What’s that signpost up ahead? Beware, you are about to cross over into the Valentine Zone. It’s the middle ground between light and shadow, science and superstition. It lies between the pit of man’s fears and women’s expectations. This is the dimension of sensitivity. A place where no man is safe from making a bumble-headed move in affairs of the heart.

As a public service to men everywhere, today’s stain on world literature will explain what love is. Gentlemen start your engines. As our Beloved Dear Leader might report: “Many people say that love is a hot-blooded emotion.” Au contraire, as our French friends would say love is best exemplified by the world’s greatest cold-blooded lover. I speak of the Casanova of Reptilian Love, the one, the only, Diego the Giant Tortoise of Amor. Diego was recently the subject of an admiring article in The New York Times written by Amee Ortiz. If Amee said it, I believe it and that settles it. Diego has recently retired as the King of Tortoise Love, which triggered The New York Times article.
Let us first consider Diego’s background to determine what made him such a superstar in the giant tortoise world. Diego was hatched around 1920 on the island of Espanola. At some point in the 1930s, he emigrated from Espanola to his current home in the Galapagos. Diego’s personal stats are impressive. When he extends his full length, he is almost 5 feet long and weighs over 175 pounds. That is a lot of giant tortoise. Despite Diego’s uncanny resemblance to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the Lady Tortoise’s can’t get enough of Diego. Who says love is blind? Diego says so.

To misquote our old pal, Percy Bysshe Shelly in his poem “Ozymandias,” “Look upon Diego’s works, ye mighty warm-blooded mammals, and despair!” Diego is over 100 years old and a stud among studs. He had a way with the lady tortoises that resulted in saving his species from extinction. He was placed in a captive breeding program in the 1970s in the Galapagos Islands. When Diego signed up for romantic duty, there were only 14 giant tortoises of his tribe, the Chelonoidis hoodensis, on the island. The 14 giant tortoises consisted of 12 lady tortoises, Diego and another male with the uninspiring name of E5. Things were looking bleaker than the chance the Tar Heels would get into the NCAA tournament for the survival of the species until Diego rose to the occasion. When Diego had finished doing his thing in 2019, there were 2,000 giant tortoises on the island. These statistics demonstrate that baby giant tortoises are proof that male giant tortoises look good to female giant tortoises.

Through the giant tortoise equivalent of 23 & Me genetic testing, it turns out that Diego was responsible for 40% of the resulting baby giant tortoises. This does mean that his buddy, E5 was responsible for 60% of the new giant tortoises, but Diego gets all the publicity. Obviously, Diego has a much better press agent than E5 — as well as a much catchier name. Professor James Gibbs, head guru of giant tortoise Love Island, explained Diego’s fame, saying that “Diego has a big personality — quite aggressive, active and vocal in his mating habits, and so I think he has gotten most of the attention. But it clearly is the other quieter male that has had much more success. Maybe he prefers to mate more at night.”

Makes you wonder what sweet nothings Diego bellows in the ears of the lady tortoises. It also makes you wonder if tortoises have ears. Have you ever seen a giant tortoise’s ears? Not me. But apparently Diego knew where to look. Apparently, lady tortoises have an aural spot with which Diego could tickle their fancy. One can only wonder what Diego whispered to his lady loves — “If loving you is wrong, I don’t want to be a giant tortoise,” “This giant tortoise is in love with you,” “I just bellowed to say ‘I love you’” “Tortoise love will keep us together,” “All you need is tortoise love,” “I want to hold your claw,” or possibly “My shell, Ma Belle.” The ways of giant tortoise love are a many splendored thing.

Diego is going to be sent back to his home island of Espanola, where he is going to live out the rest of his days writing his memoirs, telling lies to his tortoise buddies about his multiple romantic conquests and appearing in commercials for Viagra.

So, what can Diego teach mere mortal men about love in this most dangerous time of the upcoming Valentine Zone? Toot your own horn. Have a big personality. Promise her anything but remember to deliver. Slow and steady wins the race to repopulate. Never, ever give up. Even if you look like Mitch McConnell, there is a woman who is right for you.

Fayetteville City Council is considering spending nearly $4 million on a facility to help the homeless. The money is available to the city in state grant funds. City Council invited officials of Raleigh’s Oak City Cares to make a presentation at a recent public meeting. Oak City Cares is an organization that bills itself as a multiservice agency that provides a day center and services to help the homeless.

The “concept is to coordinate rather than compete with other agencies,” said Oak City Cares Executive Director Kathryn Johnson.

Wake County provided $7 million, and the city of Raleigh gave $3.4 million for the multipurpose center in downtown Raleigh, according to Rick Miller, retired regional director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh, which operates the facility.

Wake County provided an old warehouse as a shell building for the center. Catholic Charities employees operate the facility, which raised $2.5 million in a private fundraising effort. The funds are paying the nonprofit agency’s share of operating costs for the first few years and provide $400,000 in reserve funds, Johnson told Council.

Local Fayetteville agencies that serve the homeless insist a multimillion-dollar complex would be a waste of money since the services offered by such a facility are already available in the community. Fayetteville’s Operation Inasmuch has many of the programs and facilities provided by Oak City Cares. FOI’s website says its 40-bed lodge has led more than 200 men to get jobs, assisted over 100 men to find stable housing, provided individualized case management, offered job search and interview training and reduced the homeless population. Just as Oak City Cares does, the Operation Inasmuch lodge provides shower facilities, laundry services and computer access.

Unlike the capital city area where city and county governments worked together, Cumberland County Commissioners have said they have no interest in joining the city in a multipurpose center for the homeless. Other groups are also active in Fayetteville in meeting the needs of people living on the streets. Street people who live a public, transient lifestyle on the streets of a city are among the homeless and are often mentally ill. Organizations here that serve the homeless agree the city should focus on job creation and providing affordable housing.

City Council also heard from the director of Communities in Communities, which builds and leases tiny homes for those in need. It’s a Greensboro-based company that replaces vacant and blighted properties in the Triad with small houses of 500 to 1,000 square feet. Scott Jones outlined cottage communities in pocket neighborhoods that have been developed in High Point and Greensboro with a new development underway in Winston-Salem. “They are designed to serve the needs of the chronic homeless,” Jones said. “The idea is to replace tent-living with small homes that are practical and affordable.”

Rent is subsidized based on the occupants’ earnings. City officials took no action on the proposals and did not schedule a subsequent meeting.

A Hope Mills tradition, the annual 55+ Valentine’s Day luncheon, will be held Friday, Feb. 14, in the community room at the Hope Mills Recreation Center.

The time will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. and the cost is $8 per person.

All those interested in attending need to come to the front desk at the Hope Mills Recreation Center during regular business hours to sign up. This year’s event will be limited to 100 participants.

“It’s an opportunity to come celebrate the holiday with music and a fully catered meal,’’ said Kasey Ivey of the Recreation and Parks department. Ivey said there is not a designated cutoff date for signing up for the luncheon, but those planning to attend are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible to avoid not being able to attend.

The registration fee covers the meal, which will include two main dishes, two sides, rolls, desserts and drinks.

The music will be provided by a disc jockey.
This year’s event will feature a new catering service, Ivey said. After years of using Fred Chason’s Grandsons Buffet, which Ivey said has been wonderful, the Valentine’s Day luncheon will be changing to A Catered Affair by Chef Glenn and Company. Chef Glenn also operates The Diner in the former Becky’s Cafe, as well as two popular food trucks.

Ivey said Chef Glenn has done several events for the town, including an event held after the swearing in of the new Board of Commissioners last December. Chef Glenn has also catered the Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

Ivey said the new arrangement with Chef Glenn will include a carving station where people will be served as they go through the line instead of the self-service format from past Valentine’s Day luncheons.
“I hope they will enjoy that,’’ Ivey said.

If anyone has questions about this year’s 55+ Valentine’s Day Luncheon they can call the main number at the Hope Mills Recreation Center, 910-426-4109.

Once upon a time, not so far, far away, in the Land of Cape Fear Regional Theatre, fairytale creatures wove a mesmerizing story with song, dance, comedy, love, self-acceptance and, of course, a princess, a hero and a villain. In this magical place, also known as CFRT, the townspeople watched ever so closely as the landscape magically transformed from a kingdom into an ogre’s swampy home and then to an open field, a dragon’s keep with a tall-tower and so much more — right before their very eyes. In fact, the enchanted land was innovative and brilliant as  “Shrek: The Musical” unfolded upon the stage. There is still time to see it —  the play runs through Feb. 16 at CFRT.

The characters within the performance have stupendous vocals — whether speaking, shouting at each other (did I mention the ogres or the dragon yet?) or singing. The show is choreographed by Sebastiani Romagnolo and music is directed by David Maglione. From their storybook homeland, to the spellbinding music, it’s clear the performers are engrossed in the story, and it reflects in the the performance.

The audience travels along on a  journey with Shrek, played by Nicholas J. Pearson , Donkey, played by Marc De La Concha, Princess Fiona, played by Becca Vourvoulas and Lord Farquaad, played by Gabe Belyeu. The youth ensemble includes Zoi Pegues as Teen Fiona. Both Vourvoulas and Pegues appeared in CFRT’s production of “Annie” last season. It truly is an adventure for all involved. The townspeople’s involvement is not only welcomed, but expected.

CFRT does not hold back when it comes to imaginary depiction of detailed characterizations for each and every part of their productions — especially with this particular story — “Shrek: The Musical.” The talented team members at CFRT are inventive visionaries.

The first moment  audience members are received into the spellbinding world of Shrek and the others, they are whisked away on an eye-catching journey.

The costuming was impressive. Each fairytale character or person had the accurate whimsical attire to perform their representation of their character and  bring this magical production to life.

The harmonious movement in the choreography and dazzling execution of lighting and sound made an already incredible show that much more entertaining and engaging.

In a nutshell, everything about this show is amazing. The outstanding vocals of the performers, the interaction with the audience and the characters, the moments when you will literally laugh out loud, the dynamic costumes, the dancing and movement on stage during the scenes, the props and music, all of it will not only grab your attention, but hold it throughout the show.

Don’t miss this opportunity to take a trip to CFRT for this theatrical performance of “Shrek: The Musical.”

There is still time to purchase tickets to see how the story plays out on stage. Visit www.cfrt.org for your entrance into a fairytale like no other!

Few people are more qualified than Hope Mills commissioner Bryan Marley to speak on the situation involving the future of the town’s Parish House.

In addition to being one of the newest members of the Board of Commissioners, Marley has dedicated his life to the job of firefighter, going back to 1991 when he joined the Pearce’s Mill fire department as a junior firefighter.
From there, he moved on to jobs with the Hope Mills fire department and Cumberland County Emergency Services.

Today, he works in Hoke County as emergency management director and fire marshall.

Marley was one of three commissioners who recently voted to accept an offer from a demolition firm to raze the Parish House and free up the property for other pursuits he considers more viable for the town
to pursue.

His reasons for removing the Parish House, which although it is located in the Hope Mills historic district is not specifically listed in the National Registry of Historic Places as some claim, are rooted in fact, not politics.
“In my opinion, the building is structurally unsafe,’’ Marley said. “It’s a life safety issue.’’

Marley’s reasons to get rid of the Parish House go beyond the problems with the structure. He’s read all the reports that have been done by town staff and by people hired by the town to examine the structure.
“There are reports of mold growing in the building,’’ he said. “That’s a respiratory hazard.’’

The reports also indicate the structure is in danger of collapse.

While he doesn’t think there’s an immediate threat to the town or its people, should the building fall or burn on its own, he called it an eyesore that does nothing to improve the aesthetics of the area where it’s located.
To those who consider the building historic, Marley shares his personal experience as a resident of Hope Mills since his youth. “I’ve never heard of anybody talk about the historic Parish House,’’ he said. “I don’t see the great historical value there.’’

But the price tag for making it usable is high, and Marley thinks the town has more critical projects that need town money than a building with questionable history.

“We’ve got a new police and fire complex that we are trying to get off the ground,’’ he said. “We are looking at that being a $16.5 million project.’’

There’s also a need to use the land where the Parish House is located to help with the parking situation downtown, especially for events at Hope Mills Lake and the long-planned Heritage Park.

Something else Marley said people need to consider is the figures that have been quoted on the restoration of the Parish House are superficial, and will likely go higher should workers get inside the building and look for other problems.
“If they find asbestos or lead paint, they’ve got to mitigate that,’’ he said. “Once you get into a project like that, the price goes up.’’

Marley wouldn’t be surprised if the final number for bringing the Parish House back to life soared closer to $ 1million. “That’s a million dollars the town is taking out of the general fund,’’ he said. “They have to put that money back eventually.’’

The only way to do that, Marley fears, is to increase taxes, and that’s something no elected official wants to discuss. “That conversation hasn’t come up,’’ he said, “but how are you going to recoup that money and be able to carry on the same level of service to the citizens that we are doing now?’’

Marley stressed that he is not against preserving town history, adding that he’s fully committed to saving the Christ Episcopal Church building adjacent to the Parish House. He thinks the town can save the money it would spend on the Parish House renovation and use a smaller portion of it to complete repairs on the church, which is in far better condition.

He thinks it’s a doable option to finish work on the proposed town museum and the church and have both ready for the town’s citizens to use by summer.

“I’m not against town history or preservation,’’ he said. “We’ve just got to think common sense.’’

Marley thinks the negativity about the history of the Parish House has gotten out of hand. He’d like to see people discuss the matter like adults. “I agree it’s an old building,’’ Marley said. “We just can’t sit here and continue to go like we’re going. It’s never going to get anything accomplished.’’

He said that includes efforts some would like the town to pursue with Preservation North Carolina, which would reportedly restore the Parish House without costing the town valuable taxpayer money.

But Marley doesn’t think the entire story is being told. “They take your building and property and market it for you,’’ he said. “They find private investors or companies to come in and they purchase your property.’’

Once that’s done, Marley said the town no longer has direct control over the building or the property. Marley doesn’t want to surrender town use of a piece of premium property in the downtown area.
“All the citizens I’ve talked to, the greater majority if they even know about the Parish House do not care and want to see it gone,’’ Marley said.

“I’m trying to put the dollar figures out there and let people know. That’s my point. If you’re going to say one side of the story, say both sides of the story.’’

The Fayetteville Community Concert series put in a tall order for the midwinter 2020 show. The response? A show as big as Texas. Community Concerts brings singing sensation The Texas Tenors to the Crown Theater, Friday, Feb. 14,  at 7:30 p.m.

The Emmy Award-winning vocalists rose to fame on “America’s Got Talent” in 2009. World renowned, The Texas Tenors are the most successful music group and third highest-selling artist in the history of the TV show. Now the tenor trio of John Hagen, Marcus Collins and JC Fisher are bringing their 10th Anniversary Tour to Fayetteville for a one-night performance.

Community Concerts attractions director Michael Fleishman is excited to host The Texas Tenors in this 84th show season themed “It’s Showtime.” The Texas Tenors is the third hit attraction in the all-star concert line-up, coming after Chicago and Mannheim Steamroller’s stellar productions and ushering in The Four Tops and The Temptations combo March 6 and The Oakridge Boys May 21. Adding to the anticipation for The Texas Tenor performance is the concert date, a day as synonymous with love as the tenor voice is with romance.

“This is the perfect Valentine’s Day show. Skip the restaurant lines and do this instead. From Bruno Mars, the Righteous Brothers and John Denver to country music and Broadway hits, The Texas Tenors are a nonstop wow,” said Fleishman.

The versatile vocals of the trio make for a night of exciting entertainment. The 10th Anniversary Tour includes a collection of music from the past decade, including selections from the 2019 album “A Collection of Broadway & American Classics,” which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Classical Charts. The hit parade pinnacle is a second for the band, as their 2017 studio album “Rise” met the same acclaim. The Texas Tenors look forward to sharing their songs with Fayetteville fans.

“We are excited about our upcoming Valentine’s Day concert at the Crown,” said Tenor Marcus Collins. “We’ve put together a special repertoire of some of our favorites but also what we feel are the most romantic love songs ever written. Of course, there will be a mix of our signature patriotic, country and classical songs as well.”

Over the past decade, the classically trained tenors have performed more than 1,300 concerts around the U.S. and world, including headline shows in Las Vegas, Nevada; Branson, Missouri; China; and a 24-city tour in the United Kingdom. The Texas Tenors perform three different live concerts, “Rise: Live on Tour,” “Let Freedom Sing” and holiday favorite “Deep in the Heart of Christmas.” The 2019-20 10th Anniversary Tour celebrates the group’s success with hits fan love and brand-new music.

With four studio albums, four DVD releases, two Public Broadcasting Service specials and multiple singles to date, their music appeals to all ages and blends many music genres, so much that they were named Billboard’s Magazine’s 2017 #10 Classical Crossover Artist in the World. The Texas Tenor music has roots in country, classical, opera and Broadway show tunes, and meets success in all venues from performing arts centers and casinos to symphony halls and outdoor festivals. The group even performs on cruise vacations, with private performances for members of their official and ever-growing fan club.

In addition to collaborations with some of the more prestigious symphonies in the world, including the Houston Symphony, Pittsburg Symphony and The City of Prague Orchestra, the group has performed at the White House National Tree Lighting, Medal of Honor ceremonies, charity events, NBA games and the Professional Bull Riding World Finals in Las Vegas. Of special distinction is the fact that The Texas Tenors are among the top 50 artists from the AGT series invited to compete on the show’s NBC prime-time championship spin-off, “America’s Got Talent: The Champions” and the only U.S. vocal group invited to participate.

Beyond music, Hagen, Collins and Fisher are also published authors. Winner of the 2015 Gelett Burgess Award for Excellence in Children’s Literature, “Ruckus on the Ranch” is the inaugural picture book from The Texas Tenors, a western-themed read about playful ranch critters. A six-song CD of accompanying music for “Ruckus on the Ranch” accompanies the book. The Texas Tenor’s second and newest book, “Moon’s on Fire,” is soon to be released and is a sequel to “Ruckus.” It also comes with a CD and features “The Cowboy Lullaby” for the youngest fans.

The men that make up The Texas Tenors are as varied as the music they sing. John Hagen, referred to simply as “The Tenor,” has an extensive classical background, while Marcus Collins, “The Contemporary Tenor,” has a past that includes TV and film work. JC Fisher, aka “The Romantic Tenor,” is the group’s founder who grew up singing in church. Collectively, their influences include artists from the modern, classical, spiritual and operatic traditions.

A member of The Texas Tenor fan club, Francene Taylor lives in Havelock, North Carolina, but plans to travel to Fayetteville for the Feb. 14 special. She has seen the group over 70 times and in states ranging from North Carolina and New Jersey to Missouri and Arizona, including two cruise concerts. For her, and other devoted fan club members, traveling to see their favorite band is not a problem.

“Wherever they go,” said Taylor, “people just gravitate to them. I know we do.”

Hooked on The Texas Tenors since the first AGT broadcast, Taylor described their personalities, not only musicality, as “magnetic.”

“Each of the Tenors brings something special to the trio, and each has unique character. But when they combine, watch out! They are also very audience-oriented; the guys draw the crowd into every performance. Even though I have seen them many times, each performance is unique, and they never do exactly the same show twice.”

To buy single-show tickets to The Texas Tenor performance, visit the Crown box office in person, the Cape Fear Tix website online or call 1-888-267-6208. For season memberships, see http://www.community-concerts.com/tickets/.

For the fifth consecutive year, the town of Hope Mills is preparing to conduct its annual Citizens  Academy program. Designed to teach town citizens the basics of local government and administration, it was created by current town manager Melissa Adams.

This year’s sessions will begin on Tuesday, Feb. 11, and continue for eight consecutive weeks, with the final session scheduled for Thursday, March 17. That’s the only session that won’t be on a Tuesday and was necessary to mesh with the fire department’s schedule.

After the opening session, which will introduce the participants to all the department heads from the town, each session will deal with a specific area of town administration or government. The initial session will include an explanation of the town’s council-manager form of government and the roles of the members of the Board of Commissioners.

The departments involved include police, fire, parks and recreation, planning and zoning inspection, infrastructure and public works, finance and budgeting, stormwater and town hall administration.

Most of the classes are held at the department being studied that week, with hands-on opportunities to work with some of the equipment like the police and fire departments use, among others.

In the session on town finances, each participant will get a chance to craft a budget for the town.

All those interested in taking part need to complete the online registration form at www.townofhopemills.com and email it to town clerk Jane Starling at jstarling@townofhopemills.com. It can also be faxed to 910-424-4902. The program is limited to a maximum of 15 people to allow more individual attention and to make touring the various locations where the class is held easier.

The usual cutoff for applications is the Friday before the first class, which this year will fall on Feb. 7.

A graduation ceremony for all participants is scheduled on Thursday, April 2, at a meeting of the Hope Mills Board of Commissioners. Each member of the class will receive a plaque from the town for completing the course.
If you have questions about the program, call Starling during regular business hours at 910-426-4113.

Piedmont Natural Gas, Fayetteville State University and The Fayetteville/Cumberland County Arts Council present “True to Yourself 2020: A Black History Month Talk Series” Saturday, Feb. 1 at J. W. Seabrook Auditorium on the campus of Fayetteville State University from 7-9 p.m.

 “We are in the third year of our ‘True to Yourself’ Black History Month Talk Series that celebrates and highlights Hollywood movie stars who have been true to themselves and the things they have believed in throughout their lives. That is part of what makes them successful,” said Greg Weber, president and CEO of the Arts Council. “That particular event focuses on successful Hollywood black artists. They come in and share their story and do a question and answer session. … We hope it inspires people.”

 Weber added that no matter what challenges one may have or what’s around you, as long as you stick to the things you believe in that make you who you are, you are going to be a success.

 The event features actress Meagan Good and her producer husband DeVon Franklin. “We chose these two individuals because we have not done a husband and wife team and Meagan has been so successful as an actress,” said Weber. “DeVon brings to the table the producing side, and he was voted one of the top 100 most influential black people in Hollywood. … We thought that would be a nice combination.

 “How do these two people that are in high profile positions and on this ‘A’ league level still make certain they are not just true to themselves as individuals but true to themselves as a couple?” asked Weber. “Hopefully it will inspire married guys like me that we can really still be supportive of everything our wife is doing.”

 Meagan Good is an actress who has appeared in numerous television shows, films and music videos. Some of her movies and TV shows include “The Intruder,” “Think Like A Man,” “Stomp the Yard,” “Waist Deep,” “My Wife and Kids” and more. DeVon Franklin is an award-winning Hollywood TV and film producer, New York Times best-selling author, preacher and international motivational speaker.

 “The Arts Council is an organization that supports every single artist and every single cultural arts organization in town,” said Weber. “We actually have a very broad footprint here in the city for what we do, which is support anything that has to do with lifelong learning through the arts, economic development, cultural preservation and individual artists.

 “We would like to thank our sponsors, Piedmont Natural Gas and Fayetteville State University because we would not be able to do this event without their support,” said Weber.

 Tickets cost $20, student cost is $10 and VIP Meet and Greet is $100.

For more information, contact UniQue Webster at 910-323-1776 or uniquew@theartscouncil.com.

Here are the Cumberland County Schools head football coaches’ forecasts for this weekend’s Super Bowl LIV game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers.

Brian Randolph, Jack Britt — I like Kansas City, 37-34. Kansas City has a wealth of skill and speed on offense, and I love the Honey Badger (defensive back Tyrann Mathieu) on their defense.

Mike Paroli, Douglas Byrd  — I think Kansas City will win 41-38. The 49ers had a great running game and pass rush against the (Green Bay) Packers, but Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid will find a way to win.

Jacob Thomas, Cape Fear — Two evenly matched teams. Kansas City has the edge at quarterback, but I feel that San Francisco is a better team in all three phases of the game and this seems to be their year from start to finish. Forty-Niners in a close one.

David Lovette, Gray’s Creek — Chiefs, 35-28. The Chiefs have so much speed on offense and (quarterback Patrick) Mahomes is a difference maker.

Bill Sochovka, Pine Forest — Kansas City by two touchdowns. Their offense is so explosive and has a lot of weapons. Very tough to stop.

Bruce McClelland, Terry Sanford — Great matchup. Speed vs. power. Old school vs. new school football. I like San Francisco being more physical — running game and pass rush getting home without having to blitz. San Francisco 34, Kansas City 28.

Duran McLaurin, Seventy-First — Chiefs will win, 34-21. Slow starts haven’t seemed to hurt the Chiefs because their opponents have struggled to maintain offensive execution and special teams play. Just too many weapons and an underrated defense will be too much for the 49ers.

Rodney Brewington, South View — San Francisco, 31-21. San Francisco has a very special defense. The defense has the ability to rush and hurry the quarterback with only four defensive linemen. They have a strong running game and a solid quarterback.

Ernest King, Westover — I feel the teams are evenly matched, but I give the edge to San Francisco. They have a great running game and a whole lot of weapons, three running backs and a receiver corps that can score anytime. A defense that really gets after it and the team has enthusiastic pride about what they do.

Isaiah Bridges

Westover • Basketball• Senior

Bridges has a grade point average of 3.5. He is the starting point guard on Westover’s boys’ basketball team. He is a member of the Brotherhood of Successful Students mentoring program. As of this writing, the Wolverine basketball team is 14-0. Bridges currently averages 5.5 points, 3.6 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game.

Tyler Strickland

Gray's Creek• Basketball/baseball• Senior

Strickland has a grade point average of 4.125. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the Future Farmers of America. He played travel baseball for the Canes American team last summer. He is committed to play
for the University of North Carolina at Wilmington on a baseball scholarship.

Editor's note:  Due to inclement weather, Sled-gra has been moved to Saturday, Jan. 25 from 3-9 p.m. The Arts Council exhibit will be opening tonight. 

If you are looking for something fun to do on a Friday night at the end of the month, look no further than the Fourth Friday celebration that takes place right here in Fayetteville.

Every fourth Friday of the month, downtown Fayetteville puts on a variety of events and forms of entertainment available to everyone. And it’s free to attend. Many of these events are sponsored by the Cool Spring Downtown District. The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County and local businesses and galleries participate go all-out for Fourth Friday festivities as well.

This event is filled with music, the arts and so much more. It is essentially a celebration of downtown Fayetteville and the arts. People of all ages and all walks of life are able to enjoy the local talents of Fayetteville through the display of their exhibits and often performances throughout the downtown area. Small businesses are spread all throughout the four-and-a-half-block radius of downtown Fayetteville.

Bianca Shoneman is the president of the Cool Spring Downtown District. Since its inception, the Cool Spring Downtown District participated in Fourth Friday.

When asked about what goes into the behind the scenes of the events, Shoneman said, “It depends month to month on what the activity level is. Each month is unique and varies. Sometimes it involves street programming like bussers and vendors and artist performance, and other times it requires more of a large-scale event. It takes months of planning and collaboration in communication across various channels, including the media, the arts community, municipal services, et cetera.”

The Cool Spring Downtown District is always looking for ways to improve upon participance in Fourth Friday. Shoneman said, “We are looking to do some larger events in Fourth Friday in the coming year. In February, we have something really special to celebrate black history month.”

Metoya Scott is the public relations manager for the Arts Council of Fayetteville. Regarding the Arts Council’s role in Fourth Friday, Scott said, “Recently we have been doing a parking lot party. We are not doing it outside because of the weather, but we have exhibits that open on Fourth Friday. So, it just kind of varies.”

Scott added that she hopes to engage even more people than the Arts Council already reaches with its many programs and educational initiatives. “Letting people know that we are open to new people moving here that we are an open gallery that is open seven days a week (is important),” said Scott. “(As is) increasing the amount of people who know what the Arts Council is, and of course, the amount of people attending our events.”

This Fourth Friday, don’t miss sledding at Segra Stadium, complete with four snow hills. Search Sled-Gra on Eventbrite for tickets and information.

To learn more about Fourth Friday, visit theartscouncil.com or visitdowntownfayettevile.com.

The Cumberland County Schools have scheduled 10 Play4Kay basketball games this season in memory of the late Kay Yow, the longtime womens basketball coach at North Carolina State University.

The Play4Kay games are held annually to help raise money for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. The games are held by both high school and college teams and are the biggest single source of contributions annually to the fund.
The Kay Yow Cancer Fund was established on Dec. 3, 2007, by Yow during her battle with breast cancer.

She fought the disease for the final 22 years of her life, finally dying in 2009.

Since the Kay Yow Cancer Fund was created, it has given $7.53 million to a variety of programs involved in cancer research. Although Yow suffered from breast cancer, the money donated to the fund is used to help support all forms of cancer research.

According to an article from the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association, Yow’s oncologist said her life was both extended and enhanced during her fight with cancer because of research on the disease that had been conducted as far back as 20 years or more prior to her death.

Cumberland County Schools didn’t get seriously involved in the Play4Kay fundraisers until a couple of years ago when county student activities director Vernon Aldridge heard a presentation by Chasity Melvin at a state athletic directors conference.

Melvin starred at Lakewood High School and went on to play for Yow at NC State, where she was a Kodak All-American and led the Wolfpack to the NCAA Women’s Final Four in 1998. She set an NCAA semifinal scoring record with 37 points in North Carolina State’s loss to perennial NCAA power Louisiana Tech.

Melvin was the 11th player taken overall in the 1999 WNBA college draft. She spent 12 years as a standout player in the WNBA, playing for the Cleveland Rockers, Washington Mystics and Chicago Sky.
She played in the WNBA All-Star game in 2001.

In addition to her WNBA career, Melvin played professionally in Italy, Israel, Spain, Poland, Russia and China.

At the time she made the presentation to the athletic directors, she was serving as the director of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. She moved on to an assistant coaching position with the Greensboro Swarm basketball team, which competes in the NBA’s G League. Last September she was hired as an assistant coach for the women’s team at Loyola University in Baltimore, Maryland.

Aldridge said that Melvin told the athletic directors that even though the Kay Yow Cancer Fund is based in North Carolina, the state was not the national leader in annual donations to the fund.
Aldridge came back to Cumberland County and addressed the situation to the senior high school athletic directors.

“We felt that was a shame,’’ Aldridge said, that the state wasn’t tops in donations to the fund.

He presented the idea to the athletic directors and suggested their schools take a more active part in the annual Play4Kay fundraising drive.

This year, the Play4Kay fundraisers are scheduled to be held nationally from Feb. 14-24. However, each school is allowed to schedule a fundraising date that is most convenient for the school and doesn’t have to strictly adhere to the dates announced by the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.

Cumberland County holds its games earlier than the scheduled Play4Kay dates because the local high school regular season ends on Friday, Feb. 14. The method used to raise the money for the fund is up to each school to decide.
The fundraisers are generally held separate from ticket sales and involve a specific fundraising method that is the choice of each school.

Aldridge said the fundraisers are usually held during both the boys and girls basketball games that are on the Play4Kay schedule.

He said he’s seen county schools engage in a variety of activities to raise money for Play4Kay. Among the activities that have been used include selling T-shirts, baked goods or even passing the hat around the gym during the game designated as the Play4Kay event.

Some schools involve the entire student body and hold fundraisers on campus during the days leading up to the Play4Kay contests. The Kay Yow Cancer Fund also encourages schools to honor cancer survivors at their fundraising events.

“It’s up to each school how they raise funds,’’ Aldridge said. “They all do something different.

“Cancer is a disease that I don’t think anyone in this country can say hasn’t affected someone they know.’ We felt this would be a great cause for us to take on.’’ Aldridge estimates that over the last two years, the county schools have donated $13,000 at its Play4Kay games.

Following are this year’s Play4Kay games that will be hosted by the 10 Cumberland County senior high schools. If you have specific questions about the national Play4Kay effort or the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, call the fund’s office in Raleigh at 919-659-3301.

SCHEDULE
Jan. 22 - St. Pauls at South View.
Jan.  24 - Pine Forest at Douglas Byrd.
Jan. 28 - Douglas Byrd at E.E. Smith.
Jan. 31 - Douglas Byrd at Cape Fear, Terry Sanford at Gray’s Creek.
Feb. 4 - Purnell Swett at Jack Britt, Scotland at Seventy-First.
Feb. 7 - Terry Sanford at Westover, E.E. Smith at Pine Forest.
Feb. 11 - South View at Terry Sanford.

Our community offers a unique structure of residents and it’s fair to say that many know firsthand the struggles of war. It is because of this very reason that Givens Performing Arts Center at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke chose the play “Bandstand” as one of its performances for this year. It’s a one-night-only performance Wednesday, Jan. 29.

Directed by three-time Tony winner and “Hamilton” choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler, the musical “Bandstand” is a top notch-production with upbeat music. It’s a compelling story that portrays the undeniable impact of war and the lifelong consequences on those who serve. The play takes place in 1945. There’s a homecoming and a joyous celebration of such. “Bandstand” will have you tapping your feet and snapping your fingers to the lively music of jazz and swing. But it’s not just about the celebrations of those who have returned. It also how addresses the tough question of to deal with getting back to so-called “normal” life once one has been to war.

“Bandstand” is a play that will captivate your emotions by weaving the struggle of war with the main character Pfc. Donny Noviski, who is thrilled to be home but also laboring to find his way to fulfill his lifelong dream of being a singer and songwriter.

“This story is one that moves the heart and honors our women and men who serve our country,” Givens Performing Arts Center Marketing Director Chat Locklear said. “And although the music is inspired by the 1940s, it is all brand-new.”
If you want to feel nostalgic, you like swing and jazz music, you want to honor our military or you just want to understand what service members and their families go through, this play is something to put on your calendar. There will be only one performance of Bandstand and it is Wednesday, Jan. 29, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $21 - $46. The show is recommended for those 13 and older because of some adult language and some subject matter that may not be understood by younger children. Audiences can expect the show to last two hours and to include an intermission.

Call 910-521-6361 or visit https://www.uncp.edu/resources/givens-performing-arts-center for tickets and information.

Friend, the 2019-2020 long Legislative Session has adjourned, and we still don’t have a budget. The failure to pass this budget lies with Sen. Phil Berger and the Republican leadership who are unwilling to compromise and work for all the people in North Carolina. Our educators deserve a pay increase, we need investment in our public education infrastructure, we must protect our water from contaminants like Gen X, North Carolinians need Medicaid expansion, and we can pay for it all by cutting corporate welfare in favor of taking care of the people of North Carolina. 

It is time to govern and put people over politics. Republicans continue to make excuses rather than working for the people of North Carolina and compromising on a budget that works for everyone. I am committed along with the other 20 democratic members in the Senate to continue this fight for a better budget. 

On Jan. 14, the North Carolina Senate met for a brief session before adjourning until April. 

During this session, no compromise was made on the budget. Senate Minority Leader Dan Blue and all Senate Democratic members offered to stay for as long as it takes to get an adequate budget that supports public education (K-12 and higher ed), teachers, support staff and retirees.

 What I’m fighting for in the budget process:
·     Adequate pay raise for teachers — GOP budget has a 3.8% raise, Gov. Cooper proposed 8.6%. Senate Democrats are fighting for a compromise of 6.5%.
·     Adequate pay raise for retirees — GOP budget has a 0.5% raise. Gov. Cooper proposed 2%. Senate Democrats suggested a compromise of 1.5%.
·     Adequate pay for noncertified educators — GOP budget included a $500 bonus. Gov. Cooper proposed 1.5%. Senate Democrats suggested 2%, while other state employees saw an increase of the minimum to $15/hour, facility staff like bus drivers, janitors, cafeteria staff and others have not seen a meaningful pay raise in years.
·     Democrats proposed a $100 million increase in public school infrastructure, including $19 million in additional funding for Cumberland County.
·     Democrats also proposed $5 million in additional resources to address contaminants like Gen X.

 The North Carolina General Assembly session has adjourned and will be back in session April 28. Please know that the office will continue to be open, so feel free to visit us at any time.  Please contact us by phone at 919-733-5776 or by email at Devierela@ncleg.net for further questions.