Money Box Academy has been rolling nonstop since its launch. Committed to their mission of closing the financial knowledge gap — one workshop, one partnership, and one empowered individual at a time, Money Box has already made a significant impact on the Cumberland County community through workshops, training programs, and financial programs geared toward adults and youth.
The nonprofit is taking financial education to new heights. On Saturday, Oct. 18, Money Box Academy will host its inaugural gala at Shabain Farms and Event Center at 469 Posey Farm Rd. in Raeford. A Night to Remember: “The Vault is Open” Gala will bring together leaders, community advocates, and business owners under one roof, all with the mission of building financially intelligent and resilient communities. The gala will feature a fine dining experience, live music, and a curated networking opportunity, as well as honor leaders in the community who are making a difference.
This year’s inaugural honorees are: Lakeisha Rolle, founder of The Financial Academy in the Bahamas; Coach Rachel Hanible of Philadelphia will be honored for her transformative teaching and advocacy; and five others will be honored for their work towards the mission of Money Box Academy and advancing financial literacy. Local insurance guru, affectionately known as The Insurance Guy, Jerome Scott, will be receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of service, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to strengthening families through financial security and education.
Hosting the gala is nationally recognized, best-selling financial coach Anthony O’Neal. O’Neal was chosen because of his decades of service and mentorship. His support for Money Box Academy is proof that the nonprofit is not only making an impact, but the work is being seen beyond the city.
Organizers say attendees can look forward to “expect an atmosphere equal parts celebratory and catalytic, with proceeds funding expanded programs for youth, families, and small business owners across North Carolina. Our inaugural year’s theme, “The Vault Is Open”, symbolizes more than access to financial resources-it reflects our mission to unlock opportunity for all. We believe every individual deserves access to the tools, knowledge, and support to thrive financially. Together, we are opening doors that were once closed and building pathways for lasting change.”
Nothing Money Box Academy does is without purpose. There will be a silent auction during the gala to raise money for youth and community programming.
Founder Crystal McLean, a dedicated community leader and finance expert, said, “This night is more than a fundraiser; it is a movement. We are gathering the people who believe in creating lasting change for families, students, and entrepreneurs. Anthony’s presence, combined with the recognition of leaders like Lakeisha Rolle, Rachel Hanible, Jerome Scott, and our other honorees, signals to our community that the conversation around money, resilience, and
opportunity belongs right here in Fayetteville.”
Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for Mocktail Hour, and the festivities start at 5:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at https://moneyboxacademy.info/home. Single tickets are $150.00, and Sponsorship tables are $1,215 (table seats 9 guests). Contact partnerships@moneyboxacademy.org or call 910-983-2803. There are several local businesses, banks and law firms sponsoring the inaugural gala, solidifying the work that Money Box Academy is truly doing in Cumberland County.

Like the Rain, Fayetteville has fallen for Clint Black and friends. Clint Black is a legendary figure in country music. He has sold over 20 million records, won several Grammys and celebrated 22 number one hit songs. Black is slated to appear at the Crown Theater on Thursday, Oct. 16, as part of Fayetteville’s long-standing Community Concert Series.
This season marks the series’ 90th year. Community Concerts is Fayetteville’s oldest arts organization, having begun in 1935. The group is a non-profit that is comprised entirely of volunteers. They aim to bring high-quality entertainment to the community.
The Back on the Blacktop Tour promises to meet that high-quality standard. Black will grace the stage with two friends, who are also skilled and storied performers.
“Clint is bringing some amazing friends with him, “explained Gary Rogers, director of marketing, Crown Complex.
Those friends include Prestley Barker and John Foster. Barker, a North Carolina native, aims to restore authenticity to the country music genre. He has played on American Idol and as a guest of Ricky Skaggs at the Grand Ole Opry. Foster will also be on stage with Clint Black. Foster, at 19 years old, is also an American Idol Alum; he was a runner-up during the 23rd season. Foster hails from Louisiana and will be representing his home state in the 2026 Rose Parade.
The Crown feels that the Community Concert Series is a rewarding endeavor, and they truly celebrate its purpose in bringing the community together.
“It’s one of the best things we get to do here,” explained Anna Deaton, marketing manager, Crown Complex. “We are in the industry of bringing people together and making really amazing memories.”
The Clint Black Back on the Blacktop Tour is a night set to make memories.
“This is going to be a perfect night for people to make great memories with their friends and families, and meet some strangers that can turn into friends,” Deaton said.
Deaton has been a long-time country music fan and explained that she is most excited about this event, appealing to all ages.
“Growing up being a fan of country music and then getting to put on events that are here with musicians that you’ve grown up with, but I think, too, it’s just the community aspect when you look at the ticket sales and seeing people from all generations buying tickets,” she said.
Tickets for the event are available both online and at the Crown Complex box office located at 1960 Coliseum Drive. Deaton also wanted to share that tickets can be purchased on post for Fort Bragg Community Members.
“They don’t have to leave the installation to get tickets,” she said. “ That’s very important to us to make sure that the military community knows what’s happening and that our tickets are as accessible to them as possible.”
The Leisure and Travel Services on Fort Bragg is located at 2171 Rock Merritt Ave.
Doors for this event will open at 6:30 p.m., and the show is expected to start around 7:30 p.m., allowing attendees time to purchase merchandise and refreshments. A range of food will be on offer, and there will be special drink offers for those of legal drinking age.

(Photo courtesy of the Crown)

“Mammograms are really a sort of gift. You can either catch something early or count your lucky stars because nothing has been discovered. Either way. You are ahead of the game”
—Charlotte Ross

Join the Sherri Arnold Graham Foundation, Fight Like a Girl Mobile Mammography Outreach on Oct. 21 at 500 McPherson Church Road. The mobile outreach will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event highlights are free mobile mammogram screenings, VIP status for uninsured participants, community partners, resources, and support services. Spanish services (servicios en Espanol) are available to the public. Community partners involved in the outreach are the NAACP Fayetteville, Manna Church, Covenant Love Church, Good Hope Baptist Church, Dancing Without Sin, and Purple Trail Foundation. Pre-registration is encouraged for the event. For more information, contact 910-323-5774.
The Sherri Arnold Graham Foundation was founded in 2005 by Dr. Sherri Arnold Graham in Fayetteville after a successful completion of chemotherapy for breast cancer. It originally focused on breast cancer awareness through mobile mammography and community outreach, according to their Facebook page. They are creating new initiatives to broaden the impact in Cumberland County.
One in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, and it is the second leading cause of death in women, next to lung cancer. Yet, many women ask themselves, “Do I really need a mammogram?”
A mammogram is an imaging test used to screen women for breast cancer. In fact, it is your best chance of detecting breast cancer early when treatment is most effective.
The American Cancer Society recommends women begin breast cancer screening with mammograms around age 40 and commit to getting yearly mammograms by the age of forty-five. Women aged 55 and older may switch to screening every two years or continue annual screening. Routine screening every year is the best way to prevent breast cancer. A mammogram may not be the best idea of fun, but it could mean a difference between life and death. Cancer or an abnormality cannot always be felt. The mammogram can detect the growth of the size of a grain of sand. Early detection of breast cancer has a ninety-nine percent rate of being curable. The mammogram can save your life and breasts. It is not the most comfortable procedure and takes 20 minutes. It can give peace of mind for oneself and loved ones. The Sherri Arnold Graham Foundation provides the VIP status for uninsured clients and Spanish-speaking services.
Fight like a girl and get your mammogram on Oct. 21, from the Sherri Arnold Graham Foundation. Pre-registration is encouraged for the event. For more information, contact 910-323-9774.

Leaves haven’t started to fall yet, and since it is North Carolina, one can’t be quite sure if a shift to crisper air is the actual fall or a second false fall. What is certain, though, is that Lafayette Ford is hosting its fifth annual Fall Festival on Oct. 11. While there will be no shortage of fun Halloween-focused local events, Fall Fest offers a variety of activities for everyone at no cost.
The event began in 2021 when LaFayette Ford hosted its first Truck Day, and it has continued to grow and evolve over the last five years. What started as a means of giving back to the community and the business’s partners has evolved into a fall-focused, Halloween-themed annual extravaganza that also allows visitors to give back and support the community.
“It’s a joy to see all the kids having a great time. We also enjoy giving back. Those are two of the key reasons we do this every year,” said Paula Lindler, marketing director, LaFayette Ford.
This year, the event holds special meaning following the recent passing of the business’s owner, Don Price, who was an active member of the community and a strong advocate for Fayetteville.
“It is because of Don Price and his legacy that we have events like the Fall Festival, “explained Lindler.
“Don led the company with a mindset of how important it is to care for your community. Whether it was through his service in the Fayetteville Kiwanis Club, civic clubs, his church, the Military Affairs Council, or so many other organizations, he generously gave his time and financial support to worthy causes.”
Price sought to improve the quality of life for the community as a whole and was particularly fond of the Fall Festival event. According to Lindler, his absence will be felt this year.
“He loved Fayetteville and Fort Bragg and wanted to help make it a great place to live,” Lindler said. “He attended Fall Festivals at the dealership and loved seeing the community enjoy the event. We think he would be proud that we are continuing his legacy through our annual event.”
The event is suitable for members of all ages in the community, and there are specific kid-friendly attractions planned for the day.
Children are encouraged to come in costume, and a Fayetteville Fire Department truck will be on site for them to explore. The event will have office face painting and a Trick-or-Treat as well. There will be local vendors to shop with, and prizes will be given away.
Visitors can also donate blood to the Cape Fear Valley Center from noon to 2 p.m., and they will be entered to win tickets to the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens. Additionally, LaFayette Ford will be hosting a food drive for the Armed Services YMCA at Fort Bragg. The first 250 visitors to donate nonperishable food items to the food drive will receive lunch from one of the two onsite food trucks, courtesy of LaFayette Ford. Both Flavapalooza and Allison’s Fast Food will be serving up lunch. Flavapalooza’s specialties include hot subs and offer a self-proclaimed unique twist on everyday foods. Allison’s Latino Fast Food Truck will be serving Salvadoran fare. The event will also provide free drinks to visitors.
The event will be held at the LaFayette Ford Dealership, located at 5202 Reaford Road, and will begin at 11 a.m. Festivities will be wrapping up at 2 p.m. The event is free, and all ages are welcome to attend and enjoy the festivities. Vendor spaces are free and still available for this event. Vendors or organizations interested in participating can send an email to contactus@lafayettefl.com for additional details.

(Photos: The LaFayette Ford Fall Festival is a family friendly event that includes a trunk-or-treat, food trucks and a mobile blood drive. Photos by LaFayette Ford)

This October, Fayetteville is about to become the beating heart of gothic horror. With stage performances, a groundbreaking new film and a return to the very origins of cinematic horror, audiences will have three distinct opportunities to step into Mary Shelley’s world of Frankenstein.
The season begins with live theatre. On Oct. 9 and 10 at 7 p.m. and again on Oct. 11 at 1 p.m., the Capitol Encore Academy’s high school theatre company, New Fire Theatre Company will present a gothic double bill: Frankenstein and Dracula at 200 Mason Street.
Known for its fearless approach to classic texts and fun, New Fire has chosen two of the most iconic horror tales ever written and will bring them to life with the immediacy only live performance can deliver. The audience will sit mere feet away as Victor Frankenstein dares to play God and as Count Dracula prowls in the shadows.
Pairing Frankenstein with Dracula highlights the extraordinary breadth of 19th-century gothic imagination. Mary Shelley’s novel, published in 1818, wrestled with questions of science, morality and loneliness. Frankenstein will be presented more on the dramatic side of storytelling. Bram Stoker’s Dracula, published in 1897, terrified readers with its mix of sensuality, but New Fire presents this production as comedic parody. Seeing the two back-to-back in one evening (or afternoon) promises a visceral, spine-tingling and hilarious experience. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the door.
Then, just two weeks later, Frankenstein rises again with in the hands of Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro. The Cameo Art House Theatre will open the director’s long-awaited adaptation on October 24th.
Del Toro has described Shelley’s novel as one of his life’s touchstones and his new film is already being hailed as one of his most ambitious works. Starring Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein, Mia Goth as Elizabeth, and Jacob Elordi as the Creature, the movie is a 2-hour-and-29-minute descent into obsession, beauty and tragedy.
Unlike many past adaptations, del Toro’s film leans heavily into the novel’s emotional core. The Creature is not merely a monster but a tragic being, desperate for connection yet cast aside by his maker. In del Toro’s hands, expect lavish gothic imagery, aching humanity and the kind of haunting visuals that have defined his career.
As if a new blockbuster weren’t enough, the Cameo is also offering a chance to revisit the classic that defined horror cinema for generations. On Friday, Oct. 24 at 9:30 p.m., as part of the monthly Fourth Friday Fright Night, the theater will screen Frankenstein (1931), directed by James Whale and starring Boris Karloff.
This is the Frankenstein that set the template for nearly every horror film that followed. With Colin Clive as the tormented Dr. Henry Frankenstein and Karloff in his legendary turn as the Monster, the film captures both the terror and the pathos of Shelley’s tale. At just over an hour long, it remains eerie and remarkably powerful nearly a century after its release.
Audiences will once again watch as Frankenstein, aided by his hunchbacked assistant Fritz, assembles his Creature from stolen body parts and dares to bring it to life. The moment when Clive shouts, “It’s alive!” remains one of the most electrifying.
Seeing the film on the big screen is a rare opportunity to appreciate its groundbreaking makeup and Karloff’s unforgettable performance. It also provides the perfect counterpoint to del Toro’s new film: one shows us where the legend began, the other where it might go next.
Fayetteville has a history of telling the story of Frankenstein including live performances by Gilbert Theater’s Young Frankenstein and Yellow Beanie’s Frankenstein. Both productions were groundbreaking hits. So, if you missed them or just enjoy the story told in new ways, check them out this year. It’s a rare chance to see how legends are born, reborn and reimagined, right here in our own community.

The Lexington Plantation neighborhood is set to welcome the community to its annual Fall Market on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This family-friendly event promises a festive afternoon filled with shopping, food, and activities for all ages—rain or shine.
More than 70 local vendors from Lexington Plantation, North Ridge, and surrounding areas will showcase their talents and small businesses. Shoppers can browse a wide variety of handmade goods, including jewelry, home décor, woodwork, and 3D-printed items, as well as baked goods, homemade jams, honey, and custom apparel. Several food trucks will also be on-site, and pet lovers can look forward to adoption opportunities through local rescues.
Children will have plenty to enjoy in the Kid Zone, which will feature a holiday-themed scavenger hunt. By collecting stamps from vendor booths, kids can earn a prize bag full of goodies. A dedicated DIY craft station will allow children to make their own Thanksgiving candle, while games and activities will keep the fun going. Families can also gather for free Bingo sessions, open to all ages.
One of the market’s featured vendors is Paratrooper’s Chocolate Bar, a bakery founded by local entrepreneur Jazlyn Ortiz. Her menu reflects a blend of cultures, offering American, Mexican, and Dubai-inspired desserts. Among her most popular creations is the Dubai Chocolate Brownie, a rich and fudgy treat layered with kataifi crunch, milk chocolate sauce, and pistachio butter drizzle. Ortiz says her goal is not only to satisfy a sweet tooth but also to leave guests with a lasting memory of supporting a small, homegrown business.
What sets the Lexington Plantation Fall Market apart from other events, Ortiz notes, is its strong sense of community. The hosts are renowned for their high organization and commitment to supporting local makers, with excellent communication, vendor spotlights, and targeted promotional efforts. Vendor fees are donation-based, with proceeds benefiting Second Chance Ranch Rescue, ensuring the market also gives back to the community.
Beyond shopping and sweets, the Fall Market offers something more valuable: the opportunity for neighbors to gather, families to bond, and small businesses to shine.
As Ortiz put it, “These markets definitely allow families to come out and spend quality time together. It’s the only neighborhood I’ve lived in that hosts something this big.”
The Lexington Plantation Fall Market is located at 1407 Carnsmore Drive. With shopping, food, kids’ activities, and a welcoming atmosphere, this fall market is set to be one of the season’s most anticipated events.

Cape Fear Regional Theatre is heading downtown, down to Skid Row. No, they aren’t moving to a new location-they are still holding court at 1707 Owen Drive as their home building on Hay Street is undergoing extensive renovations. They are taking us to Mushnik’s Flower Shop in the cult favorite musical, Little Shop of Horrors. From Oct. 23 through Nov. 16, make your way to the theatre to experience the thrilling tale of the alien, man-eating plant, and a love story that blooms in an unlikely place.
This production features a phenomenally talented cast of familiar faces and new friends. Deon Releford-Lee stars as Seymour Krelborn, the orphan whose love of strange plants gets him in some sticky situations. Releford-Lee got his start on the Cape Fear Regional stage in the 2014 production of Return to the Forbidden Planet. Since then, he has done theatre all over the world, including on Broadway as the understudy for Ike in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. He says that “coming here [to CFRT] feels like a homecoming.”
Seymour has three significant relationships in the play: with the cranky yet lovable Mr. Mushnik; with his co-worker and not-so-secret crush, Audrey; and with the mysterious plant that appears after a “total eclipse of the sun” that he affectionately names Audrey II.
It is clear that Seymour has had a tough life; Mr. Mushnik found him in an orphanage and isn’t exactly the most ideal example of what a loving father should be. But, according to Marc de la Concha, CFRT’s Education Director and frequent stage presence, Mushnik clearly has a soft spot for both his employees, Audrey and Seymour. He has given Seymour a home and a purpose and a sense of what a family might be like.
Audrey (the human one) is more than just an object of Seymour’s fancy. He looks out for her; he wants her to be safe and happy. He has fallen in love with her, but is also inspired by her. In Audrey, Seymour sees what life could be beyond Skid Row. She is a shop assistant alongside Seymour, and Mr. Mushnik has a soft spot for her as well. Plagued by a string of bad relationships, Audrey finds herself attached to an abusive boyfriend, a dentist who loves nothing more than to inflict pain. The story of Seymour and Audrey’s blossoming love is the tender center point of an otherwise darkly hilarious tale.
Then there is Audrey II. Very different in every way from its namesake, Audrey II is the villain we all love to hate and hate to love. Traditionally, the plant is represented by puppets of varying sizes, indicating how it grows throughout the show; the final version is massive. CFRT’s iteration of Audrey II will be different from what has been seen in past productions on film and onstage. Director Mary Kate Burke didn’t give any more details so as not to ruin the surprise. But there is no doubt that the Audrey II we will encounter in this production will be hilariously manipulative, nasty, but oh-so-entertaining.
Another feature of CFRT’s production that audiences will love is the choreography by Tyce Diorio. Returning to CFRT for his fourth project, Diorio is as accomplished as he is talented. His stellar career kicked off by touring with Janet Jackson and appearing in several of her videos and projects. He has also worked as a dancer and choreographer with the likes of Taylor Swift and Brandon Urie. Burke states that she loves working with Tyce because he is “kind and discerning while being exacting at the same time. He could do other things, but he loves it here so much; he makes the time to come from LA to Fayetteville to tell really incredible stories.”
The talented people are reason enough to make plans to see Little Shop of Horrors at CFRT, but the stage will do some heavy lifting in this show as well. Burke shares the space at 1707 Owen Drive is really well-suited for this show in particular. Having the whole audience so close to the stage provides a unique vantage point and will feel almost immersive. The proximity of the audience to the stage allows the director to incorporate some elements into Little Shop that will lend to its horror-movie aesthetic, not in a way that is truly scary, but in a way that intensifies its thrilling elements. No specific details are provided, as there will be lots of surprises in store. Even if you have seen Little Shop of Horrors recently, this production promises to be unique. To quote Burke, “it’s not your mama’s Little Shop!”
The timing of the production is intentional as well, with the show running right in the middle of the spooky season. While the show certainly has horror-movie elements — human-eating monster, a sadistic dentist, need we say more? — it is also full of funny moments, high-energy music, and campy nostalgia.
The theatre is offering a special discount for certain seats at this performance. The theatre’s temporary home in a former ballroom is arranged in a less traditional way, referred to as a thrust stage. In a thrust, the audience is arranged on three sides of the stage, instead of all on one side as is CFRT’s home stage. This arrangement provides great, unique perspectives of the action onstage. In an effort to help those who are less familiar with this arrangement appreciate its benefits, CFRT is offering those seats at a discount. Fear not, though; you are still guaranteed a great experience, whether you sit to the side or at the center of the audience.
As always, CFRT works to make theatre accessible to as many people as possible. The schedule includes Military and Educator Appreciation nights (Oct. 29 and Oct. 31, respectively), with a 25% discount for those who apply. Discounts are offered for military, educators, students, and seniors at every performance. Tickets can be purchased at cfrt.org or by calling the box office at 910-323-4233. Don’t wait, though; tickets for this show are selling fast!

(Top Photo: Emily Norah Samuelson plays Audrey in the upcoming Cape Fear Regional Theatre production of Little Shop of Horrors.
Bottom Photo: Jasmyne Simpkins, who plays the character Ronnette, practices during a table read for Little Shop of Horrors. Photos courtesy of Cape Fear Regional Theatre’s Facebook page)

For the past quarter-century, the Cameo Art House Theatre has been a cultural cornerstone in downtown Fayetteville. It has been a gathering place, an artistic haven and a cherished home for lovers of cinema. The Cameo will officially enter a new chapter in its celebrated history in January 2026, a nonprofit organization under a new name: CAMEO Collective.
This transformation not only ensures the preservation of the theater’s legacy but also lays the groundwork for a bold new vision. A vision that embraces live performances, arts education, community programming and inclusive access to the arts.
“The three founders didn’t just open the doors of the Cameo, they set a standard of excellence through their leadership and stewardship and kept it growing for 25 years,” said Brian Adam Kline, Artistic Director of the new CAMEO Collective. “The spirit of the Cameo is still very much alive and now it has room to grow in many creative directions.”
The Cameo’s Legacy: A 25-Year Love Letter to Fayetteville
Since its founding in 2000 by Chris and Nasim Kuenzel, with support from Eric Lindstrom, the Cameo Art House Theatre has provided something rare and irreplaceable in southeastern North Carolina: a space dedicated to independent and international cinema. In an age of megaplexes and blockbusters, the Cameo stood for stories that were quiet, bold, weird, human and always thoughtful.
Under the Kuenzels’ guardianship, the Cameo became more than just a movie house. It was a conversation space, a date night destination or a place where new generations watched the classics. Film festivals like Indigo Moon and Local Shorts found a natural home here and local filmmakers saw their work on the big screen..
From Art House to Art Hub
With the introduction of CAMEO Collective, the building at 225 Hay Street is evolving into something broader and more multifaceted: a nonprofit arts center with a mission to inspire through storytelling, performance and education.
“We’re building something Fayetteville has never quite had before, a true arts collective in the heart of downtown,” said Kline. “Film will always be our foundation along with community favorites like live music, comedy and now we’re thinking about immersive theater, live music, visual art and education all under one roof.”
A Partnership with the Capitol Encore Academy High School’s all new Department of Cinematic and Theatrical Arts has been established.
“This program will give students the opportunity for hands-on filmmaking classes in acting, directing, cinematography, editing and film theory. Students will have the opportunity to show their films on the big screen. We plan to offer Saturday classes for adults and summer camps in the future as well,” said Kline.
“When I was a teenager, I learned to edit on borrowed cameras from my school library and made movies in my backyard,” said Kline. “Imagine what today’s kids could do with access to gear, training and a screening venue like Cameo Collective.”
Cameo Collective will continue to host live performances including concerts, stand-up comedy, local theater productions and open mic nights.
Why Non-Profit?
For years, the Cameo operated as a private enterprise, supported almost entirely by ticket sales, concessions and the devotion of its patrons. But the shifting economics of independent cinema, especially post-pandemic, combined with the rising cost of operations led Kline to found Cameo Collective with seven founding board members including Jenny DeViere, Gerard Falls, Ashanti Bennett, Adrienne Trego, Ayana Washington, Michelle Downey and Angela Williams. James Throssel serves as Managing Director with Kline as AD.
“Becoming a nonprofit means we can dream bigger and serve wider,” said Kline. “It allows us to apply for grants, accept tax-deductible donations and focus on our mission.”
The Launch Fundraiser
To celebrate the Cameo Collective’s official launch, a special fundraiser event is in the works. The evening will provide themed entertainment, elegant refreshments, silent auction items and opportunities to become a founding donor.
The date and details will be announced soon. Tickets will be available online and at the box office.
How to Support
For those eager to help immediately, donations are already being accepted through multiple channels:
In Person: Speak to a staff member in the Cameo lobby at 225 Hay Street.
By Mail: Send checks payable to CAMEO Collective, 225 Hay Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301
Online: Visit www.cameoarthouse.com or email brian@cameoarthouse.com
Donors will receive special acknowledgments and updates and larger gifts may include recognition in the theater’s donor wall and promotional materials.
“Every small contribution helps big,” said Kline. “They help keep the lights on and the screen and events rolling. They help us say yes to ideas we couldn’t have considered before.”
The Road Ahead
As the curtain rises on this new phase, the message is clear: CAMEO Collective belongs to the community now more than ever. It is a gift from the past and a promise to the future.
“For a quarter-century, the Cameo has helped us see the world differently—through light and shadow, through laughter and tears,” said Kline. “Now, as CAMEO Collective, we’re inviting everyone to be part of the story.”
For updates on the Launch Fundraiser Event, programming, and volunteer opportunities, visit www.cameoarthouse.com or follow @cameoarthouse on social media.
About CAMEO Collective:
CAMEO Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in downtown Fayetteville, NC. Its mission is to foster creativity and community through film, live performance, education and the visual arts. Located at 225 Hay Street.

(Photo by James Throssel)

So much of the work done at Cape Fear Valley Plastic Surgery is intended simply to help patients love what they see in the mirror. But not every transformation is purely cosmetic—many are rooted in a serious medical necessity .
That was the case for Meagan Deitz. Before her surgery, she had already experienced a major physical transformation: dropping from 280 pounds to 165.
That too was for more than cosmetic reasons. Deitz had decided to take action when her sister, Kayla, died at just 28 from a sudden cardiomyopathy.
“Heart issues run in my family, along with weight struggles,” she said. “I needed to do something.”
She focused on her diet and committed to a habit of 10,000 steps a day, and in just over a year, she had dropped more than 100 pounds.
But her lighter frame came with a new problem. The rapid weight loss had left her with loose skin, including an overhang of excess skin and fat called an abdominal pannus. She developed hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a condition in which skin-to-skin friction can lead to painful bumps and sores that become infected. The wounds often reemerge after healing or don’t heal at all.
Deitz’s HS was about as bad as it gets: Stage 3, with deep wounds that had to be packed routinely to support healing and reduce pain. The discomfort interfered with her daily life, including time spent with her son, Lucas, who is now 5.
“It was the worst feeling,” she said. “I was super depressed all the time. I was not able to move around a whole lot, and I felt like I was missing out on a lot of my son’s life.”
After trying several medications with no real success, Deitz’s primary care provider suggested a panniculectomy—a surgery to remove the hanging skin and fat on her abdomen. That led her to Leif Nordberg, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon whose expertise ranges from facial cosmetic surgery to post-mastectomy breast reconstruction and beyond.
“The entire experience with Dr. Nordberg was amazing,” she said. “His whole team, really. I felt happy to go there, and I never felt rushed. They took their time, even if I kept them for 10 extra minutes just asking questions.”
After some time to get the insurance authorizations settled, Deitz had the surgery in December of last year. She felt some trepidation going in, but by the end of that day, she was resting comfortably at home.
“I wouldn’t say it was pain-free,” she said, “but the recovery was significantly better than any other surgery I’ve ever had. Going home the same day, and being with my son and my husband instead of being stuck in the hospital, was amazing.”
By March, she was cleared to resume all physical activity, including a weightlifting routine to strengthen her new body. And she found it easier than ever to keep up with little Lucas.
“He is super energetic,” she said. “Before the surgery, I was barely able to lift him because of the pain. He’s so much happier now that I can do more things with him.”
And although her surgery was not purely for cosmetic reasons, Deitz is pleased with how she looks after a few months of healing.
“My biggest shock was the scar,” she said. “It looks amazing, considering the size of the incision I had to have. I’m so happy with it.”
Deitz said she was surprised to get a referral to plastic surgery, but the results have been beyond her expectations.
“Even my husband has noticed, my mood has been so much happier,” she said. “I want to live a long life for my son, and that is probably the biggest freedom the surgery has given me.”

(Photo courtesy of Cape Fear Valley Health)

My father was a lifelong Fayetteville resident. He, like millions of other American men, was drafted into the United States Army. All were changed by their service with fellow soldiers from vastly different places, with different points of view and different ways of life. My father’s military friends included a businessman from the garment district in New York City, a midwestern corn farmer, and someone from New Orleans whose background I never knew. They would never have crossed paths without shared service, but they nurtured these friendships throughout their lives, with shared experiences and a love of our nation being the glue holding them together.
We are now a divided nation, with few common experiences, military or otherwise. Today, although it does not feel this way in our community, less than 1 percent of Americans are on active military duty, and many Americans do not know anyone serving or who has served. Military service is no longer a common experience.
Both talking heads and everyday Americans see that we are now either red or blue, with only a tad of purple. We all wave the American flag, then take it home, and lock our doors and our minds. We watch programs and read publications that reflect our world views back to us, and we associate with people who think like us and avoid people who do not. People, unlike us, are now “the other,” with all of us spinning off into our own orbits.
Increasingly, I see mandatory national service for young Americans as a way to provide a common experience at the beginning of adulthood, a formative time of life in all societies. It could take many different forms with a year or so of service by all able young Americans, including military, educational, health-care related, environmental, agricultural, social, or cultural. It could include existing organizations like Teach for America, Americorps, and other national, regional, and local organizations. Such service could point young people in career directions. Options are fluid and endless.
The point is not what our young people do but that they do something both for themselves and for their country. The point is that young people pause and think not so much about themselves as about their communities and our nation. The point is that we remix and spread our national glue, creating common experiences and bonds for future generations like the ones my father’s generation treasured.
None of this would be easy, of course.
Critics of the notion cite individual liberty concerns. Some say the burden of service could fall disproportionately on disadvantaged young people, as the draft did when it was the law of the land. And then there is the cost and the bureaucracy required to administer such a large national program. In addition, some fear broad mandatory service could hurt military requirements. Each of these is a valid concern, but 10 European nations already require military service by men, and several encourage women to serve, with others moving toward conscription for women. Nations elsewhere in the world require non-military service, and Great Britain and France are both working on similar programs for teenagers.
In other words, we are a bit late to this party.
Like many other Americans, I fear for the future of our nation and believe to my core that we must find common ground, work for common goals, and see each other for what we are, Americans. This matters less for older Americans, but it matters enormously for our young people.
If we cannot, or if we do not, I fear that poet W. E. Yeats will be right—-that “the centre cannot hold.”

I’m recommending to all my friends—Democrats and Republicans alike—that they read former Senator Joe Manchin’s new book, Dead Center: In Defense of Common Sense.
It’s a compelling and timely reminder that in politics, listening, compromise, cooperation, and civility are essential to progress. Sadly, these qualities are becoming increasingly rare at every level of government.
For nearly 30 years, my focus has remained squarely on the quality of life in Fayetteville and Cumberland County, with a consistent emphasis on leadership in local government. Unfortunately, this past week has not been our proudest moment.
On Sept. 29, a video went viral showing a female supporter of Mayor Mitch Colvin verbally attacking a female poll worker for mayoral candidate Mario Benavente. The barrage of obscenities was shocking, and the confrontation escalated to the point where the abused poll worker charged the aggressor with intent to cause bodily harm. Thankfully, Benavente intervened and restrained her, preventing physical violence. This behavior is totally unbecoming of our local Democrats.
However, not to be outdone, Cumberland County Republicans hosted their own “fight night” on Oct. 2 at Peter Pappas’ converted Baldino’s restaurant, now the Republican Resource Center on Owen Drive. There, two factions of the local GOP exchanged insults and accusations, exposing their internal divisions and contradictory agendas. These are the same individuals who organize prayer vigils and solidarity marches in honor of Turning Point founder Charlie Kirk, while shamelessly promoting his doctrine. Unfortunately, they “talk the talk” but fail to “walk the walk.”
Thursday evening may well have been their own “turning point,” as two prominent GOP women—Cumberland County GOP Board Member Laura Mussler and Calista Cuevas, local director of Moms for Liberty—engaged in a heated exchange that turned physical and ended with police intervention and both parties filing misdemeanor assault charges against one another. You can read the full account of the melee in Paul Woolverton’s October 3rd article in CityView. Spoiler alert: it reads like a supermarket tabloid. Both women are scheduled to appear before a judge in November. One can’t help but imagine Judge Judy presiding.
These incidents are just two recent examples of the toxic discourse plaguing politics today. There’s no communication, no empathy, no willingness to listen or compromise. It’s become a race for power and control, rather than a pursuit of public service..
“It’s not about power—it’s about people. Civility, compromise, and common sense must return to the center of our politics.”
A recent poll found that 82% of Americans believe political discourse has gone too far and that both major parties have become too extreme—abandoning the common-sense middle ground.
We’re seeing this firsthand in Fayetteville and Cumberland County, and that’s why this Nov. 7, we must vote for candidates who prioritize humanity, civility, and cooperation. Our future depends on it.
This being said, I strongly recommend to everyone who loves our community, state, and nation to:

Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weeklycommunity newspaper.

This October, audiences will see a very different side of one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Beginning Oct. 3, the Cameo Art House Theatre will debut The Smashing Machine, a gripping new sports drama starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as mixed martial arts legend Mark Kerr.
Far removed from Johnson’s usual action-packed blockbusters, this film is being hailed as a career-defining performance that strips away the star’s larger-than-life persona and reveals his most vulnerable work to date.
Directed by Benny Safdie, best known for co-directing the acclaimed Uncut Gems and Good Time, the film traces the turbulent life of Mark Kerr, one of the most dominant yet troubled fighters in mixed martial arts history. Kerr rose to prominence in the late 1990s as a two-time UFC heavyweight tournament champion. With a background in wrestling and a ferocious fighting style, he earned the nickname “The Smashing Machine”, a name that carried both glory and burden.
Outside the cage, Kerr faced painful battles with addiction, personal demons and the pressure of living up to his reputation.
Safdie’s past films have dived deep into complexity, painting a portrait of triumph and collapse, resilience and fragility. And this film’s center Dwayne Johnson, who I didn’t even recognize when I first saw the trailer, puts aside his Hollywood polished image to embody the grit of a man defined as much by his struggles as by his victories. Just like Safdie’s Uncut Gems, Adam Sandler doesn’t appear to be the same ol’ Adam Sandler.
Johnson’s Boldest Transformation
Audiences may know Johnson as the charming powerhouse who dominates franchises like Fast & Furious, Jumanji and Black Adam. He’s built a career on charisma, comedic timing and the physicality that once made him a household name in professional wrestling. But in The Smashing Machine, all of that is stripped away, supposedly.
Johnson underwent a rigorous physical transformation, not just through training, but also by embracing prosthetics that altered his face and physique. Early promotional stills shocked fans; he appeared heavier, wearier, almost broken, far from the superheroic presence of his blockbuster roles.
In interviews I’ve seen, Johnson admitted that the process was frightening.
“It was scary to step away from everything I’ve built and be this vulnerable,” he said. “But Mark Kerr’s story demanded honesty. It demanded that I disappear into him.”
That honesty paid off. At the film’s premiere at the Venice Film Festival earlier this month, Johnson broke down in tears as the audience gave the film a 15-minute standing ovation, one of the longest of the festival. Critics immediately began praising the performance as a revelation, calling it the most profound work of his career.
A Story Beyond the Ring
While The Smashing Machine features fight sequences, it isn’t simply a sports film. The real drama lies in the quiet, painful moments away from the cage. Johnson’s Kerr struggles with substance abuse, with the weight of fame and with the strain on his marriage to Dawn Staples, played by Emily Blunt.
The film explores their relationship with unflinching detail. The love, the disappointments and the emotional cost of a life spent chasing dominance. Blunt’s performance has been singled out as a crucial counterpart to Johnson’s, grounding the story in human stakes rather than athletic ones.
Adding to the authenticity are appearances by real combat sports icons such as Bas Rutten, a close friend and former training partner of Kerr and boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk. Their presence lends credibility to the film’s depictions of the MMA world and blurs the line between fiction and documentary.
Safdie’s Distinctive Style
Director Benny Safdie brings his trademark intensity to the project. Known for capturing the raw energy of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances, Safdie avoids glossy cinematography in favor of something closer to documentary realism. Handheld cameras, long takes and natural lighting immerse the viewer in his films.
Critical Acclaim and Awards Buzz
Critics are already comparing the film to classic character studies like Raging Bull.
Since its Venice debut, The Smashing Machine has been generating serious awards chatter. With an 89% Rotten Tomatoes score and glowing early reviews, Johnson is being mentioned as a potential contender for Best Actor during awards season.
GQ described the film as “the first great Dwayne Johnson movie,” while Vanity Fair noted that Johnson “disappears into the role in a way few thought possible.” For a performer who has long been seen as a charismatic entertainer rather than a dramatic actor, the shift is monumental.
Showtimes and Ticket Information
The Smashing Machine opens at the Cameo Art House Theatre on Oct. 3. Showtimes and tickets will be available on the theater’s website at cameoarthouse.com. Given the film’s acclaim and buzz, seats are expected to fill quickly.

The Crown will soon come alive with the sounds of skates scraping the ice, pucks being shot into nets and fans cheering on their team as the Marksmen’s 2025-26 season starts, Oct. 18.
The Marksmen finished in fifth place in the Southern Professional Hockey League’s regular season, sending them to the 2025 playoffs. The team hopes to continue their success and do it again.
“Our success comes from a combination of things,” said Andrea Barr, social media coordinator for the team. “First and foremost, having a dedicated and consistent coaching staff and hockey operations. Amongst all the changes to players in a league like ours, you must have leaders at the helm who think about the bigger picture and plan for long-term success. Also, we’ve been lucky enough to welcome a vast array of talented hockey players to Fayetteville over the last few years, but really, we attribute that to working on building a culture that players want to be a part of. From the rink (Crown), to player apartments, to the golf, restaurants, and attractions that make up our community - and we can’t forget the FANS! – That is what draws players to want to be a Marksmen.”
The team has been around for over two decades, although the name and ownership have changed throughout that time. Originally the Force, then the FireAntz, the team has been a staple in the community for 25 years.
“Hockey has a long history in Fayetteville,” Barr said. “The Marksmen officially began in 2017 when current owner and CEO Chuck Norris, a U.S. Army Veteran who served here at Fort Bragg, purchased the team. This upcoming season marks our ninth season here in Fayetteville, and our eighth season on the ice (COVID).”
Fans of the team can anticipate the regular season excitement they’ve come to experience with the Marksmen. From themed nights to jersey giveaways and new merchandise, to skating with the team after games, fans will be able to get in on the action with their favorite local hockey team.
“We can’t give away too many secrets just yet, but we’re really excited about this season’s specialty jerseys! On top of that, we’ll be rolling out brand-new merchandise throughout the year, so there will be plenty of fresh gear to rep the Marksmen,” Barr said. “One thing we can share is that we’re introducing an exclusive Season Ticket Holder merchandise line, giving our most loyal fans something extra special to show off their pride around the Sandhills this year.”
Marksmen hockey isn’t just about the fans coming to watch the team play, however. The entire team believes in supporting the community and growing the game. Barr said the team will continue to run youth clinics in the spring and fall called “Mini Marksmen.” These clinics are designed for players aged 4-17, where they can learn to play or sharpen their skills with the Marksmen players.
“We also work with groups in our areas to host tournaments, both on ice and on cement – called ‘ball hockey’, as well as host ‘Mites on Ice’, where local youth skaters play a small game during intermission at one of our Marksmen home games. Supporting the next generation of hockey players is something we’re proud to continue this season and beyond,” she said.
The season will start on Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. at the Crown. The Marksmen will be facing off against the Knoxville Ice Bears. Tickets can be found at https://marksmenhockey.com/schedule/. The team will then have the next two weekends as away games before coming back on Nov. 1 against the Roanoke Railyard Dogs. The Nov. 1 game is also Dia de los Muertos night, and a jersey auction for the special Los Zorros game jerseys will be held after the game.
Barr mentioned that skating with the players will be held after every Saturday night home game and a few select holiday games. The full schedule can be seen on their website.
As for Barr and the Marksmen, they are excited for the puck to drop.
“Personally, I’m most excited to see the Crown Coliseum full of smiles and energy again. There’s nothing like the adrenaline rush of fans cheering—whether it’s for a goal, a big hit, the DJ playing a favorite song, or even winning a promotional game. That atmosphere is what makes game nights so special,” she said. “As an organization, we can’t wait to welcome everyone back and create those unforgettable moments that keep people returning year after year. Our goal is always to deliver more than just hockey—we want every fan to leave with memories that last a lifetime.”

Harnett County residents Kristi Bennett and Aric Allen are bringing Hounds Town, a national doggie daycare, boarding and spa brand, to Fayetteville this fall. The Fayetteville location on Ramsey St. will be the seventh one in the state. The grand opening date is to be announced, but the couple plans to introduce the concept at the Haymount Festival, where they’ll share services, pre-opening sign-ups and opening promotions.
Bennett and Allen said they chose Hounds Town for its proven behavior-first model and decades of canine-management expertise.
“We didn’t want to reinvent the wheel,” the owners said in a statement, adding that the franchise’s straightforward operations and emphasis on dog psychology made the brand the right fit for the market. The couple, whose household includes a U.S. Navy veteran, said the area’s large population of service members and shift workers also influenced their decision to offer extended hours.
Billed as a “town designed just for dogs,” Hounds Town locations provide fully interactive doggie daycare, overnight boarding and pet spa services. The Fayetteville site will feature expansive play areas for all-day, off-leash socialization; large luxury suites for overnight stays; and a day spa with bathing services. Dogs are grouped by size, temperament and play style to foster safe, natural pack behavior. Boarding guests play during the day and rest in private suites at night, with optional spa add-ons before checkout.
The founders of Hounds Town built the system on professional canine experience: the brand’s creator is a former New York City Police Officer who helped launch the NYPD’s canine unit, later served as the department’s Canine Training Officer and is a retired U.S. Navy veteran. Bennett and Allen are confident that pedigree, combined with the franchise’s straightforward operations, gave them confidence that they could deliver a safer, smarter experience for local pets.
“It’s a proven model that works,” they said.
Bennett and Allen said their decision to open in Fayetteville grew from dissatisfaction with current options.
“We weren’t happy with the services available,” they said. “Families deserve an all-inclusive place that puts dogs first, from structured social play to boarding and grooming, and that also works for real-world schedules.”
Marketing for the new location will be led, at least in spirit, by the couple’s basset hound Lola, affectionately dubbed the Head Hound in Charge and “marketing officer.” Lola will appear at community events and in social-media updates as the franchise builds relationships with local shelters, rescue groups and small businesses.
At the Haymount Festival this fall, the team plans to outline first-day procedures, including temperament assessments that ensure each dog lands in an appropriate play group. Staff will take pre-opening reservations for evaluations and distribute information on vaccination requirements, safety protocols and planned hours. Pricing and specific opening-week specials will be announced closer to launch.
Hounds Town’s approach centers on simplicity for pet parents and enrichment for dogs. The brand emphasizes continuous, supervised play over rotational kenneling, which it says produces calmer behavior at pickup and better overall health. Daily communication, optional report cards and guidance on at-home enrichment are part of the Fayetteville plan, the owners said. They also intend to offer extended morning and evening hours designed for commuters, hospital staff and military families.
As the seventh Hounds Town in North Carolina, the Fayetteville franchise will add capacity for a fast-growing region.
Residents can meet the team at the Haymount Festival, follow along on social media and sign up for grand-opening updates and exclusive offers. The opening date will be announced after final inspections are complete. Until then, the owners say, Lola will keep doing what she does best: greeting new friends, sniffing out photo ops and reminding the community that a wagging tail remains the best marketing there is.

When Rocky Dimico started Flights and Fables, a Fayetteville-area travel agency, they had one goal in mind: to help travelers step into the worlds they’d always dreamed about, from the rolling hills of New Zealand’s Lord of the Rings filming locations to the cobblestone streets of Europe’s fairy-tale towns.
That imaginative approach is paying off. At this year’s WORLD25 Lone Star Gala, held on Sept. 18, Dimico was honored with two of the organization’s top awards: the Sales Innovation Award and the Monarch Agency of Excellence Award.
The Sales Innovation Award recognizes a travel entrepreneur with the most creative sales and marketing strategies, from unique campaigns to new ways of reaching niche audiences.
The Monarch Agency of Excellence Award is given to agencies that demonstrate outstanding achievement and support of WorldVia Travel Network’s preferred and strategic partner suppliers, programs, products, events, community, and core values. Out of nearly 3,900 agencies, only 30 received this distinction in 2025.
“Winning both of these awards is an incredible honor,” said Dimico. “I’ve worked hard to build a travel agency that’s not only innovative but also deeply personal. These awards recognize my amazing clients and partners who trust me to bring their travel dreams to life.”
Flights and Fables specializes in fantasy-themed travel, trips inspired by beloved books, films, and legends, as well as curated journeys to Europe, New Zealand, Japan, and river cruise destinations.
Dimico’s passion for creating immersive experiences has set the agency apart nationally while serving clients locally in the Fayetteville and Raleigh areas.
For more information about Flights and Fables, visit www.flightsandfables.com or contact Rocky Dimico at rocky@flightsandfables.com or 984-977-8482.

(Photo courtesy of Flights and Fables’ Facebook page)

If you’re familiar with David Crowder, one characteristic will stand out above all others – and no, it’s not the epic beard, despite it being a great accompaniment to his old-school dark-rimmed glasses and high-top sneakers. No, it’s that he’s the personification of the first half of Proverbs 15:13 (KJV): “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance…” He’s always smiling. Crowder is disarmingly personable, doesn’t take himself too seriously, and humbly considers himself as utilitarian rather than a Christian music phenom. You get the feeling he is not simply content, but genuinely joyful with a kid-like eagerness to make music that points to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. He refers to it as the Jimmy Buffett effect.
Each song Jimmy Buffett did, he, in some way, transported his listeners to flip-flops and a beach. Each song Crowder creates or performs must also bring his listeners to the same place, a place where we know we’re all sinners, but if we give our lives to God and recognize that Jesus died so we could not only live, but live in total freedom, we already are free. The freedom is release from fear, from sadness and from the crushing weight of guilt and shame. Crowder proves that not only can that be done and done well, but that it can be done in wildly different but equally beautiful ways. If you don’t like cookie-cutter, all-sounds-the-same, messaging-isn’t-right Christian music, Crowder is definitely your guy.
So many types of music present themselves in Crowder’s work that it’s futile to even try to pigeonhole it. When he first started making music for a church as a junior attending Baylor University in Waco, Texas, he felt a great weight to get it right. He wanted to ensure that every song the David Crowder* Band played represented biblical truths and enriched the hearer’s relationship with God. Lyrics that sounded nice, but that missed the point of Jesus’ truths, might provide a false sense of comfort at the cost of true salvation. So, Crowder reasoned that old-time hymns had been around a long time and were fully vetted. He started there.
Even now, nearly 30 years later, Crowder will often play a hymn. For example, his rendition of “Come Thou Fount” on the David Crowder* Band’s “All I Can Say” album is invigorating. Then he’ll switch to something like “Child of God” from Crowder’s “I Know A Ghost” album, which is “swampy,” full of handclapping, foot-stopping, banjo-fiddle-mandolin Appalachian porch music.
But he’s also appreciative of the artistry within the Christian hip hop community. The David Crowder Band* collaborated with Lecrea on “Shadows” for the 2011 “Passion: Here for You” live album, and electric bassist JR Collins appeared on Crowder’s hard-charging “Higher Power” from the “Milk and Honey Tour” album. Then he’s working with Zach Williams to put out the decidedly country single “Still” with accompanying day-on-the-water video. He’s sung a mountainy, pared-down version of “My Sweet Lord” with Emmylou Harris for the “Neon Steeple” album. In other words, his music spans all audiences, just like Jesus talking to all peoples.
David Wallace Crowder was born in Texarkana, Texas, 54 years ago this coming November. He’s been married to his wife, Toni, an architect and interior designer, for over 25 years. They live in Atlanta, Ga. From an early age, he started tinkering on the piano, so his mother made him take lessons. He didn’t enjoy the experience, but he couldn’t know then how well it would serve him throughout his career. At seven, he devoted his life to the Lord through a simultaneously humorous and potentially traumatic set of circumstances.
The Gospel Music Association Dove Awards recognize outstanding achievements in the gospel and Christian music industries. Crowder’s “Grave Robber” (2024), “Higher Power” (2022) and “Wildfire” (2019) were all recognized for Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year. In 2017, Crowder received a Dove Award in the Short Form Video category for “Run Devil Run,” and in 2015, the “Neon Steeple” album received recognition for packaging.
Awards validate an artist’s creativity, but living a life that is free of fear and letting others know how joyous that is, is what being born again is all about. When the David Crowder* Band disbanded, Crowder faced life-altering uncertainty. He loved making music, but his wife, who had managed the band, expressed her desire to follow her own dreams of working in architecture and interior design.
Crowder didn’t know what to expect. The couple moved from Texas, where they’d always lived, to Atlanta, an upheaval that added to the angst. This season of not knowing what he was supposed to be doing prompted him to lean on God to work out what he couldn’t envision. If God could lead the Israelites through the wilderness, then clearly, he could guide the Crowders to what they needed to be doing. It turned out that God’s plan was perfectly, uniquely and personally detailed, not just for Toni, but for Crowder himself.
The couple ended up in the Cabbagetown section of Atlanta, a residential area for what were once employees of the Fulton Bag and Cotton Mills, established in the 1880s. Crowder began revisiting his childhood interest in bluegrass music. It turns out that Ralph Peer took recording equipment to this area of the city and began collecting the music he found there, including, much to his chagrin, the first known recording of “hillbilly” music.
In 1923, Peer recorded a song by Fiddling John Carson: “The Little Old Log Cabin in the Lane.” The Scots-Irish men and women, working the mill and stomping the grounds, would have been listening. The song was a huge success. And, it was recorded at the Nassau Street Studio, which was only about two miles from where the Crowders were now living on Carroll Street.
And that is how God works. Crowder determined that it was time to focus on his wife’s dreams. He was uprooted, unsure of the direction or how it would all work out, but in that process, God showed him that he’d had a plan for him, too, and that it dovetailed perfectly with his wife’s dreams. That’s grace, letting go to serve our spouses and being shown that God will guide us not only to be better husbands and wives, but that all along there’s a plan specifically designed for us, too.
Crowder will be performing Oct. 12 at the Crown Coliseum, 1960 Coliseum Drive, Fayetteville. Contemporary Christian worship band Passion Music and worship leader Kari Jobe Carnes and husband Cody Carnes are slated to warm up for Crowder. His pastor Louie Giglio will also take the stage. Attending the event supports Awakening Foundation, which provides meals, child sponsorship, and bible translations. For tickets, visit https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/the-grace-and-glory-tour

(Photo courtesy of Anna Deaton, Oak View Group/The Crown)

This fall, Fayetteville once again transforms into a nightmare realm of horror as Backwoods Terror Ranch makes its much-anticipated return. Hosted at Sweet Valley Ranch, this immersive haunted attraction invites thrill-seekers to step into the terrifying world of Dr. Frederick Surgeon, a man whose obsession with immortality and genetic manipulation plunged him into madness. From Oct. 3 through Nov. 1, visitors can brave three heart-stopping haunted attractions that promise to push fear to new limits.
The Legend of Dr. Surgeon
Let’s set the scene with the legend of Dr. Surgeon. The legend begins with Dr. Frederick Surgeon, a once-prominent plastic surgeon in Connecticut during the late 1800s. Known for pushing the boundaries of science, Surgeon’s unorthodox treatments eventually led to his exile from the medical community. Obsessed with eternal youth, he uprooted his family to Fayetteville, where he purchased a sprawling property, now known as Sweet Valley Ranch.
Here, Surgeon’s reputation as a visionary cloaked his darker pursuits: experiments in cross-species gene splicing, not only between animals but also between humans and beasts. As local suspicions mounted, he opened an asylum under the guise of caring for the mentally ill. The screams that echoed from his estate no longer drew concern; after all, who questions the cries of the insane?
But with failed experiments came mounting bodies, and the surgeon needed help concealing the evidence. Enter the Delamorte family, a sadistic clan from Texas who operated the property’s slaughterhouse. Together, Surgeon and the Delamortes wove a tapestry of horror that would haunt Fayetteville for generations.
Today, their legacy is resurrected in three chilling attractions that bring this dark history to life.
Sunnyside Sanctum
The journey into terror begins at Sunnyside Sanctum, once a towering institution intended to be both prison and sanctuary. Originally designed to house society’s most dangerous minds, the asylum eventually collapsed after a violent uprising. Patients seized control, forcing the surviving staff to flee and leaving the asylum in ruin.
Now, the Sanctum stands as a decaying labyrinth where the inmates have created their own twisted society. The air is thick with dread, and the walls seem to whisper warnings to those who dare enter. Each step through its crumbling halls heightens the risk of becoming a permanent resident. With its eerie history and unsettling atmosphere, Sunnyside Sanctum sets the stage for a night of relentless fear.
The Slaughterhouse
From there, guests are thrust into the grisly world of the Slaughterhouse, where the horrors of Surgeon’s failed experiments are laid bare. Once an abattoir for livestock, it became the Delamorte family’s gruesome workshop. Here, Surgeon’s hybrid creations, “huminals,” were butchered and sold alongside regular meat in local markets. But before the final round-up, these creatures revolted, massacring workers and escaping into the nearby woods.
Inside the Slaughterhouse, visitors encounter blood-soaked walls, chilling cries, and gruesome displays that force them to confront the true meaning of inhuman cruelty. The cries of victims echo through the dark corridors, and each room reveals disturbing scenes of torture, dismemberment, and forbidden science. For many, it’s an unforgettable experience, one that may leave them questioning their next meal.
The Dystopian Abyss
The terror culminates in The Dystopian Abyss, an outdoor haunted trail that plunges visitors into a nightmarish wasteland. This attraction blends psychological horror with relentless jump scares, ensuring that no moment feels safe. Tormented monsters lurk in the shadows, stalking guests as they wind their way through the abyss. The trail’s design disorients the senses, making it difficult to distinguish between reality and illusion.
Just when survivors think they’ve escaped, they stumble into Clownville, where sinister jesters with painted grins turn chaos into carnival-style terror. Every corner hides a new scare, and the clowns’ unpredictable antics keep guests constantly on edge. It’s a twisted finale that ensures your heart will still be racing long after you leave.
Backwoods Terror Ranch is open on select nights from Oct. 3 through Nov. 1:
• Oct. 3–4, 10–11, 17–18: 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Oct. 19 & 26: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Oct. 24–25, 31 & November 1: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Ticketing Options:
• General Admission (all three attractions): $40–$55 (depending on night)
• VIP Fast Pass: $60 (includes all three attractions, VIP parking, a souvenir tumbler with unlimited punch refills, and a lighted necklace)
Single Attraction Tickets:
• Slaughterhouse: $12–$15
• Sunnyside Sanctum: $14–$17
• Dystopian Abyss: $22–$25
The ranch is located at 2990 Sunnyside School Road. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate, though fast passes are recommended for peak nights. Purchase online tickets at https://backwoodsterrorranch.com/dates-times/
Why Backwoods Terror Ranch Stands Out
Unlike traditional haunted houses, Backwoods Terror Ranch offers a fully immersive storyline grounded in local lore. Every scream, set piece, and scare actor ties back to the legend of Dr. Surgeon, making the experience more cohesive and engaging than random jump scares. Each attraction is meticulously crafted to appeal to different fears. The variety ensures that no two screams are alike—and that everyone finds themselves tested at some point.
For those seeking a truly bone-chilling experience this Halloween season, Backwoods Terror Ranch delivers. It’s more than just a haunted house—it’s a deep dive into a terrifying legend brought vividly to life. The combination of immersive storytelling, high-quality set design, and dedicated scare actors ensures that each visit is unforgettable.
Whether you’re navigating the lawless halls of Sunnyside Sanctum, braving the gore-soaked Slaughterhouse, or surviving the twisted carnival of Clownville, one thing is certain: at Backwoods Terror Ranch, fear is guaranteed.
Gather your bravest friends, steel your nerves, and step into the nightmare. Just remember—once you enter Dr. Surgeon’s world, there’s no turning back.

Trap music, guided painting, free food, and conversations about mental health and self-expression—sounds like a fusion of the popular “paint & sip” and “trap karaoke” phenomena, doesn’t it? That’s exactly what it is! But it’s kid-friendly.
Picture a space where youth can spend the evening dabbling in grounding activities like freestyle painting, talking about what’s important to them, and participating in giveaways, all while live DJ vibes fill the room. That’s exactly what Molding Young Moguls, the youth services department of Community Outreach Advocates Resource and Referral Agency, has planned for youth who attend Beats & Brushes on Oct. 14.
“Our young people have real thoughts, feelings, and opinions about the things that affect them, and they deserve to be heard,” said program manager Brandy McGirt. “By giving them tools, resources, and safe spaces to express themselves, we can prevent crises and build a healthier, safer community for everyone. By building strong minds, we build strong future leaders.”
McGirt says she wants the community to know that strong mental health is just as important as physical health, and should never be seen as taboo. Instead of lecturing kids about their well-being or waiting for a crisis, Beats & Brushes keeps things accessible and fun with mental health and wellness tools “strategically embedded throughout the night.” She says their goal for the event is to “create a safe space where young people feel empowered to let down their walls, have fun and express themselves.” They’ll even have a licensed mental health professional present, providing resources and sharing a brief presentation.
Co-hosting the third annual Beats & Brushes are Alcohol & Drug Services and the Tia Hart Foundation. Molding Young Moguls often partners with a variety of organizations to host events, including their Community Easter Egg Hunt, Youth Talent Expo, and Freedom Day community cookout. Some youth members have even created recurring events such as Teen Talk Circle, an event formulated around the evidence-based Restorative Circles model. McGirt describes it as “an opportunity to address topics and events that affect their social and mental wellbeing in a judgement-free, positively affirming environment.”
With so many youth-centered events to choose from, why choose Beats & Brushes over any other? McGirt says attendees have so much fun, they don’t want to leave.
“Participants are always surprised at how much fun they have at these events! We have the toughest time getting people OUT the door at the end so we can clean up. Folks want to hang around to talk, recap and just continue to enjoy the atmosphere.”
Youth who attend wish they’d had resources like this sooner, according to McGirt.
“One of the most memorable comments I remember receiving was from a young adult who’d gone through the system who said, ‘I wish I had somebody like you 5 years ago. I know that would’ve helped me a lot,’” she shared.
Many youth want tools to deal with their mental health, but don’t know where to begin. Beats & Brushes brings them those tools.
It’s also about people who care for youth.
“This event is designed for everyone — whether you’re a parent, a teen, or a community member who cares about youth,” McGirt explained. “You’ll leave feeling uplifted, inspired, and connected. Plus, your presence shows our young people that their voices and well-being truly matter.”
“Come on out!” She encouraged attendees, “Our team can’t wait to meet you!”
Beats and Brushes will be held Monday, Oct. 14, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 270 New Freedom Church Road. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/47VNxHj

This October, history and the supernatural collide in Hallowe’en Revels: Séance and Secrets at the 1897 Poe House. Hosted in partnership with Sweet Tea Shakespeare, the immersive theatrical event promises an unforgettable evening of mystery, suspense, and Victorian-era intrigue. Performances will run Oct. 10 and 11 and 17 to 19, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The story unfolds in the elegant but eerie rooms of the historic Poe House, where audiences will meet Mrs. Poe, a grieving widow desperate to reconnect with her departed husband. To bridge the gap between the living and the dead, she seeks the help of Madame Graham, a celebrated medium whose talents—and tricks—have captivated the county. Guests are invited to step into a world of flickering candlelight, hushed whispers, and spiritual suspense as they participate in a séance that blurs the line between history and haunting.
More than just a ghost story, the production offers audiences a glimpse into the fascinating world of 19th-century spiritualism. In the Victorian era, séances, mediums, and supernatural investigations were popular social entertainments, rooted in both genuine grief and a cultural obsession with the afterlife. Hallowe’en Revels explores not only the allure of these practices but also the skepticism that arose as debunkers and scientists sought to expose fraudulent mediums. This rich historical context adds depth and authenticity to the chilling, interactive experience.
Each 45-minute performance takes place inside the 1897 Poe House itself, offering a rare chance to enjoy live theater within the walls of one of Fayetteville’s most iconic landmarks. With groups limited to just 15 people per show, the setting is intimate and atmospheric, ensuring that every creak of the floorboards and flicker of the lights adds to the tension.
Due to the space restrictions and the immersive nature of the performance, tickets must be purchased in advance for a specific time slot. Tickets are $12.51 and can be purchased online at https://tinyurl.com/42a8dnhh.
Guests are encouraged to arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the séance, as late arrivals will not be admitted once it begins. Visitors should also be prepared to walk, stand, and navigate stairs during the 45-minute experience.
For those seeking even more history, regular daytime tours of the Poe House are available, offering a detailed look at the home and the family who once lived there. For more information on tours, visit the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex website at https://museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov/.
This Halloween season, dare to cross the threshold of the Poe House—if you’re brave enough to discover what secrets the spirits may reveal.

The Cumberland County Golf Championship has long been a highlight on the local amateur golf calendar. It remains the county’s premier amateur golfing event, and the tradition continues for the 57th consecutive year as the area’s most talented golfers gather at Gates Four Golf & Country Club, October 10 through 12.
This tournament brings together men, women, and youth competitors for three days of challenging golf played under official USGA rules—the same standards that have defined the event since its inception in 1968.
The CCGC format includes 54 holes of stroke play for the men’s divisions and 36 holes for the women’s division. For the first time, the minimum age for tournament participation has been lowered from 16 to 15 to accommodate the growing number of talented young golfers in Cumberland County. The tournament committee made this decision after discontinuing the youth division, but wanted to provide younger players with the experience, challenge, and opportunity to compete alongside adults.
Tournament Director Bill Bowman noted the Championship Flight is determined after the first 36 holes, meaning younger players could very well be included—giving seasoned competitors a run for their money. Their participation adds another exciting dimension to this year’s tournament and reflects a commitment to both tradition and progress. Bowman refers to these rising athletes as “the future of the CCGC.”
Tournament Format
The structure of the championship mirrors the rules and standards of the USGA. The men’s division, seniors, and super seniors will play 18 holes each day, totaling 54 holes of competition. The women’s division will play 36 holes on Saturday and Sunday. Each division will be flighted after 36 holes.
On Sunday, the Championship Flight will play from the Black Tees—the most challenging test Gates Four has to offer. This flight determines the 2025 Cumberland County Champion.
A Week of Tradition
The CCGC begins with a Welcome Champions’ Reception in the ballroom of Gates Four Golf & Country Club. Hosted by Gates Four, Healy Wholesale, Up & Coming Weekly, and tournament sponsors—with last year’s champion Chip Collins as the honored guest—this gathering welcomes past winners and renews old friendships as players share stories, recall triumphs, and prepare for the competition ahead.
It’s a fun and social reminder of how important this 57-year-old tradition is to the Cumberland County community.
On Sunday afternoon, following the final round, the new CCGC champion will be honored with a Winners’ Reception and Awards Presentation at the Gates Four Pavilion. This closing event celebrates the spirit of competition and camaraderie and is also hosted by tournament sponsors, with food and beverages provided by Gates Four and Healy Wholesale.
Defending Champion
Last year’s championship was one of the most exciting ever, with Cumberland County District Attorney Billy West—a talented golfer and ten-time CCGC champion—vying for his 11th title against top challengers John Masotti, Chris Holland, and Chip Collins. The 2024 title ultimately went to Collins, who shot an impressive score of 216, edging out Masotti (217) and Holland (218) by just one stroke. Now that’s exciting golf.
Collins’ win marked his third CCGC title, with previous victories in 2002 and 2008. Bowman anticipates all four competitors will be targeting the 2025 title come the final day.
The Course and Community
All rounds will be played at Gates Four Golf & Country Club, a course known for its beauty and challenge. Originally designed by Willard Byrd, it was redesigned in 2011 by Kris Spence and fully renovated in 1999 by Pinehurst native Dan Maples. The Maples layout demands precision and consistency across 6,895 yards—qualities that will determine the next Cumberland County Champion.
Kevin Lavertu has served as the club’s general manager since 2010 and works closely with the tournament committee to ensure the course is in championship condition and that the three-day event runs smoothly and professionally.
Bowman designated Gates Four as the official home of the championship in 2017, citing the course’s competitiveness, excellent condition, and the professionalism and hospitality of its management team.
Everyone Is Invited
One message both Bowman and Lavertu want to share with the golfing community: Everyone is invited. The CCGC tournament is the best golfing value in the county. The entry fee is only $125 for three days (54 holes) of great golf on an outstanding course. Women golfers pay $95 for their two days. All golfers get a free practice round before the tournament, free range balls, Vicky’s famous breakfast biscuits each morning, and on-course beverages and snacks provided by Healy Wholesale all three days.
Participants also enjoy a Champions’ Welcome Reception before the tournament, the Winners’ Reception and trophy presentation after the tournament, gift bags, and door prizes. That’s unbeatable value. The CCGC and Gates Four welcome all golfing enthusiasts.
Supporting Literacy and Education
The CCGC also supports a vital community cause: literacy and education in Cumberland County.
The tournament benefits the Kidsville News! Literacy and Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides free reading and educational resources to children, teachers, and parents throughout Cumberland County municipalities and Fort Bragg.
Both Up & Coming Weekly and the Kidsville News! Foundation proudly support the Cumberland County Literacy Council. This partnership bridges the connection between golf competition and community service.
Registration and Information
Players interested in competing in the 57th Annual Cumberland County Golf Championship can register online at www.cumberlandcountygolfclassic.com. For questions regarding eligibility, divisions, or logistics, contact Bill Bowman directly at (910) 391-3859.
With the tournament only days away, Bowman is focused on final details—confident that this year’s event will be just as exciting as last year’s while upholding the honor and legacy of North Carolina’s oldest and most continuously running golf tournament.

(Photo: Chip Collins was the winner of the 2024 Cumberland County Golf Championship, becoming a three time winner of the event.)

When most people think of Oktoberfest, images of lederhosen, beer steins, and German folk music might come to mind. However, in Hope Mills, Oktoberfest takes on a uniquely creative twist with Beardtoberfest. Hosted by Cape Beard, it is a facial hair competition that blends the festive spirit of Oktoberfest with the flair of Comic-Con and the artistry of competitive bearding.
This year’s event will take place on Oct. 18, at Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom in Hope Mills. Admission is $15, and competition entry is free; all proceeds benefit the Karen Chandler Trust, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting cancer patients in Cumberland County.
A Festival with Heart
Beardtoberfest is more than just an entertaining evening of quirky competitions—it’s a celebration of creativity, camaraderie, and community impact. Since its founding, the event has raised over $68,000 for this charity, directly supporting local families in their fight against cancer. Beyond the dollars, Beardtoberfest introduces many attendees to the Karen Chandler Trust for the first time, spreading awareness about the organization’s mission and the services it provides.
“Beardtoberfest brings people from all walks of life together,” says Steve Brack, Vice President of Cape Beard. “At its core, it’s about raising money for a cause that means so much to our community, while having fun in the process.”
Origins and Evolution
Beardtoberfest wasn’t always the Comic-Con meets Oktoberfest extravaganza it is today. Brack explains that the event began over a decade ago when members of Cape Beard were inspired by other beard and moustache clubs hosting competitions. The name “Beardtoberfest” was gifted to them by the Beard and Moustache Club of North Carolina, which had stopped holding its winter competition. Originally, the event had a Star Wars theme, making it the first of its kind in the world.
“After 10 years, we decided to switch it up and embrace a Comic-Con theme,” Brack says. “That way we could feature a wider range of characters on our posters, merchandise, and decorations.”
This year’s theme puts a playful spin on Gotham City with a Batman and Robin twist.
One tradition, however, has remained unchanged: the event’s introductory music.
“It’s been the same since the beginning,” Brack says with a laugh. “People expect it, and it sets the tone for the night.”
Categories for Everyone
Beardtoberfest prides itself on inclusivity, offering 13 categories to ensure that everyone—from children in costumes to freestyle beard stylists—has a chance to shine. Categories range from “Children’s Costume Contest” and “Lady: Creative” to meticulously judged divisions like “Full Beard: Natural 12 inches and more” and “Freestyle.”
“We wanted to cover all the facial hair possibilities,” Brack explains. “But we also had to keep the number manageable, so the event doesn’t run into the early hours of the morning.”
Judging and Community Spirit
Judges are carefully selected to ensure fairness and expertise.
“We look for three judges who understand the finer points of facial hair—style, color, texture, personality—and two more who are typically local supporters of the event,” Brack says. “Everyone is always excited to take part.”
Be sure to stay tuned to Cape Beard’s Facebook page to see their announcement of the judges this year for Beardtoberfest at https://www.facebook.com/cape.beard.9.
The real magic of Beardtoberfest is in the audience. For many first-time attendees, what starts as a curious outing quickly becomes a night of cheering, laughter, and amazement.
“It may sound a little odd at first,” Brack admits, “but once you’re there, you get swept up in the fun.”
Looking Ahead
With steady growth over the years, Cape Beard envisions Beardtoberfest expanding even further.
“In the next 5–10 years, we see it continuing to grow, pun intended,” Brack jokes. “The club hopes to bring in high-profile guest judges and perhaps even introduce new categories or themed partnerships.”
For newcomers considering stepping onto the stage, Brack has simple advice: “Do it! It’s free to compete, it’s a great time, and you might just walk away with a trophy.”
Don’t miss Beardtoberfest happening on Oct. 18. It will be held at Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom, 5435 Corporation Dr, Hope Mills, starting at 7 p.m. Whether you’re sporting a perfectly groomed moustache, a wild freestyle beard, or just want to enjoy a night of fun, food, and philanthropy, Beardtoberfest promises an experience like no other.

(Photo courtesy of Cape Beard’s Facebook page)

Every time I hear the words “domestic violence,” I immediately think or say, “Run for your life.”
Every 9 seconds, a woman is assaulted in the United States, and 1 in 3 women have experienced rape, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime, with nearly 10 million people subjected to domestic violence each year. Globally, over a quarter of women in relationships have experienced some form of violence from an intimate partner.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The “Remember My Name” Domestic Violence Vigil is Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the steps of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse in downtown Fayetteville.
“We have been doing this event for as long as I can remember, and Judge Beth Keever started it,” said Deborah Cashwell, victims’ witness coordinator for the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and community partner of the Domestic Violence Vigil. “We always have it in October because it is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we raise awareness about domestic violence and try to get the community involved.”
The solemn event features keynote speaker Michelle McKenney. She is a veteran, therapist, entrepreneur, speaker and author.
“We are happy that she is sharing her experiences with domestic violence, and I am sure it will be heartfelt,” said Cashwell.
Amy White, from the Cumberland County CARE Center, is the Mistress of Ceremony. Chief District Court Judge Toni King will give the opening remarks. Cumberland County Commissioner Chairman Kirk deViere will deliver remarks. Cumberland County Commissioner Glenn Adams will facilitate the balloon release. “We have released doves in the past, but this year we will release balloons to remember the lives that were lost from domestic violence,” said Cashwell.
The 82nd Airborne Division’s All-American Chorus will perform. Representatives from Fort Bragg will be in attendance. Retired Chief District Court Judge Beth Keever will read the names of the victims who have died during the past year in North Carolina due to domestic violence. LED candles will be lit in remembrance of each victim.
“This year, there are not that many victims who lost their lives to domestic violence compared to last year,” said Cashwell. “Those names will be listed in the program, and we will say their names.”
She added, “We will ring a bell for the victims in Cumberland County when their name is called.”
According to the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCCADV) website, from Jan. 1, 2025, to Sept.10, 2025, there have been 47 domestic violence murders in North Carolina, which is down from 94 domestic violence murders that took place in 2024. The website tracks deaths that are a result of domestic violence, and the list includes the names of victims killed by their current or former partner, as well as third parties who are killed because of intimate partner death. Intimate partners include same-sex and opposite-sex intimate partners.
Domestic violence not only affects the victims, but it also impacts their families as well. It is very disheartening to have to make funeral arrangements to bury your loved one due to the act of domestic violence. If you are currently in a domestic violence situation, please heed this message. You have got to love yourself enough to leave and/or run for your life. You deserve a life of peace and happiness. You are not alone, and there are resources to assist you. The Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233.
The faithful organizers of the Domestic Violence Vigil include The Cumberland County District Court, the CARE Center for Family Violence Program, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Fayetteville Police Department, Hope Mills Police Department, Army Community Services, Legal Aid of North Carolina and the Phoenix Center.
Information tables will be set up to talk to individuals who have questions and to share resources for domestic violence, such as how to do a safety plan, how to obtain a protection order, how to get out of a domestic violence situation, and more.
“Bringing these resources to let people know what is out there might get somebody thinking and say that they can go to the CARE Center or the shelter,” said Cashwell. “This is their first step of getting out of that domestic violence situation.”
Cashwell added, “There are definitely ways to do it safely because everyone’s situation is different.”
Cashwell’s goal for the event is to garner community support for domestic violence.
“This is more than just a ceremony, this is a call to action for reminding us how deeply domestic violence affects individuals, their families and the community,” said Cashwell. “I would like to see people become more aware of domestic violence, volunteer with some of these community partners, support one another and come up with some solutions.”
Please wear purple to the event. All attendees will receive a goody bag, and there will be a raffle for three gift baskets. The courthouse is located at 117 Dick Street. For more information, call 910-475-3222 or email Sanya Eller, court manager, at Sanya.T.Eller@nccourts.org.

Ladies, are you looking for a low-key, one-stop shop for your health questions? Cape Fear Valley Health has you covered. Their upcoming Flourish: Women’s Health & Wellness Fair is free and geared toward women of all ages. They want to help you take charge of your health and well-being by providing free health screenings, educational resources, interactive experiences, and wellness services from Cape Fear Valley Health experts, all in a supportive environment. Complete with food trucks, the event is sure to keep you energized and inspired.
“When women flourish, communities thrive,” says the Facebook event page. Shelby Vermilyea, Marketing Coordinator with Cape Fear Valley Health, says the event was inspired by a growing need for women in the community to have greater access to health education and preventative resources. “Flourish was created to give women a fun, approachable way to learn more about their health while connecting directly with experts who can guide and support them,” she explained.
Known in the region as one of the largest health systems, Cape Fear Valley Health provides a wide range of services, according to Vermilyea.
“Primary care, specialty clinics, advanced surgery, women’s and children’s care, and leading-edge treatment centers,” she listed, adding, “Our mission is to improve the health and wellness of every patient we serve.” They provide that care with a focus on excellence and compassion, often proactively bringing health resources and education to the community, instead of waiting for the community to come to them.
Past events, some of which are recurring, have included Arthritis Support Groups, Spinal Cord Injury Support Groups, Life After Stroke Support Team, Art Therapy for Cancer Patients, and Umoja Festival.
Their first-ever Flourish: Women’s Health & Wellness Fair will be held at the stunning Cape Fear Botanical Garden, a rejuvenating and calm environment for women to explore important questions about their well-being. Come prepared with any and every health query.
Whatever your need, Flourish will have resources. Vermilyea says the afternoon “will feature a wide variety of educational booths covering topics such as stroke awareness, sleep health, trauma education, OB/GYN care, senior health services, cancer prevention, high-risk breast cancer, bariatrics, rehabilitation, plastic surgery, skin health, NICU support, and more.”
Their recruitment team will also be present to share information on healthcare careers, hiring opportunities, and scholarships.
For free health screenings, attendees can visit the “Ask a Doctor” booth, a supportive space staffed by residents where attendees can ask personal questions about their health. Attendees can also participate in free cholesterol screenings, blood pressure checks, body mass index measurements, and blood typing.
Vermilyea invites women of all ages and their families to enjoy the event, taking advantage of the chance to connect with healthcare professionals in a welcoming environment.
“Flourish: Women’s Health & Wellness Fair will be an evening filled with education, community, and fun,” she explained. “Your health is one of the most valuable investments you can make in yourself. We encourage every woman to join us.”

The Cape Fear Valley Health Women's Health Fair will take place on Tuesday, October 14, starting at 4 p.m. at Cape Fear Botanical Garden.