Budding entrepreneurs and small business owners will soon have the opportunity to be in the room and learn from business heavy hitters and way-makers at the inaugural NEXT Generation Business Summit presented by Fayetteville Next Advisory Commission and Fayetteville Technical Community College.
The summit kicks off on May 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Tony Rand Student Center, located at 2201 Hull Road.
Summit speakers include Jessica Jones, Co-owner, Becoming Counseling Services; Chris Dixon, Street Footwear Designer; Adriel Hortiales-Lynch, Owner, Opulence Productions; Kwame Molden, Co-Founder/President, SPCBK Watches; J’Kwan Fulmore, Owner, Er’body Eats; Derrick McArthur, Economic Development Manager, City of Fayetteville; and Eric Anderson, Founding Partner, Black Label Access.
There is a full day planned for attendees, along with some fun and food to break up sessions. Camille Little, Fayetteville Next Commissioner, explained what attendees can expect at the summit, “In the morning we will have a Workforce Development session. In that session, we will talk about, for those who want to participate, how to create a resume, what to do for a job interview, how to fill out a job application online, and then how to interview. So that will be the morning portion. In the afternoon we’ll have a lunch and mix and mingle, we’ll have food vendors outside and a DJ… then in the afternoon we have extraordinary entrepreneurs who are in the Fayetteville Next Advisory Commission.”
Those interested in attending the summit can register online https://www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=200440037. The summit is free.
Fayetteville Next Advisory Commission is dedicated to improving the quality of life for young adults through targeted event programming and community outreach initiatives, making Fayetteville a “desirable place to live, work and recreate” for this generation (https://www.fayettevillenc.gov/city-council/boards-and-commissions/fayetteville-next-commission).
Jonelle McLeod, Director of Programs for the Fayetteville Next Advisory Commission, said, “Work, Stay and Play in Fayetteville is our tagline. So we are trying to host events… and community outreach that the community would like to take part and be a part of…we truly have a lot to do here.”
“We are targeting our demographic, 19-39. The goal of our commission is to keep those individuals here in Fayetteville to Work, Stay, and Play in Fayetteville. If you’re going to Work, Stay, and Play in Fayetteville, you got to have somewhere to work,” Little remarked on the goal of events like the Next Generation Business Summit.
“The small business sector is experiencing significant growth, and there is a rising demand for guidance, resources, and tools to enhance branding and operational success. We are hosting this summit to provide individuals and entrepreneurs with opportunities for professional development, helping them to expand and flourish in their ventures,” explained Xavier DeBrough, Events & Outreach Chair for the Fayetteville Next Advisory Commission.
DeBrough and the other commission members are excited about the event they have planned. “Attendees can expect to gain in-depth, beyond surface-level knowledge and valuable insights into entrepreneurship and professional development. Our objective is to empower individuals to achieve gainful employment and operate successful businesses. With strong support from the City of Fayetteville, Fayetteville Technical Community College, and supporting organizations such as the Mid Carolina Workforce Development Board, we are confident in our ability to reach these goals,” remarked DeBrough.

May 2024 is Mental Health Awareness Month. The Hope Mills Community Fair is a “collaborative effort between the Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce, the Town, and various local entities to raise awareness about the multitude of resources for the soul, mind, body and mental health,” according to the Community Resource Fair website. The fair will be held at 5770 Rockfish Road, Hope Mills on May 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Your health, peace of mind, and number of times you smile, what you feed your mind, and body, these are the things that should be your focus,” according to Beyonce (Harper’s Bazaar).
The Community Resource Fair will feature caregiver resources, financial assistance programs, therapists, mental health advocates, veterans’ services, support groups, people experiencing special needs challenges, and informative speakers.
Lake Wood, Vice Chair of Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce shares, “We are excited to bring the community together and provide resources to help everyone in the area live a little better, having seen all the resources that the local organizations and vendors are able to provide.”
The importance of the Community Resource Fair is reflected by Eva Soerens, an organizer. “Learning I have multiple sclerosis was scary, and mentally crippling. I knew there were resources out there, but you weren’t going to find me calling some 1-800 number asking for directions. I met someone with MS randomly, at work of all places, who introduced me to his local support group. I can guarantee I would not be where I am today without them. Our group motto is, ‘We are not just a support group, we are a family.’ The idea for this event grew because we believe other people who are struggling deserve the chance to find their support family, too,” she said.
Therapists, mental health advocates and professional resource persons, community service organizations, health-related organizations, veterans’ support services, people with special needs resources, support group leaders, and related fields are encouraged to share their expertise.
The vendor contact information is Community Resource Fair, https://www.facebook/events/7175416331029. Contact options for vendor and event information are Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce,at 910-423-4314, or email at hmacc@hopemillschamber.org
Join us for a day of health and wellness. Build a relationship with a support group at the Community Resource Fair hosted by the Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce. The admission is free.

Mother's Day, May 12, is a special occasion to celebrate and honor the incredible women in our lives who have raised us, guided us, and loved us unconditionally. It's a day to show our appreciation for all the sacrifices, love, and support that our mothers have given us. And what better way to celebrate than by attending local events dedicated to mothers? These events are not only a great way to spend quality time with your mom but also an opportunity to create lasting memories together.
Friday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m.: Mother's Day Celebration: Marvin Sapp at the Crown Theater
Don’t miss Marvin Sapp, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, The Clark Sisters & Jekalyn Carr in concert at the Crown Theatre. Tickets are $100-$568 and can be purchased at https://tinyurl.com/4x5vsx5v
Friday, May 10 at 4 p.m.: Mommy & Me Night at Blissful Alchemists
Come out for the launch of Mini Babes & Dudes Line. Free Salt Cave, light refreshments and live music from a talented musician. This event is free. Learn more information here: https://tinyurl.com/t4kwtsrk
Saturday, May 11 at 1 p.m.: Mother's Day Bowling at Dragon Lanes
This is an event the whole family can enjoy. Mothers bowl for FREE with a paying child ages 16 years or younger. For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/4nwkhj6s
Saturday, May 11 at 1 p.m.: Mommy & Me Candle Making Tea Party at Scented Wicks Candle Bar
Savor precious moments with your child as you engage in the delightful activity of candle-making using a teacup. Step-by-step instructions will be provided along with premium soy wax and luxurious fragrance oils. Light snacks are also included. Tickets are $50. For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/5n7cbvsd
Saturday, May 11 at Noon: Custom Resin Pour Family Portrait at Wine & Design
Create a portrait of your family in resin! A great present for Mom or class to take together! Tickets are $65 and can be purchased here: https://tinyurl.com/5n6n28p7
Saturday, May 11 at 1 p.m.: Mother's Day Carriage Rides at 222 Hay Street
Take Mom on a special private carriage ride through historic downtown Fayetteville. Tickets are $75. For more information call Cool Springs Downtown District at (910) 223-1089.
Saturday, May 11 at 11 a.m.: Ladies & Girls Tea Party at 498 E. McDuffie Crossing Road, St. Pauls
Get out your prettiest dress and pearls for this special tea party. Bring finger food or a delightful dessert to share. For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/yk3ud4zd
Saturday, May 11 at 4 p.m.: Mother's Day Tea Party at The Creative Studio by Jae Renee
Celebrate the special women in your life with an enchanting tea party. Enjoy an afternoon of tea and delectable treats. Tickets range from $25-$75 and can be purchased here: https://tinyurl.com/ycnmp92c
Saturday, May 11 at 2 p.m.: Mothers Day Ink Fest at Art-Works & Ink
Mom gets 25% off tattoos all weekend. For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/yc389m4e
Saturday, May 11 at 10 a.m.: Mother's Day Fair at 4181 Barefoot Rd
Country Cottage Treats and Click's Nursery are excited to announce their first vendor fair. The greenhouse will be open regular hours as you enjoy food trucks and a variety of vendors at the event. For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/dwpa8hue
Saturday, May 11 at 11 a.m.: Mother's Day Festival at Lavish Rose Boutique, St. Pauls
Join in the fun at this festival featuring clothing, jewelry and a build your own bouquet spot. Check in with Crystal Clear Aesthetics who will be there to help you with all your cosmetic needs. For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/m67wt44j
Sunday, May 12 at Noon: Mother's Day Brunch at Iron Mike Conference Center, Fort Liberty
Take Mom out for brunch! Tickets are $29.95 for adults, $15 for children 5-11 and children under 4 are free. Reservations are required and need to be made by May 8 by calling (910) 907-2582.
Sunday, May 12 at 10 a.m: Mother's Day Farmers Market at Dirtbag Ales
Treat Mom to a day out at the farmers market where you can browse through 55+ vendors, indulge in a delicious lunch from an array of food trucks, and enjoy a cold beer and live music from Ethan Hanson. For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/mr2b2mpj

Fayetteville is home to Fort Liberty and with that comes not only a bustling population of Active Duty personnel but also a very active population of veterans. While some veterans can adapt to civilian life with ease, some need a little extra helping hand.
There are several organizations in Fayetteville and Cumberland County to assist veterans with needs from housing, food, to transportation. If there is a need, there is an organization to help. The Women’s Veteran Interactive Foundation is no different. This year they are hosting a High Noon Tea Party on June 22 at New Life Family Life Center, located at 1420 Hoke Loop Rd, Fayetteville, from noon to 3 p.m. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased by contacting Mary Jordan at 910-286-9774. Donations can be made on CashApp to $give2wvifay2.
Attendees should put on their “High Noon Tea” best dress, gloves, and hats. This is the event to show off and show out for a cause. Mary Jordan, retired army Veteran and WVIF fundraiser is excited to bring a classy, fun event to the city in support of people just like her.
“The highlight of the tea is coming out, enjoying some savory food, and various teas and we are going to be honored by [North Carolina] Supreme Court Associate Justice Anita Earls. We have entertainment with Leigh Montague and the Radioboxx (band) and we also have Nigel Graham on the saxophone. It is going to be a beautiful event, where women can get up and wear their fascinators (small British hat) or hats… they will have their gloves, their beautiful floral dresses and we have so many various teas for them to sample and this is all $50, a donation to female veterans,” Jordan said.
North Carolina is home to over 700,000 veterans, with nearly 86,000 of them being women, according to va.gov. Women’s Veteran Interactive Foundation was started by a Navy veteran named Ginger Miller. The foundation was started on the understanding that women veterans’ needs after the military were far different from those of their male counterparts. WVIF, a nonprofit has currently helped over 8,000 women veterans, started 6 distinct programs, and has awarded over $40,000 in scholarships according to their website, https://womenveteransinteractive.org/ WVIF’s outreach is far beyond providing resources but they also supply women veterans with safe spaces to connect and network with other women in the Women Veterans Transition Space. This space provides the women with resources to obtain employment, and to get the maximum use out of VA benefits. They also have a program called Operation Safety Net, to combat homelessness and Beyond the Transition. This program ensures women veterans have connections to the community far beyond the first year of retiring.
The Fayetteville chapter is only one of four chapters in the country.
“This chapter here in Fayetteville, it’s a National organization, but the chapter here in Fayetteville, we strictly focus on women veterans in their moment of need, which could be housing, gas, utilities, various items that they need. We actually raise funds to provide those items in support of those females,” Jordan said of the work her chapter is doing.
As the All America City it’s important that care is taken for veterans.

Summer blockbuster season is upon us as well as some great arthouse films too. This year promises one of the best seasons yet. To get us ready, I’ve chosen 15 of the most exciting releases of the summer for you to mark your calendars for this year, from planet-takeover apes and brave storm chasers to animated teen feelings and more superheroes. Although there are many sequels this year, I still find it exciting that these stories are taking us to even more places. Let’s check them out...
The Fall Guy - May 3rd
The Summer begins with The Fall Guy, an action comedy film based on the 1980s TV series about stunt performers. The film stars Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. Gosling plays Colt Seavers, a past-his-prime stunt man, who finds himself working on a film set with Tom Ryder, a famous actor for whom he had doubled long ago. When Tom goes missing and the film, which is being directed by Jody Moreno (Blunt), Colt's ex-girlfriend in her directing debut, is in danger of being shut down, Colt volunteers to find Tom and save Jody's debut film. The trailer has laughs and thrills that are sure to set the bar for summer action films. And who doesn’t like Gosling and Blunt?
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes - May 10
It’s been 300 years since the events of War for the Planet of the Apes. In Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, apes have flourished, while the remaining humans have regressed into a primitive, nonverbal state. A powerful ape king has corrupted Caesar’s teachings, enslaving other ape clans and hunting down humans, and a chimp hunter named Noa (Owen Teague) teams up with a human girl named Mae (Freya Allan) to try and save both of their kinds from destroying each other. Even though I appreciate the visual effects, I still miss the ape suits and make-up of the original films.
Back to Black - May 17th
Back to Black is the highly anticipated biographical drama film based on the life of British singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse, played by Marisa Abela. Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson. Following the death of Winehouse in 2011, several filmmakers attempted to create biopic projects but none of them progressed. In 2018, Winehouse's estate announced they had signed a deal for a film about her life and career. This is that film.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga - May 24
This is George Miller’s next installment of his Mad Max universe. Miller’s Fury Road prequel Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is finally hitting theaters after what was probably another long, exhausting shoot in the middle of the desert. The film is set before Fury Road right when the world is tipping into chaos. It stars Anya Taylor-Joy as young Furiosa, stolen from her green homeland and indoctrinated into a biker horde led by a warlord fighting for dominance over the land. While the two would-be kings fight it out, Furiosa plots her return to home.
The Watchers - June 14
The Watchers is very exciting because it is written and directed by newcomer, M. Night Shyamalan’s daughter, Ishana Night Shyamalan. The film stars Dakota Fanning. In the film, 28-year-old artist Mina gets stranded in an expansive, untouched forest in western Ireland. Upon finding shelter, she unknowingly becomes trapped alongside three strangers who are watched and stalked by mysterious creatures each night. This is sure to be a test to see if horror and suspense runs in the Shyamalan family.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die - June 14
I am mostly excited for this next installment. The world, including myself, can’t help but love Will Smith especially when it's with Martin Lawrence. The third film, Bad Boys for Life, turned out to be a big hit in its opening weekend. The Miami Police is the epicenter of corruption, the late police chief Captain Howard is blamed for secretly being involved with a number of drug cartels. When Smith and Lawrence try to find out what’s really going on, they’re cut loose in a sudden setup, forcing them to become fugitives.
Inside Out 2 - June 14
Let me start by saying how I have loved every single Pixar film. It’s time to go back into the mind of young Riley Andersen, in Inside Out 2. In this sequel, Riley is a teenager, in a formative transitional period of life that comes with all kinds of new stuff, including an army of new emotions. The control center run by Amy Poehler’s Joy and her friends is suddenly inundated with feelings they’ve never felt or even heard of before — Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, Embarrassment — that each threaten to take over Riley’s teenage mind if they don’t all learn how to work together.
The Bikeriders - June 21
Jeff Nichols’ new drama combines generational family sagas and biker gangs. The Bikeriders unfolds over the course of a decade, told from the eyes of each of the members and their growing families while a violent organized crime group threatens the safety of everyone involved. Michael Shannon, a regular in Nichols’ films, stars with Austin Butler and Tom Hardy.
Kinds of Kindness - June 21
Kinds of Kindness is an upcoming film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos (Poor Things). The films stars Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, Hong Chau, Joe Alwyn, Mamoudou Athie, and Hunter Schafer. Kinds of Kindness is a fable with segments following a man without choice who tries to take control of his life; a policeman who is alarmed that his wife who was missing at sea has returned and seems to be a different person; and a woman who is determined to find a specific someone destined to become a prodigious spiritual leader. Lanthimos not only directed Poor Things, but also The Lobster, The Killing of the Sacred Deer and The Favourite also starring Stone.
A Quiet Place: Day One - June 28
The film’s tagline states: Hear How It All Began. All we know about A Quiet Place: Day One is that this one is set on the day the aliens with supersonic hearing invaded our planet and ended the world. Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn star as refugees from the extraterrestrial threat, along with Alex Wolff and Djimon Hounsou, reprising his role from A Quiet Place Part 2 — which might mean we’ll finally get the backstory of that mysterious island sanctuary.
MaxXxine - July 5
Mia Goth is back as Maxine Minx, sole survivor of the adult film shoot gone wrong at a farmhouse in the middle of the Texas wilderness. Now her journey takes her to 1985 Los Angeles to pursue her dreams. Ti West directs this third installment following X and Pearl.
Twisters - July 19
It was just a matter of time until Hollywood thought, what is worse than one Twister? Multiple Twisters! Twisters stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell as today’s generation of storm chasers, piling themselves and their meteorological equipment into trucks and careening off in search of the big one. I was blown away by the original’s visual effects so technology 30 years later is sure to show even more exciting thrills.
Deadpool & Wolverine - July 19
Deadpool & Wolverine not only brings together two of the most iconic Marvel superhero characters but ushers them into the Marvel Cinematic Universe for the first time. It’s also the only Marvel movie coming out this year. Ryan Reynolds teams Deadpool up with Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) to go on a mission; they’ll change the past and the future of the MCU forever. This is comic book movie history and who doesn’t like a good, big-budget MCU movie?
Alien: Romulus - August 16
Set between the events of Alien and its sequel Aliens, Fede Álvarez’s Alien: Romulus, takes place onboard a derelict space station scavenged by a crew of desperate young colonists, which is also naturally home to some new and terrifying form of xenomorph. Even though Ridley Scott is not returning to directing, he serves as producer of what is sure to be an exciting scary ride.
Late Minute Summer Watch
The Crow - August 23rd
Bill Skarsgard stars in this retelling of The Crow. A superhero film directed by Rupert Sanders from a screenplay by Zach Baylin and Will Schneider, based on the 1989 limited comic book series of the same name by James O'Barr. It will be the fifth installment in The Crow film series, serving as its reboot and the remake of the 1994 film of the same name.
You can see all of these films in your local theaters including The Cameo Art House Theatre, Omni Cinema and AMCs.

Downtown Fayetteville is seeing an artful beautification revolution. Businesses are giving the outside of their buildings photo-worthy upgrades with murals.
The Capital Encore Academy hosts a colorful, whimsical mural by artist Dare Coulter and The Sweet Palette just finished their enchanting addition to the side of their building. Back-A-Round Records is the latest business to add a piece of what will become downtown Fayetteville's history.
The new mural, already being affectionately referred to as the “J. Cole” mural, is now one of the biggest highlights of the downtown area thanks to the joint effort of Back-A-Round Records' owner Shawn Adkins and NY-based multifaceted artist Andaluz the Artist.
The mural is the brainchild of Andaluz, who is creating a new series of art that combines his two masteries’ rap and art. This series will explore small cities, the people that make them, and the legends that make them. Not only is Fayetteville the new proud owner of the J. Cole mural, but it is also the background for the latest documentary-style music video by Andaluz and his team. “…half of it is in New York and the other half is in Fayetteville. My boy Darrell Dove, he’s my videographer/photographer from Atlanta came up to Fayetteville. He shot that.”
Those who are interested in seeing the video should follow Andaluz the Artist and Back-A-Round Records on social media for updates on its big release. Andaluz hinted that there could be a viewing party coming soon for Fayetteville.
The project aims to not only bring new art to small cities but show the world what those places have to offer.
“I wanted to do something where I give people their roses while they're still alive. I admire what they do and look up to some of their work. When it came to J. Cole, it was multiple factors. One was like, he was just on fire. With his first set of tracks, I was just like man, J. Cole is killing it. Secondly, it was like, he has talked about Fayetteville so much. This year I was focusing on not just New York and not just bigger cities, but smaller cities, smaller towns around the country that don’t get that big city love, so me being from a big city I was like, you know what. I’m going to go and understand those parts of the country.
"In 2024, I want to go around and meet these amazing, lovely people and interact with them, so it was like, ‘let’s go paint the J. Cole mural and interact with people.’ And also I do music. Each mural that I’m trying to put together, that’s my idea. Not a client job but my idea. I wanted to do a track and music video for each one because no one else is painting and rapping at this point right here and I wanted to open up a new lane for artists. You can be creative in any form, you don’t have to just stick to one. So that was the whole goal when it came to this project,” Andaluz explained.
Shawn Adkins, owner of Back-A-Round Records, local musician, and art patron, financially backed the new project and ensured its location in Fayetteville. The previous owner of the highly loved and missed, live music venue, The Rock Shop, Adkins has been making it his personal and humble mission to ensure art of all forms is appreciated and available to the Fayetteville community and beyond.
“When I bought the building six years ago, I saw that big ugly white wall that I had and I knew I wanted a mural on there and what I wanted on the mural was to capture what Fayetteville means," Adkins said. "That was the main goal. It was right in the middle of the Market Square of downtown Fayetteville… I put it off for a long time… One day at the very beginning of this year I got a call from somebody. It was Andaluz and he was saying something about doing a mural with J. Cole in it. I was like man, you called the right person because I was thinking basically the same thing. Especially being that I had something to do with J. Cole’s first time on stage. He was talking about doing a Fayetteville mural that integrates everything about Fayetteville and I was like, ‘man we’re talking the same language.’”
For anyone who has not checked out the mural, it covers the lower half of the Back-A-Round Records building facing Green Street. The location is perfect for making the mural the backdrop for photo-ops, content creation or just enjoying a stroll downtown. Fayetteville truly embraced the artist while he was in the city.
Andaluz exclaimed, “In Fayetteville, I had such a great time. I had brought my family. I brought my wife, my daughter. And Darrell and his family. They came down so… my family had a great time. The people who are there are amazing… it was amazing for me to see how many people knew each other. When they came to the plot… everybody just knew each other. And it was interracial and there were so many races and backgrounds of people who were just like appreciating it. And I just love that. People were getting together because of the art and having a good time.
"So many companies and businesspeople like dropped-off stuff. I had people giving me like little barbeque sauces they made and some of their food and t-shirts and all types of cool gifts, that people were just like, ‘here takes this, thank you so much.’”
With summer approaching, the mural is sure to be the highlight of some photos and conversation. Andaluz the Artist hopes to bring more of his art to the city and brighten up other businesses in the area.

(Photo: The new mural downtown features local rapper J. Cole and focuses on what makes Fayetteville unique.  Photo by Aly Hansen.)

KidsPeace and Dominique Womack are putting on the most meaningful art shows in the city. KidsPeace Art Gallery of Hope is set for May 19 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Warehouse, located at 226 Donaldson Street, Fayetteville. The event is as Womack said, “a party for a cause.”
Attire is all black and guests will be treated to live music, provided by Tyrek Hearon and friends, with a cash drink and food bar. This year’s event features Audrey Hasslocher, United States of America’s Mrs. Fayetteville and owner of Firebird Communications, a national marketing agency based in Fayetteville.
Hasslocher, a former foster kid, is set to share her story of the foster system and inspire others to become foster parents. The art auction will include several mediums and an eclectic list of local artists who have donated their work to the cause.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by contacting Womack at 910-778-6462 or Antonio Gonzalez at 910-600-1332. Some of this year’s art is donated by the best Fayetteville has to offer, including Damien Mathis, Lauren Falls, graffiti artist Nick Shaw, Pia Jones and Johnathan Diaz.
In previous years, the auction has brought big bucks to the organization, which no longer has an office in the city. This year, Womack said, “...I would like for us to raise 15 [thousand]. In years' past we’ve done 7, 9, 13, so if I can do $13,001, I’m a happy camper. But just being real, a couple thousand would give our kids all they need for school supplies and Christmas presents, but I can pour more into the community for foster programs if 15 [thousand] is my number, I’m gonna go with 15….if I can raise awareness that’s the cake…”
For those unfamiliar with KidsPeace, it is an organization dedicated to helping foster parents and foster children with the mental health side of fostering. The agency provides support to new foster parents to overcome the new hurdles they face, such as acclimating to a new environment, settling into a new routine and healing the wounds of trauma. Fostering takes a tremendous amount of support from the community. In North Carolina in 2021, there were 10,927 children ages birth to 17, placed outside of the home. That year, the national average was 203,770 children in foster care under the age of 18, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, a national organization that tracks the fostering demographics in the United States, including maternal occupation and race. Demographic information is vital in ensuring the children placed in foster care are accounted for. Pinpointing flaws in the systems that lead to unsafe conditions for children and tracking behaviors in parents that lead to the children being placed in foster care is another important task.
Those who are interested in becoming a foster parent will find the process is extensive, but worth it. The state requires potential foster parents to complete courses, background checks, interviews and home visits. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, all potential foster parents must complete the following:
1. Watch the mandatory Foster Parent Orientation video
2. Choose an agency, local DSS or private foster care placing agency. Links are provided below.
3. Attend an orientation with your chosen agency.
4. Complete TIPS-MAPP course.
5. Completion of Mutual Home Assessment for foster home licensing. This is not the same as an adoption home study.
6. Your agency will complete your Foster Home Application and submit it to the NC Division of Social Services for review and licensure.
7. Once licensed by the NC Division of Social Services, consider and accept foster care placements based on the needs of the children and your family’s parenting abilities and preferences.
8. Relicensure of foster parents is required every 2 years.
KidsPeace is a great resource for individuals looking to become foster parents, providing classes and other resources. The class schedule and registration can be accessed via the website, https://fostercare.com/ Whether a person buys a piece of art or starts the process of becoming a foster parent, the need is great for individuals looking to be the change and constant in foster children’s lives.

(Photos-Top: Dominique Womack hosts during the KidsPeace Gallery of Hope.  Bottom: Paintings are displayed during the 2nd Annual Gallery of Hope.  Photos are courtesy of Dominique Womack.)

You are warmly invited to attend the season's most anticipated event: "The Bridgerton Tea Party." Blissful Alchemists are avid admirers of Bridgerton and they wish to extend their passion to you.
As we eagerly await the premiere of season three and the revelation of Penelope and Colin's romance, let us partake in a splendid celebration fit for nobility.
Unveil the innate Queen or King that lies within you as you indulge in the pleasure of high tea prepared by Serena Gunn from Heal Holistic, accompanied by delectable treats provided by Bees and Boards in an ambiance of elegant grandeur.
As you listen to a carefully curated Bridgerton playlist, you will be able to fully immerse yourselves in the enchanting realm of Bridgerton with trivia and a chance to capture some elegant photographs.
First, second and third place winners of trivia will get a free month of Blissful Alchemist’s wellness package that includes salt room, red light therapy, yoga and meditation.
Get ready to strike a pose for a selfie or group photo in front of a floral backdrop decorated with flowers grown in Erwin by Blissful Alchemist's Alyssa Cienega.
This grand event will be taking place on Saturday, May 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Blissful Alchemist's space located at 414 Ray Ave.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased in advance on Eventbrite at www.eventbrite.com/e/bridgerton-tea-party-tickets-863145440247. Ticket sales will end on Tuesday, May 7.
And, esteemed attendees, it is kindly requested that you don your most elegant Bridgerton outfits for this fabulous gathering. To help you get on the Best Dressed List we asked Rebecca Russell, Regency expert of Fayetteville and owner of Beespoke Vintage, for some tips.
You will find a great blog article entitled “Putting Together a Regency Look Without Breaking the Bank” on her site at https://tinyurl.com/3xub73ma.

The police force is essential to keeping our community safe. They wear the badge of courage to protect and serve the community at all costs. Officers often face unknown and risky challenges when they receive emergency calls, sacrificing their time and lives to protect and serve.
According to PoliceWeek.org, National Police Week, which runs from May 12th to May 18th, honors officers with a week of honor, commemoration, and support, while allowing law enforcement, survivors, and citizens to come together and pay respect to those in the line of duty. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy issued a proclamation declaring National Police Week, as noted on the website.
With its annual Police Foundation Ball, the Fayetteville Police Foundation kicks off the last day of National Police Week in style. The ball will take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, at the Crown Coliseum.
Now in its seventh year, this exquisite event allows police department employees to dress in their finest tuxedos and gowns while presenting and awarding deserving officers and police department staff for their hard work and service.
Police Department employees, employees’ guests, and sponsors will be given priority seating. Tickets are $75 for a single and $150 for two guests. Anyone interested in sponsoring an officer and their guest can contact the Fayetteville Police Foundation.
Like police forces across the country, the Fayetteville Police Department must keep up with crime-fighting strategies and innovative technologies to make the community safe. The Fayetteville Police Foundation helps make it possible, as its goal is to support the needs of law enforcement officers as strategies and procedures become increasingly complex. The Foundation also helps raise officers' morale, provides medical services for canines, and much more.
The Foundation also organizes community-based initiatives such as food drives, Halloween's Trunk or Treat, and Christmas' Operation Yuletide.
The Police Foundation is planning more activities for Police Week, including the 4th Annual Field of Blue, which will honor law enforcement officers and staff from Friday, May 10 at 6 p.m. to Thursday, June 13 at 10:30 p.m.
Field of Blue memorializes the service of those in law enforcement, including canines, other law enforcement staff, and 911 dispatchers, with a flag display as a mark of appreciation for saving lives and protecting the community. The flags will be on display at BJ's Wholesale Club, located at 5200 Red Tip Road. Those interested can purchase a flag for $35.00 at tickettailor.com under "4th Annual Field of Blue" and add a personalized message.
The Police Department will honor its departed officers with a wreath presentation and a prayer on May 17th, the day before the Foundation Ball. This public event begins at 12:30 p.m. at the downtown Police Department at 467 Hay Street.
In addition, the Foundation will sponsor various activities during Police Week, including Doughnuts Day, an outreach initiative partnership with Stacey Buckner, CNN Hero and Executive Director of Off-Road Outreach, Proclamation Day and a free lunch as a gesture of gratitude to the Police Department.
The foundation's sponsors, such as Tommy's Express Car Wash, Jersey Mikes, Luigi’s, and Mission BBQ, to name a few, have generously contributed to the Police Foundation as a token of their appreciation.
"A simple act of kindness can let the officers know their appreciation," Melissa Reid, Executive Director of the Fayetteville Police Foundation, stated. The event is a better way to give back to those safeguarding our community to make it a better place.
For further information about becoming a sponsor, sending thank-you notes to law enforcement staff, donating a flag in honor of a law enforcement employee(s), or purchasing tickets, please contact Melissa Reid at the Police Foundation at 910-433-1746 or by email at fay.policefoundation@gmail.com.
Readers can also visit www.fayettevillepolicefoundation.org to learn more about the Fayetteville Police Foundation.

(Photo: The outside of the Fayetteville Police Department on Hay St. in Fayetteville.  Photo by Tracey Morrison)

On May 18, at Festival Park in downtown Fayetteville, thousands of people will gather with a unified purpose: to pray for our city. This year is the 11th AsONE Prayer Walk, a day when Christians from every background, every denomination, and every theological ideology unite to pray together.
Over 11 years ago, faith leaders in our community, including Anthony O’Neil, Leo Bryan, Craig Morrison, Josh Goodman, Michael Swindon, Jeremy Wright and others, came together to create an event of unity, prayer and fellowship.
They took cues from similar events in larger cities, such as God Belongs in My City in New York. In 2013, the first AsOne Prayer Walk kicked off in downtown Fayetteville. In the intervening years, the event only grew.
Many of the past years’ Prayer Walks included concerts and other events throughout the week leading up to the prayer walk through downtown. As with many other events that involve large groups of people gathering, the pandemic lockdown in 2020 disrupted the momentum that had been growing since 2013.
The theme for this year’s event is “Calling All Prayer Warriors to The Place Warriors Are Trained to Fight Everyday.” The Prayer Walk in 2024 will be a “back-to-basics” event, according to Jeremy Wright. The 2-mile walking route will be the same as past years; it starts and ends in Festival Park and will include stops for participants to pray for specific people in our community, our state, our country and our world.
Each stop will have a specific prayer focus, seeking to cover our community and those in it with prayer:
• Airborne and Special Operations Museum: pray for military service members and their families, and for veterans.
• City Hall: pray for local, state, and federal government.
• Detention Center: pray for law enforcement, victims of crime, and those incarcerated.
• Market House: pray for unity and reconciliation.
• Headquarters Library: pray for children, families, for educators; also, pray for our city’s homeless population, many of whom find refuge in the library.
• Festival Park: pray for pastors/spiritual leadership.
One difference between this year’s event and those in years past is that churches from across North Carolina have been invited to attend and join the prayer. The organizers hope that this inclusion of people from outside of Fayetteville will only grow, turning the AsONE Prayer Walk into a day of unified prayer for all of North Carolina.
The organizers of AsONE Prayer Walk have big plans for 2025. The goal is to gather 25,000 people onto the streets of downtown Fayetteville for the express purpose of praying for our community and our people.
There are also plans in the works to return to the pre-pandemic unity week: an entire week prior to the Prayer Walk that will unify Christ-followers from all around our city and our state.
Some of the events during that week in May will include: pulpit swaps (preachers from different denominations speaking at each other’s churches); service-oriented events to help organizations such as the Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity; other events aimed at bringing together the people of Christ to serve and pray together.
Additionally, organizers aim to sell 100,000 AsONE t-shirts to people all over North Carolina. That way, even those who can’t come to Fayetteville and walk in person, can still show solidarity and unity in purpose. The shirt bears the logo “Pray Serve Love Carolina.”
Although organizers have big plans for next year, this year’s event is the most immediate focus. Anyone interested in participating in this year’s Prayer Walk can register at www.asoneprayerwalk.org.
It is completely free to participate, but organizers ask that participants register so they can keep an accurate count of those walking. Participants can purchase the AsONE t-shirt, with the “Pray Serve Love Carolina” logo, though a t-shirt is not required for those walking. Come join thousands of other people of faith to cover our city in prayer. For more information, visit www.asoneprayerwalk.org.

(Photo: Attendees to the 2022 AsONE Paryer Work journey around downtown Fayetteville praying over the city.  Photo courtesy of AsONE Prayer Walk's Facebook page.)

It really is a big deal.
The federal Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, Michael Regan, and Brenda Mallory, Chair of the White House’s Council on Environmental Quality, made it their business to come to Fayetteville earlier this month to announce the “first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard.”
The new enforceable standard comes in part because of the enormous outcry from southeastern North Carolina. That outcry comes largely from Fayetteville and south along the Cape Fear River, contaminated by DuPont and its successor company, Chemours.
They discharged PFASs, an acronym for an unpronounceable chemical cocktail, into the river for decades, contaminating the drinking water of thousands of North Carolinians with a product they called GenX.
Southeastern North Carolinians, however, are hardly the only people affected by PFASs, commonly called “forever chemicals,” because unlike other substances, they do not break down easily or quickly. They are associated with negative health effects such as low birth-weight babies, increased cancer risks, and high cholesterol levels. PFASs have been found beyond the Cape Fear River, including in Jones and Chatham Counties as well as in many other parts of the nation.
Regan is well-versed in the forever chemical issue, as his stepping stone job to the EPA was as North Carolina’s Secretary of Environmental Quality. In an interview with the Raleigh News and Observer, he stressed that dealing with PFASs is just getting started.
In addition to an enforceable drinking water standard, the EPA is looking at a national testing strategy to determine what levels are clean enough to protect human health, and ways to force polluters to pay for cleanup.
This is part of what our federal government is supposed to do—look out for our well-being. These are not just forever chemicals. They are forever ours.
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At first blush, it sounds a bit wacky—the World Happiness Report, published since 2012 and including more than 140 nations. What does it mean if a country is “happy” and how can we tell? Does it matter if citizens are “happy” if their country is at peace and they have what they need?
Whatever national “happiness” means, we in the United States are apparently not so happy. Our country fell out of the top 20 happiest nations, now ranking 23rd. Our neighbor, Canada stayed in the top 20, but both North American first-world countries had dramatically lower happiness scores for younger people than for those 60 and over. That cannot bode well.
John Helliwell, a founding editor of the World Happiness Report, says their lack of happiness is “not a matter of education, income, or health."
It’s what they think about their lives so it’s a mood question. They’re hearing news that makes them unhappy and they may be sharing it…”
Let’s make today a “Cheer Up a Young Person Day.”

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Baby Boomers, including this one, have seen a lot in our increasingly long lives. Remember the shocking and sometimes violent social upheavals of the 1960s? Remember Neil Armstrong’s walk on the moon and his unforgettable words, “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind?”
Life before the Internet that put information—and disinformation—at our fingertips?
All of that notwithstanding, never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine we would be watching a former United States President face trial on felony charges with more felony trials in courtroom queues.
Holy moly!
No wonder we dropped out of the happiness Top 20.

It might sound odd to hear this from someone who’s been writing a syndicated column on politics for nearly four decades, but politics has become vastly more important in our lives than it should be.
Virtually every decision we make in our ostensibly free society is now subject to review, refinement, and reversal by some government agency. We can’t buy or consume what we want, hire whom we want on mutually agreeable terms, inhabit and dispense with our property as we want, or make critical decisions about our families’ education, health care, and financial planning without the intrusion of governmental “helpers.”
I’m not an anarchist. Modern civilization and human progress are impossible without governmental structures.
When administered effectively and constitutionally, governments promote law and order, adjudicate disputes, and ensure the provision of certain public goods that for technical reasons can’t be delivered purely by voluntary means.
That’s not to say human beings can’t live without government. For most of the history of the species, humans lived in small hunter-gatherer bands, consisting largely of relatives, that came together only occasionally to swap, socialize, and find mates. In some places, these social bonds developed into tribal confederations and, later, into chiefdoms.
But not until a few thousand years ago did true states appear in an anthropological sense — social institutions that established a “monopoly of the legitimate use of physical force within a given territory,” as Max Weber famously put it.
The invention of the state and the invention of cities were interrelated events. The word political comes from the Greek polis, for city-state. Civilization both creates and requires politics in the sense we use the term today.
Humanity can live without government, as I said — but not long or well. Hunter-gatherers may have had more free time than we do, but they starved, shivered, and died early and violent deaths at far higher rates, too.
Tribes and chiefdoms weren’t much more conducive to human flourishing. Even early civilizations, built around cities and states, increased the total population and scope of human communities without necessarily raising the standard of living for the average person very much for very long.
What ultimately did the trick was the marriage of industrial capitalism and constitutional, liberalizing government during the 18th and 19th centuries, beginning in Northwestern Europe and North America and then spreading elsewhere. The public sector played a critical role in this gigantic and unprecedented leap forward in human wellbeing.
But it did so precisely because its power was constrained by law and custom.
In the American context, at least, modern conservatives should be understood as conserving a set of truly revolutionary ideas and practices. One such idea is that government is both necessary and dangerous. As James Madison put it in a post-presidency speech in Virginia, “the essence of government is power; and power, lodged as it must be in human hands, will ever be liable to abuse.”
By “power” here, Madison and other Founders meant coercive power — the capacity of government to force people at the point of a gun to comply with its commands. Whether republican or tyrannical, all governments possess such power. Again, it’s necessary. But it ought to be used sparingly, only for tasks that can’t be accomplished through market transactions, charitable activity, or simple persuasion.
That’s the case that my colleagues and I at the John Locke Foundation, and at other like-minded organizations in North Carolina and beyond, seek to make every day in our programs, articles, interviews, and public appearances. Our work is usually devoted to specific applications.
We advocate liberating North Carolinians to make choices for themselves about how best to educate their children, improve their health, pursue economic opportunity, and build the families and communities within which they live their lives.
Whether the stakes in a particular dispute we discuss seem big or small to you, keep mind that the broader principle couldn’t be more momentous: everything need not be political. Minimize government. Maximize freedom.

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

In Fairfield Farms, we have planted trees along both sides of the Avenue in front of each home along Summerchase Drive. The trees will grow to 60 foot tall and 40 foot wide canopying across the sidewalks lining the street and covering the road itself. These trees are Zelkova Vase Green trees and are selected specifically for this street of Dream Homes. Some towns and cities in North Carolina claim to have over 50 % coverage now along their streets forming a canopy lowering the temperature significantly in the entire community and creating a magical stroll down the streets of the towns covered by the majestic trees.
To make this more possible, we are offering reduced interest rates starting at 3.5%
We are very pleased to offer our customers many options to have the home of their Dreams. These new home neighborhoods are exceptional in location, design, amenities and livability. Our floor plans we are offering feature wide open living areas with the kitchen, family room and dining with no walls creating a sense of grand and spacious living. Our most popular homes have family rooms with large glass doors. The kitchens have features the family chef would appreciate and bathrooms that are bright with large windows, full glass shower enclosures, rain shower heads with dramatic open ceramic showers and beautiful bathtubs with ceramic tile all around the sides. The master bedroom closets are all wood custom designed. Farm sinks, laminate flooring, custom designed hand railings, coffered ceilings, wainscoting, dramatic upscale inside trim, chair railing, large crown molding, enlarged base moldings, larger window and door casing and entry way accents, large design created columns and archway dramatic design features enhance the magnificent impact of these features in each home.
Fairfield Farms adjoins the Carver’s Creek State Park and is conveniently located at the 295 exit on Ramsey Street and is accessible to everywhere. It is also near Methodist University, the soccer complex, the Cape Fear River Trail and greenway, the Health Pavilion North outpatient care, many restaurants, shops and retail outlets along the fast growing North side corridor. All the schools are in close proximity. This is without a doubt one of the very best neighborhoods in our area.
Call us today at Floyd Properties at 910-423-6700 to visit this outstanding neighborhood and take a tour of the available homes.

“It’s got all the bells and whistles. They are really putting support behind the system,” said Charles Bullard, a culinary instructor at Fayetteville Technical Community College, of the new food truck purchased by the college.
FTCC is starting a new certificate in the fall for food truck management and operation.
The instructors, like Bullard, will be teaching students how to own and operate a food truck business including creating menus that work and operating inside the limitations of a food truck.
Two other colleges in North Carolina have started a program like the one that will be starting at FTCC. The truck itself will operate as a learning facility with students always being the ones to operate it. Bullard and students will be using the truck at upcoming events throughout the year, with their first held on April 22.
“We [served] our menu that students made,” Bullard said. “There’s normally a food truck out there, and this time it [was] FTCC students.”
In the Fall, he says the plan is to be out on campus selling food once a week. The truck capacity can house about five to six people total without becoming too crowded.
Upcoming events will include food ranging from three to eight dollars. Bullard said they made sure the menu is economically friendly.
“We have a lot of plans in the future for the food truck,” he said. “It’s a lot of logistics.”
For now, the truck will be making some limited appearances and then the staff at FTCC hopes to get it out in the community more regularly starting in the Fall with the new food truck program.

(Photo: FTCC's food truck, C.H.E.F., will be operated by students in the coming months for events throughout Fayetteville.  The mobile Culinary and Hospitality Education Facility can be seen on the campus.  Photo by Aly Hansen)

Have you ever had a tutor call to check on your academic progress or call just to say hello and check on how things are going on your academic journey?
Did you know tutors work collaboratively with FTCC instructors to encourage students’ academic success?
Tutors at FTCC’s Student Learning Center do all that and more. The SLC offers one-on-one academic tutoring, computer access, and study assistance at no cost to students during normal day and evening class hours. Students can stop by at any time for writing, math or computer assistance.
Tutors at the Student Learning Center can help with a variety of subject areas. In addition to one-on-one tutoring, the SLC provides NetTutor Online Tutoring Service for students, a service available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
The SLC instructors realize students learn differently, and they carefully dissect the unique challenges faced by students each semester. At the SLC, students have access to a welcoming atmosphere that’s conducive to learning with comfortable seating, computers, laptops, and group instruction rooms. Additionally, the SLC has mobile whiteboards and whiteboard tables to promote interactive learning. Students can also use the SLC as a place to study between or after classes.
FTCC Student Delores Miller uses the Student Learning Center for additional academic support: “Since returning to school, I began using the Student Learning Center and the Math Lab for help with my classes. Both centers have helped me become a better student, and I cannot express how grateful I am for the help I receive. They have given me their time and patience and taught me whenever I've had something I could not understand. Thank you to Mr. Harvey, Mrs. Harris, Dr. Campbell, Mrs. Diaz, and Mr. Conklin for all their help.”
FTCC Student Juanita Campbell considers the Student Learning Center her second home: “My experience in the Student Learning Center has been great! Everyone who works in the Learning Center has a lot of patience with each student. My grades stay up because of the help I receive from the center. I can go there anytime and feel comfortable; the operating hours are great. I love that they know all the students by name; the staff is always friendly and knowledgeable about my class subjects. My experience with all the staff has been fantastic. I call the center my second home from home. You can get individualized one-on-one tutoring or just come to work on your own.”
FTCC students use the Student Learning Center for free, and no appointment is necessary. Sign-in is easy and convenient by presenting a student ID. Visit FTCC today to learn more about the Student Learning Center and how FTCC can help you get on the road to success. Located in the Virtual College Center Room 232, the hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Call 910-678-8266 or email learningcenter@faytechcc.edu for more info. The website is https://www.faytechcc.edu/campus-life/academic-resources/student-learning-center/

In this digital age where music is predominantly consumed through streaming platforms and downloaded onto devices, it's fascinating to witness the unexpected resurgence of vinyl records. Vinyl, once thought to be an outdated medium, has made a triumphant comeback in recent years. People are rediscovering the magic of flipping through record store bins, holding physical copies of their favorite albums, and experiencing the rich sound that only vinyl can deliver. It seems that the allure of vinyl lies not only in its nostalgic appeal but also in its ability to offer a more authentic and immersive music experience.
Vinyl records also offer a different sonic experience compared to digital formats. The warm, analog sound that vinyl produces is often described as more "organic" and "full-bodied" than the cold and compressed sound of digital music. Audiophiles argue that vinyl allows for a wider dynamic range, capturing every nuance and subtlety of the music. The act of actively engaging with vinyl, carefully placing the needle on the record and flipping it over at the end of each side, encourages listeners to fully immerse themselves in the music.
Moreover, vinyl records hold a sentimental value that cannot be replicated by digital files. They evoke memories of a time when music was cherished and shared physically, creating a tangible connection between the listener and the artist. Whether it's flipping through your parent's old record collection or discovering hidden gems in a thrift store, vinyl records have a way of transporting us back in time and reminding us of the beauty in slowing down and savoring each moment.
Collecting vinyl records has become a popular hobby among music enthusiasts, both young and old. The thrill of hunting for rare and limited-edition records has ignited a new sense of excitement in the music community.
If you are a collector of vinyl records, make sure to attend the Vinyl Record Show at Dirtbag Ales on Saturday, May 11th, noon to 6 p.m. Indulge in the unique experience of holding a vinyl record, appreciating the artwork, and reading the liner notes from your favorite musicians and bands.
A variety of vendors, including local dealers Mark Parsons and Joe Riddle, will be on hand selling not only vintage vinyl records but also CDs, cassettes, movies and music memorabilia. Wilmington DJ Joshua Stowe will be on hand to spin some tunes and Dirtbag Ales' very own Brew Master, Tito, will be playing some of his favorite vinyl selections as well.
Naturally, a Dirtbag Ale event would not be complete without delectable cuisine. Attendees can choose from a variety of options, such as Taco Arepa, Napkins and BBQ Lab.
The resurgence of vinyl records is more than just a trend; it's a testament to our innate desire for tangible experiences in an increasingly digital world. The appeal of vinyl lies not only in its ability to offer a unique sensory experience but also in its ability to connect us to the past and create lasting memories. Dust off that old turntable. You never know what hidden treasure awaits you a the Vinyl Record Show. For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/4rdct3zb

Calling all comic book fans! Have you heard about Free Comic Book Day? It's a day when comic book shops all over the country give away special edition comics for free! That's right, free comics just for you.
Whether you're a long-time collector or just starting out, Free Comic Book Day is the perfect opportunity to add some new titles to your collection or introduce someone else to the world of comics. Plus, it's a great chance to meet fellow comic book enthusiasts and connect over your shared love of the art form.

Mark your calendars for May 4th and head out to one of these amazing events:
Saturday, May 4th 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.-The Dragon's Lair at 6243 Yadkin Rd, Fayetteville
Come and be a part of the festivities at Dragon's Lair between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Special guest artists include Rob Retiano, Chris McJunkin, Darryl Murphy and Lyle Pollard. Children will love the bounce house and the face painting. Moreover, local artists will be available to take commissions, while vendors will be offering unique items. Don't forget to savor the delicious food provided by Cape Beard. Enter the raffle to win some exciting prizes. The proceeds for the food and raffle will be directed towards the Karen Chandler Trust, a local charity. For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/2syskywy or call 910-491-5747.

Saturday, May 4th 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. -High Noon Cafe at 4582 Cumberland Road, Suite 116, Fayetteville
High Noon is set to mark Free Comic Book Day in grand style with an impressive selection of comic books, manga, books and coloring books, all of which will be available for free! In addition to this, they have an array of exciting activities lined up, such as giveaways, trivia competitions with fabulous prizes, games, door prizes, and more. Visitors are welcome to enjoy refreshments while browsing through their wide collection of collectibles and books. For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/y4nwpcr6 or call 910-339-6302.

Saturday, May 4th 10 a.m. -Ultimate Comics South Post at South Post Exchange, Bldg Z3252, 1017 Canopy Lane, Fort Liberty
Make sure to mark your calendar for Free Comic Book Day at Ft. Liberty. You won't want to miss out on the abundance of free comics from Marvel, DC, Image, and more. In addition to the classic favorites, there will be kid-friendly options like the Spidey and his Amazing Friends Free Comic Book Day special. You can also explore the works of local artists and capture memorable moments with a fantastic group of cosplayers.
If you do not have a Military ID to access post, visiting the South Post Exchange for this signing event is a valid reason to get a visitor pass. Just head to the visitor's center on at 3550 All American Fwy with your driver's license and registration and tell them you're headed to Ultimate Comics! Use the All American gate for easy access!
For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/4x6kterj

Are you looking for a fun and exciting way to celebrate two fantastic holidays in May? Look no further! This year celebrate the whole weekend by combining your love for Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo by attending a great local event. By combining these two celebrations, you'll have an unforgettable weekend filled with lightsabers, tacos and plenty of festive cheer.

Star Wars Day
May the 4th Be With You, Star Wars Day, is celebrated on May 4th and is for anyone and everyone that LOVES Star Wars! Here are some great local events to help you nerd out.
Wednesday, May 1 at 7 p.m.
Star Wars Trivia at World of Beer
1944 Skibo Rd, Fayetteville
Join in an extraordinary journey across the galaxy at Star Wars Trivia Night! Challenge yourself with questions about the power of the Force, monumental conflicts, and legendary individuals.
Whether you are a novice apprentice or an experienced master, this occasion is one that you absolutely cannot afford to overlook. https://tinyurl.com/56d33ph8
Saturday, May 4 at 2 p.m.
Star Wars Yoga at Hugger Mugger Brewing
229 Wicker St, Sanford
Join the team at Hugger Mugger as they begin May the 4th with an enjoyable and laid-back yoga session!
This class will take place outdoors and is suitable for both kids and pets. So, dress up, and get ready to have a great time and enjoy yourself. https://tinyurl.com/msuy77e8
Saturday, May 4 at 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
May the 4th Be With You at Hugger Mugger Brewing
229 Wicker St, Sanford
Nerds rejoice! Hugger Mugger Brewing is celebrating all things Star Wars with an afternoon full of fun. Dress up and enjoy some of the afternoon's events: Princess Leia buns with Vivid Salon, temporary tattoos with Ink Therapy, gaming with Raven Forge Games, Star Wars themed accessories from Craft 3D, space beers and more! https://tinyurl.com/5yvht7jh
Saturday, May 4 at 8 p.m.
May the 4th Be With You Star Wars Trivia & Paint Night at Wine & Design
2180 Skibo Rd, Ste C, Fayetteville
Wine & Design is ready to celebrate May 4th with a painting party! The class will last approximately 2 hours. Reservations are required. Bring your own beer/wine/champagne, non-alcoholic beverage or snack of your choice to enjoy while you paint. https://tinyurl.com/42xz4cbp

Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo, held May 5th, is a vibrant and festive holiday celebrated in Mexico and by people of Mexican descent all over the world. The holiday commemorates the Mexican army's victory over the French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Here are some great local events to mark down in your calendar.
Sunday, May 5 at 9 a.m.
Cinco de Mayo at Black Ops Paintball
2142 River Rd, Fayetteville
Come and join Black Ops Paintball for an exciting one-day celebration filled with scenario games that will keep you entertained all day. And don't forget about the mouthwatering tacos that will be available! This event is ideal for families, as no prior experience or skill level is necessary. https://tinyurl.com/wt2ydnhp
Sunday, May 5 at noon
Cinco de Mayo at Stewart's Tavern
116 N. Main St, Raeford
Join the Stewart's Tavern crew for tacos, nachos and drink specials! https://tinyurl.com/2rctk56z

Sunday in the South means church, and up until recently, the “high church” ruled the area. For those unfamiliar with the term “high church”, it simply is the word for attention put on ritual. Southern Sundays consist of rising early, putting on your Sunday best, and heading to church to pray, tithe and hear the Word.
Most Sunday afternoons are then spent congregating with family around a home-cooked meal. While “high church” is a beautiful tradition, it is not the preferred method of worship for all, especially with millennials. With the changing of the tide and the needs of the “flock”, it is up to church leaders to ensure they are providing worship experiences that attract everyone.
First Presbyterian Church, located at 102 Ann Street, right in downtown Fayetteville, is reimagining the church, offering two uniquely diverse ways to connect with the Church and God. Associate Pastor, Jeff Shaver, is leading the charge with Theology of Tap and Cross Creek Fellowship. Theology on Tap is a new idea, that incorporates old psychology.
As Pastor Jeff said, “I don’t care if you doubt. None of us wake up in the morning and is like ‘hey I have this all figured out.’ We’re all just trying to figure out what's real and what's not…and I’m one of them. So having a safe place like Theology on Tap, where it’s that sanctuary you can bring your doubts, you can bring your questions, you can bring whatever, I don’t care."
"This is not about trying to argue with you. It’s just good conversation over a drink or two," he said.
Cross Creek Fellowship is an extension of Theology of Tap.
“Our first sermon series is going to be called ‘The Church of Misfit Toys.’ I love Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and there’s an island of misfit toys, well I think there are a lot of people, and I’m one of them, that in traditional churches don’t feel like… I feel like I’m a misfit toy. So I’ve always felt you could create a whole other church from people who feel like that….
"You’re not here for it, it’s here for YOU. Meaning that if you don’t show up on a Sunday, you’re not going to get bombarded with ‘where are you,’.... I do these things and sometimes I’ll get 15 people and sometimes I’ll get two. And I don’t care. The numbers aren’t important to me. It’s about creating these little places where people can go and just feel like, ‘oh this is here when I need it.’ … Being able to be in somebody’s life, even as a spiritual person, that's a privilege. That’s a privilege, that’s not a right,” Pastor Jeff said.
First Prez, as it’s affectionately known, has a full calendar for every member of the family. Kingdom Kids is a Christian Education and music program for kids Pre-K to high school.
They meet every Sunday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Vacation Bible School will begin soon with the theme, Scuba Diving into Friendship with God. VBS will run from June 17 to 20, from 9 a.m. to noon. Registration is now open.
First Prez is much more than its historical building; it is a lively community, of loving and active Christians, seeking to better the community not just through words, but action.

(Photo: Paster Jeff Shaver of First Presbyterian Church.  Photo by Amber Little)

The 42nd annual Fayetteville Dogwood Festival lands in “America’s Can Do City” April 26-28, with entertainment for all ages. The 2024 “Blooms, Spring & Community” theme evokes the festival’s original spirit by focusing on classic fair favorites and celebrating the season's beauty. Just as “The City of Dogwoods”— the nickname former Mayor Bill Hurley gave Fayetteville when the inaugural 1982 Dogwood Festival was launched — comes alive this time of year with spring blooms, fragrance and color, it also creates festival fever each fourth weekend in April. Join the fun Friday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, noon to 9 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. in downtown Fayetteville.
Dogwood Festival board member Jackie Tuckey explained this year’s theme.
“In 1982, businesses, civic organizations and an army of volunteers all worked together to bring blooms, spring and community to downtown Fayetteville. Over the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival's 42-year run, downtown Fayetteville began its launch to where it is today — a cultural arts hub with trendy residential housing and relaxing city streets. This year's Festival begins where it started, bringing blooms, spring and community to downtown Fayetteville.”

HISTORY
The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival truly is a Fayetteville community tradition that brings droves to downtown and Festival Park. From Mayor Hurley’s proclamation that followed a concentrated civic effort to plant dogwoods, to the 18-mile driving trail aptly named the Dogwood Trail which meanders through the historic and beautiful city neighborhoods, to the varied events surrounding the festival held at different times in its tenure, the Dogwood Festival helps define Fayetteville. These events include some 35 festival-related activities including a golf tournament, a fashion show, a 10K run, a chili cook-off, a rodeo, a parade and in recent years, Fayetteville After Five. The event has run consecutively for the last 42 years except in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2017 festival, with over 250,000 visitors, brought the largest crowds to date.

ADMINISTRATION
The Dogwood Festival organization is an independent, nonprofit organization with a board of volunteers that handles the logistics of bringing Fayetteville’s largest downtown event to life. Without an executive director this year, the board and many volunteers have stepped up their game and weathered various challenges to keep the Dogwood Festival on the calendar. Recent financial issues led the board to hire a consulting group to make recommendations for the festival’s future. Tuckey said the festival is now debt-free and will consider the group’s suggestions, which included charging admission and moving the event away from Festival Park after this year. None of the proposals are on this year’s agenda.
“We're all hard at work at dispelling that notion that spread around town that we were charging admission (this year) to come to the festival,” Tuckey commented. “There is not an entry fee.”
However, according to board members, the festival’s financial status from last year to as recent as March, coupled with rising costs and staffing deficits, led the organization to forego high-profile musical acts, Cork & Fork and a few other regular components this year. Still, the board projects 300,000-plus visitors and another resounding success for the 2024 Fayetteville Dogwood Festival.
“It's going to be a great time. It's going to be great weather, and we want everybody to come downtown and enjoy themselves,” Tuckey said. She and the Dogwood team are grateful for all the individuals and organizations that have helped make the 2024 event possible and extend a “thank you to all the many businesses and volunteers that work so hard for our community event each year,” she said.

FESTIVAL SUPPORTERS
Sponsors play a huge role in bringing a function this size to town. Look for these 2024 supporters in tents and booths along the upper end of the festival promenade: Healy Wholesale Co., Inc. and PWC, Fayetteville’s Hometown Utility, premier sponsors; NC Education Lotter, Fort Liberty Federal Credit Union, ABC 11 Together, Cape Fear Valley Health, Metronet, SHARONVIEW® Federal Credit Union, Veterans Guardian, Anstead’s Tobacco; Smithfield® Foods and Dick’s House of Sport, patron sponsors; and the Fayetteville Observer
and Up & Coming Weekly, media partners.

FOOD
Further down the promenade and in other parts of the festival’s footprint, well-loved and festival-favorite fair food is a major draw. Fayetteville native Michael’s Amusements features fair-culture concessions, from candy apples and popcorn to funnel cakes and rolled ice cream — and more. Other food vendors include Cinnabon, Mike Nice Empanadas, Kona Ice, Moose Joose Slush, Crabdaddy’s, Asian Grill & Rice, Cool Breezes pineapple drinks and other need-to-have noshes such as turkey legs, roasted corn, fried Oreos and other tasty treats.

RIDES AND ACTIVITIES
Eat and ride, or ride and eat — which is the best order? While only your body knows the answer, the highly anticipated Dogwood Festival Midway, located at the corner of Mason Street and Ray Avenue in the Masonic Lodge parking lot, begs the question. Whichever works, a visit to the Midway is a must.
Michael’s Amusements provides rides and entertainment for all ages for $1 a ticket or a $25 book of tickets for $20. On Friday night, a wristband is available for purchase for $25. Tickets are sold by cash only at the festival, but ATMs are available. Experience the thrill of adrenaline-pumping rides such as Zero Gravity, Scat or the new Chair Jet, traditional favorites like the Ferris wheel, Hustler and Spinner and family and kid-friendly attractions including the Fun Slide, Merry go Round, Elephant ride, Wacky Shack, Crazy Dragster and Castle Mania. Leave time to play some games and try your luck at winning a prize.
For kid-friendly fun off the Midway, visit the Dick's House of Sport sports-themed activity area in Festival Park Friday night from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Giant Jenga and chess, corn hole and batting cages are examples of what’s in store.

STREET FAIR
Tuckey said that craft and commercial vendors take over the 100, 200 and 300 blocks of Hay Street and Ray Avenue from the traffic light to the circle for the annual Downtown Street Fair, a combination of artisan wares, foods, services and unique finds. Numerous vendors are from Fayetteville and the surrounding area.
“It’s a nice mix,” Tuckey stated, “but I would have to say that most of our vendors are from right here or from within the state.”

MUSIC
Music takes a prime spot on the Dogwood Festival menu. Bring your lawn chair and relax while tuning into the following offerings.
• Friday night, Riser Burn, the 82nd Airborne Band and Chorus Rock Band, makes their first Dogwood Festival appearance. The group will entertain fairgoers with rock, pop, country and a wide variety of music on the Festival Park main stage from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Kelvin "the Greek" Culbreth from Cumulus Media’s WRCQ Rock 103. 5 has the mic before the night’s headliner beginning at 3 p.m.
• Saturday’s selection includes The Christian Rock Experience from noon to 3 p.m. featuring Two Dimensional and Set for the Fall. Dogwood Festival newcomer Latino DJ Jose Luis Robles takes to the stage from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Nicholas Vernon, CCMA 2023 Male Vocalist of the Year Nominee will perform traditional country music.
• On Sunday from noon to 6 p.m., popular DJ Ronny Parrish of Unlimited Sounds returns, bringing the crowd involvement, games and great music he is known for.

STREET PERFORMANCES
Entertainment from various cultural groups and martial artists will take to the streets on Saturday and Sunday. Shadows of the Fire member Debbie Pernat Belles will lead the performance area in front of the Market House, facing Hay Street. Add the following line-up to your Dogwood “to-do” list.

Saturday
Noon Fatal Attraction Dance Team
12:30 p.m. Elevo Dynamics
1 p.m. Yvette’s Dance Academy
1:45 p.m. Aloha Ka’Naka O Hula Halua Hawaiian dancers
2:30 p.m. Canton Attilium, Society of Creative Anachronism medieval/renaissance re-enactment
3:15 p.m. Shadows of the Fire belly dancing
4 p.m. Aloha Ka’Naka O Hula Halua Hawaiian dancers
4:45 p.m. Martial Arts demonstration team
5:15 p.m. Shadows of the Fire belly dancing

Sunday
Noon Shimmy Mob
12:45 p.m. Aloha Ka’Naka O Hula Halua Hawaiian dancers
1:30 p.m. Canton Attilium, Society of Creative Anachronism medieval/renaissance re-enactment
2:15 p.m. Shadows of the Fire belly dancing
3 p.m. Aloha Ka’Naka O Hula Halua Hawaiian dancers
3:45 p.m. Heartsong Tribal
4:30 p.m. B Dopp
5:15 p.m. Shadows of the Fire belly dancing

INCLUSIVE PLAY
Another festival first specifically benefits the therapeutic needs of children with special needs and also typically developing children. Fayetteville’s Bravery Kids Gym is an inclusive indoor play facility that "provides an opportunity for children of all abilities to gain healthy social interactions, sensory and motor development, and quality time with loved ones,” per the organization’s mission statement. Youth from birth to 18 and adults can enjoy the gym’s sensory-friendly, mobile play space during the festival. Bravery Kids Gym’s therapy-inspired equipment provides a unique experience of “play with a purpose” in a fun, safe and stimulating learning environment. The activities are free, and additional equipment, including noise-reducing headphones and weighted vests, will be available for check-out with proper identification for festival-wide use. Look for Bravery Kids Gym in Festival Park on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.

SUNDAY CRUISE ‘N
Don’t miss this Dogwood Festival first on Sunday: The Classic Car-Motorcycle-Truck Cruise ‘N at the 400-block corner of Hay and Ray from noon to 4 p.m. Replacing the former Car, Motorcycle and Truck Show, the Cruise ’N promises to be a crowd pleaser with the cars as the stars. Members from the 18-year-tenured, 35-member-strong Stewardship Classic Car and Truck Club and Burger King Cruise ‘N and others in the car community will have their vehicles on display for the public to view during the event. To participate, email kstewardship63@gmail.com by 5 p.m. on April 25. The Cruise ‘N is not a competition.

PROHIBITED ITEMS
Festival rules specify that the following items are not permitted:
Soliciting, weapons, canopies, coolers/outside containers, bicycles/Skateboards/rollerblades, pets (service animals permitted), drones (Aerial Toys or Equipment) without permission, inappropriate language or behavior.

PARKING
Special event parking will be in effect throughout the festival. The City of Fayetteville parking website, https://live-park-fayetteville.pantheonsite.io/, provides these details: “The special event rate is a $5 flat rate that typically applies 2 hours before the beginning of the event at off-street City-owned parking lots and at the Hay and Franklin Street parking decks. On-street parking spaces are not subject to special event rates and are free on Saturdays and Sundays.”

VOLUNTEERS
It is not too late if you wish to donate time to the festival and get involved. Volunteers help with everything from setting up, serving and selling concessions, clean up and more. Visit
https://www.thedogwoodfestival.com/volunteer, and click the provided link to sign up and get details.
Immediate Past Dogwood Festival Chair, six-year board member and previous volunteer Tara Long, who is arranging the entertainment this year, expressed her excitement about this year’s line-up and the festival as a whole.
“I look forward to the Dogwood Festival; I think the whole town looks forward to it! It's a fun tradition, and there's something for everyone — big, small, young and older. And it's a free event! Come on down for the day to walk around, see the attractions, shop the vendors and eat yummy food," she said.
When at the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival, engage using the hashtag #thedogwoodfest and follow these social media sites to stay up to date on all activities: https://twitter.com/thedogwoodfest?lang=en, www.facebook.com/thedogwoodfest/. Be sure to stop by the Up and Coming Weekly booth!

(Photo: An acrobat performs during a Dogwood Festival in Downtown Fayetteville.  Acrobatic are some of the many street performances that will be on display during the festival this year.  Image courtesy of 219 Group)