In the largest environmental damages recovery in NC history, state officials and local leaders announced a historic $590 million settlement with The Chemours Company and its affiliates on Thursday, Sept. 10. Standing at the construction site of the Gray's Creek Water Project, Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere joined State Attorney General Jeff Jackson to unveil the sweeping agreement. The resolution directly addresses years of toxic PFAS ("forever chemicals") contamination originating from the Fayetteville Works facility, which has compromised private drinking wells and regional waterways for over a decade.
Under the terms of the landmark deal, Chemours, DuPont de Nemours Inc. and Corteva Inc. will pay $455 million over the next 15 years, with payments beginning immediately this year. A significant $380 million slice of that funding will be divided directly among 11 heavily impacted local governments, including Cumberland, Bladen and New Hanover counties, to aggressively scale up municipal water infrastructure, extend safe public water pipelines and alleviate the burden on families living with contaminated taps. The state of North Carolina will receive the remaining $75 million, dedicating a vast portion to the Emerging Contaminant Mitigation Fund to bolster ongoing statewide detection and cleanup efforts.
Crucially, the settlement features an unprecedented $135 million bankruptcy insurance reserve funded by DuPont and Corteva. This financial safeguard guarantees that even if Chemours faces long-term financial insolvency or bankruptcy, the mandatory environmental cleanup, groundwater barrier walls and private well filtration programs required under the region's 2019 consent order will remain fully funded.
"Families who did nothing wrong have worried about what comes out of their tap," deViere said during the briefing, emphasizing that while the multi-year legal battle was about corporate accountability, the path forward is strictly focused on delivering clean water solutions. For more, see page 7.

Cumberland County
During the Sept. 10 agenda session, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners received updates regarding two major projects, including the Crown Corridor Study and the Crown Theater and Arena modernization.
Board members heard Robert Van Geons, president/CEO of the Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation, present the Greater Crown Complex Gillespie Street (I-95 Business) Corridor.
This study aims to transform the 631-acre area surrounding the Crown Complex into a vibrant destination and includes an evaluation of 251 parcels based on ownership, occupancy and development potential. A major focus is improving pedestrian safety and traffic circulation within a vehicle-heavy environment and identifying better connections to the airport gateway. Within 30 days, the team plans to present a detailed hierarchy of redevelopment sites, specific infrastructure recommendations and potential amenity uses to attract visitors.
The board also heard from Turner & Townsend Heery, the designated owner’s representative for the modernization and renovation project. Following a 3D scan and detailed site walk-through, the team told the board that they needed to look at either renovating the existing facility with limited modernization or imagining a new facility to replace the existing buildings.
Commissioners raised concerns about previous maintenance records and the necessity of reconciling past reports with current findings. However, Jessica Killian, representing the project team, stated that work was done with the latest technology, offering a more comprehensive fresh look. She confirmed that any of the proposed solutions would result in a break in programming and activities at the Crown Theater and Arena
Coming out of closed session, the Board of Commissioners voted to close the current Crown Theater and Arena to public events to allow for continued due diligence on the future of those facilities.

City of Fayetteville
The city celebrated securing a transformational $25.1 million HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant aimed at investing in housing, family services and infrastructure along the Murchison Road corridor.
This historic milestone for Fayetteville was awarded jointly to the City of Fayetteville and the Fayetteville Metropolitan Housing Authority and marks the first time an eastern North Carolina community has ever secured this prestigious grant. The federal funding will serve as an anchor catalyst, expected to leverage more than $531 million in additional public and private investments to fully execute the community-led Murchison Choice Transformation Plan.
The project will fully replace all 60 units at the 56-year-old Murchison Townhouses public housing community on a strict 1-for-1, deeply affordable basis. The city will construct 323 new mixed-income apartments spread across the Murchison Townhouses and Elliott Properties sites near Fayetteville State University. The blueprint incorporates 35 new for-sale homes alongside exterior stabilization improvements for roughly 35 existing neighborhood houses.
This historic win was more than six years in the making. Fayetteville initially secured a HUD planning grant in 2020 but narrowly missed out on the final implementation funding in 2024. Instead of giving up, city planners leveraged HUD's direct feedback, strengthened partnerships with national developer Pennrose and aligned local anchors like Cumberland County Schools. Advocacy from the region's congressional delegation, including U.S. Representative David Rouzer, ultimately helped push the application past the finish line at HUD.

About the Greater Fayetteville Chamber
Advocacy is a cornerstone of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. Every week, the Chamber dedicates staff to attend City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County meetings as well as monitoring updates on the state and federal levels. We monitor legislation locally, statewide and federally to protect our community’s business interests. With 91% of U.S. adults recognizing a Chamber of Commerce's impact on growth, membership ensures a strong voice shaping policies, driving economic success and building a thriving business community—together. To learn more, visit www.faybiz.com or email jmclaughlin@faybiz.com.

(Photo: NC Department of Justice and Attorney General's Office Jeff Jackson, center, addresses attendees during an announcement made regarding the Chemours lawsuit. Photo courtesy of Cumberland County NC's Facebook page)

When economist and Hoover Institution scholar Thomas Sowell famously observed that “there are no solutions, only tradeoffs,” the North Carolina native wasn’t suggesting that public-policy analysis was useless. Sowell has spent much of his lengthy career engaged in it.
To say that doing X to achieve Y will inevitably cost Z is not to throw up one’s hands. It is merely to frame a series of questions for which there are at least partial answers. For example, what are the projected values of Y and Z? And can it be reasonably projected that doing X will actually accomplish Y?
Every dollar a government spends on, say, education or public safety is a dollar that cannot be simultaneously spent by government on, say, health care or transportation — or spent by the taxpayer who originally earned the dollar on something of his own choosing.
Unless you are an anarchist, you must grant that there are, indeed, circumstances in which it passes the cost-benefit test to collect those dollars as taxes and expend them on public services. And unless you are a socialist or deeply confused (I’ll distinguish the two as a gesture of good cheer), you must grant that there are circumstances in which it’s better to leave the dollar in private hands, either because the proposed program won’t work at all or because its benefits are too small to outweigh its costs.
The same principle applies to government regulation. While it compels private households or businesses to spend money rather than confiscating the money for government expenditure, tradeoffs are still inescapable. Every dollar spent installing scrubbers on smokestacks or taking classes to obtain a credential is a dollar that can’t be spent on something else with its own potential benefits. Similarly, every hour of time spent complying with regulation represents something not done during that hour.
Assessing the relevant tradeoffs can be very difficult. Agencies, regulated parties, and interest groups spend gobs of time and money attempting to quantify costs and benefits. So do think tanks and academic scholars. They could all be doing something else, so that’s another tradeoff! I happen to think sound policymaking is worth the expense.
For example, my John Locke Foundation colleagues and I have spent many years urging North Carolina lawmakers to scale back state-mandated licensure of occupations. Limiting the number of people allowed to deliver a particular good or service, or requiring the expenditure of much time and money to acquire such a permit, will necessarily impose significant costs on both consumers and prospective workers.
Those with licenses face fewer competitors and can charge more. Consumers shoulder the cost either by paying more or choosing less-desirable alternatives. Those excluded from licenses are forced into other occupations that pay less or that they value less.
Are these costs worth paying? Perhaps. If licensing physicians ensures safer, better-quality medical care, it might be worth it. If licensing barbers ensures fewer nicks or chemical burns, ditto. I suspect you probably agree with me that the former is a far likelier scenario than the latter.
Skeptics of North Carolina’s extensive occupational-licensing regime see more barbers in the story than we do physicians. We spotlight studies showing not just that licensing raises costs but that it often fails to deliver measurably better quality, safety, or protections against fraud.
The most recent example is a paper just released by the National Bureau of Economic Research. Taking advantage of a “natural experiment” — Uber drivers must be licensed as cabbies in New York City but not in neighboring New Jersey — the researchers found “no consistent evidence that occupational licensing improves consumer outcomes.”
Licensed drivers didn’t have lower accident rates or earn higher ratings from consumers. The authors also examined the case of Houston, where Uber drivers had to be licensed until a state law ended the requirement in 2017. “Deregulation changed the composition of the driver pool,” they concluded, “without changing measured performance.”
Tradeoffs are inevitable. Bad policy choices are not.

Editor’s note: John Hood is a John Locke Foundation board member. His books Mountain Folk, Forest Folk, and Water Folk combine epic fantasy with American history (FolkloreCycle.com).

From the advent of personal computing to the AI-infused versions of just about everything, I’ve long been fascinated with the technology that props up our world. In communications, knowing what’s new—or what’s coming next—is especially helpful.
As a career “early adopter,” though, I’ve learned something: it’s often more economical to buy the older model. There’s always plenty of buzz surrounding whatever is new. A year later, much of the excitement about that same product can be found on the clearance shelf when retailers need room for the next version. Sometimes it pays to wait.
By version two or three, somebody has discovered the bugs, identified the shortcomings, and figured out what sounded better in the sales pitch than it worked in real life.
That principle extends far beyond technology. I was reminded of it by two recent education stories. New York City Public Schools announced restrictions on generative AI use for younger students, while the American Psychological Association has raised concerns that educational technology can increase engagement and immediate performance without necessarily producing deeper learning.
Put those thoughts together and an important distinction emerges:
Getting something done and developing the human capacity to do it are not the same thing.
AI can write a polished paragraph, summarize a difficult chapter, solve a problem, or organize an argument in seconds. That’s impressive. But if a young person routinely bypasses the struggle required to develop those abilities, we may improve the product while weakening the process that produces a capable person.
And that becomes about much more than school. There’s no fast track to wisdom. There isn’t one for physical fitness either. Both require repetition, resistance, and time.
The same is true spiritually. We can listen to a sermon without wrestling with Scripture. We can read somebody else’s devotional without spending time in prayer. We can even ask technology to explain a Bible passage and give us three practical applications.
None of those things is necessarily wrong. But there’s a difference between receiving an answer and being formed through the process of seeking one.
Hebrews 5:14 speaks of people who “by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” James tells us not merely to hear the Word, but to do what it says.
Those phrases—constant use, trained themselves, do what it says—aren’t descriptions of shortcuts. They’re descriptions of formation.
Technology can be enormously useful. I certainly don’t plan to stop using it. But maybe the question we should ask about every new convenience isn’t simply, “What can this do for me?” We should also ask, “What might I stop learning to do for myself?”
Some struggles shouldn’t be eliminated too quickly. Wrestling with a problem is sometimes how we learn to think. Working through disagreement can teach patience. Sitting quietly with Scripture teaches us to listen. Doing the hard thing repeatedly can develop something in us that no shortcut can provide.
There’s no fast track to wisdom. Information can produce an answer. Formation produces a person.

Summer rarely leaves Fayetteville quietly. This year, it will bow out beside the Cape Fear River with a familiar guitar riff, a hometown band’s hard-earned history and the music of two women who changed the sound of rock.
Rock’n On the River’s next installment will take place on Friday, Sept. 18, with Krossroadz opening at 6 p.m. and Heart Breaker taking the stage at 8 p.m. at Deep Creek Outfitters, 1122 Person St. Admission is free, parking is $10 and gates open at 5:30 p.m.
The pairing gives the concert two distinct kinds of tribute. Heart Breaker honors the catalog of Heart and its celebrated sisters, Ann and Nancy Wilson. Krossroadz carries the memory of Keith Ross, the musician whose name became part of the band’s identity.
Krossroadz vocalist Jami Moore grew up on a farm near Tar Heel in Bladen County. The other members come from Gray’s Creek, Lumberton and the Robeson-Bladen county line. Together, they reflect the communities surrounding Fayetteville as much as the city itself.
The present lineup also brings together pieces of three regional groups. Moore and bassist John Gales performed with Big Daddy Drive for about 18 years, traveling from Fayetteville and Myrtle Beach to the Raleigh area. The guitarists came from the Lumberton band Mirror Image, and the drummer played with Reflections II.
Their name is personal. Moore met Ross after deciding to take guitar lessons in his mid-30s. The teacher soon became his bandmate and friend. After Ross died unexpectedly three years ago, Moore wanted the new group to carry something of him forward. Krossroadz begins with “KR,” a quiet nod to Keith Ross.
“Just keep on keeping on,” Moore said when asked how the group honors the musicians it has lost. He described a regional music community in which players support one another, step into new lineups and keep songs alive after circumstances change.
That spirit shapes a set list built around songs the members can sing well and enjoy playing together, not a strict genre or formula.
“It’s all about fun, really,” Moore said. “If it sounds decent, it’s for the love of the music.”
Moore pointed to two songs that show the group’s range: the Allman Brothers Band’s reflective “Melissa” and ZZ Top’s hard-driving “Sharp Dressed Man.”
Opening the season finale carries weight for a local band. Moore said earning a place on the Rock’n On the River lineup feels like an accomplishment and an affirmation that Krossroadz belongs among the area’s established acts.
“We’re honored to get to do it,” he said.
Then Heart Breaker will raise the volume.
Led by Staci McBeth and Joan Burton, the North Carolina tribute band takes on demanding classics including “Crazy on You,” “Alone,” “These Dreams” and “Barracuda.”
McBeth said the process begins with respect for Ann and Nancy Wilson and careful attention to the qualities that make Heart unmistakable: the power, harmonies, emotion and musical details. Still, Heart Breaker is not interested in becoming a copy.
“We don’t want to simply imitate them,” McBeth said. “We bring our own personalities and chemistry to the stage. The goal is to honor Ann and Nancy and give the audience that Heart experience they came for while still allowing who we are as performers to come through.”
The band studies the guitar tones, arrangements, presentation and energy of a Heart concert, hoping the opening notes return listeners to when they first heard the music.
“Authenticity is more than recreating a recording,” McBeth said. “It’s creating the excitement and emotion of a live Heart concert.”
Heart Breaker also folds Led Zeppelin into its performance, reflecting Zeppelin’s influence on the Wilson sisters. Those songs carry the show from Heart’s beauty and emotion into rawer rock.
The group has played Rock’n On the River before, but McBeth said this year’s performance will arrive stronger, tighter and shaped by more experience. What she remembers most is the Fayetteville audience returning the band’s energy in real time.
“Fayetteville, to me personally, is like family,” she said. “There’s something special about performing when the audience is completely engaged and giving that energy right back to you.”
Few moments test that connection like the opening riff of “Barracuda.” McBeth said the crowd’s energy changes as soon as the guitar hits. Older fans recognize a song tied to their own history, while younger listeners sing beside them.
“It doesn’t belong to just one generation,” she said. “Great songs keep finding new audiences.”
One band keeps a friend’s name alive by playing. Another reintroduces landmark songs while preserving its own identity. Between them stands a riverfront crowd sharing music across generations.
Guests should bring lawn chairs or blankets. Outside coolers and containers are not permitted, but food and beverages will be available for purchase.
When the last note fades over the Cape Fear, summer will have its send-off. What remains will be the reason live music matters: memory passed forward, strangers singing together and old songs finding someone new.
Due to weather, concerts this summer have been rescheduled. For more information on the rescheduled events, visit https://www.facebook.com/p/Rockn-On-The-River-100049990406810/

Fayetteville residents can step back into the 18th century during the Cross Creek Colonial Ball, an evening of live music, traditional dancing and community fellowship inspired by the social gatherings of early America. Presented by Fayetteville Historic Dance, the ball will take place Saturday, Sept. 26, from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 1601 Raeford Road. The event is part of the local celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and will benefit the church’s food pantry.
“The Cross Creek Colonial Ball grew out of a desire to bring historical social dance to life in a way that is inclusive and fun,” said Michele O’Donnell of Fayetteville Historic Dance. “Our group has been teaching historic dance for years, and we wanted to create an event that celebrates the nation’s 250th anniversary year.”
For O’Donnell and the event’s organizers, a ball offers participants the opportunity to experience several aspects of colonial culture at once.
“A ball is one of the most authentic ways to experience colonial culture because it blends music, movement, fashion and fellowship,” she said.
The event also draws inspiration from the history of Cross Creek, one of the settlements that eventually became Fayetteville. During the colonial era, Cross Creek was a bustling community of merchants, tradespeople and families. With fewer forms of entertainment available, dances and other social gatherings played an important role in community life.
“Dancing was a major part of community life—one of the few entertainments available that brought everyone together,” O’Donnell said. “Hosting a ball in Fayetteville today honors that legacy. It reflects the same spirit of hospitality, neighborliness and celebration that early residents would have recognized.”
Guests will be welcomed into an elegant but relaxed setting decorated in red, white and blue with star motifs in recognition of the nation’s semiquincentennial. Candlelight, natural materials and historically inspired colors will help create the atmosphere of an 18th-century gathering. Each attendee will also receive a handmade favor featuring colonial-inspired materials and designs.
Although the setting may evoke another century, participation does not require historical knowledge, dancing experience or a costume.
“We aim for historical flavor rather than strict reenactment,” O’Donnell said. “The music, dances and attire evoke the 18th century, but the event is designed to be welcoming to everyone—no experience or costume required.”
The evening will feature English country dances similar to those enjoyed in colonial America. Participants may encounter graceful longways sets and familiar dances such as “Haste to the Wedding,” “Brandywine,” and “The Virginia Reel.” Each dance will be explained step by step and called throughout the performance. The patterns are designed to be simple, repetitive, and social, allowing beginners to join in comfortably.
“Many guests attend their first colonial ball without any prior experience and have a wonderful time,” O’Donnell said.
Ticket holders who would like additional preparation can attend a Colonial Ball Dance Workshop from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. The afternoon workshop will serve as a warm-up before the ball begins at 6 p.m.
Live music will be provided by Syllabub, whose musicians will perform traditional 18th-century dance tunes throughout the evening. According to O’Donnell, the energetic and joyful music is central to creating the ball’s historical atmosphere.
Fayetteville Historic Dance will also present a cotillion demonstration. Popular at formal gatherings during the late 18th century, cotillions featured elegant and often intricate dance figures. The demonstration will offer guests a closer look at the refined social-dancing traditions of the period.
Dessert and light refreshments will be served between dances. While the refreshments will not be prepared strictly from colonial recipes, their presentation will reflect the hospitality associated with period social gatherings, where sweets, conversation, and dancing went hand in hand.
Organizers hope the event will do more than introduce guests to historical dance. They want attendees to experience the sense of connection that made dances significant gathering places in early communities.
“Balls and dance gatherings helped build community, strengthen social ties and celebrate important occasions,” O’Donnell said. “They were places where news was shared, friendships formed, and traditions passed down.”
That spirit of community continues through the ball’s support of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Food Pantry, which assists local families in need. Proceeds from the event will benefit the pantry, allowing guests to support a local cause while participating in Fayetteville’s commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
“The Cross Creek Colonial Ball is more than a dance—it’s a community celebration with a purpose,” O’Donnell said. “By attending, guests enjoy a beautiful evening while directly contributing to a meaningful cause.”
Most of all, organizers hope participants will leave feeling as though they have crossed the distance between Fayetteville’s colonial past and its present-day community.
“We hope guests feel transported, like they’ve stepped into an 18th-century gathering where music and movement connect people across time,” O’Donnell said. “Colonial dance is social by nature; you dance with many partners, laugh, learn and share the evening together.”
The Cross Creek Colonial Ball is open to all ages. Tickets are $55, and colonial attire is encouraged but not required. Additional information and tickets are available on the Eventbrite listing at https://tinyurl.com/bde9mrpd.

Join Home at Last Farms, LLC, at 527 Red Hill Road in Cameron on Saturday, Sept. 19 for more food, music and camaraderie before fall starts.
Home at Last Farms and Carthage Masonic Lodge #181 have come together to throw their third annual Service Before Self BBQ Cook-Off for local charities. This year marks the eighth Service Before Self event and the third year that a cook-off has been hosted to complement it.
This get-together provides the perfect way to wrap up the summer while celebrating the veterans and first responders who’ve kept their communities safe. At this family-friendly event, attendees can see new and familiar faces while enjoying barbecue prepared by connoisseurs in the art of grilled meats.
It all starts with the barbecue cook-off on Friday, Sept. 18. The gate opens at 9 a.m. for teams to set up their grilling stations and prepare to show their skills, whether they’re working out of tents or RVs. Home at Last Farms recently added four RV spots to their land for camping opportunities and events like this one.
At 5 p.m., the grilling will get underway with teams cooking up pork and chicken leg quarters. All meats are provided by Home at Last Farms.
The pre-registration entry fee for barbecue teams is $150. Those who sign up have a chance of winning these prizes:
• 1st Place: A $500 Visa gift card and trophy
• 2nd Place: A $300 Visa gift card and trophy
• 3rd Place: A $200 Visa gift card and trophy
• People’s Choice: People’s Choice Trophy and a monetary prize based on sponsor donations
On Sept. 19, the gate opens to the public at noon for the main Service Before Self celebration. Activities start at 2 p.m. and run until 8 p.m. Entry is free; barbecue plates cost $15, and attendees can also make donations of any amount.
In combination with sponsor contributions, all proceeds from the event will go toward supporting the Moore County Law Enforcement Officers Association, the Sandhills Adult & Teen Challenge, the local Cameron fire department and scholarships for the North Carolina Masonic Foundation. Service Before Self 2026 has around 40 to 50 local sponsors, including Pete's Family Restaurant and Keith Hardware in Carthage. Last year, Home at Last Farms raised $13,000 for their chosen charities, including honoring their annual tradition of giving out three NCMF scholarships to students at Union Pines High School.
According to Chris Reeves, owner of Home at Last Farms, everything is tied to the farm’s 501(c)(3).
“If there are organizations that want to donate a larger amount, I can provide them with a 501(c)(3) letter for tax purposes,” he said.
Get your $15 barbecue plate or purchase a plate for a veteran or first responder by visiting https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/service-before-self-event.
Live music will be provided by Mike from the Bar — a yearly staple — the Chris Nelson Band and Fayetteville favorites Joyner, Young and Marie.
Service Before Self originally started as a Veterans’ Day event but was moved to September to avoid the cold of late fall and to honor Sept. 11. The farm itself was established in 2013 with “just 10 goats and a dream” after Reeves spent considerable time living overseas.
“I’m a retired Special Forces Communications Sergeant, having served at Fort Bragg for 21 and a half years,” said Reeves. “I spent a lot of time in the Middle East. After I retired, I went and did contracting; I worked with the UN. My family and I, we lived in Dubai for eight years. When we came home, we started a farm, and we named it ‘Home at Last’ because we were home at last.”
As a farm that serves double duty as an event venue, Home at Last is open to parties, weddings, graduations and other get-togethers.
“We’re very accommodating if there’s any special requests or needs or anything like that,” said Reeves.
For businesses looking to get involved with Service Before Self, spots are still open for non-food vendors or those who only sell desserts. Get more information on the event or become a vendor or sponsor by contacting Chris Reeves at 910-315-5218.

(Photo: The Service Before Self third annual BBQ Cook-Off helps to celebrate veterans and first responders. Photo courtesy of Masonic Lodge #181)

The Fort Bragg stop of the Medal of Honor Valor Tour turned the idea of valor into something lived, shared and carried forward by the soldiers in the room.
Valor is often defined as great courage in the face of danger. But walking into the Medal of Honor Valor Tour at Fort Bragg was a reminder that valor is not simply courage, determination or strength. It is what happens when those things are tested against extraordinary circumstances — when fear is real, sacrifice is required and the possibility of death is no longer abstract.
For the Medal of Honor recipients in the room, that test had already come. Their actions in those moments became part of military history.
That distinction matters.
Courage can be found in many places and in many decisions. Valor is what happens when courage is pushed by the extraordinary.
On Sept. 2, soldiers at Fort Bragg were given the opportunity to see what the result of that test looked like — not in a history book, not only through a citation, but through the men standing in the room with them.
Fort Bragg was called the “center of the universe” more than once throughout the day. The phrase speaks to the installation’s place as home to the Army’s airborne and special operations forces — a place where readiness, response and the possibility of being called into something difficult are part of everyday military life.
That made it especially fitting for the Valor Tour.
Six Medal of Honor recipients had arrived at that “center of the universe” carrying stories of what happened when something extraordinary had already been asked of them.
Before the formal program began, soldiers stopped at displays telling those stories. Photographs, citations and accounts of extraordinary courage lined the walls.
But the men behind them were there.
The six recipients were Maj. Gen. Patrick H. Brady, retired; Col. Walter J. Marm Jr., retired; Command Sgt. Maj. Terry Richardson, retired; Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Lee Littrell, retired; Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew O. Williams, retired; and Spc. 4 Kenneth J. David, retired.
Of the 3,536 service members who have received the Medal of Honor, six were gathered in one Fort Bragg hangar that morning.
When the ceremony began, Lt. Gen. Gregory Anderson, commanding general of XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, reminded the soldiers that the recipients had once been young specialists, sergeants and lieutenants standing where they stood.
“Don’t just hear the words,” Anderson told them. “Listen to the heart behind them as well.”
He encouraged soldiers to talk with the recipients, ask questions, share their own stories and “carry a piece of their example” with them.
Anderson also spoke about four points shaping the Army: readiness, warfighting, transformation and people.
In that room, they felt less like four separate priorities than parts of one responsibility.
An Army can prepare, sharpen how it fights and transform how it responds to what comes next. But none of that moves without people — the soldiers who train, lead and make decisions when preparation gives way to something real.
Medal of Honor recipient retired Spc. 4 Kenneth J. David brought the conversation directly to what those people carry with them.
“They were values,” David said of what he considered the most important things he brought home from military service.
He spoke about discipline, responsibility, service, teamwork, respect, honor and courage.
“We often think of courage [as] facing danger without fear, but I have learned that courage comes in many forms,” David said.
Sometimes, he explained, courage is making a difficult decision. Sometimes it is admitting you need help, starting over after something goes wrong or simply getting up and taking the next step.
The Medal of Honor recognizes something extraordinary. But the values beneath those extraordinary acts are not reserved only for the moment that earns a medal.
They are carried.
“The uniform eventually comes off, the years pass, the hair sometimes turns gray, but the values don’t have to disappear,” David said. “They become a part of who you are.”
The ceremony then gave those words a physical reminder.
Shell casings from a salute fired in honor of the Medal of Honor recipients were presented back to them as lasting symbols of the nation’s acknowledgment of their extraordinary valor.
What had first sounded across Fort Bragg as a salute became something they could hold — an acknowledgment of courage already tested, sacrifice already made and valor already proven.
Medal of Honor recipient retired Maj. Gen. Patrick H. Brady then stepped forward before administering the reenlistment oath.
His Medal of Honor recognizes actions in Vietnam that included repeatedly risking his life to rescue and evacuate wounded soldiers.
During his remarks, Brady offered an image that could have easily passed as one powerful thought among many.
I didn’t miss it. I felt it.
America, he explained, has no kings or queens. What it has is a nobility of its own: veterans.
The phrasing created an immediate visual.
Other nations may honor royalty through crowns, titles and inherited position. Brady was pointing instead to people whose distinction came through service.
Veterans.
Brady also spoke about sacrifice. If laying down one’s life for another is among the greatest acts of love, he told the soldiers, then placing yourself in a position where that sacrifice may one day be required carries its own weight.
Standing before him were more than 80 soldiers preparing to choose that position again.
Brady administered the oath, and right hands went up.
The courage represented in that decision is not the same as the extraordinary valor represented by the men standing before them.
It does not need to be for the connection to matter.
Enlisting for the first time is already a choice, whether that decision comes at 18, 20 or 30. Reenlisting comes after basic training, long days, expectations, missed moments, sacrifice and the lived reality of what it means to be a soldier.
The second decision is made with knowledge the first one could not have carried.
These soldiers knew what they were saying yes to, and they said yes again.
After the ceremony, the conversations Anderson had encouraged began.
Medal of Honor recipient retired Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew O. Williams was among the recipients who stayed to share more of his story.
Williams received the Medal of Honor in 2019 for his actions during combat in Afghanistan while still serving on active duty. Receiving the nation’s highest military honor did not mark the end of his Army service.
He stayed.
Williams said he originally planned to serve five years. After finding his place with the Green Berets and the people he trained and served with, he remained for 20.
“Would you join the Army again?” he was asked.
“Absolutely,” Williams answered. “If I wasn’t old and they’d have me.”
That answer landed differently after watching more than 80 soldiers raise their right hands.
Williams said the people and the opportunity to serve kept him in the Army. He wanted to continue doing the work, leading soldiers and serving as long as he naturally could.
The Medal of Honor added another responsibility.
“It’s the heaviest 2-ounce piece of metal that I wear,” Williams said.
The weight, he explained, comes from what it represents and the responsibility of carrying a standard larger than himself.
That responsibility is also part of why the Valor Tour matters to him. Williams described meeting young, motivated service members and hearing how they were preparing to serve as refreshing and a privilege. Sharing his story gives those soldiers something they can carry into their own service.
Then came the voices of soldiers who had raised their right hands.
Devine, a soldier with the 16th Military Police Brigade, was among those reenlisting. His decision came with experience and after spending the day hearing from men whose service demonstrated how far courage, commitment and sacrifice could be tested.
Jawan North, a soldier with the 27th Engineer Battalion, signed on for another six years. It was the first time he had met a Medal of Honor recipient, and he found himself in a room with six.
“It’s just pretty cool to see one of them, see six of them and get to hear what they went through,” North said. “I think that’s a motivation to keep going.”
For North, the uniform is deeply personal.
“It means everything,” he said, adding that he enjoys the opportunity to “teach, train and motivate soldiers.”
North is also the first person in his family to serve. The oath belonged to North, Devine and the other soldiers who raised their right hands. But the room around them mattered.
They had spent the day seeing where courage, commitment and sacrifice had taken the men sitting only feet away. That is where the impact of the Medal of Honor recipients extended beyond the stories told from the stage.
Getting those recipients into the same rooms with soldiers across the country also takes partners.
American Airlines Chief Operating Officer David Seymour said the airline has supported military members, veterans and their families for more than a decade and is participating in its second Valor Tour.
“It’s not just the story; it’s the values that they hold,” Seymour said.
American Airlines’ Flagship Valor makes that connection visible before the recipients ever step off the plane. The aircraft carries a special Medal of Honor livery that Seymour said incorporates six characteristics associated with the medal. The aircraft carried recipients through tour stops including West Point, Fort Bragg and Naval Station Norfolk.
“This is just so important for us to get the Medal of Honor recipients out with the soldiers, so they can hear the stories that they have,” Seymour said.
The Robert Irvine Foundation was another partner helping create that space.
Celebrity chef Robert Irvine, who described himself during the visit as British by birth and American by choice, provided the meal at Fort Bragg. His work on the installation, however, extends beyond one lunch.
Irvine has helped redesign Army dining concepts at eight locations with an emphasis on fresh food — or, as he put it much more plainly, fresh food, “not slop.”
Fort Bragg is part of that effort.
At the time of the Valor Tour, the installation was about 20 days from the expected opening of its new dining hall, designed around that fresh-food approach. His presence offered a glimpse at another Fort Bragg story still unfolding — one that will have its own moment when the dining hall officially opens.
For this story, however, the day came back to courage. Courage can be found in a decision. It can be asking for help, starting again, taking the next step or choosing to raise your right hand one more time.
Valor is different because of what tests that courage. The extraordinary. The danger. The fear. The possibility that sacrifice may require everything.
At Fort Bragg, the Medal of Honor Valor Tour honored men who had already faced that test.
It also allowed the soldiers standing before them to see what remained after the extraordinary moment was over — the values, the service and the willingness to continue giving something of themselves.
Not everyone who witnesses valor will ever face the same extraordinary test.
But those who see what courage can become when tested by the extraordinary may carry its values with them until the moment they are called to use their own.

(Photo: A soldier reads a presentation board about Maj. Gen. Patrick H. Brady, retired, during the Medal of Honor Valor Tour at Fort Bragg on Sept. 2. Photos by Tiffany Haywood)

Gilbert Theater is opening the season on Friday, September 11th with an E-L-E-C-T-R-I-Y-I-N-G production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a high-energy, fast-paced, surprisingly emotional, improvish musical following six “young” contestants of the Putnam County Spelling Bee as they fight it out to be crowned champion and the ultimate speller.
The cast includes a full lineup of powerhouses, the trifecta of talent: singing, dancing and acting. Starring in this production are:
• Izaiah Zapata (Barfee)
• Jake Twaddell (Leaf)
• Matt Lamb (Chip)
• Keylianies Arandia-Colon (Olive)
• Mianne Goforth (Logan)
• Annabeth Clark (Marcy Park)
• Teague Vernell (Mitch Mahoney)
• Laurel Flomdell (Rona)
• John O'Neil (Assistant Principal Panch)
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has become an instant musical classic since its first performance in 2004. A whole generation of theater adults have grown up listening to the soundtrack, relating to the characters and dreaming of the day they would be old enough to play a kid in a spelling bee. That’s right.
The entire cast is adults, from returning legendary announcer Assistant Principal Panch to the youngest of the bunch, Logan, a 10-year-old. Laurel Flomdell, who will be starring as the charismatic Rona, has been a fan of the musical for a long time and has a special connection.
“I chose to audition for this show in particular because Spelling Bee holds a very special place in my heart due to my family's connection with it,” she said. “We would grow up singing along with the soundtrack in my dad's car, and it was just a really special show to come up with.”
One of the youngest cast members, Keylianies Arandia-Colon is still studying at UNCP but has enjoyed channeling the character of Olive, one that she relates to.
“I’ve enjoyed being able to play a character that’s similar to me, like personality; she’s a bit more on the shy side, but she’s also a little fun and weird,” she said.
A perfect combination of humor, song and dance, six contestants spell it out on stage, while revealing a little too much about their home life and getting a little help from the audience.
While the competitive, over-achieving “kids” are definitely the highlight of the spelling bee, the adults around them are just as eccentric, especially the spelling bee's comfort counselor, Mitch Mahoney, whose juice box distribution prowess for eliminated contestants is getting him closer to completing his community service hours.
Then there is Assistant Principal Panch, the annual spelling bee's normal announcer who is back after a brief hiatus and ready to reclaim his title.
This role is double duty for the cast member, as the spelling words are really chosen at random, providing just enough splash of improv to keep the audience laughing and John O’Neil on his feet.
O’Neil is taking on the role of the assistant principal and everything that comes with it.
“The most difficult [part of this character] is I have to say all of the hard words. Because the Vice Principal is the one who gives the words to the spellers, just having to say antediluvian, and other big ones… I’ve seen Panch played a couple different ways. And so the idea of playing them a little bit differently than the way I’ve seen him portrayed by a lot of people is something I’m excited to explore,” O’Neil explained about his role.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is the perfect blend of memorized lines, improv word announcement and audience participation.
Directing this talented cast is the equally talented, seasoned theater aficionado and Gilbert regular, Malissa Borden. Borden has been enthusiastic about her role as director.
“The most exciting thing for me was casting [the show]. It was just so much; it was so incredible seeing all the people show up. That is always one of my favorite things. And it’s just beautiful to see so many community people come together to audition,” she said.
“But by far for me, the best part is that my son is the musical director! I haven’t seen him musically direct in a very long time, so getting to watch him work in the room with the actors has been probably my favorite thing so far.”
Producing a musical is no small feat. From the set and costume design to the choreography and music, it is an all-hands-on-deck production, especially for community theaters like the Gilbert.
But being a community theater doesn’t mean that corners are cut; auditions for this production were scheduled over the course of a week and consisted of auditioning actors completing 1 to 2 days of line reading, choreography and singing. Every member of the cast earned their place on the stage and the spotlight.
Tickets for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee can be purchased at the Gilbert Theater box office located at 116 Green Street or online at https://www.gilberttheater.com/our-2026-2027-season/. The show opens Friday, Sept. 11 and closes out on Sunday, Sept. 27.
This season, Gilbert Theater is making a small change, with evening shows starting at 7:30 p.m. instead of 8 p.m. This will give patrons more time to enjoy Downtown Fayetteville after shows and will allow the Gilbert to expand more after-show experiences for members and season ticket holders.
To learn more information about becoming a season ticket holder, visit https://www.gilberttheater.com/season-tickets/. Community theater would not survive without its community partners and sponsors; Gilbert Theater is always looking for new opportunities to connect with those who want to see the theater grow and thrive.
To learn more about becoming a sponsor, contact Artistic Director Matt Lamb at ad@gilberttheater.com.

(Photo: The cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will bring to life the drama, music and comedy from the classic stage play. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a story told through song and a little improv, keeping audiences engaged and on their toes. Photo courtesy of the Gilbert Theater)

The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra will open its 70th season with an evening of energetic, dance-inspired music and the first step in choosing the artistic leader who will guide the orchestra into its next chapter. Canadian conductor Benoit Gauthier will lead the FSO in “Beethoven’s 8th Symphony” on Saturday, Sept. 19, at Huff Concert Hall on the campus of Methodist University. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
The program pairs Beethoven’s joyful 8th Symphony with folk dances by Zoltán Kodály and Antonín Dvořák and an overture by Johann Strauss. Gauthier has described the program as “Dancing Night,” inviting concertgoers to experience the life, movement and energy running through the selections. In developing the program, Gauthier looked back to the music performed at the FSO’s first concert. The nod to the orchestra’s beginnings makes the season opener especially fitting as the organization celebrates seven decades of bringing professional orchestral music to Fayetteville and the surrounding region. The concert also marks the public’s first opportunity to see one of the four finalists being considered as the FSO’s next music director. The search follows the departure of former Music Director Stefan Sanders in April.
Each finalist will travel to Fayetteville during the 2026-27 season and conduct a concert featuring music of their choosing. The performances will allow the musicians and community to experience each candidate’s artistic vision, leadership style and connection with the orchestra. Audience members will be encouraged to offer feedback after the concerts, and their responses will be considered as part of the selection process.
Gauthier brings experience as both a conductor and a builder of musical communities. He founded the Orchestre symphonique de la Côte-Nord at age 16, creating a professional orchestra in a region of Québec that did not have one. The ensemble has since performed major symphonic works and developed tours designed to reach communities across the geographically expansive Côte-Nord region. In 2024, Gauthier received the Jean-Marie-Beaudet Prize in Orchestral Conducting from the Canada Council for the Arts. He is also a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, where he served as a conducting fellow before being appointed to the school’s conducting faculty in a position created for him.
The remaining music director finalists will appear later in the season. Dirk Meyer will conduct a program featuring Brahms’ First Symphony on Nov. 14; Duo Shen will lead Dvorák’s Eighth Symphony on Jan. 23; and Ian Passmore will conduct Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony on Feb. 20. A fifth season concert, “5 Folk Songs in Counterpoint,” is scheduled for April 10 at St. John’s Episcopal Church.
This year, season ticket holders will also receive access to the Friday rehearsal before each finalist’s concert, offering a behind-the-scenes view of how the conductor and musicians shape a performance. Full-season subscriptions and three-concert Compose Your Own packages are available through Sept. 19. Single tickets for “Benoit Gauthier: Beethoven 8” may be purchased online at https://www.fayettevillesymphony.org/ or by calling the FSO office at 910-433-4690 or at the door on the night of the concert. Discounts are available for seniors, military members, college students, children, and Cumberland County Schools employees. Huff Concert Hall is located on the Methodist University campus at 5400 Ramsey St. in Fayetteville.

(Photo: Benoit Gauthier will be conducting the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra's first concert of the season. Photo courtesy of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra's Facebook page)

Aging Strong brings senior-focused providers together in one place, connecting older adults, caregivers and families with health, financial, housing and community support.
Grandparents who take on the responsibility of raising their children’s children often have a heart for filling gaps others may see as beyond their responsibility. As someone who was raised by her grandmother, I understand that stepping into that role can come with challenges others may never face or see.
Kris Schara sees those challenges throughout the Spring Lake community. She recalled grandparents raising six grandchildren whose stove stopped working. The family had attended a previous Senior Expo and received contact information for a resource they believed could help, but by the time they needed it, the card had been misplaced.
The connection, however, was still there.
Connecting seniors and caregivers with resources does not begin and end with one expo. Through the Spring Lake Recreation Center & Senior Center, Schara remains connected with organizations serving the community throughout the year. When the family returned looking for help, she knew who they were trying to reach and reconnected them with the resource they had first encountered through the expo. The family ultimately received a replacement stove.
“There are resources out there for them, and I don’t think they realize it,” Schara said of grandparents raising grandchildren.
Those connections fuel the purpose behind Aging Strong: Seniors & Caregivers Resource Expo, a day designed to give seniors, caregivers and families access to support they may not realize is available and resources they can return to as their needs change.
Aging Strong will be held Friday, Sept. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Spring Lake Recreation Center & Senior Center, 245 Ruth St. The free event requires no registration and is designed for seniors 55 and older, family caregivers, grandparents raising grandchildren, adults planning for healthy aging and others seeking senior-focused resources.
For some seniors and caregivers, simply knowing where to begin can be difficult. Different needs can mean different agencies, providers and locations, creating another barrier to finding help.
Schara said the expo is expected to bring roughly 40 providers and organizations into one room, offering support in health and wellness, Medicare and insurance, housing, legal and financial planning, home health care, senior living, caregiver support, memory care and dementia services, veteran resources and assistance for grandparents raising grandchildren.
“Having everything in one spot at one time makes it easier,” Schara said.
There is another consideration: knowing whom to trust.
As Medicare enrollment season approaches, seniors may find themselves sorting through television commercials, mailers, phone calls and offers promising coverage or benefits. Aging Strong allows attendees to speak directly with providers, ask questions and receive information without having to determine on their own whether someone is simply trying to make a sale.
“This is just a safe place for them to share their information or get an honest answer,” Schara said.
Attendees can expect health and wellness screenings, blood pressure checks, balance assessments, fall-prevention information, Medicare guidance, caregiver education, housing resources, legal and financial planning, memory and dementia support and veteran services. The expo will also include a medication drop box, mini workshops, healthy-aging demonstrations, light refreshments, door prizes and giveaways.
Schara pointed to Meals on Wheels as another resource people may misunderstand. She said some seniors believe they must be homebound to benefit from the program. The Spring Lake center also serves as a congregate meal site, where seniors can receive lunch during the week. She recalled two couples who connected with home-delivered meals through a previous expo.
Seniors are at the center of Aging Strong, but caregivers and adult children caring for aging parents may also find themselves searching for support they have never needed before.
Someone walking through the doors Sept. 25 may come looking for information without realizing that months later, a conversation, business card or familiar face from that day could become the connection they need in a situation they never expected to face.
Aging Strong: Seniors & Caregivers Resource Expo is Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Spring Lake Recreation Center & Senior Center, 245 Ruth St. Admission is free and no registration is required. For more information, contact Schara at 910-433-1121 or kristineschara@fayettevillenc.gov.
Vendor spaces are still available at no charge. Organizations or service providers offering resources for seniors or caregivers can contact Schara directly about participating.

Sept. 11 ceremony, Field of Honor and special exhibit connect the attacks to two decades of service and sacrifice
Before the flags ever reach the parade field, there is work behind the scenes.
They are prepared, organized and paired with tags that identify the people they honor. Each name represents a life, a story and someone who is remembered for more than a moment in history.
That is where the phrase “never forget” takes on weight.
Remembering Sept. 11, 2001, is not only about marking what happened that morning. It is also about remembering the people behind the numbers — who they were before that day, the people who loved them and the lives they touched.
Twenty-five years later, that remembrance will take physical form outside the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum.
The XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, in conjunction with the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum Foundation, will host a remembrance ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 11 at the museum, 100 Bragg Blvd. in Fayetteville.
The ceremony will formally open the museum’s Field of Honor, where 500 American flags will stand across the parade field representing service members, first responders and those who were lost. The flags will remain on display through Veterans Day.
This year’s commemoration marks 25 years since the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and the crash of Flight 93 in Pennsylvania.
Scheduled speakers include Lt. Gen. Gregory “Greg” K. Anderson, commanding general and senior mission commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, and William J. Lehmann Jr., chief of U.S. Army Emergency Medical Services at Fort Bragg.
Lehmann is a former New York City Fire Department paramedic and a survivor of the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center, bringing a firsthand connection to the history being remembered.
The remembrance also reaches beyond the events of Sept. 11 itself.
Inside the museum, the special exhibit “Remembering 9/11: From Ground Zero to Abbey Gate” traces the attacks and the two decades of war that followed.
According to information provided by ASOM, the exhibit begins with the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the actions of the passengers and crew aboard Flight 93 and the response of first responders at Ground Zero.
From there, the exhibit moves into the Global War on Terrorism and the deployment of U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations soldiers to Afghanistan and beyond. It follows 20 years of service and conflict before reaching the final days of the U.S. mission in Afghanistan, including the evacuation from Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul and the Aug. 26, 2021, attack at Abbey Gate.
The history is carried through artifacts as well.
Among them are a steel truss recovered from the World Trade Center, a fragment of the Pentagon’s limestone facade and personal artifacts from Airborne and Special Operations soldiers who served during the Global War on Terrorism.
The ceremony, exhibit and Field of Honor each mark a different part of the same history — the day itself, the people it affected and the years that followed.
“Never forget” means remembering what happened. It also means remembering the lives that existed before Sept. 11, the first responders who ran toward danger and the service members whose lives and service were shaped by what came next.
The ceremony will last one morning. The 500 flags will remain through Veterans Day.
Twenty-five years later, the names, stories and history they represent remain.

(Photo: The Field of Honor at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum will be open on Sept. 11 and be on display until Veterans' Day. Photo courtesy the Airborne and Special Operations Museum Foundation Facebook page)

Fayetteville has begun searching for its first Downtown & Urban Development Manager, moving from months of discussion to action as the city seeks a single leader to coordinate downtown development, business support, and day‑to‑day problem solving.
Applications opened Aug. 23 and closed Friday, Sept. 4.
The move comes after months of debate over how the city should invest in its core, and years of frustration from council members who want more growth and business owners who say they struggle to get basic issues addressed.
A Push That Began with Business Complaints
The idea originated in May, when Councilmember Malik Davis told colleagues he had been meeting with downtown business owners and residents who felt the city lacked a clear point person for downtown issues.
“My request for council is to get a dedicated staff member that works for the city of Fayetteville, whose focus is downtown and downtown development, and also manages the downtown and its revitalization efforts in making our downtown stronger, knit downtown,” Davis said during the work session on May 4.
Davis noted that cities like Raleigh, Winston‑Salem, and Durham already have similar roles. As the sixth‑largest city in North Carolina, he said, Fayetteville should, too.
“I think the city has to take charge in making sure that we have been responsible for our downtown,” Davis added.
Mayor Mitch Colvin agreed, saying the city currently responds to downtown problems “per issue” without a single accountable leader.
“You really don’t have a point person in the organization that I’m aware of that answers that call,” Colvin said.
Budget Maneuvering Makes Room
During June budget talks, the downtown manager position repeatedly resurfaced as part of the council’s “parking lot list,” a set of items that could be added only if money was shifted around.
The role was budgeted at $150,000 including salary and benefits.
Councilmembers Shaun McMillan and Stephon Ferguson raised concerns about spending priorities, but the majority supported adding the position. Councilmember Derrick Thompson was among the strongest advocates.
“If we want to have a booming city, we need to have a booming downtown,” Thompson said.
Ultimately, the council chose to take more money out of its main operating fund—$8.25 million instead of $5,05 million, according to the final budget document. That freed up enough money to add the downtown manager position.
The additional funds also provided funds for downtown events ($275,000) and expanding the Drones as First Responders program ($795,000). Cuts were made elsewhere, including removing $110,000 for mental‑health unit vehicles that were part of a new initiative with the Office of Community Safety.
Fayetteville is also moving to strengthen its presence downtown by reinstating a dedicated police officer for the district—a role that had been paused due to a lack of funding. The city’s communications manager, David Scott, confirmed to CityView the position isn’t new, but rather a refilled vacancy.
The move comes as the city restored funding for eight previously frozen police officer positions in this year’s budget—a $1,095,056 allocation that expanded the department’s staffing capacity enough to bring back the downtown post.
The final budget passed June 22. The city’s 2027 strategic plan followed on Aug. 10.
Sgt. Antoine Kincade Sr. said the department has always maintained routine patrols downtown, but the dedicated assignment was temporarily halted.
“With recent increases in police staffing, we’ve been able to reinstate this dedicated role to serve as a direct point of contact for local downtown business owners and focus specifically on the unique needs and concerns of the downtown district,” he said.
According to a July 23 Facebook announcement, the department’s official name for the role is a Parks Patrol & Downtown Beat Officer. Duties will include downtown business and visitor engagement, patrols of parks and greenways, community outreach, special event coverage and general public safety.
Applicants must already have two years of experience as a sworn North Carolina law enforcement officer, and the city lists the salary range as $50,550 to $84,585, depending on experience.
What the Downtown Manager Will Do
The job description outlines a sweeping portfolio: economic development, redevelopment, placemaking, historic preservation, public‑realm maintenance, business recruitment, and coordination across nearly every city department.
According to the job posting, the manager “ensures Downtown Fayetteville remains clean, safe, welcoming, economically competitive, and attractive for residents, visitors, businesses, and investors.” The salary range is $77,122 to $98,331. The city said the selection process would last up to six weeks after the job posting closes on Friday.
Key responsibilities include:
• Downtown coordination—serving as the city’s primary liaison to businesses, property owners, developers, and partner organizations.
• Economic development—recruiting and retaining restaurants, retailers, entertainment venues, and office users.
• Capital project oversight—managing streetscape improvements, lighting, gateways, public art, pedestrian amenities, and beautification.
• Public‑realm maintenance—addressing cleanliness, graffiti, landscaping, sidewalks, lighting, parking, signage, and accessibility.
• Public safety coordination—working with police, fire, community safety, and outreach providers on quality‑of‑life issues.
A Downtown with Momentum—and Setbacks
Downtown Fayetteville has roughly 200 businesses, according to the Cool Spring Downtown District business directory, including 23 restaurants, 27 retail shops, 120 professional services, and several attractions such as the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, the History Museum, and the Gilbert Theater.
The city has made recent investments trying to help downtown, including $200,000 in the 910 Festival, $350,000 in the Black Voices Museum, and hundreds of thousands of dollars and in-kind donations to the Dogwood Festival and other local events.
Major development projects are also underway, including a hotel and apartment tower atop the Hay Street Parking Garage and a proposed 126‑room full‑service hotel on Gillespie Street, announced by Cumberland County in May.
But downtown has also suffered losses. The county’s cancellation of the $145 million Crown Event Center in June 2025 after construction started removed what many saw as a future economic anchor.
Colvin has also asked city staff to put together a feasibility study for a downtown convention center.
Business Owners: Hopeful but Wary
Some downtown business owners said the new role could help—if the city follows through.
Isabella Effon, owner of Taste of West Africa on Person Street, told CityView she’s been disappointed by past promises.
Asked whether the liaison-style role sounded helpful, she replied, “We’ll see,” adding that, when these kinds of promises are made she has been made to feel more like a “ statistic” than anything else. “ These things do not excite me anymore,” she said.
Effon said she has struggled to get results when contacting the city about certain issues, such as repairs to a sidewalk in front of her business.
“We’ve had people fall, literally fall, where the ambulance had to pick them up and clean up blood,” she said. “We’ve complained and complained. Nothing is being done.”
She also pointed to 4th Friday, the free monthly street festival run by the Cool Spring Downtown District, as an example of how her block feels overlooked. The event runs from March through October and regularly closes Hay Street for vendors, music and activities—but Person Street stays open, she said, and gets none of the same attention.
“You have street closure, so things will happen on Hay Street and everything. And you leave Person Street. There’s no street closure. We have to program it ourselves,” she said. “Meanwhile, we’re all taxpayers.”
Kelly Hathaway, who owns Greg’s Pottery on Maxwell Street, and has been in business for 21 years, said she heard about two new roles only recently and is not clear on the specifics.
Hathaway said that she rarely sees city representatives visit local stores.
“I hope that the new person actually walks around and goes into the stores and makes their face and name known,” she said.
Hathaway said she hopes the new liaison will be proactive in engaging with local businesses, addressing issues like sidewalk maintenance, making rent more affordable, and bringing new businesses to the area.

Your voice has power. Your vote is your opportunity to help shape the decisions that impact your family, your community, and your future. OF COURSE YOUR VOTE MATTERS… now is the time to get informed, get prepared, and MAKE IT COUNT!
With a shared commitment to creating a greater collective impact throughout Cumberland County and communities across America, the Greater Life of Fayetteville | PIN Parent Intervention Network, in partnership with the NAACP Fayetteville NC Branch, will host the “Nonpartisan Voter Education Workshop: Your Voice. Your Vote. Your Community.” to equip community members with practical, nonpartisan information, resources, and tools that will help them better understand and navigate the voting process. Participants will be empowered to make informed decisions and participate confidently in the electoral process at the local, state, and national levels.
The event will be held Sept. 17 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Greater Life of Fayetteville, located at 600 Orange St. RSVP at GLOF-VoterEd.eventbrite.com
Guest presenter Crystal Edmonds, Fayetteville NAACP Political Action Chair, will provide valuable, nonpartisan insight into voters’ rights and responsibilities, equipping participants with accurate and accessible information, resources, and practical tools to navigate the electoral process with greater confidence, explore meaningful opportunities for civic engagement, and discover how informed participation can contribute to stronger, more engaged communities.
Topics of discussion will include:
• Voter Rights: Why every vote matters
• Voting Process & Polling: 'KNOW before you GO' to the polls
• Voter Registration & Deadlines: Understanding requirements and important dates
• Absentee Voting Options: Available ways to vote by mail
• Early Voting vs. Election Day: Differences between voting options
• Identification Requirements: What voters should know
• Civic Engagement: Ways to become more engaged in the community
• Local Election Impact: How elections affect schools, public safety, neighborhoods, and community resources
“Now more than ever, we recognize that knowledge is the foundation of meaningful civic engagement,” said Georgeanna Pinckney, Founder and CEO of Greater Life of Fayetteville. "Our goal is to ensure that community members have access to accurate information and educational resources from a nonpartisan standpoint that will empower them to make informed decisions and become better equipped to advocate for the issues that matter most."
Anyone interested in learning more about the voting process is encouraged to attend, including first-time voters, community members, faith leaders, educators, and other community stakeholders.
Greater Life of Fayetteville programs are empowered by the United Way of Cumberland County, Thegroup Theory, Covenant Love Church, The Insurance Guy, Sweet Valley Ranch, City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, First Horizon Bank, Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation, Friends Of African American Families Foundation, Kiwanis Club of Cape Fear, and a member of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber.
The Greater Life of Fayetteville | PIN Parent Intervention Network is a community-centered initiative that is committed to strengthening communities through education, mentoring, strategic partnerships, and impactful programs and opportunities that empower individuals to reach their full potential. Through meaningful engagement, PIN connects families with valuable information, resources, and support they need to build stronger, healthier, and actively engaged communities.
Greater Life of Fayetteville is a community-focused, nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening families, empowering youth, and creating opportunities for individuals to thrive through educational enrichment, mentorship, prevention and intervention initiatives, and community-based programming.

On Tuesday, Aug. 18, Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin appeared on the WIDU Morning Show, a program I regularly host. I was in the studio that morning, sitting approximately 15 feet from the Mayor and listening to the conversation firsthand.
The previous day, Councilmember Lynn Greene and former Councilmember Tisha Waddell had appeared in that same studio and were sharply critical of Mayor Colvin. When the Mayor joined us the following morning, it was clear that he was frustrated by some of what had been said. At the beginning of our conversation, I expressed my own disagreement with the tone and nature of the previous day’s discussion.
Mayor Colvin continued by saying he believed the personal attacks were unfair and, in describing what he witnessed, used the term “cooning.” That word quickly became the centerpiece of a much larger controversy. Some of the Mayor’s critics subsequently characterized his remarks as an insult directed at Black people generally, with some going so far as to suggest that he had called all Black people “coons.”
I was there. I heard the conversation firsthand. That is not what I heard him say, nor is that how I understood his remarks.
For the record, I am a Black person. I have been one for 71 years, and I certainly did not interpret the Mayor’s remarks as an attack on Black people. Had he been “throwing shade” at Black people generally, I would have been standing squarely within the group being insulted.
That does not mean people cannot object to the word he chose. They certainly can. Some may consider the term offensive, inappropriate, or unacceptable for an elected official to use. That is a legitimate debate. But there is an important difference between criticizing someone’s choice of words and changing the meaning of what that person said.
Within a day or so, a portion of Mayor Colvin’s remarks was isolated from the longer video and circulated on social media. Predictably, the edited clip took on a life of its own. Anyone who watched the full exchange would have had the benefit of hearing the remarks in full context and could have reached their own conclusion about what was said and intended.
But that is increasingly the nature of modern political discourse: isolate a few words, cut and paste them into a more damaging narrative, circulate the clip widely, and allow the controversy to outrun the context.
Anyone interested in determining what happened should watch the entire exchange—not simply a selected excerpt. Context does not require anyone to agree with the Mayor, excuse his language, or defend his choice of words. It simply allows people to hear the complete conversation and reach their own conclusions.
People are certainly entitled to criticize the Mayor’s choice of words. They are entitled to find the terminology offensive, inappropriate, or beneath the dignity of his office. But criticism should begin with an accurate representation of what was said and the context in which it was said. There is a meaningful difference between criticizing conduct and directing a racial insult toward an entire group of people. Based on what I personally witnessed, those two things should not be confused.

It is a cheesy question, but it resonates with me.
What keeps you up at night?
Like everyone else, I worry about my family and friends, what I did not get done on any given day, where my car keys might be, the dog who needs walking as does the owner, and all sorts of mundane but nevertheless real concerns.
I also worry about the really big problems staring all of us in the face from all over the world.
The horror that befell Nepal along its border with Tibet, bringing a stunning but unknowable death toll, is almost impossible to process. It is also almost impossible not to blame ourselves for ignoring climate change. Who could have ever envisioned walls of rushing water and mud bearing down on human beings at speeds between 70 and 120 miles an hour? Science may well find ways to mitigate rising temperatures and expanding seas, but we and those who come behind us will likely never experience our world the way it was before we of the 20th and 21st centuries heated it through fossil fuel use, clearing forests thousands of years old, industrial farming and livestock practices, and large-scale water consumption.
AI keeps me tossing and turning as well.
I use AI. It answers my questions on all sorts of topics, both serious and frivolous, and even wrote a Christmas story for my grandchildren with family members as characters, including the dog. But I, and I suspect millions of my fellow Americans, simply do not know what we do not know about AI, and that is profoundly dangerous. Think drones that hunt down other drones, and drones that choose their own targets. Is a drone that shoots to kill as morally accountable as a human being who does so? Is it moral for a parent supporting a family to lose employment to AI which has no family and no heart? How about the robot who won a race against human champions but who did not have enough “sense” to stop before it crashed into a wall? Will AI, like most other world-altering changes, be a force for good or for evil or for both?
And then, of course, there is the toxic and vicious political climate that is tearing—or has already torn—our nation apart. Millions of us no longer think of “us” as one country but as various collections of “us” and “them.” We now practice “never the twain shall meet,” much less talk civilly with each other. It is as if, in our 250th anniversary year, we have discovered the Biblical “tower of babel” where we hear other people’s voices but have no clue what they are talking about. Our national allies since World War II are no longer our close friends and may be edging toward adversaries as the whole world rearranges itself in part because of our almost incomprehensible political situation, leaving some Americans bereft and some who could not care less.
Do I have solutions for all that faces us? Are there solutions to all that face us, and, if so, are we willing to do the hard work that is necessary and which requires us to look beyond ourselves, our own experiences and opinions?
You and I do not have the solutions, and neither do the candidates who will be on our ballots in less than 60 days, no matter what they have said on the campaign trail.
The only course is to vote for the candidates who recognize and care about these issues, the ones who are willing to confront them, and who will address what ails us with clarity and courage.
We have learned the hard way that elections have consequences.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, North Carolina experienced no net job growth in July. Indeed, employers as a whole reported 3,000 fewer people on the payroll in July than in May.
Year-to-year, our state’s job-growth rate was just 1%. While employment figures over the 2021-24 period were skewed by COVID, North Carolina routinely experienced 1.5% to 2% annual growth in employment before the pandemic.
Should we be worried about this? It depends on how you define the subject of that question. If by “we” you mean Americans as a whole, I’d say yes. To be sure, unemployment rates remain low by historical standards. Our population is aging, with more people choosing to retire rather than remain in the labor force. And since the start of 2025, the Trump administration’s tougher approach to immigration enforcement has both reduced inflows of foreign workers and motivated some illegal residents to “self-deport,” in both cases reducing the number of new positions required each month to absorb job seekers. Partly as a result of these factors, America’s labor force participation rate has been shrinking for the better part of a year.
But less-robust job growth also translates into less-robust economic growth. Even in our age of automation and artificial intelligence, enterprises still need people to deliver the goods and services customers demand (including all those retirees!)
The reason North Carolina leaders, in particular, ought not panic is that these employment trends are general, not particular. Even at 1% year-to-year growth, our job-creation rate exceeds that of most other states and far exceeds the national average of 0.2%. Over the longer term, mid-2016 to mid-2026, North Carolina posted a 17.3% increase in employment, larger than the national average of 9.9% and the employment gains of our neighboring states of South Carolina (17%), Tennessee (13.7%), Georgia (13.6%), and Virginia (8%).
Moreover, while the constant churn of heightened competition, technological innovations, and shifting consumer preferences have resulted in the elimination of some well-paying jobs across our state, other positions have been created. Please note that the statistics I cited earlier were net employment changes. Every week, thousands of preexisting jobs disappear. During the fourth quarter of 2025, in fact, North Carolina companies eliminated more than 400,000 positions! Why don’t we recall that period as some sort of economic Armageddon? Because during those same three months, companies added nearly 450,000 new positions.
The net effect wasn’t just more employment. North Carolinians as a whole have enjoyed income gains, not income losses. From the first quarter of 2016 to the first quarter of 2026, for example, the average weekly wage rose by 18% after adjusting for inflation. We also experienced a 20% real gain in personal income per North Carolinian over the past decade, again beating the national average and most of our neighbors.
I don’t discount the disappointment and dismay experienced by those whose jobs go away. Over the years, I have had friends and family members displaced by the economic churn I’m describing here. They’ve had to refocus, reskill, and in some cases relocate. Public policy has a role to play, from financing education and training programs to reforming regulations that inhibit entering new occupations, building new enterprises, and creating new jobs.
What public policy cannot do is arrest such changes in labor markets or the broader economy, Attempts to do so invariably hurt far more than they help.
During North Carolina’s first century as a state, the vast majority of its residents worked on farms. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that agricultural jobs fell below 50% of total employment. Around 1950, manufacturing surpassed agriculture as the largest employment sector and rose to a high point of about 35% by 1970. Employment in services overtook manufacturing in 1970 and now accounts for most North Carolina jobs.
Specific figures and time periods vary, but other states — and industrialized countries — have exhibited essentially the same trend. North Carolina has handled these changes better than most.

Editor’s Note: John Hood is a John Locke Foundation board member. His books Mountain Folk, Forest Folk, and Water Folk combine epic fantasy with American history (FolkloreCycle.com).

Karen Reid had a vision fueled by purpose, passion, and a desire to make a lasting impact. The power and profound message of the Pope’s Jubilee inspired her to write both a book and a song that invites others to discover that hope is not merely a feeling, but a force that can transform hearts and illuminate the possibility of a brighter tomorrow.
Pope Leo XIV proclaimed 2025 as the Holy Year of Jubilee for the Catholic Church, a sacred observance that takes place every 25 years as a time of grace, renewal and spiritual reflection.
The Jubilee invites the faithful to deepen their relationship with God through prayer, pilgrimage, reconciliation, and acts of charity.
The theme of the 2025 Jubilee, “Pilgrims of Hope,” offered a profound invitation to rediscover the source of our hope, which is the enduring love and mercy of God. Through the principles of Catholic social teaching, the faithful were encouraged to transform hope into action by caring for our common home and standing in solidarity with sisters and brothers facing the devastating realities of war, hunger and poverty.
“The book, It’s a Jubilee Year! Keep Hope Alive, is based off of the 2025 Jubilee year, and I decided to write the book after reading an article that the Pope had written about the Jubilee year,” said Reid, children’s book author and singer-songwriter. “He called it Pilgrims of Hope, and it came to me to write about it.”
She added, “I looked to see if there were any books about it and there were not any. It took me a day to write the story, and it is for the children to have something they can look to, learn all about the Jubilee year, and think about the small acts of kindness that they can do to help others, such as feeding the poor, helping those in need, helping the community or church, and using your talents to help others.”
Reid’s creative vision extended beyond the pages of her book. She was inspired to bring its message to life through a song as well.
“I wanted to expand on the message of the book and do more with the book for those that can’t read, so I wrote a song that did not take long to write,” said Reid. “My brother, Kelvin Underwood, is a musician, so I knew that I had someone that I could go to with the song.”
She added, “I was just sitting at home, and the lyrics came to me. I had to teach myself how to record using Apple’s GarageBand and Logic Pro, and how to set the equipment up in my closet to record. I had Leroy Hyson, acclaimed music director, to help with my vocals on the single, and he also did the background vocals for me.”
The soul-stirring track, "It’s a Jubilee Year! Keep Hope Alive", launched Aug. 14.
“The song is not written like a normal children’s song; I wanted it to be relatable to parents and adults as well,” said Reid. “They can listen to it along with their kid, and it is something they can enjoy.”
It is especially vital for young people to embrace this message, for they are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but also the architects of the future they will inherit and shape.
“The children are the ones who can change the world and fix the problems that we are encountering today,” said Reid. “They can bring back that kindness is important, as well as getting along with others, and they can put the message out there and do wonders.”
Reid has been exploring meaningful ways to share the powerful message of hope and service.
“I have been trying to find as many ways as I can to get the message of hope and helping others out there,” said Reid.
Her ultimate goal is for the book and single to inspire others to embrace hope, serve with compassion, and recognize the power they have to make a difference in the world. One person’s willingness to serve can create a ripple of change that reaches far beyond themselves.
“I just want to get the book into as many hands as possible and the song to be heard,” said Reid.
“I also want the message of hope to reach hearts everywhere and inspire people to believe that one act of kindness and one voice can create a lasting impact on the world.
The song is available on all platforms and can be accessed at https://kmreid.hearnow.com/.
The book can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes & Noble,
and Walmart.
For more information, visit www.reidforread.com or email reidforread@gmail.com.

Motorcycles may bring them together, but service is what keeps them moving in the same direction.
For 20 years, CVMA® NC 15-1 has turned the shared bond of military service into help for veterans and military families across North Carolina. On Saturday, Sept. 19, that history will be celebrated where it began — with CVMA® Chapter 15-1 in Fayetteville.
The free anniversary gathering will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Paradise Acres of Grays Creek, 1965 John McMillan Road in Hope Mills. Hosted by CVMA® NC 15-1, known as the All-American Chapter, the event will welcome veterans, families and community supporters for fellowship, recognition and a celebration of two decades of “Vets Helping Vets.”
The first chapter in the state was approved Sept. 17, 2006, and later became CVMA® NC 15-1. Since then, Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® has grown to 14 chapters across North Carolina.
Geoffrey Pickett, public relations officer for CVMA® NC 15-1, said that growth has been driven by a clear focus on veterans and military families. State Representative TJ “Rooster” Blake leads an effort to keep members active, visible and engaged in service, he said.
“This veteran- and military-centric focus becomes infectious with those who want to give back,” Pickett said. That spirit, he added, creates camaraderie and draws other veterans to the mission.
The record of service stretches from large donations to quiet acts of help that rarely make headlines. When North Carolina hosted the 2012 Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® national gathering at Fontana Dam, chapters nominated organizations serving veterans. Operation Re-Entry North Carolina, an East Carolina University program helping veterans transition from military service, was selected to receive $10,000. Pickett said it was recalled as the largest donation of its kind from Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® at that time.
Closer to home, CVMA® Chapter 15-1 has helped build wheelchair ramps, repair homes and provide emergency lodging, clothing and food. It has also helped disabled veterans attend events that might otherwise have been out of reach.
One recent request came through the Fayetteville Veterans Affairs medical center. Veterans preparing for a major wheelchair event needed a container capable of safely shipping their expensive equipment. After meeting with VA representatives, CVMA® NC 15-1 purchased and donated the supplies needed to build a durable container that could be used for years.
“This type of collaboration and engagement is how we help,” Pickett said.
That help also reaches beyond money. After a member died in 2022, CVMA® NC 15-1 organized an escort for the family and funeral service, followed by a final escort to Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery. More recently, CVMA® NC 15-1 joined two other North Carolina chapters for an annual ride benefiting Stop Soldier Suicide, with all rider and passenger registration proceeds going to the organization.
Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® has also created ways to strengthen fellowship while supporting charitable work. Its North Carolina Long Range Riding Platoon encourages members to visit events outside their home chapters, form relationships across the state and direct excess program funds to veteran charities.
Pickett hopes the anniversary gathering shows the public that veterans and military families remain committed to serving long after their uniforms are put away.
“By their participation in attending our 20th anniversary celebration, they are honoring and giving back as well by showing their support,” he said. Community members can also help identify veterans and military families who need assistance and connect them with CVMA® NC 15-1.
The celebration opens at 10 a.m. An opening ceremony and anniversary cake cutting are scheduled for noon, followed by the official statewide photograph at 12:30 p.m. A motorcycle show begins at 1 p.m., with winners announced at 2 p.m. The day also includes a silent basket auction, a 50/50 drawing, commemorative merchandise and vendor booths.
Admission is free. Paradise Acres will offer food and drinks for purchase, and outside food and beverages are prohibited. Veteran-owned businesses and chapter stores will sell merchandise, including “I Support Combat Vets” items. Proceeds will help CVMA® NC 15-1 continue assisting veterans and military families.
The anniversary may mark how far CVMA® NC 15-1 has traveled, but its real measure is found in the people helped along the way. One ramp, one family, one veteran and one act of service at a time.

Parents and caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder have access to a new center that provides resources to help kids thrive in happy and fulfilled lives.
The Fayetteville Life Skills Autism Academy is one of many centers run by the applied behavior analysis therapy provider Centria Autism. The center opened in December 2025 at 2814 Procurement Circle and operates Mon-Fri from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., serving children ages 1 to 12. ABA therapy helps children with autism or other developmental disorders learn necessary skills in communication, behavior and social interaction by increasing positive behaviors while decreasing negative ones.
Life Skills Autism Academy will hold a free Resource Fair & Activity Day on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to assist Fayetteville families with connecting to community partners and discovering effective ABA strategies. This event will also be the perfect opportunity for children with autism to enjoy sensory-friendly activities and connect with each other. Kids can engage with low-stimulation, go-at-your-own-pace amusements such as a bubble zone, an indoor gym, sensory tables and an arts and crafts station.
Attendees can find out what options they have for autism support, gain educational resources or simply meet others who’ve had similar life experiences.
The first 50 families to arrive will receive a free Centria swag bag, so be sure to get in early. Items include fidget tools and stress balls for the children and information packets about Centria Autism’s services. RSVP for the event by filling out the Google form at https://bit.ly/4wSAO0V
Area Operations Director Carol Nentwig says the Resource Fair & Activity Day will provide a range of tools and expert advice for families.
“In addition to receiving information on specialized services for individuals on the autism spectrum and those in need of other pediatric therapy, we’ll also be providing education on accessing Medicaid and SNAP benefit support, best practices for addressing at-home behavioral challenges and strengthening familial bonds, and recommending local recreational community programs for folks of all abilities to engage in fitness, sports, music and more,” she said.
Numerous service providers will be on-site to present tailored programming, including information on “developmental counseling and emotional wellness support,” assistance for military families and guidance for “strengthening family and community support systems,” according to Nentwig. The full list includes these partners:
• Beyond the Spectrum Institute
• Follow the Spectrum
• ShineLight
• Carolina Counseling Services
• The Haymount Institute
• Therapy Playground
• Healing Hearts Therapeutic Services, PLLC
• Cumberland County Department of Social Services
• Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
• Youth Villages
• Child Incorporated
• Community Life Development Center
• Dorothy D. Gilmore Adaptive Recreation Center
• Special Olympics Cumberland County
• Cumberland County Public Library
• Voices Together
• Fun City Adventure Park
The choice to open a new center in Fayetteville was motivated by Centria’s ongoing dedication to supporting families across the nation.
“Early intervention changes lives,” said Nentwig. “By creating a safe, play-focused environment, we're giving children the tools to build independence, supporting families and strengthening the foundation of our entire community.”
Though Life Skills Autism Academy only serves children up to age 12, they work with their many community partners to enable a smooth transition into other services and help children avoid experiencing gaps in support once they age out of the program.
By offering access to diverse service providers under one roof, the Resource Fair & Activity Day is a standout example of how therapists and other healthcare providers are foundational elements that sustain the behavioral wellness of communities.
Visit Life Skills Autism Academy at 2814 Procurement Circle or call them at 888-975-4557 to connect with their healthcare professionals and learn more about their services for Fayetteville families.

On September 11, 2001, life in the United States changed forever. It is a day that no one who was alive then will ever forget. We stood transfixed as scenes of terror were broadcast from New York City all around the country in the aftermath of two planes crashing into the World Trade Center and another into the Pentagon in Washington, DC. It was hard to make sense of what was going on; it seemed like a movie, not real life.
A significant part of what we saw included people running into the buildings that so many were running out from. Men and women trained to save lives risked their own to help as many as possible. For hundreds of New York Firefighters, it would be their final act of heroism. In the 25 years since that day, many have striven to ensure that we all remember, not just the fear and terror, but the courage and selfless action of the 343 firefighters who lost their lives. Part of that memorial is the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.
On Sept. 11, 2026, Segra Stadium at 460 Hay Street in downtown Fayetteville will host the 25th annual Stair Climb. Participants will climb the equivalent of the 110 flights of stairs found in the World Trade Center buildings. The climb “remembers the sacrifice of an FDNY brother” and “symbolically completes their heroic journey to save others.” (NFFF website)
Past Stair Climbs in Fayetteville have included local firefighters, soldiers and civilians coming together to climb and to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to help others in need. The firefighters even wear gear like their colleagues would have worn on that day as they answered the call to service.
The event is not only a symbolic memorial. It is a fundraiser to help benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, whose “mission is to honor America's fallen fire heroes; support their families, colleagues, and organizations; and work to reduce preventable firefighter death and injury,” according to firehero.org. The funds raised by the 9/11 Stair Climb events go directly to the Foundation and the FDNY Counseling Unit, where they are used to assist those who have lost loved ones serving as firefighters.
In addition to the $35 registration, participants are encouraged to raise additional funds to support the Foundation. To incentivize fundraising and giving, and to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the event, there are additional prizes awarded for different levels of fundraising. Those who give $110 or more will receive a challenge coin; $343 or more will get you a challenge coin and a phone holder; those who raise $500 or more will get both those prizes plus a stainless-steel water bottle; and raising $1000 or more will get all of the above plus a commemorative badge. All prizes bear the image of the NFFF logo as well as a 25th anniversary logo.
It is not too late to register to participate. To do so, go to https://nfff.akaraisin.com/ui/fayetteville26 or take advantage of onsite registration the day of the event, beginning at 6 p.m. The climb kicks off at 7 p.m. at Segra Stadium in downtown Fayetteville.

The Cumberland County Fair is back in town at its familiar home of the Crown Complex, serving up a homegrown theme. “The Agricultural Express” celebrates the past, present and future of our county’s agriculture through livestock shows, educational exhibits, fun rides and classic fair food. The fair will run from Friday, Sept. 4 to Sunday, Sept. 13 at 1960 Coliseum Drive.
General admission is $11; children under 3 years old get in for free. Multiple specials will be available throughout the duration of the fair to keep the festivities fun and affordable.
Plan your visit for one of these days to enjoy low-cost entry:
• Healthcare workers on Friday, Sept. 4: Free admission for people working in healthcare; $6 admission for kids ages 3-12
• Faith and Family Day on Sunday, Sept. 6: $5 discount from showing your church bulletin or church app at the box office; $6 admission for kids ages 3-12
• A Day of Giving on Tuesday, Sept. 8: Various discounts for 4-H & FFA cardholders, school kids and personnel, and individuals who bring canned goods for donation
• BOGO Night on Wednesday, Sept. 9: “Buy one, get one free” for admission, ride wristbands and certain concession foods
• Senior Night on Thursday, Sept. 10: Free entry for seniors 65 and older; $3 admission fee for all others
• Military & First Responder Night on Friday, Sept. 11: Free entry for all first responders, veterans and active-duty military service members
The fair’s hours vary throughout the event. Gates will open at 5 p.m. on Sept. 4, 8, 9, 10 and 11. The festivities will start earlier at 1 p.m. on the weekends and on Labor Day, covering Sept. 5, 6, 7, 12 and 13.
Stay updated on the admission specials and fair schedule at https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/cumberlandcountyfair.
Whether you love the thrill of soaring through the air or prefer to zip down a massive slide, fairgoers can take their turn on numerous rides thanks to the fair’s trusted midway provider, Big Rock Amusements. Touch the skies on attractions like the Yo Yo, the Sea Ray, the Sky Flyer and the Beast, or go for a thrilling spin on the Ring of Fire roller coaster.
Families can either pay for each ride through the ride credits system or buy Unlimited Ride Wristbands for $32. Individual rides require 10-25 credits each, with prices starting at $0.25.
All the action is sure to work up an appetite; take your pick of the concession stand offerings and varied food vendors for treats like funnel cakes, hot dogs, ice cream and corn dogs.
Magic shows and educational agriculture-based family game shows will be held every day by Bob Bohm's Family Entertainment, a regular spectacle at the Cumberland County Fair. Need a little more excitement? Performer Amber Kornegay of Ember Fire Arts will set your spirits ablaze with nightly family-friendly fire shows.
For those who are all about the agricultural element, the 2026 Cumberland County Fair Youth Livestock Show will be a major highlight, running from Sept. 4 to Sept. 11. See hogs, goats, hens and more compete for ribbons and trophies. View the show schedule at https://cumberland.ces.ncsu.edu/news/cumberland-county-livestock-shows-schedule/.
The Cumberland County Fair Pageant will also be occurring alongside all the fun on Sept. 5 at the Crown Theater. This year’s contestant donations will support the CLL Society, an organization that advocates for chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients through research and education. The 3 p.m. pageant will present contestants ages 0 to 6, while the 6 p.m. pageant is for contestants age 7 and up.
Jump straight into the activities without holdups by bringing everything you’ll need in a venue-approved bag. Only clear or small clutch bags are allowed into the fairground. Before you go, check out the venue’s policies for permitted and forbidden items at https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/visit/venue-policies.
Eager to show your pride in Cumberland County’s agricultural heritage? Be at the Crown Arena at 4:45 p.m. on Sept. 4 to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony that will launch an amazing 10 days. Buy your tickets online at https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/2026-cumberland-county-fair. Tickets can also be purchased at the box office in front of the Crown Theater and at the Fort Bragg Leisure Travel Office.

(Photo: The Cumberland County Fair brings fun to families in the community. Photos courtesy of the Crown)

At its heart, theatre is storytelling. Whether it is dressed up in fancy costumes and elaborate choreography, or is simple and straightforward, everything onstage works to tell the story. The most effective, most lasting, most potent plays are ones that tell stories that are relatable, even universal; plays in which we see something of ourselves and our own experiences reflected back to us from the stage.
Cape Fear Regional Theatre seeks to tell such stories: ones that represent a wide variety of stories. This central aspect of their identity is reflected in their logo, which states “Great Stories Told Here.”
The theatre kicks off their 2026-27 season with a play that fits their goal to tell great stories: the musical Bright Star. Based on the true story of Iron Mountain Baby and set in North Carolina, Bright Star uses high-energy bluegrass music to tell a remarkable story of perseverance, love, and above all, hope.
Bright Star tells the story of Alice Murphy. She has a successful career as a literary editor when she crosses paths with a soldier returning from World War II. The chance encounter unlocks secrets from the past, as we flash back to Alice’s upbringing in Asheville, North Carolina, in the 1920s. With twists and turns that are difficult to predict, the show is sure to keep audiences guessing.
Written by Steve Martin (yes, that Steve Martin!) and Edie Brickell, the music of Bright Star is as bright a star as any other aspect of the show. While bluegrass is not often heard in musical theatre, it is a perfect vehicle for the story set in the Appalachian Mountains in the 1920s and 40s.
Alice Murphy is played by local actress Jennifer Newman. Originally from New Jersey, the Army brought Newman and her husband to Fort Bragg in 2019, where she quickly found a home and a family at Cape Fear Regional Theatre. Her first show at CFRT was Shrek, in which she played multiple ensemble roles. Since then, she has been in a total of 12 shows, in every capacity from understudy to ensemble to leading lady. In that time and through challenges and changes, the theatre has become Newman’s “village,” a chosen family and more than just colleagues.
Newman expresses her excitement in playing Alice Murphy. She says, “It's really neat to play such a strong, quick-witted and…powerful female character.”
Alice is a successful career woman,-something fairly uncommon in the 1940s,-who has had to overcome much during her life to arrive at the status she has been able to achieve. As Newman explains, “she gets knocked down 101 times, and she gets up 102.”
For every hero, there has to be a villain, and in the world of Bright Star that villain is Mayor Josiah Dobbs. His choices and actions make significant differences in the lives of others in the play, and he is the “antagonist to everyone.”
The Mayor is played by Scott Willis, a New York-based actor who is making his Cape Fear Regional debut. Willis has been on Broadway and national tour stages, including a run playing Monsieur Baurel in An American in Paris on Broadway and the National Tour, and as Santa Claus at Radio City Music Hall.
The Mayor’s son, Jimmy Ray Dobbs, played by Jimmy Rustenhaven, has ideas of how he wants his life to go, but father and son do not see eye to eye.
Willis describes the antagonist of the play, speaking of the character as himself: “You know, I love [my son], probably more than my father loved me…but I'm going to take care of him, and if I need to make him do what I want so that I know he can provide for himself…he's going to do it the way I was taught to do it. So, I'm very controlling.”
The company of the show is rounded out by 15 additional actors, a combination of faces that are familiar to those who have frequented CFRT shows in recent years, and some who are new to the Fayetteville stage.
Led by director and choreographer Antoinette DiPietropolo and music director Sarah Wussow, the company also features something that hasn’t been on the CFRT stage in a while: live musicians. The bluegrass sound is a combination of classic instruments, like mandolin and guitar, but that classic sound will be enhanced in Bright Star by a live fiddle and banjo on stage as well.
Tickets for Bright Star are available for purchase now through the CFRT box office at cfrt.org or by calling 910-323-4233. Season packages are still available for purchase as well, for those who would like to lock in their seats for more than one show at a significant discount.
As always, there are some special event nights planned as part of the run of Bright Star. The first preview of the show is on Thursday, Sept. 10 and will feature a Welcome Back Bash, as the theatre welcomes audiences back for what promises to be an exciting season. The Welcome Back Bash will feature a complimentary pre-show “bubbly bar” and themed snacks for those in the audience.
Military Appreciation Night is Wednesday, Sept. 16, and Educators Night is Friday, Sept. 18; both evenings offer those special guests 25% off the cost of tickets.
The 2026-27 season will no doubt be a momentous one for Cape Fear Regional Theatre and its loyal patrons. While the season opener as well as the holiday favorite Best Christmas Pageant Ever will still be performed at their temporary location at 1707 Owen Drive, the season will wrap up back in their newly renovated home theatre on Hay Street.
By kicking off its new season with Bright Star, Cape Fear Regional Theatre is doing what it does best: bringing people together through unforgettable stories. With a standout cast, upbeat bluegrass music, and a deeply moving tale of hope and resilience, it is a show you won’t want to miss.
Grab your tickets today and join in on the magic!

(Photo: The cast of Bright Star will bring to life the story of Alice Murphy on the Cape Fear Regional Theatre stage. Live music will be a part of the performance. Photo courtesy of Cape Fear Regional Theatre)

North Carolina’s official Lafayette Birthday Celebration, held annually in Fayetteville, will include several events during the week after Labor Day. The Marquis de La Fayette’s birthday has special significance in Fayetteville, which became the very first city named for him in 1783. All events except the guided tour of the Lafayette Trail are free and open to the public.
The celebration kicks off Tuesday, Sept. 8 with “The Liberty Point Resolves – Legend, Book, Film” at Fayetteville Technical Community College in the Tony Rand Student Center from noon to 2 p.m. Joseph Westendorf, Local and State History Librarian at Cumberland County Library, will present the backstory on the Liberty Point Resolves, Cumberland County’s predecessor to the American Declaration of Independence.
Westendorf and his staff of researchers recently published their findings in The Voices of Resolve: The Patriots of Liberty Point. Their book is factual and enjoyable, and it includes fascinating details about the brave Patriots who signed the document.
PBS documentary film producer Frank Boring will share the stage with Joseph to describe how he worked with FTCC students to transform the book into the first documentary film ever produced about the Liberty Point Resolves. Copies of The Voices of Resolve will be available for purchase and signing.
The celebration resumes Friday, Sept. 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Davis Memorial Library at Methodist University with an exhibit of commemorative souvenirs from Lafayette’s Farewell Tour of America that still survive 200 years later. When the French hero of the American Revolution was invited in 1824 to visit all twenty-four states, entrepreneurs churned out these souvenirs in varieties and amounts that would rival those of any rock star tour today. Methodist University holds the largest collection of such memorabilia south of Philadelphia.
Guests will learn fun facts about the tour from speaker Alan Hoffman of New Hampshire, president of the American Friends of Lafayette. He published the first complete English translation of Lafayette in America in 1824-1825, written by Auguste Levasseur, who accompanied Lafayette on the tour. Two hundred years later, in 2024 and 2025, cities across the nation, including Fayetteville, reenacted the Farewell Tour.
Commemorative items were once again at the forefront of festivities, and some of these will also be on display. Hoffman will explain why Lafayette and his visit are still significant today.
He sums it up best in his preface to Lafayette in America when he says Lafayette was “the noblest, most consistent, most principled and, in many respects, the most modern of all our Founding Fathers.”
A reception at 6:30 p.m. prior to the program will feature appetizers inspired by recipes from the first cookbook published in the United States, Mary Randolph’s 1824 The Virginia House-Wife. Lafayette certainly would have been served dishes out of this book two hundred years ago.
The Lafayette Trail Tour will be on Saturday morning, Sept. 12, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, starting with complimentary coffee and croissants at the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry Museum, 210 Burgess Street in Historic Downtown Fayetteville. Major Bruce Daws will provide a fact-filled commentary as guests tour the places Lafayette visited in 1825, including a private tour of the Phoenix Masonic Lodge and photo-ops with his carriage.
Tickets are $20, but space is limited, and reservations are required. Purchase tickets at City Center Gallery & Books at 112 Hay Street or by calling 910-678-8899.
Starting at 2 p.m., the public is invited to enjoy free birthday cupcakes, while they last, at City Center Gallery & Books. Author and historian Alan Hoffman will discuss Lafayette and the Enduring Struggle for Human Rights and Democratic Governments and ways his life and ideals relate to issues we face today.
This is an informal “Chat with an Author,” and guests can talk one-on-one with Hoffman from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. about Lafayette, or history in general. His books will be available for purchase and signing.
There will also be other books on Lafayette and on the American Revolution, including books for young readers, and of course, merchandise from the recent Farewell Tour Bicentennial!

(Photo: A paver is dedicated during a Lafayette Celebration. Photo courtesy of Hank Parfitt)

For one weekend in September, the sights, sounds and flavors of Greece will fill Fayetteville’s historic Haymount neighborhood as the Fayetteville Greek Festival returns for its 36th year.
The annual celebration will take place Sept. 12 and 13 at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, located at 614 Oakridge Ave. Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission and parking are free.
Organized by members of Fayetteville’s Greek community, the festival invites visitors to experience Greek heritage through traditional food, music, folk dancing, shopping and educational activities. Approximately 5,000 people attended the festival in 2025.
Food is traditionally one of the festival’s biggest attractions. Guests can enjoy familiar Greek favorites such as gyros, souvlaki and spanakopita, along with an assortment of homemade pastries and desserts. Baklava, loukoumades and Greek coffee will offer something sweet for those who save room after the main course.
Souvlaki consists of seasoned pieces of meat grilled on skewers, while spanakopita combines spinach and cheese inside layers of flaky phyllo dough. Loukoumades are small, fried dough pastries traditionally served with honey. Together, the dishes offer visitors a flavorful introduction to Greek culinary traditions.
The festival offers more than a meal. Live music and folk dancing will help create a lively atmosphere throughout the weekend, while church tours will give visitors an opportunity to learn about the Greek Orthodox faith and the history of the congregation.
Shoppers can browse approximately a dozen outside vendors offering locally made art, crafts and other items. Additional attractions inside the church will include Greek jewelry and gifts, an olive oil maker, artwork depicting scenes from Greece and a cooking class.
The festival’s Greek Grocery Store will also return this year. Visitors will be able to shop for imported and specialty products including Greek chocolates, honey, olive oil, candy, pasta and coffee. The store gives guests a chance to take some of the festival’s flavors home and experiment with Greek ingredients in their own kitchens.
While the weekend celebrates traditions passed down through generations, it also reflects Fayetteville’s broader cultural diversity. The Greek community has played a notable role in the local restaurant and business landscape, and the festival provides a place for families to share their heritage with neighbors from across Cumberland County.
Festival co-chair Lia Hasapis described Fayetteville as a “melting pot” where people come together, regardless of whether they have Greek ancestry.
A new community partnership will extend that welcoming spirit beyond the festival grounds. Organizers are working with the Cumberland County Animal Services Department to promote responsible pet ownership, animal adoption and the shelter’s programs.
Festivalgoers will be able to learn about the organization’s work and donate requested pet supplies. The collaboration gives the festival an additional way to support the community that has embraced the event for more than three decades.
Raffles, family-friendly activities and cultural displays will round out the weekend. Whether guests come to sample their first gyro, watch traditional dancing, learn about the Orthodox faith or stock their pantry with Greek specialties, the festival offers multiple ways to experience the hospitality and heritage of Fayetteville’s Greek community.
The Fayetteville Greek Festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 614 Oakridge Ave. Admission and parking are free. Food, merchandise and other goods will be available for purchase. For more information, visit the Fayetteville Greek Festival’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/p/Fayetteville-Greek-Festival-61575166151341/.

(Photo: Dancing is a large part of the Fayetteville Greek Festival. Those who go can expect to see performers on the stage, showcasing their craft. Photo courtesy of the Fayetteville Greek Festival Facebook page)

Fayetteville Police Chief Roberto Bryan Jr. presented the 2026 2nd Quarter Report, revealing a 54% drop in homicide incidents from Jan. 1 through June 30 compared to last year. Additionally, the department maintained a 100% case clearance rate for homicides, while robberies fell 21% and motor vehicle thefts dropped 23%.
The council also approved allocating $1.53 million in Geo bond premiums and remaining project funds to move forward with rebuilding Fire Station No. 4 on Bragg Boulevard. The site preparation overseen by the Cumming Group is slated to begin this fall.
And calling all Fayetteville Woodpecker fans! The City of Fayetteville has introduced a prepaid parking program for Segra Stadium events, powered by ParkWhiz, allowing fans to secure spots in select city-owned garages and lots. This system lets fans book in advance through the app or website to improve traffic flow and reduce wait times. A $5 flat rate applies to game days, with a $1.50 service fee, though traditional payment options remain available. On-street parking operates under standard rules with no special event fees applied.
With even more good recreation news, the city held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony for $744,382 worth of upgrades to the tennis and pickleball courts at Tokay Park using federal community block grants. This comes ahead of Cumberland County co-hosting the USTA North Carolina Singles State Championships this October.
City officials also opened the North Street Park Splash Pad on Aug. 21 as part of a larger neighborhood revitalization project at 201 Brinkley Street. The $205,000 project features a new water play area alongside security fencing, field upgrades, a repaved parking lot and fresh landscaping. Managed by Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation, this addition marks the 15th free public splash pad in Cumberland County. It will remain open daily through Sept. 30.

Cumberland County
On Aug. 17, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing regarding a rezoning from an A1 agricultural district to a R40 residential district. Board members voted 5-1 to send the 36.6-acre rezoning proposal in Wade back to the Cumberland County Joint Planning Board, citing concerns from residents about losing the area's rural character. Commissioners are seeking a middle-ground solution, such as conditional zoning, to allow the property owner to sell the land while protecting the surrounding community.
The board also voted unanimously to hire outside counsel with specialized public construction law expertise. This legal team will represent Cumberland County in an active lawsuit brought by Draughon Brothers, Inc., the contractor initially tasked with replacing the netting and curtain trusses at the Crown Complex.
And the board voted 4-2 not to approve a resolution supporting "Tobacco 21.” The NC House Bill 430 aimed to establish a tobacco retailer permitting system and increase the minimum purchase age to 21.
At their work session on Aug. 13, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners received a progress update from County Manager Clarence Grier regarding the county's upcoming Unhoused Support Center. The project team entered its design development phase, drawing feedback from similar facilities like the Salvation Army in Wilmington.
The board also reviewed and officially approved the updated Cumberland County Detention Center Jail Health Plan and supported ongoing interagency collaboration on behavioral health and public health initiatives with a presentation from Cape Fear Valley Health President and CEO Dan Weatherly.
They also considered a request from the Cumberland County Civic Center Commission for an economic impact study for the Crown Complex and directed staff to look at a scope and available partners like the Fayetteville State University business school and the Cumberland County Tourism Development Authority.

North Carolina General Assembly
The North Carolina General Assembly has remained officially adjourned from active voting sessions. Lawmakers left Raleigh on Aug. 5 and are not scheduled to return to the floor until planned post-election sessions in mid-to-late November.
While voting is suspended, lawmakers continue to negotiate overlapping bills via conference committees. Legislative focus has intensified on House Bill 301, which seeks to ban children under 14 from certain platforms and require explicit parental approval for 14 and 15 year-olds. Lawmakers are working through a conference committee to merge House and Senate versions. Several heavily debated items remain parked in conference committees, including House Bill 328 (vape and hemp product restrictions), budget adjustments and health and human services changes.

In other community news
Cape Fear Valley Health announced it is opening a new emergency department parking entrance on Sunday, Aug. 30. The change will allow drivers to turn directly from Village Drive into the ER lot to improve patient access.

About the Greater Fayetteville Chamber
Advocacy is a cornerstone of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. Every week, the Chamber dedicates staff to attend City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County meetings as well as monitoring updates on the state and federal levels. We monitor legislation locally, statewide and federally to protect our community’s business interests. With 91% of U.S. adults recognizing a Chamber of Commerce's impact on growth, membership ensures a strong voice shaping policies, driving economic success and building a thriving business community—together. To learn more, visit www.faybiz.com or email jmclaughlin@faybiz.com.