Inside a modest cement-block building on Griffin Street, just minutes from downtown Fayetteville and not far from the city’s main social service corridors, is NC Food Commissary. A new commissary kitchen, NC Food Commissary is quietly redefining what faith-driven work can look like in the local food economy.
Located at 813 Griffin St., the facility operates as a licensed commercial kitchen for food trucks, caterers, bakers and small food businesses that need a legal base of operations. But for Chris Thiessen, one of the project’s founders, the space represents something deeper than compliance or entrepreneurship.
The commissary, she says, grew out of a calling.
Thiessen originally envisioned launching a food truck with the simple goal of feeding people in need. That plan stalled when she discovered a critical barrier: North Carolina law requires mobile food vendors to operate from an approved commissary, and none existed locally to support that vision. Rather than abandon the idea, Thiessen followed what she describes as a clear redirection.
The building on Griffin Street became the answer.
What now exists is a standalone commissary, the first of its kind in Cumberland County — equipped with a full cooking kitchen, two prep kitchens, secured dry storage, refrigeration, freezer options and classroom space. From a regulatory standpoint, it fills a long-standing gap for food entrepreneurs across Fayetteville and neighboring counties who previously had to borrow space, rely on limited church kitchens, drive to Raleigh, or operate under the radar. From a spiritual standpoint, Thiessen views it as an act of obedience.
Throughout the three-year process of securing the building, navigating permits and building out the space, prayer was central. One of the project’s partners, who also served as her pastor, prayed over the entire facility, every room and corner, before operations began. Thiessen believes that foundation matters.
She speaks openly about patience being one of the greatest lessons the process required. Doors did not open quickly, and plans often shifted. But she describes a steady pattern of confirmation through conversations, partnerships and timing that reinforced her belief the project was unfolding as intended.
The commissary operates as a for-profit business, but it is paired with a nonprofit ministry, NC Meal Train Ministry, which anchors the faith-based mission of the space. The two entities function together: the commissary provides infrastructure for businesses, while the nonprofit ensures that food and opportunity circulate back into the community.
Through NC Meal Train Ministry, surplus food prepared by vendors from catered events or unsold service days can be redirected rather than wasted. Participating businesses receive credits toward kitchen time or deductions facilitated through the nonprofit, while prepared meals are funneled to existing food pantries and individuals already serving Fayetteville’s unhoused population. Rather than creating new outreach programs, the ministry strengthens networks that are already active on the ground.
The location of the commissary reinforces that mission. Griffin Street sits near major service centers, including areas where residents seek identification, employment resources and emergency assistance. Thiessen says being physically close to need has shaped how she understands the work happening inside the building.
Plans are also underway for a community garden behind the facility, further tying food production to service. The garden, like the kitchen, is meant to be practical rather than symbolic, a tangible extension of care in a city where food insecurity remains visible.
Inside the building, the ministry often takes a quieter form. Many food entrepreneurs who contact the commissary arrive with talent but little understanding of licensing, insurance, tax obligations or pricing. Thiessen, whose background is in accounting and administrative work, spends much of her time guiding them through those early steps. She does not complete the work for them, but she connects them to free state and local resources, small-business advisors and regulatory offices that many do not know exist.
That guidance, she believes, is part of the ministry itself. Helping someone build a legitimate, sustainable business means helping them support their families and, in turn, serve the community through their work.
The commissary also includes classroom space that will be used for food-safety instruction, business education and regulatory training, including upcoming requirements for propane use at festivals and mobile operations. Classes are planned to be bilingual to ensure accessibility. While these offerings address compliance, Thiessen emphasizes that education is also about confidence, helping people move beyond fear and uncertainty.
Growth is already being considered in phases. The current site is designed to support up to 35 businesses initially, with expansion possible through added storage or a second location if demand continues. Still, Thiessen measures success less by numbers than by faithfulness to the mission.
She is currently praying over what will eventually fill a large blank wall near the entrance, something that quietly signals the spiritual foundation of the work being done there. The goal is not to make the space overtly religious, but unmistakably intentional.
The commissary’s grand opening and ribbon cutting, hosted by the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled for Feb. 19 at 1 p.m. at the Griffin Street location. Thiessen says the celebration will reflect the spirit of the project itself, communal, inclusive and shared.
In a city where food trucks and pop-up vendors have become a defining part of local culture, the commissary stands as unseen infrastructure: prep tables instead of stages, storage shelves instead of spotlights. Yet for Thiessen, its purpose is clear.
The work, she says, is bigger than business. And for now, she remains committed to following where it leads
For information about NC Food Commissary membership, you can visit the website, www.ncfoodcommissary.com, or by phone at 910-807-7850.

(Photo courtesy of NC Food Commissary's Facebook page)

The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra invites audiences to experience an evening of vibrant sound, artistic exploration, and urban-inspired energy with “A Night on the Town,” taking place on Saturday, Feb. 28, at Seabrook Auditorium on the campus of Fayetteville State University. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with the concert beginning at 7:30 p.m., promising a dynamic night of orchestral music that bridges classical traditions with modern influences. Tickets for the concert may be purchased online at https://www.fayettevillesymphony.org, by contacting the FSO office at 910-433-4690, or at the door on the evening of the performance.
At the heart of February’s program is Nightlife, a genre-blending concerto for double bass by Kebra-Seyoun Charles, who will also perform the work as soloist. Charles, the 2022 Sphinx Competition winner, brings a fresh and deeply personal voice to the stage, drawing inspiration from their experiences living in New York City.
The concerto’s two movements flow seamlessly through baroque textures, gospel rhythms, waltz-like elegance, and jazz-infused improvisation, creating what Charles describes as a musical playlist that captures the pulse and diversity of urban life.
Charles has appeared on prominent stages around the world, including Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Kagoshima Jazz Festival, the Aspen Music Festival, and the Library of Congress. Their career reflects a dual dedication to performance and composition, as well as a broader mission to foster inclusivity within classical music.
During their visit to Fayetteville, Charles will also lead a masterclass at Fayetteville State University, offering students and musicians a rare opportunity to engage directly with a contemporary composer-performer.
“This concert really embodies the spirit of curiosity and artistic growth that has defined this season,” said Jessica Munch-Dittmar, Executive Director of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. “As we near the close of Maestro Stefan Sanders’ remarkable tenure, 'A Night on the Town' is a powerful moment to gather as a community, experience something new, and honor the impact this orchestra continues to have on Fayetteville.”
The concert holds additional significance as it marks the second-to-last performance of Maestro Stefan Sanders’ farewell season, concluding his nine-year tenure as Music Director of the FSO. Sanders’ final season has celebrated innovation, collaboration, and community engagement—hallmarks of his leadership with the orchestra. The Symphony’s 2025–2026 season finale will feature the iconic music of John Williams, while Sanders will also conduct the FSO’s Side-by-Side concert with the Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra and a special performance at the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens in March.
"A Night on the Town" is the Symphony’s fifth concert of the 2025–2026 season, and a fitting celebration of artistic energy, community connection, and a legacy of musical excellence. More information about this concert and the FSO’s many free events and performances can be found at https://www.fayettevillesymphony.org/.

(Photo courtesy of Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra's Facebook page)

For all his 64 years, Jim Watts has always been an active guy. He lives on 65 acres in Bladen County and has never had a problem with the extensive walking and heavy lifting needed to look after that much land.
So, in August of 2023, it was a shock to find out that he’d need quadruple bypass surgery.
Like a lot of heart patients, Watts had initially dismissed his chest discomfort as a byproduct of anxiety during a stressful time. But when it became harder to ignore, he went to the emergency room.
“They took very good care of me,” he said. “They ran all the tests, and everything looked good. My blood pressure was fine; my heart rate was fine. Nothing to indicate a problem.”
When he mentioned he was going through a stressful time, the doctor agreed it may just be anxiety. But he advised Watts to follow up with his primary care doctor and a cardiologist, just to be sure. Those visits turned up nothing of concern, Watts said—until a CT cardiogram ordered by cardiologist Selvaratnam Sinna, MD.
“When he saw the results of that,” Watts said, “the first thing he asked me was, ‘How far can you walk without having to sit and rest?’ I thought that was an odd question because I felt like I was pretty much the picture of good health.”
The angiogram showed otherwise. With some diminished blood flow now apparent, Watts was scheduled for a heart catheterization to investigate further.
“So I went in there with anticipation of doing the heart cath,” Watts said, “maybe needing a stent or something like that, but that was it.”
But after that procedure, he woke up to more surprising news. The catheterization revealed four significantly blocked arteries, and he would need bypass surgery. After taking in the troubling news, Watts began listing all the things he would need to go home and take care of first.
“And they said no,” he recalled. “They said I needed to stay in the hospital until the surgery because, in my condition, I really could have a heart attack at any time.”
Cardiothoracic surgeon, Robert E. Maughan, M.D., performed the procedure, which reroutes blood around the blocked arteries to improve heart function. Watts said the days after waking up are still a blur, but he remembers an excellent staff that kept him informed and encouraged.
“The staff there in the ICU was absolutely invaluable,” he said. “They were awesome. There were some fantastic people who took care of me.”
After his discharge from the hospital, Watts said, the real work was in the weeks ahead. To stay motivated through his long recovery, he kept a specific goal in mind.
“I have an annual hunting trip to South Dakota where we go and hunt pheasant,” he said. “And before the surgery, I wanted to know if I'd be able to go to the pheasant hunt in October.”
That gave him less than 12 weeks before the trip. It was a bold ambition, but Watts knew his previous level of fitness would help to propel him.
“By the end of September, I was walking four miles a day,” he said. “It started with a lap around my yard, and then adding more laps, and then actually getting out and walking up and down the road.”
While he was undaunted by the physical challenges of recovery, Watts said he was surprised by the psychological stumbling blocks.
“It was very scary to realize that even with no symptoms, feeling just fine, I was that close to having a very serious heart attack,” he said. “And to go from lifting recliners one day to then having trouble standing up, it felt like I went from almost being invincible to being a weakling. That was hard.”
His physical progress helped to lift his spirits, Watts said, and at low points he tried to focus on the goal of getting to South Dakota. Then, about a week before the trip, he was cleared to join his friends on the hunt.
“It's always a very special trip because the area we go to is unlike anything I’ve ever seen in this area,” he said. “You can see for miles and miles, and it’s just a beautiful landscape.”
Scenery like that has taken on new meaning for Watts since his surgery, and even working in his own yard feels a little different.
“I’m doing the same things I was before, but just enjoying it more,” he said. “I appreciate the sunset so much more now.”

(Photo courtesy of Cape Fear Valley Health)

The Lafayette Society is proud to announce that they are now accepting entries for the 2026 creativity contests. The Lafayette Society Creativity contests serve to encourage and promote excellence in creative expressions that express an appreciation for Lafayette’s timeless principles of liberty, equality, and tolerance. All contest entries, in all categories, should emphasize one or more of Lafayette’s timeless principles. Contest entries may, but are not required to, also highlight the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The artist or author retains copyright of the submitted work. However, the artist or author grants the Lafayette Society the right to publish their entry, in any form, in perpetuity, by virtue of entering the Lafayette Society Creativity Contest. These uses may include, but are not limited to, fundraising opportunities which support the Lafayette Society’s mission.
The competition is open to current or former residents of Cumberland County and Fort Bragg/ Fort Liberty, as well as students currently attending a school, college, or university based in Cumberland County or on Fort Bragg/ Fort Liberty.
The guidelines to submit a piece for the contests are:
• One submission per individual, group, or team.
• All work must be the work of the listed artist(s) and or author(s).
• Proper credit should be given to all artist(s) and or author(s).
• The Lafayette Society assumes no responsibility or liability for the content of any submitted materials.
• Artists and authors are free, but not required, to provide a brief written explanation of their work in the text of the submission email.
• All entries must be submitted with a signed release form.
Awards will be given to the three top winners in each category. First place will receive $500, second place wins $300, and third place will take home $100.
The deadline for all entries in all categories is Feb. 14.
For the video competition, the contest is open to all forms of videos. The video must be under four minutes in length, and the rating should be PG13 or lower. Submission must be hosted on YouTube with a direct link sent to the email creativity@lafayettesociety.org.
For the Poetry Competition, the contest is open to all forms of poetry. Submission must be submitted through the email creativity@lafayettesociety.org.
The Visual Art Competition is open to visual art in all two-dimensional art categories including but not limited to digital art, graphic design, photography, painting, and drawing. Entries must be submitted electronically through the email creativity@lafayettesociety.org.
If the work was not created digitally, the artist(s) should submit a high-quality image of submitted work (no distracting background or uneven lighting) to creativity@lafayettesociety.org. Artist(s) should also submit an image identification (name of artist, title of work, media, scale, date completed) to creativity@lafayettesociety.org.
Do you have questions? If so, please contact the Lafayette Society at creativity@lafayettesociety.org

Michael Nagowski, chief executive officer of Cape Fear Valley Health, will retire this summer after 18 years leading the region’s largest health system, which includes Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Highsmith-Rainey Specialty Hospital, and hospitals in Bladen, Hoke, Harnett, and Johnston counties.
Nagowski, 60, announced his retirement to the 19-member CFVH board of trustees on Friday.
“I’m excited I will get to spend time with my family,” he told CityView. “It’s with mixed emotions, but I’m excited.”
The board immediately voted to appoint Dan Weatherly, CFVH’s chief operating officer since 2015, as interim CEO.
Nagowski’s retirement, effective July 1, comes as the health system prepares to welcome its first residency students to the Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine, located behind Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. The milestone follows years of expansion under his leadership, including the $33 million Medical Education Center & Neuroscience Institute, opened in 2023, and a $110 million Valley Pavilion expansion in 2025 that added two floors and 100 beds.
While proud of the system’s growth, Nagowski said the credit belongs to the physicians, nurses, and staff.
“I’m most proud of our team,” he said. “They’re the ones who show up every day, 365 and 24-7.”
‘He Left an Indelible Mark’
As news of his retirement spread, health care leaders praised Nagowski’s leadership and impact.
“Mike Nagowski has been a tremendous asset to our region and community, particularly to health care, and has transformed Cape Fear Valley Health in a way few leaders ever achieve,” said Dr. Sam Fleishman, CFVH’s chief medical officer. He described Nagowski’s leadership as grounded in authenticity, humility, and a deep commitment to people.
Fleishman said Nagowski possessed “a rare gift for building meaningful relationships,” connecting with people sincerely and personally. His presence—marked by a gregarious laugh, humor, and an ability to put others at ease—helped build trust and strengthen collaboration across the system.
“We are deeply grateful for all that Mike has done to elevate the quality of care for the people we serve,” Fleishman said. “His impact will be felt for generations through the systems he built and the culture of excellence and trust he fostered.”
A Transformational Leader
Susan Dees, CFVH’s chief nursing executive, said Nagowski’s vision guided the system’s growth and strengthened its role in the community.
“He believed in this health system and shared that vision with us. His passion and dedication set a high standard for all,” she said.
Retired gastroenterologist Rakesh Gupta, who helped recruit Nagowski in 2008, said Nagowski’s leadership reshaped health care across Cumberland and surrounding counties.
“He is without doubt an incredible driving force who has been truly transformational,” Gupta said. “We would not have accomplished this degree of expansion, the residency program, and now the medical school without his vision and dedication.” Gupta called him “a once-in-a-lifetime health care leader” whose legacy will endure.
“Our community owes him a huge gratitude,” he said.
Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Chair and CFVH trustee Kirk deViere echoed that sentiment, noting that influence extended beyond hospital walls.
“Throughout his entire time in our community, I have had the privilege of working alongside him,” deViere said. “Under his leadership, we have seen tremendous growth in our health system’s capacity and reach.”
DeViere emphasized Nagowski’s commitment to workforce development, citing partnerships with Fayetteville Technical Community College, Fayetteville State University, Methodist University, and others.
“His dedication to improving health care access and outcomes for our region has been unwavering,” he said. “His legacy of service, innovation, and workforce development will continue to benefit Cumberland County for years to come.”
Compassion, Innovation, and Philanthropy
Sabrina Brooks, vice president of the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation, credited Nagowski with elevating the role of philanthropy in the system’s growth.
“For the past 12 years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Mike,” Brooks said. “His leadership guided our hospital through extraordinary growth and transformation while always focusing on improving the lives of the patients and communities we serve.”
She said his belief in the power of generosity strengthened the foundation, expanded partnerships, and inspired donors to invest in health care excellence.
“Programs, facilities, and initiatives that will benefit southeastern North Carolina for generations were made possible because of his vision,” she said.
Brooks described his legacy as one of compassion, innovation, and unwavering commitment to local health care.
“We extend our deepest gratitude for his many years of dedicated service,” she said. “We wish him the very best as he retires.”
Bill Kirby Jr. can be reached at billkirby49@gmail.com or 910-624-1961.

Editor's note: This article has been edited from its original for space considerations. To read the article in full, visit https://www.cityviewnc.com/stories/michael-nagowski-longtime-cape-fear-valley-health-ceo-announces-retirement/

(Photo: Michael Nagowski has been the CEO of Cape Fear Valley Health for 18 years. He has been a part of creating the Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine and expanding services across the CFVH health system. Photo courtesy of Cape Fear Valley Health)

The 2026 Election Primary begins this week. Unlike municipal elections, these races are partisan: Democrats are on one side, Republicans on the other, and unaffiliated voters must choose which primary they wish to participate in. The ballots will include options for voting on candidates from the local board of commissioners up to the U.S. Senate.
Former U.S. Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill wisely stated, "All politics is local." This insightful remark highlights the significant role that community issues play in political decisions. Engaging at the local level is crucial for fostering meaningful change and progress. While variations of this phrase date back to 1932, U.S. elections have become increasingly nationalized in recent decades. In the context of the current polls, all politics has become national, even at the local level.
When politics becomes predominantly national, it influences how voters act at the local level. Instead of focusing on the qualifications of local candidates and their potential to improve daily life, voters often prioritize national agendas and partisan ideologies, which can overshadow local concerns.
Should we prioritize whether our local candidates genuinely align with the ideologies of the WOKE left or the MAGA right? It's crucial to consider which perspective will truly serve our community's best interests. All contests on the ballot are essential, especially the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners.
Local boards of commissioners play a vital role in daily life, serving as the primary legislative and policy-making bodies for county governments. They manage local budgets, set property tax rates, approve land-use plans, and oversee essential services, including public health, emergency services, and infrastructure. Ultimately, the elected officials who serve on these boards are significant in their communities.
In the Democratic primary, there are four open seats on the Board of Commissioners: two for District 1 and two at-large. In District 1, one incumbent is seeking reelection, facing four challengers, and in the at-large seats, two incumbents are seeking reelection, facing four primary challengers. National politics isn't likely to play a role in the primary, but it will in the general election. No one has filed opposition to District 1 primary winners; however, two Republicans have filed for the at-large seats and will square off against the two Democratic survivors in November.
No one knows for sure, but it is expected that the popularity of the leading candidate on the ballot will influence candidates in lower positions. In this scenario, it is likely that former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper will affect turnout for local Democrats, and his Republican opponent, who will probably receive an endorsement from Trump, will influence down-ticket Republicans.
Many of us are hoping for a strong primary election. The county commissioner races are crucial. This election should focus on what is best for Cumberland County, rather than a WOKE versus MAGA debate.

As a relatively new grandmother, I get frequent “growing like a weed” comments, and my grandbabies are doing just that—getting bigger and better every day.
So too is their home state, a fact that warms this tarheel-born and-bred writer’s heart.
Recent data from the US Census Bureau confirms that North Carolina bounced into the fastest growing state spot in 2025 with a whopping 84,000 new residents, bumping both Texas (2024) and Florida (2023) down the line. We now have nearly 11.2 million residents, with most of our growth coming from what demographers call “domestic migration,” people leaving other states to come to North Carolina. Some projections have us passing Georgia and Ohio to become the 7th largest state in the early 2030s. There is also the possibility of enhanced political clout at the national level with an additional seat in Congress based on our population boom.
And who is coming?
Many are people interested in high-paying jobs in banking and in technology. They may actually “work” in another state through remote communications, but want to live and raise families here. Access to both the ocean and mountains, cities large enough to have attractive amenities but are not metropolises, and temperate weather are big draws. Retirees are coming for many of the same reasons.
Population growth is clearly desirable in all sorts of ways—an expanding economy with more workers, additional investment and tax base, and more consumers to purchase goods and services. Our incoming residents are also likely to be more diverse culturally and educationally than our native population, which makes North Carolina a more interesting place to be.
Growth brings its challenges as well.
More people mean more public needs, including public services like roads, bridges, and public transit. Rush hour in Charlotte, Raleigh, and—yes, Fayetteville—confirms this in about 30 seconds. Our new residents need places to live, which can drive up both demand for housing and its affordability. More people call for both more and more extensive health care options, and children they bring with them need more, and in many cases, better schools. More people generate urban sprawl that eats into natural areas and farm lands and creates various environmental issues, as we have seen in both our mountains and our coastal areas.
Most of our new residents are drawn to urban centers, both for jobs and for culture. This means they spend their money there, further exacerbating North Carolina’s increasingly clear urban-rural divide. Urban areas with larger tax bases and more educated residents are thriving, while rural areas can rarely compete with the schools, health care, and amenities of our cities. Political and cultural conflicts can be threatening and highly divisive.
All of which is to say, North Carolina’s future requires smart planning at both the state and local levels. Our General Assembly must be willing to invest in our state’s infrastructure, both in cities and in rural areas, instead of cutting budgets and giving tax breaks to top earners and corporations, many of which are based outside North Carolina. It must stop starving public education and sending our tax dollars to barely regulated private schools, many of them with a religious slant. Local governments must be creative in attracting new residents to their areas and persistent in their efforts to provide quality education and health care.
The bottom line here is that if North Carolina does not continue to offer a high quality of life attractive to newcomers, some of our “domestic migrants” are going to politely migrate to some other state that does.

According to folklore, extraordinary beings resent being confined within ordinary spaces. In “The Fisherman and the Jinni,” one of the stories Sheherazade tells her misguided husband in One Thousand and One Nights, the being in question is so angry at being imprisoned for centuries in a bottle that he has to be tricked into granting wishes rather than killing his lowly liberator outright. In Disney’s Aladdin, the genie isn’t so vengeful but still describes his confinement as “phenomenal cosmic powers” uncomfortably crammed into an “itty bitty living space.”
The real world isn’t teeming with mystic flasks or misty sorcerers. But to the people who first told fairy tales around campfires, our modern abilities to tame the elements, construct labor-saving devices, cure diseases, and fly through air and space would look an awful lot like sorcery. And, truth be told, our real world is teeming with would-be heroes trying desperately to bottle up disruptive discoveries and technologies.
Take artificial intelligence. Might it displace workers, deform journalism, debase literature, and place destructive new weapons in the hands of diabolical foes? Yes. Caution is warranted. It cannot, however, be un-invented, permanently stunted, or monopolized by a few self-appointed guardians. To believe otherwise is, indeed, to remain in a fantasy world. As a practical matter, we have no choice but to develop and use AI, as prudently and productively as we can, so as to maximize its benefits and minimize its risks.
I feel the same way about a less “gee-whiz” innovation that nevertheless presents promise as well as some peril: telehealth.
Although the digital technologies and practice models behind telehealth services predate the COVID-19 pandemic, it catalyzed a dramatic expansion. Patients needed help. Hospitals were, by necessity, limiting exposure. Physicians, therapists, and other providers were, too. So, barriers to telehealth fell. Only some were reinstated after the crisis.
Over the past five years, this innovation has proven itself to be cost-beneficial. “Telehealth is not a silver bullet,” wrote Josh Archambault and Joshua Reynolds, coauthors of a new report on the subject, “but it remains one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to expand access to care, particularly in underserved rural communities.”
Published by the Massachusetts-based Pioneer Institute and Texas-based Cicero Institute, the report grades the 50 states according to how much they’ve adjusted their administrative and regulatory policies to facilitate provider and patient use of telehealth.
North Carolina, I’m sad to say, fares poorly in the Pioneer-Cicero study. We earn, and I do mean earn, one of the 10 failing grades Archambault and Reynolds assign. We make it too difficult for North Carolinians to obtain services from medical providers in other states. We don’t explicitly define telehealth in a neutral manner, allowing for a range of time sequences and modes (live vs. prerecorded, audio-only vs. full video, live check-ins vs. remote monitoring of conditions, etc.) based on patient and provider preferences. And we don’t allow nurse practitioners to deliver the full range of services for which they are licensed — whether remotely or in-person — without the costly and largely superfluous oversight of physicians.
Before reading the report, I was generally familiar with the case for telehealth reform and expansion. I’ve written about it before. What I didn’t yet know, however, is that the federal government has created new financial incentives for the practice under its Rural Health Transformation Program. About half of the $50 billion in grants will be awarded according to policy mix, not just baseline need, with access to telehealth represented in the grant formula both directly and indirectly.
The A-plus states of Arizona, Colorado, Delaware and Utah know what North Carolina has yet to accept: telehealth is here to stay. It’s never going back in the bottle. So let’s grant it three wishes: 1) define telehealth properly, 2) permit patients to use it freely, and 3) empower nurse practitioners to deliver it efficiently. The results won’t be miraculous. But telehealth can expand access while moderating costs. That’s good enough.

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).

The 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics kick off on Friday, Feb. 6, with opening ceremonies being televised by NBC at 8 p.m. EST. However, the Olympics actually start before, on Feb. 4, when the qualifying rounds for curling begin. Hockey kicks off on Feb. 5, and before the opening ceremony on Feb. 6, the figure skating team event gets underway.
I’ve been an Olympics junkie since 1994. That was the year of Nancy and Tonya. But while we were all distracted by Nancy’s attack and rehabilitation and Tonya’s blade and skate lace issues during the event, Oksana Baiul, a 15-year-old phenom, was making her case to be Olympic Champion. I watched with my grandma. I was 8 years old, and I was hooked.
The Olympics are a celebration of human exceptionalism, a time when we can see the limits people can push themselves to. It’s the time when we all become experts in niche sports for three weeks and then promptly forget that knowledge for the next four years. Team USA has several notable names to watch for in these games.
Lindsay Vonn is back. At 41 years old, Vonn is looking to add another gold to her name. Her first Olympic gold medal was won back in 2010. She last competed at an Olympic Games in 2018. She’s looking to add to her trophy case in the downhill and Super G events. A wreck the weekend before the Olympics doesn't seem to be keeping her out.
Alysa Liu is a 20-year-old figure skater and current world champion. She competed in Beijing in 2022, where she placed sixth overall. She competed at the World Championships that year, where she took third place. Liu’s career to that point had been on an upward trajectory. She had been national champion, she was the youngest female skater to land both a triple axel and a quad lutz in the same program. But after the World Championships in 2022, she decided to step away from the sport and she retired.
Liu decided she missed the adrenaline rush of competition, and she came back in the 2024-25 season. After a slow start, Liu made it to the top of the world at the World Championships in Boston in 2025. This season, Liu also won the Grand Prix Final, one of the most prestigious and difficult titles in figure skating. Liu is a favorite for the podium, but will be up against tough competition in teammates Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito, and Japanese National Champion Kaori Sakamoto and her teammates Ami Nakai and Mone Chiba.
Jessie Diggins will be competing in her fourth Olympics, and searching for her second Olympic gold medal in the 10km freestyle cross-country event. Diggins is the most decorated cross-country skier in history.
Erin Jackson is back in her third Olympics. She became the first Black American to medal in speed skating, and the first Black woman to win an individual gold medal in Beijing. She will be competing in the 500m race.
Back to figure skating, we have the Quad God, Ilia Malinin. Malinin is the only person in the world to have landed a quad axel, a jump with four and a half revolutions. With 2 World Championship titles, three Grand Prix Final titles and four National Championship titles under his belt, Malinin is already quite the decorated skater. This will be his first Olympic appearance, and he is the heavy favorite for individual gold in the men’s event.
Team USA in men’s hockey is looking to make a splash, with a strong roster going to Milano Cortina. They will have to overcome the juggernaut of Canada and hope to finish higher than their previous Olympic outings. On the women’s side, the USA hasn’t finished lower than third place since women’s hockey was introduced to the Olympics in 1998. Women’s hockey has grown exponentially in the U.S. over the last several years with the creation of the Professional Women’s Hockey League.
The Olympics will be live-streamed throughout the entirety of the event on NBC’s streaming service, Peacock. The competition will be fierce, and we’ll be cheering on the athletes as they show us all what being exceptional means.

Cape Fear Botanical Garden at 536 North Eastern Blvd. will open its gates after hours for a special adults-only event that blends nightlife, nature and interactive discovery in a setting rarely seen by visitors.
Garden After Dark invites guests aged 18 and older to explore the Garden from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Feb. 14, beneath the moonlight for one evening of music, movement and hands-on experiences. Designed for couples and singles alike, the event offers an alternative to traditional Valentine’s season outings by transforming the familiar landscape into a vibrant nighttime destination.
As daylight fades, a live DJ will provide music for an outdoor dance floor surrounded by illuminated pathways and glowing displays. Guests are encouraged to move throughout the Garden, where activity stations are spread across the property to create an immersive experience. Trivia under the stars will challenge participants with nature-themed questions, while oversized glowing yard games and illuminated bubbles add a playful element throughout the evening.
These features are intended to encourage interaction and exploration in a relaxed, social environment.
Live animal encounters will offer guests the opportunity to observe and learn about fascinating creatures up close. Interactive science stations will highlight the unexpected and curious side of nature, reinforcing the Garden’s educational mission while keeping the experience accessible and engaging for adult audiences.
A campfire lounge will provide a quieter gathering space, featuring softly glowing red and pink flames designed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Food and beverage options will be available throughout the grounds, including craft cocktails, coffee and light fare, allowing attendees to shape their own pace for the evening.
Garden After Dark represents the Garden’s ongoing effort to expand programming beyond daytime hours and traditional formats. The event is part of a broader strategy to attract new audiences while maintaining a balance between entertainment, education and environmental awareness. The Garden’s ability to host programs like this is rooted in a vision that began more than three decades ago.
In 1989, a small group of Fayetteville gardening enthusiasts united around the idea of creating a botanical garden that would inspire learning, preserve native plant life and serve as a community asset. That effort led to the formation of the Friends of the Botanical Garden organization, which helped mobilize volunteers and supporters.
The group secured a lease on 67 acres of city-owned land formerly known as Pope Park and developed an ambitious 20-year master plan to guide growth and development. Early milestones included identifying more than 450 native plant species, enrolling hundreds of legacy members and publishing the Garden’s first newsletter. These early efforts laid the foundation for the Garden’s long-term success.
Today, Cape Fear Botanical Garden functions as both a nature retreat and an educational resource, offering seasonal exhibits, youth programming, workshops and community events throughout the year. Special events such as Garden After Dark reflect the Garden’s commitment to continued evolution while remaining aligned with its original mission.
Membership support remains a key component of the Garden’s sustainability. Members receive unlimited daily admission, discounted event pricing and access to exclusive programs.
In addition, membership includes reciprocal admission to more than 300 botanical gardens across North America through the American Horticultural Society, extending opportunities for exploration and learning beyond the local area. Multiple membership levels are available to accommodate individuals, families and supporters.
Tickets for Garden After Dark are $30 for the general public and $25 for Garden members. Tickets are available online at https://shop.capefearbg.org/SelectEvent.aspx?eventID=1000136.
As Fayetteville continues to grow, Cape Fear Botanical Garden remains a space where education, conservation and community intersect. Garden After Dark offers adults an opportunity to experience that legacy in a new way, revealing how the Garden transforms after sunset.
For one evening, familiar paths will glow, science will feel playful and nature will take on a more energetic character, reminding visitors that discovery does not end when the sun goes down.

Monster trucks are not just vehicles-they are 10,000 pound beasts that shake arenas and create memories fans carry with them for decades. Sport pulls people through raw power, theatrical personalities, and the concept of physics seems like a mere suggestion
—Andrea F on Unsplash, More Than Motors

The Crown Coliseum at 1960 Coliseum Dr. will bring the excitement with the Monster X Tour on Feb. 14. A Pit Party at will kick off at noon, and attendees can take a photo with a monster truck. Pit party passes must be accompanied by an event ticket. Guests can also experience riding a truck and get the ride of their life on board a monster truck.
The show times for the Monster X Tour are 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Standard admission tickets start at $29.25, and kids’ advance tickets are $28.60. A Family Four Pack starts at $33.60 per ticket. Pit Party tickets can be purchased for noon and 6 p.m. on Feb. 14. All tickets can be purchased at https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/monster-truck.
“We are excited to welcome the Monster X Tour to the Crown Complex on February 14 for two amazing shows. The high- octane monster truck event delivers incredible action for fans of all ages, and we are proud to bring another unforgettable experience to the community,” said Gary Rogers, Director of Marketing.
Why are Monster Trucks so incredibly popular? It is due to the adrenaline-pumping sensory experience of trucks performing high-flying leaps, backflips, and car -crushing stunts. These family-friendly, loud, and action-paced events appeal to all ages, often featuring free-style competitions that bring childhood sandbox fantasies to life in a controlled environment. The sheer size of massive vehicles performing acrobatic stunts like donuts, wheelies, and backflips. A psychological and cultural connection for the love of bigness, power, and dominance, featuring iconic trucks like Grave Digger, which are also recognizable from toys and media.
Kids love monster trucks because of the sensory excitement of loud noises and bright colors. These invincible-seeming, massive trucks create high-energy action that is easy to get excited about. Monster Trucks are a symbol of power and strength. Trucks can crush, jump, and dominate other vehicles, allowing kids to feel a sense of adventure. The Pit Party feature of Monster X event serves as an accessibility and connection experience for kids. Getting a ride provides opportunities for children to see the massive machines up close, meet the drivers, and feel connected to the action.
The Monster X Tour takes place on Feb. 14, and as it is Valentine’s Day, it can also be a powerful opportunity to foster meaningful connections beyond romance by focusing on friendship and family. The Monster X Tour at the Crown Complex on Valentine’s Day is family and friendship bonding and connection for lifetime memories.
Create a family and Friendship meaning memory beyond romance for Valentine’s Day 2026. Experience the Monster X Tour with kids, family, and friends at the Crown Coliseum.

High-level hospitality in a casual dining setting—that’s how Chris Beal, owner of Bounty Farmhouse Kitchen and Tap at 4150 Sycamore Dairy Rd., describes their dining experience. The spot opened in September 2025, introducing the Fayetteville area to a seasonally rotating menu defined by locally sourced ingredients. Now, they’re bringing “a true taste of North Carolina” to Southern Pines with a second location opening right next door to the Target shopping center.
Their farm-to-table approach gathers inspiration from what’s available within a 50 mile radius of the restaurant. Farmers whose practices align with sustainable, regenerative ideals are handpicked and become an integral part of the dishes that ultimately make it onto customers’ plates. These personal relationships and connections keep the restaurant supplied with fresh meat and produce year-round. Bounty’s vision was born part of passion, part of necessity.
Beal, a fifth-generation Chatham County native, says he’s been passionate about farming for a long time. Growing up around farms fueled that passion, and after falling in love with business in college, he entered the restaurant scene. Best known for Tribeca Tavern, a 15-year Cary fixture that serves gourmet burgers, Beal’s journey to raise and source local ingredients began during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the restaurant struggled to secure the right meat cuts. Meat processors had begun butchering more retail cuts for grocery stores and fewer restaurant cuts, seeing that consumers were staying at home. As a result, Beal and his team improvised and ultimately founded Chatham Meat Company.
“During Covid, we couldn’t find beef, so it allowed us to think outside the box. We started buying whole animals and having them butchered. That opened the doors to Chatham Meat Company, which, in turn, led us to want to continue down that farm-to-table concept, which is where Bounty came from,” he explained.
Throughout the transition, they learned just how much meat comes from national and international sources and processing times from slaughter to consumer. For major restaurant suppliers, the length of time from slaughter to consumer is between 60 and 90 days, according to Beal. Alternatively, meat used in both Tribeca Tavern’s and Bounty Farmhouse Kitchen and Tap’s burgers has been slaughtered, aged for two weeks, then butchered and delivered to the restaurant the same week.
“It’s just a much safer, more sustainable alternative,” explained Beal. “With a lot of ground beef that’s sent to restaurants from major suppliers, there’s DNA from a couple hundred different animals. In ours, that ground beef is from that animal.”
When looking for suppliers, Beal says they look for "someone who is willing to commit to the sustainable model of pasture-raised beef and not utilizing feedlots.”
Bounty Farmhouse Kitchen and Tap currently works with 20 local farmers to supply both meat and produce. Beal says their mission with produce and meat is the same.
“We’re trying to look for folks that are going back to regenerative style agriculture—a lot less use of pesticides and herbicides. And folks that are able to keep up with what we’re doing and understand that we have to change the menu quite a bit.”
The changing menu has been one of their biggest challenges so far, but has earned some of their most faithful patrons. When working with local farms, ingredient supply fluctuates not only on a seasonal basis but on a weekly basis.
“We may not have asparagus one day, or we may not have sweet potatoes, but we may have them next week,” Beal said of the fluctuations. “It’s definitely an uphill battle making folks understand that.”
Initially, Beal said they received some negative feedback regarding unavailable menu items. He takes the time to reach out personally and address such concerns.
“It has really been remarkable how few and far between that negative feedback has been. And 99% of those folks turned out to be huge fans of what we were doing once they understood. I mean, we’ve had folks return to dine with us 20-30 times. It’s just unbelievable.”
The Southern Pines location is set to open in early 2026.
“We’re really excited to keep growing,” said Chloe Butler, director of restaurant operations. “But we're never going to grow so much that we forget what we're doing and don’t have a handle on really supporting the community.”
While the Southern Pines location is much smaller than the Fayetteville location, Beal thinks it’s a perfect fit.
“We were approached by the landlord at Southern Pines, who was developing the center near Target, looking for a local company that had the ability to operate at a higher level. With our experience with Tribeca, we explained to them that we were opening a new concept, and it really caught their attention,” he shared. “I think people are really starting to become aware of what they're feeling in their bodies, and I feel like we're in the right place at the right time.”

(Photos courtesy of Bounty Farmhouse Kitchen and Tap)

In every community, there are people whose work becomes more than a job. Their dedication becomes a standard. Their relationships become a legacy. Their presence becomes part of the fabric of the place they serve. For nearly half a century, Joe Thigpen has been one of those rare individuals—steady, humble, loyal, and deeply committed to the people of North Carolina’s beverage industry.
As Joe prepares to close out his extraordinary 48‑year career on Feb. 27, his story stands as a testament to perseverance, gratitude, and the power of genuine human connection.
Joe’s journey began in 1977 with Pepsi, where he started as a Sales/Delivery Driver. It didn’t take long for his work ethic and natural leadership to shine. Within three years, he was promoted to Route Manager, a role he would hold for the next 15 years. Those years were formative—not just professionally, but personally.
He learned from seasoned veterans who shaped his understanding of the business. He built friendships that would last a lifetime. And he took on major responsibilities, including overseeing the Fort Bragg military base and managing fountain sales and full‑service vending operations across eight counties. Even then, Joe wasn’t just delivering beverages—he was delivering reliability, trust, and service that people could count on.
In 1992, Joe stepped into a new era with Atlas Distributing, an Anheuser‑Busch distributor. As Route Manager, he oversaw grocery and convenience store accounts with the same steady hand and personal touch that had defined his Pepsi years.
When Atlas was purchased by Worth Harris of Harris Wholesale, Joe transitioned into the On‑Premise Sales Manager role. It was a natural fit. Joe thrived working in the hospitality industry—people, bars, restaurants, and special events—places where relationships mattered and his reputation for honesty and follow‑through made him a trusted partner.
Even as the company changed hands again and became Jeffrey’s Distributing, Joe stayed the course. He remained loyal, dedicated, and committed to serving his customers with excellence.
After 27 years in the Anheuser‑Busch distribution world, Joe faced something he had never experienced: job loss. When Jeffrey’s was sold, Adam’s Beverage chose not to retain him. For the first time in his career, Joe found himself walking away from a company without a plan for what came next.
But life has a way of opening the right doors at the right time.
As Joe walked out that day, his phone buzzed twice—two text messages from longtime competitors, Healy Wholesale, then owned by Mac and Fritz Healy. They didn’t hesitate. They didn’t wait. They reached out because they knew the kind of man Joe was.
And Joe knew exactly what that meant.
“God truly is good,” he says.
What began as friendly competition became a place of belonging. At Healy Wholesale, Joe found not just a job, but a home. Working alongside Brent Matthews and Paul Odom became one of the great blessings of his career. He speaks of them with deep gratitude and admiration, crediting them for teaching him, supporting him, and allowing him to finish his career with pride.
As On‑Premise Sales Manager, Joe experienced something rare and meaningful. The bartenders, managers, and owners he served didn’t just buy from him—they believed in him. Their loyalty created events, placements, and successes that made it look like Joe “sold it,” but he insists he didn’t.
“It was them,” he says. “Their trust, their appreciation, their generosity. They made me feel like a superhero.”
That humility is exactly why they trusted him.
If Joe makes it to the end of February, he will have spent 48 years in the beverage business—and, as he jokes, “he’s only 30 years old.” It’s a miracle indeed. But the real miracle is the impact he leaves behind.
Titles or territories do not define Joe’s career. It’s defined by the people he lifted, the friendships he built, and the respect he earned across an entire industry. From Fort Bragg to Fayetteville, from grocery stores to nightclubs, from Pepsi to Healy Wholesale—Joe has been a constant source of integrity, kindness, and professionalism. As he closes this chapter, Joe offers sincere gratitude to everyone who trained him, supported him, worked alongside him, and believed in him. He carries each of those relationships with him, and he credits them for shaping the man and professional he became.
His story is one of resilience, loyalty, and grace. It is the story of a man who showed up every day ready to work, ready to serve, and ready to make someone’s day a little better. And now, as he steps into retirement, the community he served for nearly five decades stands ready to honor him—not just for the career he built, but for the life he lived while building it.

(Photo: Joe Thigpen's 48 year career and retirement will be celebrated by the community on Feb. 15 at the Gates Four Country Club. For more information, see page 4. Photos courtesy of Bill Bowman)

Last year, the luminescent blue lights of the inaugural Blueprint Awards could be seen from the front door of 226 The Warehouse, as honorees, their guests, supporters of Book Black Women, and Fayetteville leaders and decision-makers filled the space to celebrate.
The night was full of creative expression, acceptance speeches, beautiful dresses, dapper suites and an air of elegance and sophistication that only Book Black Women can bring to an event. This year’s awards ceremony will be nothing short of a physical manifestation of giving flowers to some of Fayetteville’s best and brightest.
The second annual Blueprint Awards are set for Saturday, Feb. 28, at Blissful Alchemists located at 414 Ray Avenue from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/dngxf9c.
Dinner and cocktail mixer hour are for honorees, but anyone wishing to participate can purchase VIP tickets, which include priority entry during the cocktail hour (Dinner is not included with this ticket). Last year’s theme was Blue, fitting for its first year.
Every inch of the space vibrated with hues of blue and crystals. This year’s theme? “...a fantastical and whimsical, concert-style experience. Enchanted décor and multiple modes of artistic expression are woven throughout the evening, honoring the event’s roots as a concert series while creating a cohesive and memorable experience for guests. I’m encouraging everyone to come dressed as if you’re stepping into an enchanted forest…because you will be,” explained Ayana Washington, Founder and Creative Director of Book Black Women.
The Blueprint Awards made a lasting impression on the Fayetteville community. It highlighted creatives in the city whose work is often not even a category for bigger community awards.
Washington was surprised by the outpouring of support and recognition, stating, “The response to last year’s inaugural Blueprint Awards exceeded our expectations. While we knew there was a need for intentional recognition of cultural excellence in Fayetteville, seeing the community show up so fully affirmed that desire. The energy in the room, the feedback we received afterward, and the continued interest confirmed that people felt proud, inspired, and seen. It was clear that this was a space the community valued and wanted to see continue.”
A few differences are happening this year, the biggest being the number of honorees.
“This year’s award categories were shaped by listening closely to the community and by engaging past Blueprint recipients in the review process. Categories were selected with an emphasis on impact, consistency, leadership, and service rather than visibility alone. We wanted the awards to reflect the many ways people contribute to the creative and cultural ecosystem, including work that often happens behind the scenes,” Washington stated.
While there may have been a scale back, this year’s honorees have more than earned their night in the spotlight.
Washington is excited for those chosen for this year, adding, “This year’s honorees represent a beautiful range of leadership and impact. Sylvia Glanton, recipient of the Innovator Award, is the founder of Future Rich Aunties, where she connects women entrepreneurs to resources and community.
"Stephanie Kegler, recipient of the Health Vanguard Award, is a fitness and expressive movement advocate who inspires wellness and holistic care.
"April Mata, recipient of the Rising Star Award, is a creative manager focused on cultivating growth among artists and creatives.
"Kia Anthony, recipient of the Cultural Stewardship Award, is dedicated to preserving and amplifying Black history through events and education.
"Sheila Cuffee, recipient of the Blueprint Icon Award, is a longtime leader and mentor supporting civic engagement and community initiatives.
"Michael Houck, recipient of the Hand-in-Hand Award, is a strategic partner whose support through grants and mentorship has contributed to artist growth. Each of these women and allies brings a unique lens of service, innovation, and community uplift, demonstrating that meaningful impact takes many forms.”
One thing that will not change is the concert portion of the ceremony. From live bands to live dance performances, last year was a beautiful journey through the arts, something Washington promises will continue this year.
“Guests can expect an elevated, intimate, and immersive experience this year. The evening blends live performances from local talent with intentional moments of recognition, creating a dynamic and engaging flow throughout the program. From the moment attendees arrive, the event is designed to feel celebratory, connected, and reflective of the creative excellence within our community,” Washington said.
The 2026 The Blueprint Awards will be one for the books and a tradition that Book Black Women, Inc is excited to continue.
“I envision The Blueprint Awards becoming a signature cultural institution in Fayetteville and beyond. Long term, I see it growing into a regional and eventually national platform that honors cultural creativity across artistic disciplines while remaining grounded in community. The goal is to build something sustainable that continues to elevate and celebrate people while they are actively shaping the community,” Washington explained.
A project this big is a massive undertaking that takes months of planning, countless “thankless” hours, and support. Book Black Women, Inc has put all of these things into creating an event that truly captures the soul of the city through its honorees. A task like this can’t be accomplished alone.
Washington said, “I would love to acknowledge the past Blueprint Award recipients who served on this year’s selection committee: Ashanti Bennett, Michaela Penix, and Kenjuana McCray. I’m also grateful to this year’s recipients for accepting the honor and trusting us with their stories. Special thanks to The Creative Studio by Jae Renee and Randy Burkhead for bringing my creative vision for décor to life, to 1910 Wine Nest for sponsoring the event, and to Blissful Alchemists for providing the venue. I’m deeply appreciative of the Book Black Women team and the Fayetteville community for continuing to show up, support, and believe in the power of the arts.”
For more information to support or purchase tickets to the show, visit www.bookblackwomen.org.

For The Lovers -Sneaker Ball is an event presented by Budda’z Entertainment on Feb. 13 from 7:30 p.m. to midnight. The ball will be held at 226 The Warehouse, 226 Donaldson Street. The event is for adults 21 and over. The dress code is "grown and sexy” attire, and of course your favorite pair of kicks.
Table reservations are an option by texting 910-764-6229 for more information. Tickets are available on Eventbrite and start at $16.05. VIP tables are also available for four guests, with options of upstairs and downstairs seating. Guests will receive a complimentary champagne glass. VIP tickets start at $141.
Sneaker balls are a modern phenomenon that emerged primarily in the 2010s, blending formal high fashion or business attire with sneaker culture to create “glamour meets street experience."
“Budda’z Entertainment will host its first-ever ‘For the Lovers Sneaker Ball’ on Friday, Feb. 13,” said Camille Little with Budda’z Entertainment. “The Sneaker Ball invites guests to step out in their best sneakers paired with stylish suits and dresses, creating a unique blend of fashion, fun and flair. Attendees can enjoy drinks, light food, chocolate-covered strawberries and offerings varying by ticket type. Organizers are encouraging couples and singles alike to make it a night close to home. When was the last time you really went out on a date or enjoyed a night in the town? You do not have to travel to Atlanta, Charlotte, or DC—Fayetteville has its own Sneaker Ball right here.”
“Budda’z Entertainment is led by Maresha Kelly, Cortez Gage, and Camille Little. Buddha’z Entertainment recently hosted its first Steppers Ball on January 2, 2026. The event attracted more than two hundred attendees, featuring Line Dance and Saddle Clubs from across the region. Our aim is to create a memorable night leading into Valentine’s Day and to continue the mission of providing premier adult entertainment events in the Fayetteville area. Guests are encouraged to stay tuned for more events in the future,” Little said.
Love is in the air…and heat is on your feet. Singles, sneaker lovers, and everyone will enjoy the sneaker ball. Cold outside, fly inside. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/for-the-lovers-sneaker-ball-tickets-1979152786261?msockid=31e5d48674056de819ebdbaf75d56c96

February brings more than just chocolates and roses — it’s packed with ways to celebrate love, friendship, and everything in between. From Galentine’s gatherings with friends to romantic dinners, creative workshops, and singles mixers, local venues are offering something for every kind of Valentine. Whether you’re coupled up, flying solo, or celebrating your favorite people, here’s a roundup of Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day events happening around town.

Galentine’s Day Events
Feb. 4: Glass & Gra: Stained Glass Workshop
Paddy's Irish Public House at 6:30 p.m.
Get creative with friends during this hands-on stained glass workshop designed for a relaxed, social atmosphere. https://tinyurl.com/2druxses
Feb. 6: Love at First Bite: A Cake-Cute Galentine’s Party
Blissful Alchemists at 6 p.m.
Celebrate friendship with sweets, treats, and a festive Galentine’s vibe centered around cake and community. https://tinyurl.com/y52hapsw
Feb. 11: Whiskey & Watercolors
Paddy's Irish Public House at 6:30 p.m.
Sip whiskey while painting in this laid-back, creative night perfect for unwinding with friends. https://tinyurl.com/va8vu2pb
Feb. 12: Galentine’s Day Comedy Couch
Paddy's Irish Public House at 7:30 p.m.
Grab your besties and enjoy a night of laughs featuring live comedy in a cozy, couch-style setting. https://tinyurl.com/ywz73nv2
Feb. 13: Galentine’s Day Celebration: “Cupid Is Stupid”
Shop Cursive at 10 a.m.
An anti-Valentine’s celebration focused on fun, friendship, and ditching the romantic pressure. https://tinyurl.com/v3wbepyj
Feb. 13: Book Bedazzling: A Galentine’s Event
Fulfillity Books & More at 6 p.m.
Add sparkle to your favorite reads while enjoying a crafty night out with fellow book lovers. https://tinyurl.com/4bkrvbfd
Feb. 13: Galentine’s Paint Your Own Jean Party
Flamingo Holl'r at 7 p.m.
Customize denim with paint and flair during this unique, hands-on Galentine’s gathering. https://tinyurl.com/ysedh42f
Feb. 13: Galentine Craft Night
Baked with Grace at 6 p.m.
A relaxed craft night designed for friends to create, connect, and celebrate Galentine’s Day. https://tinyurl.com/bd644ypf
Feb. 13: 2nd Annual Galantines!
Stewart’s Tavern at 7 p.m.
Gather your best gals for a lively night featuring great drinks, food, and a welcoming atmosphere. https://tinyurl.com/bdfbrmj8
Feb. 14: Galentine’s Scrappy Heart
The Sewing Fix at 10:30 a.m.
Create a scrappy heart craft in this playful, creative workshop focused on friendship and fun. https://tinyurl.com/bder9569
Feb. 15: Galentine’s Day Celebration
The Triangle Rock Club at 10:30 a.m.
Keep the Galentine’s energy going with music, drinks, and good company. https://tinyurl.com/3cvcyupr
Feb. 15: Galentine’s Brunch
The Creekside Mill at 11 a.m.
Wrap up Galentine’s week with brunch, cocktails, and time well spent with friends. https://tinyurl.com/5n7dvzcn

Valentine’s Day Events
Feb. 4: Valentine’s Themed High Tea
Anchor Allie's at 1 p.m.
Enjoy an elegant high tea experience featuring Valentine ’s-inspired treats and décor. https://tinyurl.com/3pxmzwey

Feb. 6: Speed Dating
WOB Bar & Kitchen at 7 p.m.
Meet new people in a fast-paced, low-pressure setting designed to spark connections. https://tinyurl.com/46ketdda
Feb. 7: Clutch Annual Couple’s Valentine’s Dance
Freedom Biker Church at 5:30 p.m.
Dance the night away with your partner at this classic Valentine’s celebration. https://tinyurl.com/bdh7hpsm
Feb. 7: Valentine’s Day Couples Massage Workshop
FLD Studios at 11 a.m.
Learn massage techniques together in a relaxing, intimate workshop. https://tinyurl.com/ycxp3tt2
Feb. 7: Valentine’s Gala
The Life Center at 5 p.m.
Dress to impress for a glamorous night of dining, dancing, and romance. https://tinyurl.com/yz7jfs3w
Feb. 12–15: Valentine’s Week
James Creek Cider House at 7 p.m.
A multi-day celebration featuring specials, events, and themed activities throughout the week, including tastings, live music, and more. https://tinyurl.com/42n75c5z
Feb. 13: Bloody Valentine Misfit Market
Dirtbag Ales at 6 p.m.
Shop alternative vendors, art, and handmade goods with a dark Valentine’s twist. https://tinyurl.com/j39twvcf
Feb. 13: Sinner & Saints Bar Crawl
Various Locations at 6:30 p.m.
Hop between participating bars for themed drinks and Valentine’s fun. https://tinyurl.com/bdddp7rj
Feb. 13: Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special
Cape Fear Botanical Garden at 6:30 p.m.
Experience romantic music performed in an intimate, candlelit setting. https://tinyurl.com/jtp9mdfy
Feb. 14: Casablanca
Cameo Art House Theatre at 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy a classic romantic film screening perfect for Valentine’s night. https://tinyurl.com/3yucy65t
Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day Brunch
The Sip Room at 1 p.m.
Multiple brunch options are available for couples looking to celebrate earlier in the day. https://tinyurl.com/6nmuhf9r
Feb. 14: Pitch A Friend: Valentined Edition
Dirtbag Ales at 7 p.m.
Friends pitch their single friends to the crowd in this fun, matchmaking-style event. https://tinyurl.com/wwmvr33v
Feb. 14: Valentine’s Dinner Experiences
Dewberry Cafe at 6 p.m.
Choose from prix fixe menus, dinner packages, and specialty Valentine’s dining options. https://tinyurl.com/yv4fj57j
Feb. 14: Emo Prom: Valentine’s Day Event
White Rabbit Pub at 9 p.m.
Relive your emo era with music, dancing, and themed attire. https://tinyurl.com/mt6974ye
Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day Carriage Rides
Downtown Fayetteville at Noon
Take a romantic carriage ride through the city for a classic Valentine’s experience. https://tinyurl.com/muh7tsce
Feb. 14: Pours & Boards: Candle & Charcuterie Workshop
Scented Wicks Candle Bar at 2 p.m.
Craft candles and charcuterie boards while enjoying drinks and conversation. https://tinyurl.com/bdh72nfx
Feb. 14: Rose Bouquet Sip & Paint
Grapes & Hops II at 3 p.m.
Paint a rose bouquet while sipping drinks in this guided Valentine’s workshop. https://tinyurl.com/3n523aab

This year, Mardi Gras is being celebrated on Tuesday, Feb. 17. Mardi Gras, often associated with vibrant parades, elaborate costumes, and lively celebrations, is a festival rooted in centuries of religious, cultural, and social tradition. While today it is widely recognized as a time of indulgence and revelry, Mardi Gras has deep historical meaning tied to the Christian calendar and the rhythms of medieval European life.
The term Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday,” referring to the final day of feasting before the beginning of Lent. Lent is the forty-day period of fasting and spiritual preparation leading up to Easter in the Christian tradition. Historically, Lent required abstinence from rich foods such as meat, eggs, butter, and dairy. Mardi Gras emerged as the last opportunity to consume these foods before the restrictions of Lent began on Ash Wednesday.
The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced back to ancient pagan celebrations marking the arrival of spring and fertility, including Roman festivals such as Saturnalia and Lupercalia. As Christianity spread across Europe, many of these seasonal customs were absorbed into the Christian liturgical calendar. By the Middle Ages, pre-Lenten celebrations had become widespread, particularly in Catholic regions of France, Italy, and Spain.
In medieval Europe, Mardi Gras was characterized by public feasts, masquerades, and carnivals. The word “carnival” itself is often thought to derive from the Latin “carne levare,” meaning “to remove meat,” reflecting the transition into Lent. Masks and costumes allowed participants to temporarily blur social boundaries, enabling peasants and nobles alike to engage in playful misrule. This inversion of social norms offered a brief release from the rigid hierarchies and hardships of everyday life.
Mardi Gras made its way to the Americas through European colonization. French settlers brought the tradition to North America in the late 17th century, particularly to Louisiana. New Orleans became the epicenter of Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States, developing unique customs such as organized parades, krewes, floats, and the throwing of beads and trinkets to spectators. Over time, African, Caribbean, and Creole influences further shaped the city’s distinctive Mardi Gras culture.
Symbolism plays a central role in Mardi Gras traditions. The festival’s signature colors—purple, green, and gold—were officially adopted in New Orleans in 1872. Purple represents justice, green symbolizes faith, and gold signifies power. King Cake, another iconic element, is a ring-shaped pastry decorated in these colors, often hiding a small figurine inside. The person who finds the figurine is traditionally tasked with hosting the next celebration.
At its core, Mardi Gras represents both excess and transition. It is a communal moment of joy, creativity, and indulgence before a period of reflection and restraint. While modern celebrations may emphasize spectacle and entertainment, the festival’s enduring power lies in its ability to connect people to centuries-old traditions that blend faith, culture, and human expression.
Mardi Gras is not merely a party, it is a living reminder of how history, ritual, and community come together in celebration.
If you are celebrating at home or heading off to another celebration, be sure to stop by one of these great shops for Mardi Gras themed bakes:

Superior Bakery at 2433 Hope Mills Rd.
They offer King Cakes that serve 20-25 people for $35.
910-424-4242
https://tinyurl.com/3fz3c5jt

Burney's Sweets & More of Fayetteville at 3319-B Raeford Rd.
Check out their Mardi Gras croissants or grab a King Cake complete with a plastic baby inside!
910-745-8975
https://tinyurl.com/3yr9ecs3

With concerns of groundwater contamination from "forever chemicals" like PFAS, Cumberland County is looking to create two new water and sewer districts in order to be eligible for grants and low-interest loans to fund engineering reports.
The proposed districts are the East Central Water and Sewer District, located between the Sampson County boundary and NC Highway 210, and the Cedar Creek Water and Sewer District. Both districts have been affected by “contaminated private wells linked to PFAS from the Fayetteville Works site, creating ongoing health and safety concerns for impacted property owners,” according to county officials.
At the Jan. 20 meeting of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, there were four speakers against the creation of the water districts. The board asked staff to host town hall sessions in both locations to give residents more information and allow them to share concerns with county staff.
Cumberland County Board of Commissioners' Chair Kirk deViere said that this was a step to see how the county could provide clean, safe, regulated drinking water, and there was no cost to residents at this time.
The official map and list of all parcels within the proposed East Central and Cedar Creek Water and Sewer Districts are available for inspection during normal business hours at the County Public Utilities Department, 698 Ann Street, Fayetteville, NC. Further information can also be found on the Public Utilities website at www.cumberlandcountync.gov/utility.
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners also held its Strategic Planning Retreat on Jan. 23. Among the many topics were federal and budget updates, an overview of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, local impacts to federal cuts to SNAP and Medicaid, as well as updates to their strategic plan.
Key examples and focus areas from the strategic plan update included:
• Manna Church was selected as the operator of the unhoused support center to reduce homelessness. Completion is expected by April 2027.
• Implementing a digital dispatch system by June/July 2026 and establishing a joint community center (911)..
• Expanding existing landfill facilities, including the Ann Street Transfer Station, to be operational by fall 2026.
• Working to complete the UDO (Unified Development Ordinance) by early to mid- 2027 for planning, zoning and development improvements.
• Create an aquatic center and children’s museum development plan. The feasibility study will be completed by early March.
• Enhancing a Parks and Recreation Interlocal agreement to ensure all County communities have adequate accessibility to recreation facilities and services, with a framework of agreement to be presented to the board in February.
• Funding the entire FY2026 request to Cumberland County Schools in the adopted county budget.

City of Fayetteville
The Jan. 25 board meeting was cancelled due to the weather-related state of emergency. A public hearing for the “no parking” policy change for multi-use lanes is anticipated at the next board meeting. These lanes, separated from the roadway by a shoulder line, are intended for parking, cycling and pedestrian use.
The policy would allow residents to request “no parking” zones in multi-use lanes through a formal City process, which includes being reviewed and evaluated by City staff. Residents must obtain at least 70 percent approval from affected residents on each side of the street, regardless of which side the parking restriction is requested. Signatures can be collected from property owners, renters and tenants; however, a property owner's signature takes precedence in the event of a dispute.
In other news, the Fayetteville City Council will hold its Strategic Planning Retreat on Feb. 3-4.

National Civics Bee®
The National Civics Bee®, a nationwide initiative led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, will allow middle school students (6th, 7th and 8th grades) to participate for the first time in North Carolina this year and Fayetteville, through the Greater Fayetteville Chamber, was chosen as a regional site.
For more information about the program, including educator resources and how to participate in the 2026 competition, visit www.faybiz.com/civicsbee.

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: The Market House gets a blanket of snow, Jan. 31. Photo courtesy of the City of Fayetteville, NC Facebook page)

Let us now praise the most famous man born on Feb. 4, 1819. Come and admire Norton 1, the first Emperor of the United States. Coincidentally, this column’s stain on world literature will appear in print on Feb. 4, 2026, only 207 years after his birth. Better late than never. Today, we salute this great but forgotten man. It is said that history repeats itself. But that would be wrong. Sometimes it does rhyme. There are certain resonances between the reign of Emperor Norton and our own current Fearless Leader, President Trump. Let’s see if you can find them.
The Emperor Norton 1, AKA Joshua Abraham Norton, declared himself Emperor of the United States in 1859. Unsurprisingly, Norton 1 was a resident of San Francisco at the time he became Emperor. San Francisco is famous for attracting colorful individuals. Norton also pronounced himself the Protector of Mexico. Hark the sound of history rhyming, as our current Fearless Leader has declared himself the Acting President of Venezuela, and soon to be the Protector of Greenland, Canada, the Army/Navy football game time slot, some lady’s Nobel Peace Prize, and Minneapolis. Delusions coupled with Executive Directives can be fun.
Only one other person born on Feb. 4 rivals the greatness of Emperor Norton. Our old pal, Ferdinand Magellan born in 1480. Magellan gets credit for being the first to sail around the world in 1522. Coincidentally, he sailed through the Strait of Magellan at the bottom of South America. The odds of Magellan sailing through a Strait named after him are astronomical, yet that is what he did. Kudos. Only Lou Gehrig contracting a disease with the same name as his comes close.
I digress, back to Emperor Norton. After declaring himself Emperor, he issued several fun Imperial Decrees (now known as Executive Orders) during his reign from 1859 to his death in 1880. He issued his declaration of Emperorship announcing to the Citizens of the Union: “At the request and desire of a large majority of the citizens of these United States, I declare and proclaim myself Emperor of the United States and direct the representatives of the different States to assemble in Musical Hall to make such alterations in the existing laws of the Union as may ameliorate the evils under which this country is laboring.” Norton didn’t need no stinking elections to be Emperor. He saw his duty, and he did it. He was restrained only by his own sense of morality.
One of Norton’s first Imperial Decrees was to abolish Congress. He issued a Decree to the US Army to arrest and remove all members of Congress. A little martial law is like eating peanuts. It’s hard to stop at just one Imperial Decree or Executive Order. Bet you can’t Decree just once. His next Decree abolished the United States, making America a temporary monarchy with him as Emperor. He directed the Catholic and Protestant churches to ordain him as Emperor. Sadly, neither the Army nor the churches followed his Decree. He abolished both the Republican and Democratic parties as he was “desirous of allaying the dissensions of party strife now existing within our realm.”
Norton was not going to suffer lightly any insults to his Capital city of San Francisco. He issued a Decree that anyone who “shall be heard to utter the abominable word ‘Frisco’ shall be deemed guilty of a High Misdemeanor and shall pay into the Imperial Treasury as penalty the sum of twenty-five dollars.”
Like our current President, Norton was not just a builder of dreams; he saw the need for infrastructure as well. Norton decreed that a bridge should be built between San Francisco and Oakland. Eventually, his architectural imagination came into fruition in the form of the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges. There remain current but unsuccessful efforts to rename the Bay Bridge the Emperor Norton Bridge.
Norton dressed as an Emperor. Military friends donated a uniform to him, which he decorated with various unearned medals, a beaver hat festooned with ostrich feathers, and a fancy walking stick that Bat Masterson would have envied. He roamed the streets, accepting free meals, having edicts printed in the San Francisco paper, and meeting with his subjects to discuss matters of the day. In 1867, he was arrested and underwent an involuntary commitment to determine if he was insane. His arrest caused a huge backlash from his subjects.
A local paper opined: “He has shed no blood, robbed no one, and despoiled no country; which is more than can be said of his fellows in that line (of politics).” The uproar was so great that the San Francisco police chief ordered him released and issued a public apology for the indignity heaped upon the Emperor. Showing regal mercy, Norton issued an Imperial Pardon to the policeman who arrested him.
Unfortunately, even benevolent Emperors cannot live forever. Norton 1 collapsed on a street corner and passed away before he could be taken to a hospital. Now, like Abraham Lincoln, he belongs to the ages.

(Illustration by Pitt Dickey)

For nearly five decades, the beverage industry in our region has been shaped, strengthened, and elevated by the steady hand and generous spirit of one remarkable man.
This month, it is both an honor and a privilege to celebrate the career and character of someone who has served our community with distinction and earned the admiration of everyone fortunate enough to work alongside him.
Healy Wholesale’s Joe Thigpen is a name that carries weight in Cumberland County—not because he ever sought recognition, but because he lived his career with humility, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to doing “the right things, for the right reasons.”
It’s a philosophy that resonates deeply with us here at Up & Coming Weekly. From his early days delivering Pepsi Cola in 1977 to his final chapter with Healy Wholesale, Joe has embodied the values that make Fayetteville’s business community strong: honesty, integrity, hard work, and genuine care for people.
On page 14 of this issue, we share Joe’s extraordinary story—a story of perseverance through change, of friendships forged over decades, and of a man who turned competitors into colleagues and customers into lifelong friends.
It is also a story of grace, reflecting how Joe handled both success and setbacks with the same quiet dignity that has defined his entire professional life.
As Joe steps into retirement after 48 years of service, we invite you to join us in honoring his legacy. His impact reaches far beyond the daily duties of beverage sales. It lives in the relationships he built, the trust he earned, and the countless people he encouraged along the way.
On behalf of the entire Up & Coming Weekly team—and a grateful community—we extend our deepest appreciation to Joe Thigpen. May his next chapter be filled with the same joy, friendship, and purpose he has given to all of us. Our city, state, and nation would be a far better place if we had more people like Joe.
Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.
—Bill Bowman, Publisher

Special Note: On Sunday, February 15, from noon to 6 p.m., Gates Four Country Club will host a retirement celebration in Joe’s honor featuring the band RIVERMIST.
The public, friends, and family are invited to this ticketed event. Proceeds support Kidsville News! and its mission to provide reading and educational resources to Cumberland County elementary schools. For ticket information, visit https://bit.ly/46sPvNF, scan the QR code, or call 910‑391‑3859.

(Photo: Joe Thigpen has been a staple of the Fayetteville community for 48 years in the beverage business. This February, he retires after a 48 year career. Photo courtesy of Bill Bowman)

While embarking on my ritual of talking back to the news recently, it struck me: many of the people we celebrate today didn’t do very well in the polls of their own time.
The truth is, we often mislabel conviction as extremism when it confronts our comfort. In their own day, figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Paul the Apostle were widely misunderstood. They were criticized, resisted—sometimes even feared. Decades or centuries later, we don’t call it disruption anymore. We call it legacy.
In an age when social media makes it effortless to spotlight the best or worst of any moment, we label people, groups, and movements just as easily. What’s harder—and far more necessary—is the quiet work of listening long enough to discover the truth. That gap between reaction and understanding is where discernment either lives—or dies.
Have you ever paused long enough to realize that a buzzword has become so common we’ve forgotten its meaning—or the impact that once gave it buzzword status? Prejudice is one of those words. It didn’t start as a slogan—it started as a description. At its core, prejudice simply means deciding before knowing.
I was in a meeting with policy makers recently, discussing some promising—but difficult—options. At one point, the guy next to me leaned over and whispered, “Your gift of being quiet is really shining on this stuff.”
It was meant as a mild jest, but I took it as a compliment. There were many options, twice as many opinions, and the best path forward could only be found if every perspective was understood first.
One day, we’ll all be gone. Our names forgotten by most—but what we embraced will remain tied to them for those who remember. That’s the idea of legacy: living today for the things that outlive us.
History has a way of judging noisy moments once quiet wisdom becomes visible. The people we honor most weren’t always the loudest voices in the room. More often, they were the ones who listened long enough to understand what truly mattered.
Discernment doesn’t demand immediate conclusions. It calls for patience, humility, and the courage to withhold judgment until truth has time to surface. And more often than not, that quiet work is what becomes legacy.

FTCC’s Respiratory Therapy Program is growing, and that means more chances for you to launch a rewarding, hands-on healthcare career that makes a real difference in people’s lives.
Respiratory therapists are the professionals that patients count on when breathing becomes difficult, whether in the emergency room, ICU, or newborn nursery. FTCC’s Respiratory Therapy Program is expanding to prepare more students to step into these vital roles right here in the Fayetteville area.
To open doors for more students, FTCC has doubled the number of Respiratory Therapy students admitted each year. The program now offers additional registration times and evening cohorts, giving busy adults and working students flexible options to pursue a healthcare career without putting life on hold.
“Our goal was to remove barriers without lowering expectations,” said Kecie Dunigan, Program Director for the FTCC Respiratory Therapy Program. Many students say this flexibility has been life-changing, turning a long-time dream of working in healthcare into a realistic, step-by-step plan.
“I always wanted to work in healthcare, but I didn’t think it was possible with my schedule,” said one current respiratory therapy student. “The expanded program made it realistic for me. Now I’m training for a career where I know I can make a difference.”
From day one, students in the program train in environments that look and feel like real hospitals. High-fidelity medical simulators allow you to practice responding to emergencies, caring for critically ill patients, and assisting newborns who are struggling to breathe, all in a safe, controlled setting before you ever work with live patients.
You will run through scenarios like managing ventilators and responding to respiratory failure, building confidence with each experience.
“Simulation gives students the chance to think critically under pressure,” explained Amanda Regan, FTCC’s Director of Clinical Education, noting that graduates enter clinical settings already practiced in staying calm and professional.
Graduates of FTCC’s Respiratory Therapy Program are already working in hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout the region. Local employers report that FTCC graduates arrive prepared, confident, and ready to contribute as key members of the healthcare team from day one.
“These graduates don’t just fill positions,” said Dunigan. “They become part of the healthcare teams that serve this community every day.” When you train at FTCC, you are preparing for a career that supports your neighbors, friends, and family right here at home.
Even as the program grows, it remains aligned with national credentialing standards and accreditation requirements, keeping quality at the center of every decision. FTCC’s expansion of the Respiratory Therapy Program reflects a strong commitment to Fayetteville’s workforce and to preparing professionals who are trained locally, stay locally, and serve with skill and compassion.
If you are looking for a meaningful, hands-on career where you can see the impact of your work every day, Respiratory Therapy may be the path for you. Visit FTCC, explore the website at www.faytechcc.edu, or contact an FTCC health professions admissions counselor at healthproadmissions@faytechcc.edu to learn more and get started.

As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, the excitement isn’t just on the field — it’s playing out across our community. From watch parties and themed specials to family-friendly events and late-night celebrations, local venues are pulling out all the stops to make game day unforgettable. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan, there for the commercials, or just in it for the snacks, here’s a roundup of Super Bowl events happening around town so you can find the perfect place to watch the big game.
All of these events are happening on Sunday, Feb. 8.

Big Game Party at North South Brewing Company, 304 Williams St. at 6 p.m.: Enjoy the game with drinks, football fun, and food from Cousins Maine Lobster. https://tinyurl.com/ye2xarms

Touchdowns & Taps: Super Bowl LX Party at Sol's Arcade & Taproom, 421 Maiden Ln. at noon: Don't miss anything on massive 130 & 75-inch screens. Also enjoy food, drinks, and good vibes. More surprises to come. https://tinyurl.com/2esbneab

Super Bowl Watch Party at Level 88, 5112 Yadkin Rd. at 6:30 p.m.: Enjoy great food & drink specials, including $1 wings and $3 domestic beer. https://tinyurl.com/nn26ydt9

Super Bowl Sunday Jam Session at 226 The Warehouse, 226 Donaldson at 4:30 p.m.: Enjoy a night of great music, good energy, and unforgettable football moments. https://tinyurl.com/3vmem8ns

Super Bowl Party at Hope Mills Shrine Club, 4461 Cameron Rd., Hope Mills at 6 p.m.: Bring friends, family, and a dish to share at this football-themed potluck. https://tinyurl.com/32passyp

Super Bowl Party! at Bunkers Bar and Grill, 125 Whispering Pines Dr., Spring Lake at noon: Whether you want to cheer on your favorite team or just watch the commercials, enjoy prizes, food specials, and more. https://tinyurl.com/n3u2x5na

Super Bowl Sunday at 1910 Wine Nest, 223 Flagstone Ln., Raeford at 5 p.m.: Enjoy food vendors and drink specials, including $6 mimosas with 10 different flavor options to choose from. Entry and parking are free for the night. https://tinyurl.com/n795abun

Super Bowl Party at Wana Navu, 500 N Reilly Rd.: Enjoy complimentary pizza and chips & salsa, as well as drink specials all night. https://tinyurl.com/2dty2kzj

#SUPERBOWL60 at Carolina Ale House, 161 Glensford Dr. at 6 p.m.: Get in on the in-store games and award-winning wings. Try your luck at the raffle for a chance to win a team jersey. https://tinyurl.com/y5hmksk4

Looking for a great place to enjoy the game without all the bells and whistles, and just some good food and drink? Here are some good options to consider:
• WOB Bar & Kitchen, 1944 Skibo Rd., 910-758-9782 https://worldofbeer.com/locations/fayetteville/
• Heckler Brewing Company, 5780 Ramsey St. Ste. 102, 910-339-5505 https://www.hecklerbeer.com/
• District House of Taps, 1240 Fort Bragg Rd., 910-491-6737 https://www.districthouseoftaps.com/
• Stewart's Tavern, 116 N Main St., Raeford, 910-479-1313 https://stewartstavern.com/
• Gaston Brewing Company, 124 Hay St., 910-748-0580 https://gastonbrewing.com/
• Kickback Jack's, 5081 Morganton Rd., 910-223-7676 https://www.kbjacks.com/fayetteville-nc
• Mac's Speed Shop, 482 N McPherson Church Rd., 910-354-2590 https://macspeedshop.com/
• Bubba's 33, 500 Westwood Shopping Center, 910-223-2601 https://tinyurl.com/473p7etj
• Mission BBQ, 1932 Skibo Rd., 910-491-9500 https://mission-bbq.com/
• Buffalo Wild Wings, 2097 Skibo Rd., 910-868-1561 https://tinyurl.com/4ynmcbjm
• Charlie Mike's Pub, 195 Starpoint Dr., 910-339-8005 https://www.facebook.com/charliemikesofficial/

If you are watching the big game at home, be sure to run by James Creek Cider House at 172 US Highway 1, N Business, Cameron. They will have Game Day Growlers and team flights for each team in the game until 7 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/jamescreekciderhouse