking. As much as one appreciates what is downtown, will the average person drive there and pay to park?

I fully recognize that attitudes change over time. However, although I have not been able to confirm it through media reporting, several people have stated that parking meters were removed from downtown during the 1970s in an attempt to attract people to the area. My sense is that the 1970s thinking about paying to park downtown, when free parking is available elsewhere, has not dramatically changed. In Raleigh, Charlotte, Winston-Salem and so on, people likely expect to pay for parking. Their only concern might be how much they pay. I do not think that Fayetteville is at that point.

Now, what seems to be Council’s thinking as to what any corrective action should aim to accomplish? The following statement appears, with the new rules, on the City’s website at fayettevillenc.gov/community/gettingaround/downtown-parking:

“The intent of enforcing on-street parking hours until 9 p.m. during event and non-event days is to encourage those who need to park for an hour or more to use parking lots and make onstreet parking more easily available for those patrons who wish to visit downtown businesses. It is important for the vitality of downtown businesses that on-street parking turn over regularly so that customers are likely to find a convenient place to park.

“Unfortunately, evening on-street parking has become increasingly difficult to find since Segra Stadium opened. The change in enforcement is designed to move long-term parkers coming downtown for events into the ample off-street parking available in city and privately owned lots in the downtown.”

To achieve the goal of making on-street parking more available through regular turnover, Council plans to implement paid parking in most city-owned lots and for on-street parking spots. New parking rules have been published and will take effect during the next six months.

I would summarize that serious examination of our circumstances might show we are not so much like other cities, based on information from: https://fayettevillenc.gov/community/getting-around/downtown-parking and an article by John Henderson titled, “Council endorses proposal to enforce downtown Fayetteville parking time limits”:

“On-street parking is presently limited to, depending on the location, two or three hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. There is no charge for this parking. Parked cars are monitored by roving personnel and tickets issued where appropriate due to overstays. Effective 15 July, this program will shift to being in effect Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. That will continue through Dec. 31. It is expected that as of Jan. 1, 2020, pay kiosks will be in place for on-street parking. At that time, and beyond, metered parking will be used to accomplish the desired regular turnover of on-street spots. The cost will be $1 per hour.

“There are two types of city lots; paid and timelimited. Starting on July 15, 2019, these lots will require payment or adherence to the time limits, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The only time-limited lots are one behind City Hall and one adjacent to the police station. The city lots that require payment can be identified by the legend, on a map at https://fayettevillenc.gov/community/ getting-around/downtown-parking/regular-parking, as Monthly Leased Parking, Pay Upon Exit/Monthly Leased Parking, Pre-Pay Parking, and Pre-Pay/ Monthly Leased Parking. Parking is free and time unlimited on Saturday and Sunday in all city-owned lots. During event days, parking off-street in all city-owned lots will be $5 per vehicle beginning two hours before the start of events.

“Currently, event days are defined as follows: Woodpeckers baseball home games; Dogwood Festival (April); International Folk Festival (September); Fall Dogwood Festival (October). Other events may be identified throughout the year.” 

It would appear that the goal of having on-street parking turn over regularly could be accomplished without going to paid parking. The time limits for on-street parking now in place, maybe with some tweaking, could accomplish that end. This approach will be employed until metered parking is in place.

That raises the question of to what extent revenue generation for the city comes into play with Council’s move to paid parking. The following was written by John Henderson in an article titled “Fayetteville’s $10 parking fee brought in money, but also ill will,” in regard to comments by Mayor Mitch Colvin: “Colvin said that the city has been losing about $250,000 on its downtown parking enforcement that is being covered by property-tax payers, so it’s nice to have some revenue stream to offset this expenditure.

“‘When you go from paying $250,000 for something to making $19,000 to $20,000 a month, it looks like you’ve cleared your problem of having a deficit,’ he said. ‘But what I will say is that we’ve got to be mindful of the impact it will have on the people we are asking to visit the baseball stadium, the people we are asking to visit businesses.’”

Granted, the income referred to in this article was before event parking was reduced from $10 to $5. However, when the city has been losing money on parking, increasing parking revenue has to be attractive to Council. Colvin, however, cut to the heart of the matter. If increased revenue comes at the expense of losing businesses, and visitors, from the downtown area, the outcome is a negative for the city.

Loss of businesses and visitors is likely. “Some owners selling downtown businesses say parking a factor,” another article by John Henderson, supports this conclusion. From the article: “After two decades of operating the popular downtown coffee shop Rude Awakening on Hay Street, Molly Arnold has put the business up for sale.

“She said the city’s plans to implement paid parking for on-street spaces in the downtown area, as well as the reduction in business from the paid parking plan implemented by the city during Woodpeckers baseball games, is taking a toll on small businesses like hers and was a factor in the decision.

“She also has put her White Trash gift shop on Franklin Street on the market.”

Based on comments from owners, the article goes on to report: J&M Vapor Store is moving from Hay Street to Russell Street; business has suffered at Cameo Art House Theatre; Sweet Palette bakery’s business has suffered. It appears safe to conclude most, if not all, downtown businesses are being adversely impacted by the current parking situation and will continue to do so under the new plan. Add to this the negative impact on people working downtown.

Downtown parking should be assessed in terms of Council’s aim for the area, strength of the downtown draw for visitors, public attitude toward paid parking, cost/benefit of revenue generation while losing businesses and downtown visitors. I think this approach would produce major changes to the plan summarized above.

To Americans, our National Mall in Washington, D.C., is a sacred space.

A vast tract of urban open space running almost two miles between the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, the Mall is where we take our children, both literally and through pictures, to teach them about George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln, about World War II and the Vietnam conflict, about our national culture as told in museums featuring American history, American art and the American fascination with air and space. It is where we sit quietly beside the reflecting pool to ponder what it means to be an American and how blessed we are to be part of the greatest ongoing experiment in democracy the world has ever seen.

On most days, the National Mall hosts tourists taking in the sights, joggers in their regular runs and frisbee players out for a fun afternoon. Last week, on the Fourth of July, though, the Mall became a visible metaphor not so much of the United States of America as of a country whose people are sharply divided.

Americans on the Mall that day represented two distinct camps.

At the Lincoln Memorial end of the mall, Donald Trump treated his Trump MAGA-attired supporters and VIP donors to what he billed as a “Salute to America,” a program awash in both patriotic themes and rain. Trump is the first president to address a Fourth of July celebration in almost seven decades, and he topped off the occasion with a taxpayer-funded fly-over by American military war planes. Tanks and other asphalt-crushing heavy equipment were corralled on the sidelines in case spectators wanted to take a gander. There were chants of, “Four more years!”

At the Capitol end of the mall, other Fourth of July celebrants enjoyed more traditional Independence Day entertainment, including music by Carole King and the National Symphony Orchestra, a visit by some Muppets, and fireworks as the sun sank into the stormy horizon. These folks were doing what many Americans do on the Fourth, complete with blankets — some of them soggy — and picnic hampers. The New York Times reported that a woman heading toward the concert stand carried a sign reading, “Fight ignorance, not immigrants.”

Such is the state of our nation in 2019. If there is anyone who does not have an opinion of Donald Trump one way or another, I have yet to meet him or her.

There are as many reasons for our national divide as there are Americans, and most of those reasons are valid. We have arrived to this distressing state of affairs over time through — in no particular order — increasing globalization both in trade and in culture, extreme gerrymandering making our votes less meaningful, a widening and gaping economic gulf between the haves and havenots, demographic evolutions well underway that threaten some among us, ongoing educational inequities, racial polarization, urban-rural disparities, a paralyzed Congress and on and on.

The Trump fans and the concert-goers at opposite ends of the national mall on a rainy Fourth of July provide a powerful visual of the state of our nation.

Zealots on both ends of the Mall, literally and figuratively, are entrenched in their positions and brook no discussion with others with differing views. More thoughtful people on both sides are deeply concerned about the future of our nation. Significant books of warning have been flowing from publishers’ presses just in the last two years, among them “How Democracies Die” by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, “This America: The Case for the Nation” by Jill Lepore, “Fascism: A Warning” by Madeline Albright, “The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels” by Jon Meacham, and many others.

Each has its own take on what is happening in and to our country, but all are sounding national alarms. We Americans would do well to listen.

We the undersigned stand united for an even stronger, more vibrant, more competitive Fayetteville and Cumberland County from this day forward! Please click the following link and turn to page 16 to read a community petition regarding the governor's veto of the state budget that would bring more than $132 million to projects that benefit our community: Click here to read petition

Most of us, both men and women, take a deep breath every time we go for a medical checkup. Will our tests be within normal ranges? Will we have strange lumps and bumps? Will we weigh too much or too little? Will our lives be turned upside down by some unexpected diagnosis this very day?

Women’s health and wellness are not more important than those of men, but they are different. For women and those who love us, there is good news and bad news.

The 2019 Status of Women in North Carolina: Health and Wellnessreport released last month finds that we are healthier in some areas than we were earlier in the decade. Mortality rates for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancers of the breast, uterine, cervix and ovaries have gone down — as have several sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Our teen pregnancy rate has dropped almost 7% since 2013. These declining rates are positive news, of course, but our rates are still generally higher than the national average, including the births of low-weight babies.

Generally speaking, North Carolina women rank in the middle or bottom indicators of national health and wellness, and our diabetes rates remain among the highest in the nation. In addition, North Carolina women continue to report domestic violence and sexual assaults, with 35% experiencing some form of physical aggression by an intimate partner and nearly 20% having been raped.

Perhaps most worrisome of all is that the gains made over the last decade are not shared by all. Black women have higher rates of heart disease than do white and Hispanic women, as well as higher rates of HIV/AIDS. Ditto for breast cancer. Disparities among races and ethnicities clearly exist, and do disparities based on geography and socio-economic status. Women in rural areas clearly have less access to high-quality medical services, an issue that is becoming more acute as medical professionals flock to urban areas and rural hospitals close.

A drive along almost any rural road may be lovely and evoke nostalgia, but try counting health care facilities, which will be scarcer than proverbial hen’s teeth. A Robert Wood Johnson Foundation report puts Cumberland County’s patient to primary care physician ratio at 1,350:1; Robeson’s at 2,490:1; and Hoke County’s at an astounding 7,520:1.

The report details some policy recommendations, including Medicaid expansion. This topic has turned into a political football in the North Carolina General Assembly with Democrats demanding it and Republicans holding onto their long-standing and loud, “No!” Also being kicked around are proposals for paid family leave and paid medical leave, which would help women in low-wage jobs unlikely to provide such benefits. Also on the list are broader access to reproductive health care and decreasing violence against women.

This is challenging news for sunny summertime, but we all have women in our lives who are near and dear and without whom our lives would not be the same. The health and wellness status report sums up the importance of women’s health and wellness this way. “Good health, access to health services and the ability to live in a safe environment are critical to the economic security and overall wellbeing of North Carolina women.

“While poor health can negatively affect employment opportunities, educational attainment and financial security, good health allows women to meet their economic and educational goals and flourish in the other areas of their lives.”

It is clear that North Carolina is both on the right track and still has many miles to go.

With all the discussion in City Hall about homelessness and what to do about it, Up & Coming Weekly got an update from Operation Inasmuch and its shelter for homeless men. The Lodge, as it’s known, is not just a shelter. “It’s a transformation program for homeless men who want to change their lives. Each man commits to create realistic financial, social and spiritual goals, become drug- and alcohol-free, get a job, and treat others in the program with dignity and respect,” says in the Operation Inasmuch website.

The Lodge provides a place for up to 40 men to sleep every night. Internet access, a kitchen, laundry facilities, showers and a dayroom are also provided. Financial planning, Bible studies and other helpful opportunities are available for these men. The Lodge is located across the street from the Operation Inasmuch Ministry Center at 531 Hillsboro St. Learn more online at www.faoiam.org.

Seth’s Wish gets its wish

The city of Fayetteville will not require that local homeless advocacy group Seth’s Wish pay fees or penalties for not obtaining proper permits before renovating its building. Council member Tisha Waddell said she wasn’t comfortable with allowing the fees to be waived. But City Manager Doug Hewett pointed out there was a precedent for the waiver. Waivers were granted to several businesses that suffered damage during Hurricane Matthew, as Seth’s Wish’s building on S. Cool Spring Street did. Waddell and several other Council members said they would be willing to make personal financial contributions. But Council agreed to approve the manager’s recommendation during a dinner meeting June 24.

Seth’s Wish is a volunteer homeless advocacy charity supported by private donors. Find out more at www.sethswish.com.

Violent deaths are down slightly

While murder rates are on the increase in Raleigh and Durham, homicides in the city of Fayetteville are down so far this year, although the typical peak season lies ahead. Fayetteville Police spokesman Sgt. Shawn Strepay said 10 local homicides were investigated during the first half of 2019. He said that compares to 11 murders during the corresponding period of 2018.

Board of Education looking to fill a vacancy

Members of the Cumberland County Board of Education need to fill a vacant seat on their nine-member board. Cumberland County residents who reside in District 6 and are interested in serving are invited to submit a one-page resume and letter of interest to the office of the school board attorney by July 15 at 5 p.m.

Board member Peggy Hall resigned abruptly last month. For more information about the vacancy, visit the Cumberland County Schools website at www.ccs.k12.nc.us. For questions about District 6 residency, call the Cumberland County Board of Elections at 910-678-7733.

Pat McCrory and the Trump administration

President Donald Trump considered former North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory for a position in his administration, according to records obtained by the news and information website Axios. But those records show the Trump administration found some “red flags.” The 10-page file on McCrory contained accusations of “favoritism toward Duke Energy” and having “thin skin,” and “comments critical of Trump.”

The headline of an October 2016 Washington Examiner story saying “Pat McCrory says Trump ‘needs to have his mouth washed out’” topped the list of red flags.

McCrory was responding to comments Trump made about women in a recording from 2005. McCrory is one of dozens of Republican politicians and officials identified by the Trump transition team as potential suitors for top posts in the administration.

After losing a tight governor race to Democrat Roy Cooper in 2016, McCrory met with Trump’s transition team in New York City.

Former Republican Rep. Charles Jeter, a supporter of McCrory’s, described him this way: “He can’t fathom that anyone would question his motives,” Jeter said. “And he (has) a tendency to take criticism personally. He’s done it with the press. He’s done it in the legislature.”

Our community has lost a pair of dedicated public servants

Late last month, former Cumberland County Commissioner and educator Bob Lewis died from complications following heart surgery. He was 88. Days earlier, retired Hope Mills police chief John Hodges died.

Lewis served two four-year terms as a commissioner. Before that, he was principal of Seventy-First High School from 1968 to 1976 and later principal at Seventy-First Elementary School until he retired in 1982. Lewis was an acknowledged disciplinarian at Seventy-First High at a time when student misconduct was excessive. “I might have been tough sometimes, but they knew I cared about them,” he once said.

Lewis earned the Purple Heart while fighting during the Korean War as a member of the 1st Marine Division from 1950 to 1954.

Retired Hope Mills police chief Hodges died at the age of 84. He served the town for more than 20 years until his retirement in 2009. Hodges retired from the U.S. Army after a 20-year career before taking the Hope Mills post. The town board of commissioners voted to name the new public safety building being planned for Hodges.

“It’s just a shame that he didn’t live to actually see the building,” Hope Mills Mayor Jackie Warner said.

If you live in Fayetteville, chances are you know a soldier. With over 50,000 active-duty personnel, Fort Bragg is the largest military base in the world by population. “Camp Bragg,” as it was called from 1918-1922, has been training heroes for more than 100 years, and it shows. The community in and around the Fayetteville/Fort Bragg region is always ready to give honor where honor is due.

Rolling Thunder is a national veterans organization designed to bring full accountability for prisoners of war and those missing in action of all U.S. wars. Craig Hardy is a veteran and chairman/ past president of Rolling Thunder NC Chapter 1. “The mission of Rolling Thunder is to educate the public that there are still missing Americans from all wars, and we try to ensure that our government does not forget that,” Hardy said.

“We do more to bring them home,” he added. “Our second mission is to help and assist veterans and their families in the area.”

Hardy invites the community to assist veterans alongside him. “Fayetteville unfortunately has a large number of homeless veterans. There’s more that the community could probably do to help (them) and other veterans in our communities, but there’s a lot of organizations that are doing just that,” said Hardy.

Serving U.S. veterans has long been a recognized need in this country. In 1782, George Washington created the Purple Heart, originally called the Badge for Military Merit, to honor those who have been wounded or killed in combat. It is the oldest American military decoration for military merit.

Locally, the Sandhills Purple Heart Committee invites the public to join them in thanking Purple Heart recipients, families of deceased Purple Heart recipients, families of those killed in action and Gold Star mothers at the Sandhills Purple Heart Dinner.

The Sandhills Purple Heart Dinner is one of the largest functions that Rolling Thunder sponsors— and one of the biggest ways they honor those who have sacrificed for our country. “Those who have (made it home) still need to be thanked for their service, and Rolling Thunder tries to do that with their events,” said Hardy, who is also this year’s Purple Heart Committee director.

Recipients will be escorted by Junior ROTC cadets and announced during the Walk of Honor, in which each recipient walks through a saber salute. Their name, branch, location of service, and the location that they received their Purple Heart is announced.

“It’s recognizing and acknowledging and honoring them for their service and sacrifice,” said Hardy.

The event takes place Saturday, Aug. 24, from 5-8 p.m. at the Crown Coliseum, 1960 Coliseum Dr. It is open to the public. Tickets cost $25. Purple Heart recipients receive a free meal and additional tickets for up to two guests. To register and purchase tickets, visit www.sandhillsphdinner.com.

It has been 10 years since John Hodges served as the police chief for the town of Hope Mills. But he remained a familiar figure to the people of the small town after his retirement, and they still held him in high regard because of the respect he showed for its citizens.

Hodges, 84, passed away just over a week ago.

Hope Mills Mayor Jackie Warner was a member of the town’s board of commissioners during Hodges’ final years as police chief.

“If I’m not mistaken, he was at our last board meeting,’’ Warner said. “He would come to board meetings, and you’d always see him at local restaurants.’’

He had a fun side beyond his role as police chief. “The most unusual thing was when I found out he loved to dance,’’ Warner said. “He traveled all over North Carolina and competed in Fayetteville’s Dancing With the Stars.’’

While she described Hodges as softspoken, Warner said his interest in the town was genuine. “You always knew he was concerned,’’ she said.

He was also supportive of his son Chuck Hodges, who currently serves as the town’s fire chief.

“He grew up in a town kind of like Hope Mills,’’ Chuck said of his father. “He loved Hope Mills. He loved the people. He loved that hometown feeling.’’ Chuck said it was rare for his father to go anywhere in Cumberland County without running into someone who knew him.

The elder Hodges was an avid sports fan, having played sports in high school and some semipro baseball. He officiated local high school sports as well.

Neil Buie, regional supervisor of football officials for the Southeastern Athletic Officials Association, said John had a calm, unexcitable demeanor as a football official and that he worked well with coaches.

“He just brought respect to the football field from his private vocation," Buie said. “John was a good guy. He really enjoyed it.

Above all, Chuck said his father instilled in his family a sense of the importance of public service. John's son Tim Hodges is a sergeant with the Cumberland County sheriff’s department. His daughter-in-law, Kara Hodges, is a senior assistant district attorney for Cumberland County.

“Our whole family has been in some form of public service, giving back to the community, helping to protect the community,’’ Chuck said.

Although John's role as police chief required him to enforce the law, Chuck said, his father won the respect of many people he interacted with who were on the wrong side of the law.

“I’ve had people come up to me and say, ‘Your dad busted me, but he treated me like an individual,’" Chuck said. “I think he was honorable.

“You might not get the answer you wanted from him, but he would listen to your side. I just think he treated people fairly.’’

Photo: John Hodges

Up & Coming Weekly asked the mayor of Hope Mills and the members of the board of commissioners to share what they thought the Fourth of July means to their community. We received responses from Mayor Jackie Warner and Commissioners Jessie Bellflowers and Pat Edwards. Here are their replies.

Mayor Jackie Warner

Parade, traditions, family, friends, fireworks and homemade ice cream — July Fourth, Hope Mills.

Like many military families, we moved a lot. But unlike most, we stayed in the Fayetteville area, just different houses — new schools every year while our dad served in other countries.

When I married and Hope Mills was Alex (Warner’s) home, it became my permanent home finally. So, like many of our retired veterans and active-duty military who find Hope Mills a perfect location to raise a family, I also share that same sentiment.

What makes Hope Mills special? First and foremost are our people. Our small town offers so much for families — youth programs for all ages, Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, Adventurers, churches of all religious preferences and the best schools in Cumberland County.

Family activities, especially around special holidays, we have so many special memories. Christmas parades — some watching with family on the front porch of Countryside Furniture — or participating in the parades, walking among floats and vehicles with scouts, bands or special groups.

The Festival of Lights at the lake with Christmas carols, hot chocolate and the Christmas story shared by a local minister are times we look forward to every year.

But a favorite time in Hope Mills has to be the July Fourth special events, which for my family have changed so much over the years.

The July Fourth parade starts the day off with families lining the parade route wearing patriotic clothes and waving flags.

Our Countryside Furniture porch has been the place for many to come and watch the parade since 1979. I can still see pictures in my mind of Mac and Pete Warner, Colleen and Milton Smith, Fronnie and Jimmy Jackson, along with friends and neighbors sitting on the porch or in the parking lot.

Over the years, the faces have changed as our family has grown — Colleen, Milton, Micah and Caleb Smith; Teddy, Tiffany, Parker and Peyton Warner; Molly, Nick, Kate, Cooper and Jackson Capps — share the porch with new neighbors and friends.

The classic car rides or town float have made the parade trip special, but also sometimes because I wave as we pass the porch that has so many memories.

The events at the park or lake are also etched in my mind, but not as much as the fireworks display. (Alex's and my) first July Fourth, in 1979, we watched the fireworks from our Hillcrest Street front yard eating homemade ice cream. As our family grew, we moved to Frierson Street, where we watched from our backyard. Then it was on to our current Legion Road home, where we watched from our driveway from 1994-2003. After the dam failed and the fireworks were moved, we watched from various locations. The best display we watched from our back porch, as it was staged at South View High School.

Traditions such as family cookouts, Christmas in July events and many churns of homemade ice cream are captured in my heart and mind.

This year, like the past 10 years, we will watch the fireworks display from the Moulder home side yard — never sure how many or who will share the best view ever because we are across Rockfish Road from the park.

Also, the ice cream churn has to start by 8:30 p.m. to be ready for the show. 

Patriotism, traditions, family, community, church and schools are why Hope Mills is our home.

Hope Mills gives our children firmly planted roots in family values, traditions and love of their home. Memories are made every day, but the favorite memories come to mind on July Fourth.

Commissioner Jessie Bellflowers

Each year on the Fourth of July, most folks in Hope Mills ask two questions: When is the town parade, and where is the fireworks ceremony.

In our community, more and more families each year celebrate our nation’s birthday by attending and participating in the parade; and the

Fourth of July just wouldn’t be the same without a stunning fireworks show in the park.

On this day, let us recommit ourselves to the principles upon which our great nation was first founded. We must continue to reflect upon the price of freedom and honor America’s brave patriots who gave their last full measure and (those who) defend the freedoms we enjoy today.

Stand and salute our national colors. Let us renew our sacred pledge that will forever remain: “One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.’’

I am honored to stand with thousands of American patriots who have a genuine love of country and willingness to sacrifice everything in their life for it, without regret. Over the past 243 years, it has taken generations of sacrifice to make sure our nation’s independence endures. Those of us who have fought for freedom know all too well the high cost of maintaining the freedoms we enjoy today.

It has often been said, “A nation’s strength is not measured through military might; it’s measured in the patriotism of its people.’’

So, on this Fourth of July, please share a love of country and patriotism with your family and friends, but also pause to remember and honor all of America’s patriots who unselfishly sacrificed themselves for us to celebrate our past, our present, our future — our nation’s Independence Day.

And don’t forget to thank our active-duty members and their families for their bravery, boldness and the courage to protect the core values of America... the very values upon which our great nation was founded 243 years ago. Enjoy a hot dog, hamburger, and raise a glass of celebration to let freedom ring across our great nation.

Happy Birthday, America.

Commissioner Pat Edwards

The Fourth of July means so much to me. It glorifies the freedom and liberty for every man and woman on earth. We commemorated the Declaration of Independence of the United States on July 4, 1776. Patriotic displays and family events are celebrated throughout the United States.

I am proud to be an American. I deeply believe that every day is Veterans Day. Our town will celebrate with a parade, vendors, food trucks (and) activities for children, followed by fireworks. Everyone is welcome. Fun time for all.

Photo: Mayor Jackie Warner

City of Fayetteville staff members who know him say Jay Reinstein is a good guy. Reinstein, 57, spent five years on the job as an assistant city manager. His last day on the payroll was June 30, although he has used family medical leave and sick leave since last October. That’s when he was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Reinstein is not yet eligible for retirement. Disability insurance provides income for someone who can no longer work because of illness or injury. He will receive short-term disability through the state retirement system and a year later will apply for long-term disability until he can officially retire in 2022.

Reinstein was honored by the city on June 24 with a luncheon, reception and a special presentation by City Council. Mayor Mitch Colvin presented him with a key to the city, Fayetteville’s highest honor. The presentation at the City Council meeting followed a video tribute prepared by and featuring numerous department heads and others. Reinstein’s wife and daughter were on hand for the ceremony.

“The next chapter of my life is to help find a cure for Alzheimer’s,” Reinstein told the gathered City Hall assembly. He has been named to the board of directors of the National Alzheimer’s Association and will attend his first board meeting this month in Chicago, Illinois. He makes a point of often repeating that he doesn’t want sympathy. He wants support.

The impact of Reinstein’s condition became clear last fall when The Jaywalkers, a team of friends and associates organized to honor him, raised nearly $25,000 for research. Researchers hope that studies on biomarkers will allow experts to diagnose the disease more quickly. Biomarkers are proteins in the body, or other types of markers, that reliably indicate the progress of a disease.

Early-onset Alzheimer’s is a rare form of dementia that strikes people younger than 65. Statistically, only about 5% of those who develop Alzheimer’s develop symptoms before age 65. Most people with early-onset Alzheimer’s develop symptoms of the disease in their 40s and 50s. An accurate diagnosis is crucial, for medical reasons, to rule out other potential issues and get the most appropriate treatment as well as for personal and professional reasons. For one’s family, the diagnosis is fundamental in helping members respond with appropriate understanding and compassion.

Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease can be a difficult situation to cope with. Reinstein is on record as knowing that it helps to have a positive outlook and to stay active and mentally engaged. It’s also important to rely on friends and family as much as possible. When the disease is still in its early stages, it’s critical to think about the future, again something Reinstein says he has done. This includes financial planning, clarifying health insurance coverage and getting important documents in order. Doctors also say it is important to have a healthy diet, get regular exercise, cut down on alcohol and use relaxation techniques to reduce stress.

Photo: Jay Reinstein

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

Promote yourself: Email hopemills@upandcomingweekly.com.

Activities

• Independence Day Parade and Celebration Thursday, July 4. Parade starts at 10 a.m. near Rockfish Elementary School. Celebration runs from 4-10 p.m. at Hope Mills Municipal Park.

• Good2Grow Farmers Market Saturday, July 6, 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.

The recent demolition of the red brick football grandstand at Terry Sanford High School has caused me to wax nostalgic about one of Fayetteville’s oldest high school football stadiums.

I spent many Friday nights on the sidelines and in the press box at that imposing structure during my nearly 50 years of reporting on high school athletics in Fayetteville and Cumberland County. Many of the nights I was there, I was following the exploits of a pair of great coaches, first Len Maness and later John Daskal. Both guided Terry Sanford teams to the pinnacle of state football excellence at the time, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 4-A championship game.

I have been running through the cluttered files of my brain, thinking back to great moments on that field near Fort Bragg Road. But I decided it best not to rely on my own memory when trying to remember the most incredible nights I spent there.

I reached out to Bulldog stars of multiple generations for their input on the greatest games they remembered. I got several good replies, but the one game mentioned most, and the one I’d like to share with you in this column, took place in the third round of the NCHSAA state 4-A playoffs in 1985.

Terry Sanford was scheduled to host a strong Jacksonville team coached by the great Ray Durham, who I’d known since my college days at UNC-Wilmington when he was the head coach at Wilmington’s Hoggard High School.

A few years earlier, Durham’s Jacksonville team took on Douglas Byrd in a playoff game won by Bob Paroli’s Eagles. In writing a column after the game, I learned a painful lesson about taking misguided advice from someone I trusted. They convinced me that Jacksonville had tried to even the odds with Byrd by watering its field to slow down the Eagle running game.

I got blistering letters from the Jacksonville principal and one from Durham himself.

That Friday in 1985 was the first time I’d covered Durham’s team since. The whole thing had long since blown over, but Durham was waiting for me when we arrived at Terry Sanford that Friday night and were greeted by a downpour.

Durham and Daskal were huddled in the breezeway next to the Terry Sanford stadium watching the rain come down.

As I walked up, Durham looked at me, a kind of crooked grin on his face, and said, “Well, you wet the field, didn’t you.” Touché, coach.

Anyway, the contest was postponed to the following Monday.

Jacksonville took command early and appeared on the way to the win with a 21-7 lead. But Terry Sanford fought back and, in the final minutes, cut the Jacksonville margin to 21-20.

Instead of going for the tie, Daskal elected to try for the 2-point conversion and the win. Quarterback Trey Edge, now the radio voice of Bulldog football on Friday nights for DK Sports, Inc., found his way into the end zone to clinch the 22-21 victory.

Terry Sanford would go on to make the state 4-A championship game against Greensboro Page, where it wound up suffering a heartbreaking loss. Page returned a blocked field goal on the game’s final play for 75 yards and the winning score.

Ironically, Terry Sanford will spend the 2019 football season playing its games in John Daskal Stadium at Reid Ross Classical High School while construction is underway on the new stadium on Fort Bragg Road.

The Bulldogs are expected to begin play in the new stadium in the 2020 season.

“It’s summertime, and the living is easy/Fish are jumping, and the cotton is high” was sung by Bess in Charleston down on Catfish Row. It’s the time of year when a lot of North Carolina families get together at the beach in a rental cottage, lest old acquaintance be forgotten, to share fried chicken, potato salad, sunburn and the resurrection of old grievances. Precious memories, how they linger. Thinking about these annual reunions got me to pondering about what a week at the beach would have been like for the family of the Egyptian Lord of the Underworld, Osiris. It could be fraught.

In case you may have misplaced your Egyptian mythology, allow me to bring you up to speed. Osiris had green skin and was in charge of judging dead Egyptians and causing the Nile River to flood annually so that crops would grow. He was popular among the ancient Egyptians. He was the Elton John of Egyptian gods. His family tree was pretty much a straight line, as the Egyptian gods married their siblings to keep it all in the family. Unfortunately, unlike today’s families who always get along, the families of Egyptian gods had troubled relationships with each other.

Osiris’ friends called him Ozzie, so we will, too. Ozzie first showed up about 2400 B.C. Ozzie’s family tree is a bit complex, but understanding it is necessary for our story. Kindly bear with me through the begats. His grandfather was the god Atum, who created Shu and Tefnut. Despite the obvious temptation to say, “Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don’t,” I will resist writing that. The siblings Shu and Tefnut had two children, Geb and Nut, who procreated and produced Ozzie, his sisters Nephthys and Isis, and his wicked brother Set.

Ozzie married his sister Isis. She was not the Isis terrorists who recently were whupped in the Middle East. Ozzie enjoyed being the king of Egypt. As Ozzie was frequently away from the palace making the world civilized, he assigned Isis to handle things when he was out of town. This rankled his evil brother, Set, who wanted to be king. 

Set was married to their sister Nephythys. Set came up with a plot to kill Ozzie. He had Nephythys pretend to be Isis to seduce Ozzie. From this misbegotten union was born Anubis, the dog-headed god. Are you following all this? It’s a mess.

Set built a really fancy chest for a big family dinner. He promised to give the chest to whichever member of the family could fit in it. Set had the chest built so that only Ozzie would fit. When Ozzie got in the chest, quick as cat can wink its eye, Set slammed the chest shut. He poured molten lead on the chest, sealing Ozzie inside. He tossed the chest full of Ozzie into the Nile River, where it floated out to sea.

The chest finally hit an island, where it got stuck in a Tamarisk tree, which grew up around the chest. Ozzie couldn’t get out. As a result — being in the chest in the tree — he expired, turning his pretty chest into a coffin. Meanwhile, Isis had been looking for Ozzie all this time. She ultimately found Ozzie’s coffin, which she called a sarcophagus.

Isis turned herself into a bird, said some magic words, flapped her wings and revived enough of Ozzie’s body to conceive a child named Horus. She literally raised the dead.

Evil Set located Ozzie’s body and had it chopped up and spread all over Egypt. When Isis found out what Set had done, she rounded up as many parts of Ozzie as she could find to reassemble them so he could have a proper burial. Unfortunately, she could not locate Ozzie’s manhood, which had been eaten by a fish.

Since Ozzie was not complete, he was not eligible to rule the living. As a consolation prize, he was put in charge of the dead folks in the Underworld. One of Ozzie’s jobs in the Underworld was to help the dead get to their final reward. To determine if the dead were worthy of getting into the Underworld, he would weigh their hearts on a scale against the sacred feather of Maat.

Ozzie, being the benevolent guy he was, didn’t expect people to be perfect. If they were more-or-less good enough, he would let them pass.

Meanwhile above ground, Ozzie’s son Horus got revenge by killing his uncle Set. Horus then got to be king of Egypt. It is unclear if Ozzie let Set into the Underworld.

So, what have we learned today? Once again, very little. But if someone offers you the chance to lie down in a coffin, even if it’s a really pretty box, don’t do it. If your family tree is a straight line, you might be an Egyptian god. Send your DNA to Chromosomes-R-Us and find out if you might have a shot at the Underworld, or at least being king of Egypt.

Be glad you didn’t have to spend a week at the beach with Osiris’ family.

The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, the Culture & Heritage Alliance and Loving Hands international present the 5th Annual African World Peace Festival on Friday, July 12-Sunday, July 14, in the Cool Spring Downtown District of Fayetteville.

“The purpose of the event is to celebrate culture and heritage through dance performances, cultural exhibitions, music and storytelling, and to preserve and inform everyone in our community about other cultures, customs and traditions of all indigenous people,” said Betsy McElwee, marketing and graphic design coordinator of the African World Peace Festival. “It is also a time to celebrate, dance and have fun.”

The festival features a beer garden, a kids zone, five bounce houses, a climbing wall, arts and crafts activities, musical performances, food trucks, retail vendors and more. Fascinate-U Children’s Museum will do an art project with the kids. The Breastfeeding Center of Fayetteville will have breastfeeding and diaper changing areas located throughout the festival.

The event kicks off on Friday at 5 p.m. “We will have vendors, food trucks and music,” said McElwee. “Our stage is going to be set up on Person Street, and it will be kicked off by Fusha Dance Company, based out of New York City, who will be doing an African dance performance.”

McElwee added that there will also be performances by an African highlife band and Veterans Artist. Jazz saxophonist and national recording artist Reggie Codrington will play a tribute to jazz legend and political activist Hugh Masekela. An Art Walkabout touring the downtown galleries with the African World Peace Festival theme will take place from 5-9 p.m.

Saturday’s festivities begin with the 5K Peace Run/ Walk at 8 a.m. Rolling Thunder’s motorcycle club’s North Carolina Chapter will lead the run. The 5K this year is in remembrance and honor of retired Sgt. 1st Class Julio C. Ramirez, who served in the Army and died from leukemia.

“Julio brought (this) run to Fayetteville and helped me start this festival,” said Isabella Effon, event coordinator of the African World Peace Festival. “He understood celebrating the footprint of Africa around the world and the (importance of the) arts.”

Effon added that Julio died before the event’s second year and that celebrating its fifth year is meaningful to her because she could not have done it without Julio. His wife and daughter continue to give their support with the run as Fayetteville Elite Runners. In 2016, the city of Fayetteville proclaimed Aug. 14 as a day for Julio C. Ramirez, to honor his tireless community efforts and his work in local charities and running events.

The first performance on Saturday will be the JC Latin Jazz Project at 11:30 a.m. There will be various health providers on-site to conduct free blood pressure screenings from 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Carriage Tours of Olde Fayetteville will be on-site offering rides through downtown Fayetteville from 9 a.m.-noon. The headliner performers are Bill Curtis & Friends with The Fatback Band Reunion at 8 p.m. and Chris Legacy at 10:15 p.m. Other musical performances include the Ewe Association of Charlotte, North Carolina; That NATION Band; African Highlife Band; Aya African Drum & Dance; and a Kongo jazz act.

“We will have a lot of African-specific vendors, and you will be able to get authentic African food, textiles and goods, which we think is just super cool,” said McElwee. “Many of the merchants in downtown Fayetteville will also set up their own vendor tables because they will be participating in our event.”

Sunday’s lineup begins at noon with a gospel concert. “We will have a nondenominational service and we will also have the Aya African Drum & Dance, Bonita Burney Simmons, gospel drummers, African Children Beats, African Gospel Band, The Spiritual Crusaders, and Anointed Vision,” said McElwee. “We will have food trucks, vendors and the kids zone, but we will not have the climbing wall.”

The Culture & Heritage Alliance has three charities it supports. First, the Alliance has partnered with Loving Hands International. Loving Hands International’s mission is to build a balanced community through donating resources to strengthen and improve quality of life for the poor and underserved communities in the United States and Ghana.

“This year, we have a book drive that we will be holding throughout the event, and we are also trying to raise money for Anani Memorial International School in Ghana, Africa,” said McElwee.

“Every year, Loving Hands International goes to Ghana and does a mission trip. This year, we will be taking books. We are trying to raise $30,000 for 20 computers for their school.”

The Cultural & Heritage Alliance supports two local nonprofit charities, Cape Fear Valley’s Sweet Kids Camp and Designing Station. The camp is designed for diabetic children, and the goal is to send five kids from low socio-economic families to camp next summer. Designing Station is an organization that supports individuals and families who are transitioning from homelessness and domestic violence in Cumberland and Robeson counties. The goal in regard to that nonprofit is to gift it with $1,000.

A free African World Peace Drums and Rhythms interactive workshop will be offered July 8 and July 11 from 2-4 p.m. at the Main Headquarters Library in downtown Fayetteville and July 9 and 10 at Volta Space at Taste of West Africa from 2-4 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public. The 5K Peace Run/Walk set for July 13 will begin at 105 Person St. Register online at www.active.com. The cost is $40 for adults and $30 for kids. Military cost is $30 for adults and $25 for kids. Every runner will receive a T-shirt and a medal. Runners for the 5K ages 21 and older will receive a free beer. Winners in each age category will receive an award.

Packet pickup for the race is Friday, July 12, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at 116 Person St. For more information, or to volunteer or become a sponsor, contact Isabella Effon at 910-728-2186 or visit www.AfricanPeaceFestival.org.

Fayetteville Technical Community College is making a significant contribution to the education of people in our military community. FTCC leaders and educators work hard to positively impact the education of our students through their knowledge of an appropriate pedagogy for veterans, members of the military and their families.

Competition is fierce, both in the military and civilian sectors. Today, more than ever, a good college education can provide a competitive edge for military personnel. Whether students are active duty, National Guard, Reserve, retired, veteran, military spouse or dependent, FTCC's counselors, staff and educators want to serve them. FTCC wants to help students in these categories realize not only their educational and career goals but also their personal, individual potential.

FTCC provides flexible, accessible, affordable education to support military students’ needs. It offers over 280 programs of study in seven major program areas: arts and humanities, math and sciences, business, computer technology, engineering/ applied technology, health, and public service.

Some of these academic programs are offered completely online. Many include rolling monthly start dates, programs for spouses like the My Career Advancement Account scholarship, fast-track degree programs, flexible courses, military certification programs, tuition-free transition tech programs for veterans, and university partnerships to provide ease of credit transfers to fouryear universities.

The FTCC Fast Track Degree program recognizes the value of military training and is able to combine credits from military training with FTCC academic credits. This unique program reduces the overall amount of time required for soldiers to earn credits to achieve a degree.

At FTCC, online flexible courses allow soldiers to complete the course at their own pace and/or complete a military certificate program for additional industry credentials.

FTCC refers to its military service members as “student warriors,” and its goal is for these students to achieve great success. In FTCC's 2019 summer graduation class, more than 300 student warriors graduated with an associate degree. Over 1,700 more student warriors enrolled in classes throughout the 2018-19 academic year. Many of these students enrolled in classes while stationed throughout the United States and other countries around the world. Online courses provide student warriors with instant access to course materials and flexible study times.

For soldiers’ convenience, FTCC offers lunchtimes classes at the Bragg Training and Education Center and at the Soldiers Development Center. FTCC also recently began offering unit classes throughout the Fort Bragg community. With unit classes, an FTCC instructor travels to Fort Bragg for eight weeks to conduct the class. Many military organizations in the Fort Bragg area have taken advantage of unit classes, and the feedback has been positive.

FTCC is excited to have been voted No. 1 by Military Friendly Schools and VIQTORY in the Top 10 Gold Category (Large Community College) for the 2019-20 school year. The school takes great pride in supporting our military and veterans community. FTCC is home of the All American Veterans Center at the Fayetteville campus, where veterans serve other veterans.

FTCC’s Fort Bragg campus is equipped to handle all the educational needs of military service members and their dependents. We encourage service

members to visit their education center on post to

learn more about how FTCC can benefit them in

their quest for higher education.

Except for Democrat Sen. Kirk deViere, Cumberland County politicians in Raleigh have demonstrated a refreshing display of unity, cooperation, communication and focus on the needs and priorities of the people in our community.

First and foremost is their desire to create a stronger, more vibrant, more competitive Fayetteville and Cumberland County for residents and future generations. Finally, we have responsible leadership with vision — leaders who are placing people over politics and assuring Fayetteville and Cumberland County will be taking their places amongst the larger, more prosperous cities and counties in our state. It is this delegation that, along with a substantial number of residents, businesses and organizations, has worked for years to improve our community. For too long we have watched other North Carolina communities receive special favors and funding from our state legislature while leaders ignored the needs of Cumberland County.

Many of our former legislators worked hard to improve the situation for Cumberland County and Fayetteville. Their efforts laid the groundwork for this current legislative delegation to garner state legislative support for much-needed projects that will impact our community for decades. This group of relentless bi-partisan leaders can only be described as a visionary tour de force for recognizing the needs and opportunities for Fayetteville/ Cumberland County, the likes of which we have never seen before.

The 2020-22 budget presented by the North Carolina Legislature brings more than $132 million in projects that benefit diverse aspects of our community. In a rare show of unity, their vision and “people over politics” leadership style has netted us big and long-lasting benefits, including projects that, once completed, will net Cumberland County $20-$40 million dollars a year in additional revenues.

While no budget meets all the needs of the community, this budget is a oncein- a-lifetime win-win for all of us here in Fayetteville and Cumberland County. A very special thank you to Rep. John Szoka, R-District 45, and Sen. Ben Clark, D-District 21, for leading this charge.

This being said, it would be nice to celebrate our good fortune. Unfortunately, we cannot. Gov. Roy Cooper, D-N.C., has vetoed the budget.

Why? I smell partisan politics and Cooper’s desire to impress his fellow left-leaning political cronies by demonstrating that he’s a team player willing to reject the state budget because it excludes Medicaid expansion. Cooper and political opportunists like deViere have put the possibility of this $132 million infusion into our community in jeopardy.

Here’s what we would gain with the approved budget — or what we could lose if Cooper’s veto is upheld.

• $12 million for the North Carolina Civil War and Reconstruction History Center; $3 million in year two with anticipation of a total payout of $46 million in the years ahead

• $28.8 for school construction and renovation and repairs

• $8 million to fund Cape Fear Valley Medical Center’s physician residency program

• $1.53 million for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park

• $1.5 million for Kingdom Community Development, which includes affordable housing construction

• $900,000 for the North Carolina Military Business Center headquartered in Fayetteville

• $750,000 for Airborne and Special Operations Museum’s renovation second-year funding

• $750,000 for Cumberland County Veterans Healthcare pilot program

• $16.2 million to Fayetteville State University

• $20 million to Fayetteville Technical Community College

Opportunities like these don’t just happen. It takes thousands of residents, businesses and organizations spending time, energy and money to make projects of this magnitude a reality for any community. It takes a dedicated group of hardworking, business-savvy political leaders who understand the needs of our community and care more about their constituents than they do about themselves or their political futures. This is why it is vitally important that we support and encourage our local legislators — Sen. Clark and state Reps. John Szoka; Marvin Lucas, D-District 42; Elmer Floyd, D-District 42; and Billy Richardson, D-District 44.

Encourage them to stand up for Fayetteville/Cumberland County constituents by keeping people before politics. Encourage them to pursue the $132 million infusion into our community by rejecting Gov. Cooper’s veto of the 2020-22 legislative budget.

For some, this will be a bold and challenging move. However, it will demonstrate to everyone in Fayetteville, Cumberland County and the rest of North Carolina that our leadership possesses the integrity, vision and talent needed to aggressively move our community forward by doing the right thing for the right reasons.

No doubt, tough, gut-wrenching decisions will have to be made. That’s what real leadership is all about. However, in doing so, the rewards are many and the consequences are few. Without a doubt, this budget touches many people in wonderful and diverse ways. A vote by our legislators to reject the governor’s veto will be a vote that will assure a bright and bountiful future for current Fayetteville/Cumberland County residents and future generations.

Again, a very special thank you to our hardworking local delegation: Clark, Szoka, Lucas, Floyd and Richardson.

Keep up the good work!

Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

When Gander Outdoors, formerly known locally as Gander Mountain, got in the business of selling recreation vehicles and motorhomes, the company found it needed more space than its parking lot provided. Its location at Marketfair Mall on Skibo Road wasn’t designed to display a couple-dozen large recreational vehicles. It also needed room to display additional units that it couldn’t park in front of the store. So, Gander Outdoors worked out a lease with WSB Retail Partners of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, which provides property management services for Marketfair. Under new owners, the venue has become an upscale retail, dining and theater facility.

Last fall, some of the small-business owners in the courtyard near the AMC Cinema 15 complex became concerned when they discovered RVs were being placed in an overflow parking lot adjacent to the businesses. Ann Sims, co-owner of Rocket Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Shop, said her customers complained that the lot was filling up because the RVs took up so much space. She told Up & Coming Weekly that in February she was rebuffed by Gander management when she inquired. A month or so later, Sims said WSB management got involved, but nothing developed.

By this time, the parking issue had become a cause for Sims. “We work hard to have a successful business,” she said. In mid-June, she arrived at work to find that a chain link fence had been erected in the middle of the overflow parking lot. RVs were being parked inside the fence. Marketfair customers had to park in the smaller section, which Sims said was poorly planned and awkward for motorists.

Sims fired off a lengthy email to WSB Managing Partner Dusty Weiderhold. “While we want what is best for our business, we also want to aid our fellow tenants and ensure an environment that helps make the center a better shopping experience for all our customers and prospective tenants, not just Gander Outdoors,” she wrote.

Weiderhold conceded things have been happening that he was unaware of, and he shared that with Sims. He told her he was concerned that the fence had been installed in the adjacent parking lot. He declined to comment regarding large unattended parking areas to the rear of the AMC theaters and next to the Rooms to Go furniture store.

“We will try to get together with them,” he said of the business owners.

“Rocket Fizz has tried hard to promote Marketfair Mall since we first moved in in 2015, as we have helped promote and organize events such as Christmas Tree Lightings, Easter Egg Hunts and Trunk or Treats and (have) brought a lot of attention from the press to highlight this center,” Sims said.

Weiderhold told Sims he hopes to arrange a meeting with Marketfair business owners sometime during the week after the July Fourth holiday. Sims said she was happy to hear what she hopes is Marketfair’s genuine interest in solving the parking problem.

Summer after summer, Fayetteville After Five provides free concerts in Festival Park. Showstopping artists hit the stage every second Friday from May until August, providing the perfect weekend kickoff. It wouldn’t be perfect without a few finger-licking snacks, however. Come hungry and let the many food trucks offerings at Festival Park fill you up.

Alternative, rock and pop band 120 Minutes and Eagles tribute band On The Border kicked off the summer with every classic from the ’70s to the ’90s. Rivermist and Kasey Tyndall are coming July 12 and Aug. 9, respectively, to finish off the season with some classic rock and country tunes.

Local band Rivermist was formed right here in Fayetteville in 2014, though the musicians have been playing in and around the Fayetteville area for more than 20 years. A classic rock and variety party band, Rivermist is known for bringing excitement and energy to any venue, which is one reason it has won awards like Up & Coming Weekly’s Best of Fayetteville.

The band also knows how to cater to its audience. They’ve been known to play every artist from Earth, Wind & Fire to Bruno Mars and more. After being booked at different festivals and concert series all over North Carolina and Virginia for the past few years, Rivermist has clearly been busy rockin’ the Carolinas (and more).

Closing out the summer is country singer Kasey Tyndall. Audiences might recognize her hit debut single “Everything is Texas,” which earned recognition by being included on the Wild Country Spotify playlist and the music video hit Top 10 on CMT’s 12 Pack Countdown.

Tyndall’s debut album, “Between Salvation and Survival,” has gathered over 1 million streams on Spotify since its release in January 2019.

Tyndall traded her plans to study nursing at East Carolina University for the life of a country music star when she won a radio station contest in 2014. The prize was the opportunity to sing “We Were Us” with Keith Urban. Since then, she has only grown in success.

“Wrap Around Porch,” Tyndall’s latest single, was written by Nashville stars Laura Veltz, Josh Thompson and Jessie Jo Dillon. “The moment I heard this song, it felt like me,” she says on Spotify. “Lyrically, it speaks to the life so many of us grew up with — we dream big, but it’s the simple things that make us happy.” Tyndall has also collaborated with artists like Ashley McBryde and Lainey Wilson.

The gates for Fayetteville After Five open at 5 p.m. The acts begin around 6:30 p.m. and end around 10:30 p.m. Don’t forget to bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket. Coolers, canopies and outside food and beverages are not allowed. Service dogs are always welcome. The free concerts are located at Festival Park, 335 Ray Ave.

Photo: Rivermist

Former Terry Sanford High School star athlete Kirstie King recently picked up her diploma from Raleigh’s Meredith College. But she won’t be leaving school to find a job. She’s already landed one at her alma mater. Meredith recently named King as its new assistant women’s soccer coach.

King played both basketball and soccer during her years at Meredith. When she initially enrolled there, a future in coaching wasn’t in her plans.

Originally, she planned to become a nurse with an interest in nutrition. But she changed to a major in exercise sports science with a possible interest in teaching.

She served as captain of the soccer team her final two years at Meredith, and she enjoyed her role working with the younger players on the team.

“I really took over the role of leading and teaching, trying to help develop the younger players on and off the field,’’ she said.

That continued this past spring as she helped as a volunteer coach with the soccer program. Jen Grubb, who became the head coach of Meredith soccer in January this year, suggested King apply for the assistant coaching position.

King thinks her personal experience as a student- athlete at Meredith will put her in a unique position to be able to promote the program to potential recruits.

Her job began June 15. Right now, she’s helping get things organized for the upcoming season. She won’t hit the recruiting trail for the first time until later this year.

She’s excited about the chance to come back to Fayetteville and Cumberland County and try and get players from here to play for Meredith.

“I’m super excited,’’ she said. “Coming from Fayetteville, I can reach out to the coaches I’ve had, watch the girls and show them the opportunity I’ve had here.’’

Photo: Kirstie King

 

Except for Democrat Sen. Kirk deViere, Cumberland County politicians in Raleigh have demonstrated a refreshing display of unity, cooperation, communication and focus on the needs and priorities of the people in our community. 

First and foremost is their desire to create a stronger, more vibrant, more competitive Fayetteville and Cumberland County for residents and future generations. Finally, we have responsible leadership with vision — leaders who are placing people over politics and assuring Fayetteville and Cumberland County will be taking their places amongst the larger, more prosperous cities and counties in our state. It is this delegation that, along with a substantial number of residents, businesses and organizations, has worked for years to improve our community. For too long we have watched other North Carolina communities receive special favors and funding from our state legislature while leaders ignored the needs of Cumberland County. 

Many of our former legislators worked hard to improve the situation for Cumberland County and Fayetteville. Their efforts laid the groundwork for this current legislative delegation to garner state legislative support for much-needed projects that will impact our community for decades. This group of relentless bi-partisan leaders can only be described as a visionary tour de force for recognizing the needs and opportunities for Fayetteville/Cumberland County, the likes of which we have never seen before. 

The 2020-22 budget presented by the North Carolina Legislature brings more than $132 million in projects that benefit diverse aspects of our community. In a rare show of unity, their vision and “people over politics” leadership style has netted us big and long-lasting benefits, including projects that, once completed, will net Cumberland County $20-$40 million dollars a year in additional revenues. 

While no budget meets all the needs of the community, this budget is a once-in-a-lifetime win-win for all of us here in Fayetteville and Cumberland County. A very special thank you to Rep. John Szoka, R-District 45, and Sen. Ben Clark, D-District 21, for leading this charge. 

This being said, it would be nice to celebrate our good fortune. Unfortunately, we cannot. Gov. Roy Cooper, D-N.C., has vetoed the budget. 

Why? I smell partisan politics and Cooper’s desire to impress his fellow left-leaning political cronies by demonstrating that he’s a team player willing to reject the state budget because it excludes Medicaid expansion. Cooper and political opportunists like deViere have put the possibility of this $132 million infusion into our community in jeopardy. 

Here’s what we would gain with the approved budget — or what we could lose if Cooper’s veto is upheld.

• $12 million for the North Carolina Civil War and Reconstruction History Center; $3 million in year two with anticipation of a total payout of $46 million in the years ahead

• $28.8 for school construction and renovation and repairs

• $8 million to fund Cape Fear Valley Medical Center’s physician residency program

• $1.53 million for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park

• $1.5 million for Kingdom Community Development, which includes affordable housing construction

• $900,000 for the North Carolina Military Business Center headquartered in Fayetteville

• $750,000 for Airborne and Special Operations Museum’s renovation second-year funding 

• $750,000 for Cumberland County Veterans Healthcare pilot program

• $16.2 million to Fayetteville State University

• $20 million to Fayetteville Technical Community College

Opportunities like these don’t just happen. It takes thousands of residents, businesses and organizations spending time, energy and money to make projects of this magnitude a reality for any community. It takes a dedicated group of hardworking, business-savvy political leaders who understand the needs of our community and care more about their constituents than they do about themselves or their political futures. This is why it is vitally important that we support and encourage our local legislators — Sen. Clark and state Reps. John Szoka; Marvin Lucas, D-District 42; Elmer Floyd, D-District 42; and Billy Richardson, D-District 44.

Encourage them to stand up for Fayetteville/Cumberland County constituents by keeping people before politics. Encourage them to pursue the $132 million infusion into our community by rejecting Gov. Cooper’s veto of the 2020-22 legislative budget. 

For some, this will be a bold and challenging move. However, it will demonstrate to everyone in Fayetteville, Cumberland County and the rest of North Carolina that our leadership possesses the integrity, vision and talent needed to aggressively move our community forward by doing the right thing for the right reasons. 

No doubt, tough, gut-wrenching decisions will have to be made. That’s what real leadership is all about. However, in doing so, the rewards are many and the consequences are few. Without a doubt, this budget touches many people in wonderful and diverse ways. A vote by our legislators to reject the governor’s veto will be a vote that will assure a bright and bountiful future for current Fayetteville/Cumberland County residents and future generations. 

Again, a very special thank you to our hardworking local delegation: Clark, Szoka, Lucas, Floyd and Richardson.

Keep up the good work!

Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

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

While Pine Forest’s football team is still basking in the glow of winning last year’s Patriot Athletic Conference regular-season title, head coach Bill Sochovka adds there’s still a sour taste from the loss that ended the season.

That occurred in the second round of the 4-A playoffs at Pine Forest. A controversial call prevented the Trojans from keeping a late drive going as they wound up losing to Scotland.

“Some coaches say I’m complaining, but I’m not,’’ Sochovka said. “The kids remembered how it was. In any sport, a loss like that, you don’t take lightly.’’

That is why Sochovka feels the Trojans are quickly looking forward, not back, as preparation for the 2019 season begins. “Last year, we were talking about the leadership and what I thought turned that team around,’’ he said. “That’s still here today. I feel really good about that in terms of the momentum coming off that. All those things in the right place are still in.’’

While things look ready to go on offense, Sochovka said the defense is going to require some rebuilding.

The key returnee for the Trojans is running back D.J. Jones, who has been a major recruiting target. June 26, Jones ended speculation by announcing that his college choice will be the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Last season, Jones rushed 206 times for 1,198 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also caught 18 passes for 307 yards and five touchdowns.

Sochovka said Jones’ accomplishments are not an accident. “You work hard like this kid does, you have a great attitude like this kid does, and you set a goal and you achieve it,’’ Sochovka said. “Great, great, great character. Grades — phenomenal.’’

Sochovka added when players put things together like Jones has, the recruiters will come and find them.

Even Jones' highlight tape is a testament to the kind of teammate he is, Sochovka said. “Six of his first slides are him blocking for somebody else,’’ he said. “He’s got a great motor. Check everything you want to see in a player and times it by two, because he’s got it.’’

As for Jones, his main concern this season is serving as a mentor to the younger players on the Pine Forest team to get them up to varsity level.

“We’ve got a bunch of new guys, younger guys coming in,’’ Jones said. “We’ve got to get them in the system and get their confidence up. We’ve got to get them to be veterans, be the leaders on the team.’’

Jones said he also plans to be a better leader on the field by giving everything on every play. “We know at the end of the day, we could have done better on our part,’’ he said.

Last year’s conference race was tight, with five teams finishing within two games of first place. Sochovka expects another tight race this season, adding that there are several teams with potential to contend for the title if they get the right formula at the right time.

“We surprised a lot of people and we have a target on our back,’’ Sochovka said of his Trojans. “I think it will be another dogfight like it was last year.’’

Photo: D.J. Jones

Venturing Crew 32, representing the Boy Scouts of America Venturing program, made a clean sweep of the major awards handed out at the state level recently. The crew represents Hope Mills American Legion Post 32 and won for Venturing Unit of the Year; Venturing Advisor of the Year, Michele Harling; and High Adventure Boy Scout of the Year, Duncan Harling.

Michele Harling, the Advisor of the Year winner, is the adult leader of Venturing Crew 32. The Venturing program evolved from what used to be known as the Explorer level of scouting.

“When they started to go into niche careers, they took the kids that like to do outdoor activities and turned it into venturing,’’ Michele said. That happened in 1998.

Venturing Crew 32 has been around for about 10 years and has always been a coed group with a focus and a purpose. For this group, the emphasis has been on scuba diving, hunting, climbing and supporting veterans because of its relationship with American Legion Post 32.

A major reason for Venturing Crew 32’s win this year was its involvement in community service projects. One was the Governor’s Day of Service. From April 1 through June 30 last year, the crew took part in 1,400 community service hours.

The group members dealt with problems related to last year’s hurricanes and also cleaned up Cross Creek Pistol and Rifle Club, which is the crew’s venue for shooting sports. The crew also put in time helping disabled veterans with hurricane cleanup of their yards.

The High Adventure scouting award went to Michele’s son, Duncan. He earned a pair of scholarships to visit a High Adventure base.

Michele explained that the goal of venturing is to get involved in activities that are considered high adventure. There are alumni from Crew 32 who are divemasters, rescue divers and open water divers.

Duncan called his reception of the award humbling. “I figured I was not alone in doing all these really cool things (and) going out and helping other people,’’ he said. “I thought that was just what a scout did. The fact I got an award for it was a complete blindside.’’

The Advisor of the Year award for Michele was the latest in a string of honors she’s won. Others include the district award of merit along with leader badges and a trainer’s key.

“I get to advise them as the kids put together adventures,’’ Michele said. “My crew has put together some fabulous adventures.’’

She said the most important part of the process for her is the success her scouts have enjoyed beyond their time with the crew. “I have several that have gone to college, several that have gone into trades, several that have gone into the armed forces,’’ Michele said.

This summer, she has about a half-dozen crew members working at day camp at the John D. Fuller Recreation Center on Bunce Road.

“We like being helpful,’’ she said. “We’re living up to the scout law. I’m probably proudest of the fact they keep doing it with them in front, me behind.

“They determine what we do. They set the schedule. They put things together. It’s been great.’’

Photo:  L to R: Venturing Crew 32 President Connor Coplen, Natsuko George, Evan Novak, Duncan Harling, Charlie Thoele, Michele Harling, unknown American legion boy scout committee member (hat in background), American Legion outgoing Commander Evan Thompson, Bryant Cunningham

Fayetteville City Council’s plan to charge for on-street parking is still alive despite growing opposition from downtown merchants. The city plans to charge $1 an hour for people parking on the street downtown from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Some council members favor allowing motorists to park free for the first hour. There are about 600 parking spots on center-city streets, according to traffic engineer Lee Jernigan. He reminded City Council at a meeting June 19 that the plan adopted recently will include paid parking downtown beginning the first of next year.

Old-fashioned parking meters will not be reinstalled. Instead, several dozen digital kiosks will be built to accept smartphone app and bank card payments as well as coins. The city is already charging $5 to park in city-owned parking lots during Fayetteville Woodpeckers baseball games.

Electronic kiosks have become popular across the country in recent years. Many communities say they raise tens of thousands of dollars in new revenue, which is one of the reasons Fayetteville leaders are moving in that direction. Fayetteville is the only large city in North Carolina not charging for on-street parking.

Businessman Hank Parfitt contends Fayetteville’s main thoroughfare, including the first block of Person Street and five blocks of Hay Street, is unlike other big cities. City Councilman Dan Culliton agrees. “We have a downtown that has been revitalized with small boutiques and restaurants,” he said.

Parfitt, who owns a business and lives downtown, said the city should have waited for the effects of Segra Stadium to settle in before imposing parking fees, which have harmed small-business owners. Both men agreed officials need to promote the use of the underutilized Franklin Street parking garage.

“We need to focus more on the parking deck, and we need to protect our businesses,” Culliton said.

Councilman Jim Arp referred to a study conducted by McLaurin Parking Management of Raleigh and renewed his insistence that the city concentrate on promoting parking turnover.

“I think a significant number of your parking spaces are being taken up by downtown employees, merchants or other folks,” said McLaurin CEO Jeff Wolfe, whose firm manages downtown parking for the city.

Mayor Mitch Colvin informed business owners and others who attended the special council meeting that no action would be taken and that it was an information-gathering session. “We want to hear everybody’s point of view,” Colvin said.

The council has not yet heard directly from downtown property owners and merchants in any of the meetings it’s held since February, when the parking issue first came up.

Downtown merchant Bruce Arnold showed Up & Coming Weekly an online petition with more than 2,500 signatures calling for free parking. He and his wife, Molly, have put their Hay Street business, the coffee shop Rude Awakening, up for sale.

Molly wrote in a lengthy Facebook entry that business has declined by 25% since parking lot fees were introduced in May.