Again, I am yielding my editorial space to Greg Adair, a concerned citizen of the Fayetteville community. This is the third letter we received and reprinted in the past month. It is encouraging that more and more citizens are speaking out and going on record with their feelings and concerns about issues impacting our community.
Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper does not scour Facebook, social media, or the internet for stories. I detest social media being interpreted as a “news source” and feel it is the worst thing ever to happen to society and humanity. Yet, I do acknowledge it has limited value when used for communicating and messaging limited groups.
Legitimate news media and valued community newspapers allow all voices to be heard, and U&CW has been doing that proudly and consistently for twenty-eight years. Our only requirement is that the writer or contributor own their message. U&CW is a first-person publication that respects the rights of free speech and the opinions of all our readers.
This is what “community newspapers” do and why they are essential in providing checks and balances of local elected governmental officials. Thank you for reading the Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper!
— Bill Bowman
Publisher

Now that I have settled down and my blood pressure has gotten back to normal, I want to share my experience, concerns, and frustrations over the growing infestation of Fayetteville and Cumberland County's homeless, drug addicts, panhandlers and prostitutes with your readers.
On Wednesday, May 8, I spent hours waiting for a tow truck to come and retrieve my wife's car, which had become disabled within two miles of my home. I was at the BP Convenience Store and Subway Sandwich shop on Cedar Creek Rd and I-95.
The longer I was there, the angrier I became as I witnessed countless homeless, panhandlers, prostitutes and drug dealers approach, solicit, intimidate and frighten innocent patrons and customers of the business. I got solicited three times before I finally issued a severe warning to them all to back off!
Hours passed, and no city or county law enforcement officer was in sight the entire time. I can only imagine what the thousands of travelers visiting Exit 49 for food, fuel, and shelter must ultimately think of our community.
Mr. Mayor, is this the image and brand Fayetteville wants to develop? Is this the Fayetteville city and County we are asking the Distinctly Fayetteville organization to spend tens of thousands of dollars on getting people to visit and convene here? I think not.
But, it is Mayor Mitch Colvin's Fayetteville and a Fayetteville that nine members of the City Council are creating to the detriment (and expense) of the residents. This infestation of prostitutes and drug dealers in this commercially derelict neighborhood is a thriving 24/7 industry, with the Mayor and City Council cluelessly subsidizing the debauchery by conveniently housing them in several abandoned motels where they scurry about like cockroaches.
The same day I posted my frustrating experience on social media, the CityView Today newsletter reported that Cumberland County's 24-hour count of the homeless population showed a 21% decrease over last year. Are we to celebrate this? Are we to celebrate that our community has also decreased our "unsheltered" population by a whopping 35%? What constitutes the "unsheltered" population?
Who is counting the panhandlers, drug dealers, and prostitutes? That's the big lie! I'm not buying it, nor are many other Fayetteville and Cumberland County residents. We are law-abiding citizens. We need all City and County elected officials to address this problem and enforce the same law and order for this decadent population instead of subsidizing it.
I have heard comments and complaints of the exact nature from dozens of my business associates, friends, and neighbors. It makes no sense to build a $145 million event center or even consider building a water park or amusement park if we are going to invite the public to stay in such a decadent part of our city. Mayor Colvin, please get with County Commissioner Glenn Adams to discuss this problem, and for heaven's sake, do your jobs!
This letter informs the Mayor, our elected officials, and residents of Cumberland County of this dangerous and unabated situation degrading and endangering our community. I have already shared these frustrations with my family, friends, and business associates. Here are a few of their comments:

Kathy A.: It's terrible over there. I won't even go on that side of town, and it used to be gorgeous.
Mack H.: Ride downtown, they are sleeping on Hay Street on the sidewalk in front of businesses in the block where the old "Capital" building which now is a school, I kid you not. Fayetteville government is disgusting, starting at the top.
Maria W.: Just some FYI: The Mayor is part of the 300-unit apartment building that is trying to be built around exit 49! Guess he didn't want it in his city either! So he wants to put it in the County and states he doesn't have anything to do with the planning or the development of it……We are fighting it, because there is no trust with these people! I'm in the mood now to try my best to make Colvin responsible for his job. Right now, he only shows up for the praise this idiot town still gives him.
Joe G.: I went to McDonald's on Cedar Creek Road last week and saw/experienced the same thing. I can't count the number of times I said, I don't carry cash. It's a shame what WE have allowed in our country!
Bob B.: We don't stop in that area anymore, check out behind the circle K on the other side of 95. I think that's the true identity of our elected officials.

I hope this letter serves as a notice to Fayetteville's Mayor Mitch Colvin and all the County's elected officials that we love our community and are severely aware of your motives and incompetencies.
You are not operating in a vacuum; know we are all registered voters. Again, let me emphasize that we are law-abiding citizens who need City and County elected officials to address these problems rather than subsidize them. DO YOUR JOBS!
— Greg Adair
Fayetteville/Cumberland County

“The future is always uncertain, but we who celebrate what you have done, who celebrate all of your achievements, we are certain of one thing on this day: You will not let us down.”
— Tom Hanks
The Board of Trustees of Fayetteville Technical Community College and FTCC President Dr. Mark Sorrells invite the community to join in celebrating the graduating class of 2024. On May 17, FTCC will hold graduation ceremonies at the Crown Complex, 1960 Coliseum Dr. Due to the large number of graduates, FTCC will hold two ceremonies.
The first ceremony, at 10 a.m. on May 17, will recognize graduates from FTCC’s Allied Health, Business, College & Career Readiness, Computer Information Technology, and Nursing programs. Students graduating at 10 a.m. should arrive no later than 8:45 a.m. Guests attending the morning ceremony may enter the Crown Center starting at 9 a.m.
The second ceremony, at 2 p.m. on May 17, will recognize graduates from FTCC’s Arts & Humanities, Engineering & Applied Technology, Math & Sciences, and Public Service programs. Students graduating at 2 p.m. should arrive no later than 12:45 p.m. Guests attending the afternoon graduation may enter the Crown Center starting at 1 p.m.
For both ceremonies, students may only use the Expo entrance doors, and guests should use the north, east, and west doors but not the Expo entrance doors.
Please be mindful of heavy traffic. Guests attending the morning ceremony should leave as soon as the ceremony ends to make room for guests attending the afternoon ceremony.
Both ceremonies will last roughly ninety minutes. FTCC asks everyone who attends a commencement to remain for the entire ceremony.

Key Facts
• The event is free and open to the public.
• Graduates may bring an unlimited number of guests.
• Metal detectors will be at every entrance.
• No food, drinks, flowers, balloons, gift bags, etc., will be allowed in the Crown Complex.
Everyone is encouraged to eat before arriving at the event.
• Bags are not encouraged and only the following bags will be permitted:
• Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that do not exceed 12 x 6 x 12.
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
• Small clutch bags no larger than 4.5 x 6.5.
• Medically necessary items (after proper inspection and tagging).
• Parking is limited, and guests are encouraged to carpool, when possible.
• The event will be livestreamed through the FTCC YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@faytechcc/featured
• Handicap access will be handled by the Crown Complex. More information about handicap access is available at https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/visit/safetyaccessibility or contact the Crown Complex directly at 910-438-4100.
For more information about the commencement ceremonies, please visit the FTCC commencement website. https://www.faytechcc.edu/campus-life/academic-resources/graduationandcommencement/commencement/
If you have any questions about graduation, please contact the front desk in the Tony Rand Student Center at 2220 Hull Road. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or call 910-678-8379. For more info, email gradceremony@faytechcc.edu

In a world where music and trends are ever changing, tribute bands like Mostley Crüe not only bring iconic musicians back to life but keep their music alive, too. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic night of fun and rock music or a new experience, Mostley Crüe’s tribute performances to Motley Crüe could be exactly what you need.
Motley Crüe, a legendary rock band which arguably defined a generation of metal fans and musicians alike, remains to have a special place in many people’s hearts. Though the band might have played their final concert in 2015, their wild performances and unapologetic debauchery of the '80s will forever remain in fans' hearts, a likeness that Mostley Crüe brings back in full force with their shows.
Motley Crüe has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide and released their new single, “Dogs of War,” this year.
Fans no longer have to rely on memories of concerts to hear their favorite songs live again. Thanks to groups like the Mostley Crüe with uncanny similarity in vocals and instrumentals, fans from the Carolinas can enjoy their music live again.
To many fans, Mostley Crüe acts as a portal to the past as they continue to tour around America’s Southern East Coast, often performing in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Not only do the band members sound like the well-loved rockstars of the past, but embody them. Many fans rave in reviews about their uncanny ability to mimic their idols and have even higher praise for how they sound covering Motley Crüe songs. Adorning their best rockstar outfits, hair, and make up, Mostley Crüe, like many tribute bands, have the “look” of these iconic bands nailed.
Music industry experts see tribute bands such as Mostley Crüe as an essential part of keeping legacies of classic bands alive. Tribute bands give the younger generations a chance to experience music loved by thousands and hear it live. They keep the music of the past relevant, despite the almost forty years between now and when Motley Crüe first formed.
The tribute band is comprised of Gabriel Pettit in the role of vocalist Vince Neil, Darius Rose as drummer Tommy Lee, Kevin Dollar as guitarist Mick Mars and Miller Barefoot as bassist Nikki Sixx. Formed in Raleigh, NC in 2007, Mostley Crüe quickly grew in popularity amongst rock fans and has played over one hundred live events. The band is very active on Facebook and is supported by thousands of followers who praise the skill and talent displayed by the Mostly Crüe.
According to their Facebook page, the band explained they “had a slow start to the year [and had situations that] kept us from committing to shows until we knew we could do them right,” with the intention to come back better than ever.
Mostley Crüe will be joining the line up for Rock’n On The River on Friday, May 24. Rock’n On The River is a Fayetteville based concert series that happens once a month throughout the summer.
The May event will kick off the Rock'n On the River summer concert series with Shoot to Thrill, an all woman AC/DC tribute band, and Mostley Crüe. Rock’n On the River is held at Campbellton Landing at 1122 Person St. in Fayetteville. The show starts at 6 p.m. with Mostley Crüe. The event is free, although there is a fee to park. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100049990406810, and see next week’s edition of Up and Coming Weekly.
Fans of the tribute band can find plenty of future shows to attend on their Facebook and website so don’t miss any of their spectacular performances and get your tickets now. Be a part of what keeps music from the ‘80s alive.

(Photo courtesy of Mostley Crue)

From March till October, every fourth Friday is nothing less than a celebration in the Cool Spring Downtown District. They organize a monthly gathering known as '4th Friday'.
This event is a grand display of Fayetteville's best visual and performing arts, accompanied by live music and street performances. However, the 4th Friday of May is expected to be even more special as it also includes their unique Nerd Market.
The Nerd Market will set up on Anderson Street in Downtown Fayetteville on May 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Nerd Market boasts an impressive lineup of over 30 vendors, offering a wide range of merchandise that caters to enthusiasts of comic books, anime, collectibles, and fantasy artwork. It's your ultimate destination for all things nerdy and beyond!
Come for the vendors and stay for the entertainment, a DJ and food truck rodeo on Green Street and Gillespie Street.
There will also be a costume contest. Attendees are encouraged to dress up as their favorite comic book, anime or fantasy character.

(Photo: Cosplayers attend the Nerd Market and compete in the 2023's Nerd Market costume contest.  Photo courtesy of Cool Springs Downtown District)

“Mornings start with hot tea or coffee. It is the best way to feel fresh and give a kick-start to a busy day. You might be a coffee-lover or tea fanatic; your cup gets the attention. Have you felt that drinking from your own mugs adds to the flavor? Yes, more than sixty percent of people are emotionally attached to their mugs. Sipping the hot beverage from your mug is what you choose to crave,” according to elementary.com.
Many of us have a favorite mug. One of the unwritten rules in offices is to not use or touch another person’s mug. Bring your own mug or use a plastic cup. Cape Fear Studios is exploring this idea with "The Mug" exhibit. The Cape Fear Studios Mug Exhibit opened April 26 and runs to May 21. The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free
“The first mugs were made of bone during the Neolithic Stone Age. Japan and China crafted pottery mugs in 10,000 BCE. Just ask the Greeks, they made clay mugs back in 4000-5000 BCE,” said Gareth Parkins.
What is the origin of the name mug? Mug is associated with human face and head. Ceramic mugs are a common choice. Mugs can be produced in bronze, gold, lead, and silver. Clay was not workable for the Greeks.
“Clay mugs proved too thick to fit into the mouth,” said Gareth Parkins.
“Mugs are physical links to memory. According to research, mug shape and color play a role in our perception of coffee taste and smell. A 2014 survey presents the finding that sipping coffee out of a white mug boosted its intensity and taste as compared to glass mug,” said Alexandria Brooks.
Why do we love our mugs? Nostalgia, comfort, warmth, stressbusting and relaxation are several reasons.
Jill Dieffenbach, Curator of Cape Fear Studios, shares “We are hoping to show how an ordinary vessel, The Mug, can be elevated by each potter’s creativity and skill into a piece of art enriching the life of its owner. The way it fits the users’ hand as they drink their morning tea or coffee, and the joy that comes from the way the decoration has been applied to the surface, turns an ordinary vessel into an artistic experience. We feel this work will illustrate the joy and importance of ‘The Mug.’”
The artists exhibiting their work include Leah Leitson, Mark Hewett, Tammy Josephson, Ray Im and Gay Smith Bakersfield.
Mugs can be an obsession, a reflection of our personal identity, awareness, wisdom, and living in the present moment. Mugs can be a contributing vessel in our process to make sense of our lives.
“Art is not what you see but what you make others see,” according to the Pinterest website. When we purchase a mug from an artist, we have a shared moment of creation, our memory, and the soul of the artist. Immerse yourself in the art encounter of “The Mug” exhibit at Cape Fear Studios. Contact information for “The Mug” exhibit is the Cape Fear Studios website www.capefearstudios.com, or by phone at 910-433-2986.

(Photo: One of the mugs in the exhibit at Cape Fear Studios.)

“Strong commitments to one another and shared commitments to our business helps keep us forward on the long-term outcome of our family. Entrepreneurship is absolutely a team sport. It is the overlap between time we spend with family and time we spend working.”
— Daniel Wesley
Lori Tracy Stobbe, spouse, parent of a child experiencing Autism, president and co-owner of Lori’s Ace Home and Hardware, embodies the principles of empowerment, family, and entrepreneurship teamwork.
All of these will be on display at the Lori’s Ace Home & Hardware BBQ Battle, which will take place on May 17 to 18.
“We are ‘all in’ on grilling at Lori’s Ace. We have a wide selection of high-quality grills with trained associates to find the right grill for them,” said Stobbe.
The BBQ Battle will be located at Lori’s Ace Home & Hardware, 2800 Raeford Road, Suite 24A. The BBQ Battle is sanctioned by the Southern BBQ Network. Teams are competing in the specialty areas of pork butts and ribs. A tasting event for the public will be held 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The tickets are ten dollars for the sampling event and can be purchased at the event. The proceeds of the sampling event will be donated to the Cumberland County Autism Society.
Lori Tracy Stobbe and her husband Nate Stobbe are a COVID love story.
“We met each other in 2020, as COVID was just beginning, yet thought it would be over in a few months. We lived in the Twin Cities, (St Paul and Minneapolis), Minnesota. So, while everything was closed, we chose to take long walks each day and talk about the future,” said Lori.
Lori Stobbe has a degree in Marketing and Public Relations. She was formerly Vice President of Creative Services at a large financial institution. She has a twenty-five year career span in Marketing. Nate Stobbe is an original resident of Saskatchewan, Canada. His career track is inclusive of being a Journeyman, CEO of a commercial fabric building and former owner of a custom home building company.
“In 2022, we married in St. Paul, Minnesota. We wanted to work together, and we wanted a warmer climate. After a few months, we chose Ace Hardware and North Carolina. We chose to open an Ace store because we knew it would be a good fit for our backgrounds, and we could help people,” Lori said. “Ace Hardware is a time-tested brand. Ace stores are in the Midwest. I would visit Ace in Marshall, Wisconsin with my father, a retired electrician. It was named ‘Ace’ after WW1 Fighter pilots. Fayetteville is a good fit. The specific site at 2800 Raeford Road proves to have the perfect size and location. There are no other Ace Stores in Fayetteville.”
“We named our store 'Lori’s Ace Home & Hardware' because of the robust home décor, gift section, garden center, toys and games. We designed the store to appeal to both men and women of all ages, a place that feels welcoming, a place that provides personal service, and a place where everyone can feel a sense of belonging to the community,” states Lori Stobbe
Autism Awareness is a family passion. Lori and Nate Stobbe are parents to a son experiencing Autism.
“I was fortunate to have a school system with Autism specialists and therapy resources that helped him navigate his sensory issues, and improve his speech, and motor skills. There was a network of parents to share ideas, successes, challenges and dietary recommendations. As with many Autistic children, he had strong interests. His interests were weather maps and cars. When bad weather approached, he would go outside, not inside. He would study the Rand McNally Road atlas for hours. He would collect Hot Wheels cars, read Car & Driver and watch NASCAR,” said Lori Stobbe
“Today, my son is twenty-seven and has a master’s degree in meteorology, lives independently, and is working for NASA on the Artemis project. The Artemis project explores technology development and preparation for human missions to Mars. He has just purchased a blue Ford Mustang. Without access as a child to therapy and trained school personnel, my son’s story would look different. It is saddening when I think about the children in years past who had no diagnosis and were placed in general special education rooms and labeled as ‘different.’ I am thankful for research and resources so that children in the autism spectrum today have a chance to reach the heights they never could reach before,” said Lori Stobbe.
The Autism Society of Cumberland County is a community resource for families dealing with autism spectrum disorder. The organization “strives to create a community where people with the autism spectrum and their families receive respect, services, and support based on individual differences, needs and preferences,” according to the website. This organization will receive the proceeds from the Lori Ace Home & Hardware BBQ Battle.
Lori Tracy Stobbe also has a zeal for women's entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency.
“Women have to fight and work hard to achieve their goals. Depending on your industry, you may have to fight harder and work harder than others. Do not assume you can not do something, Ditch the stereotypes in your childhood or past workplaces that may have prevented you from achieving your goals. If you are a leader, help your employees bury their stereotypes too. Start with one person—yourself—and go from there,” said Lori Stobbe.
“We provide Women in Power workshops at Lori’s Ace. These free workshops help women learn what equipment is best for them. Women can get their questions answered and learn how to operate power equipment safely and confidently. Women may not know the difference between gas and battery equipment. Women may not have grown up learning how to use power equipment,” shares Lori Stobbe. The next Women in Power workshop is May 21 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The Lori’s Ace BBQ Battle will be held May 17 to 18. The sampling event for the public is 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The tickets for the sampling event are $10, and tickets can be purchased the day of. The proceeds are a fundraiser for the Cumberland County Autism Society. For more info about the BBQ Battle, contact office@loris.ace.com

(Photo: Nate Strobbe and Lori Tracy Stobbe stand next to a barbecue at Lori's Ace Home & Hardware.)

In recent years, yoga and meditation have experienced a remarkable surge in popularity. Once considered niche practices, they have now reached the mainstream, captivating people from all walks of life. This transformation can be attributed to a variety of factors, such as increased awareness about mental health and well-being, as well as the accessibility of these practices through online platforms and local studios.
Fayetteville happens to be one of the areas with a good variety of local studios offering both great disciplines. Below is a compilation of nearby studios and a selection of the yoga and meditation classes they provide.

 Blissful Alchemists
414 Ray Ave 910-303-0192

• Inner Journey Meditation with Barbara
Tuesdays at 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
https://tinyurl.com/3bkxw6uc

• Vinyasa Yoga With Sydnei
Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
https://tinyurl.com/2nme96d3

• Hallowed Heart Meditation with Kris
Wednesdays at 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
https://tinyurl.com/capw43ax

• Meditation with Saha
Thursdays 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
$10 per class
https://tinyurl.com/y2cc7785

• Yoga & Sound
Saturdays noon to 1 p.m
https://tinyurl.com/y8yckb8h

Prima Elements Holistic Wellness Center
124 Anderson Street 910-483-8406

• Yoga with Yolanda
Tuesdays at 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
https://tinyurl.com/mryyzaye

• Weekly Mindfulness Meetups
Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
https://tinyurl.com/u3musvs6

• Morning Soul Yoga
Thursdays at 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.
https://tinyurl.com/ycyhu565

Living Balance Studio
201 South McPherson Church Rd, Suite 225
434-409-6415

• Check out their website for the full class schedule:
https://www.livingbalancestudiosnc.com/group-classes

Triangle Rock Club
5213 Raeford Dr #103 910-868-7625

• Yoga Classes-See their website for the full class schedule:
https://tinyurl.com/2ctbuwc4

Cape Fear Botanical Garden
536 North Eastern Boulevard 910-486-0221

• Yoga in the Garden
Thursdays at 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
https://tinyurl.com/y8j4nx59

Wana Navu Kava Bar
500 N Reilly Road #106 910-339-1822

• Community Yoga with Celeste
Sundays at 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
https://tinyurl.com/dy78pb7z

Dirtbag Ales Brewery & Taproom
5435 Corporation Dr, Hope Mills
910-426-2537

• Yoga at Dirtbag Farmers Market
Sundays at 10 a.m.
https://tinyurl.com/yrxykcme

Patriot K Nine Training & Behavior
3760 Sycamore Dairy Rd 910-920-1000

• Dog Yoga
Recurring monthly on the 2nd Sunday at 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
https://tinyurl.com/294cjuw4

Soul Dimension
(Online)

• Breathwork
Wednesdays at 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
https://tinyurl.com/55brme3u

As more people recognize the profound benefits these practices offer for both the body and mind, their popularity will likely continue to grow in the future.

The thing about the Karen Chandler Trust — that thing that most people, like the members of Cape Beard or musician Greg Adair, mention when the organization comes up — is that it operates with zero overhead. Everyone who works in the organization volunteers.
All of the money raised by the members of the trust is given to families fighting cancer within Cumberland County. Each year the trust can help cancer patients within Cumberland County with $120,000 to $130,000.
“Every dime we raise goes to patients. We cover rent, mortgages, utilities and transportation,” said Mike Chandler, founder of the Karen Chandler Trust or KCT. “When we run out of funds, we stop.”
The only requirements are they live in Cumberland County and have a letter from the treating physician stating they are in active treatment. The trust began in 1999 and was named for local musician Karen Chandler who developed breast cancer and saw overwhelming support from the community when her disease took her ability to work away.
The local musicians got together and did a number of shows to help Karen with her financial needs. Eventually, Karen succumbed to her disease but her brother and dad couldn’t forget the help she received when she was alive.
“We were so moved by what the local community did for my sister. We asked what we could do to give back,” said Chandler.
“ … Here we are 25 years later, still doing the same thing — trying to give back to the community.”
The trust began with $1,300. Initially, Chandler said, they were only trying to do a “little bit.”
“Lord knows it kind of snowballed,” he said.
Chandler said they often get calls in the middle of the night. Once a cancer patient had to call them at night in the middle of winter because gas had been turned off at that patient’s home. Over the years, Chandler says the organization has given about two million dollars back to the community.
“We have no paid staff,” he said. “But we have a wonderful board.”
One of the annual events the trust does is a music benefit down by the Cape Fear River. This year the event will be hosted at Campbellton Landing on May 19 starting at 10 a.m. and ending around 7:30 p.m.
“Music has the ability to bring us together and create a sense of belonging,” said Cindy Mangiboyat, Chairman of the Board for KCT. “It is my goal to harness that energy and unite our community and empower them to give back.”
Mangiboyat said she hopes that by organizing this event each year, the organization will create a platform for people to connect, share their passion for music and experience “the joy of togetherness.” This year there might even be a guest appearance for the event.
“Rumor has it the original Carolina Girl, Terri Gore, will be making an appearance,” said Mangiboyat.
The event will feature five bands in total including Rivermist, Reflections II, Classic Soul, The Holiday Band and Band of Oz as the headliner. Greg Adair, musician and member of Rivermist, said he is excited for another year at the event.
Adair does a lot of work for the trust and is part of the board. He does most of the approaching bands for this event. This year Adair is even donating his time for the concert.
“ … But I’m making sure my guys get paid,” he said.
Adair said the event is always looking for more volunteers to help. The price of admission is a $20 donation but groups can purchase a VIP table at the event for $500. Tables will seat eight and will include a meal and their name on the banner.
Adair said they encourage event goers to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Tickets can be purchased at the event or in advance through Eventbrite at https://bit.ly/44r7nGu
Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
This year, the members of the trust are hoping to raise about $8,000 to $9,000 at the event. Most of the bands will be playing beach music but there will be a variety band bringing an array of music from the Temptations to Bruno Mars.
Mangiboyat, Chandler and all the musical talent invite anyone within the community to come out, support the organization and in doing so, support the cancer patients within Cumberland County.
“We need the community's help to sustain these needs,” said Mangiboyat. “My motto is, ‘No one fights alone.’”

(Photo: Karen Chandler was a local musician who found help in the community when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Her brother, Mike Chandler, has since been donating money to cancer patients throughout Cumberland County in her honor.  The Karen Chandler Trust Beach Music Festival is an annual event to raise money.  File Photo)

The beloved Gilbert Theater has announced its lineup for next season and it has a few heavy hitters sure to pack the house and sell out fast.
The Gilbert Theater is known for putting on lesser-known productions and productions that explore humanity at its best, worst and everything in between. But next season will look a little different, while still keeping the weird and wonderful that is Gilbert Theater.
Artist Director Larry Carlisle is looking forward to the upcoming season and put great thought into what the season, with some financial backing, would look like.
“This new season we were lucky enough to be awarded a rather large sum of money from our friend Rep. Diane Wheatley,” he said. “One of the reasons I love doing stuff here is because we do weird stuff, we do shows that while recognizable, we also do our fair share of fairly mainstream stuff. When we did Sound of Music, you don’t get any more mainstream than that. Most of the time, those more recognizable shows end up being our most successful, obviously. We did Rocky Horror Show for our 30th season and it blew the doors off the place, almost. So we kind of decided while we have the ability and while the iron is hot, so to speak, we would kind of go BIG. We decided to go with a season that really has a lot of name recognition… shows we have always wanted to do here but couldn’t for any of number of reasons… We are opening the season with Heather’s the Musical.”
Theatergoers can look forward to a great season full of familiar favorites.

Heathers the Musical
September 13- September 29
Based on the 1989 cult classic, Heather’s, starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, this show is sure to be a nostalgic comedic journey down the “cool kids” rabbit hole. Written by Laurence O'Keefe and Kevin Murphy, Heather’s the Musical follows main characters Veronica Sawyer and Jason “J.D.” Dean through the parallels of ‘fitting in’ with the high school elite.

A Christmas Story
November 22- December 8
Keeping its 80’s theme, the holiday season will see A Christmas Story on the stage. Another adaptation of a 1980s cult classic, A Christmas Story tells the tale of a boy (Ralphie), and his family and his epic Christmas gift, not to mention his dad's leggy lamp.

Misery
January 31- February 16
Adapted from Stephan King’s 1983 novel of the same name, Misery looks to start 2025 off strong for the theater. A cautionary tale of fact vs fiction, reality vs fantasy, this twisted tale of fandom gone seriously wrong is surely going to hit the audience in the…gut.

The Prince
March 21- April 6
A season at the Gilbert wouldn’t be complete without uplifting and performing the work of an LGBTQ writer. This season will see trans writer Abigail Thorn’s The Prince highlighted on the stage. The story of actors in a play who newly discover they are indeed actors in a play. The new realization for the actors brings up bigger questions of identity. Do they want to be the characters they are playing?

Little Shop of Horrors
May 16-June 1
Ending the season with a jump to the 60s, The Gilbert looks to undertake its most sophisticated and technically complicated show yet. This show calls for the use of puppets, one of which will be almost the size of the stage. Audience members can look forward to singing and laughing along with this classic hit by Howard Ashman.

(Photo: Graphic courtesy of the Gilbert Theater Facebook Page)

Things are changing at Cape Fear Regional Theatre. A remodel and upgrade to the building is in the works, but this leaves Artistic Director, Mary Kate Burke, with a need for a remote location for the next two years while the theatre undergoes its renovation.
However, this isn’t the first time the folks at CFRT have had to pivot. During Covid, the crew found makeshift event spaces to continue producing their art. They performed at a few outdoor spaces like the old Haymount Auto spot, now the Truck Stop.
“Covid gave us the opportunity to learn how to create theatre in non-traditional spaces,” Burke said.
This change will be a little more traditional. Burke and the others at Cape Fear Regional will be moving their production space to The Bordeaux Hotel at 1707 Owen Drive — the space is now known as The Good Homes Bordeaux — transforming the top floor into an “engaging, dynamic” theatre.
The hotel itself is being converted to one-bedroom apartments. Burke said she is excited for the change since there is a housing shortage in the area. Even more exciting, is the sort of kismet around the partnership. Burke notes that the motto of the company that owns The Good Home Bordeaux is “Good Homes for Great People” and Cape Fear Regional Theatre’s slogan has been “Great Stories Told Here.” For her, they seem to fit together.
CFRT will have a five-season show for 2024-2025 including The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, which has been going on for 33 years this year. The season’s opening show is still to be determined but it will be followed by Puffs in October. This production is about a “very well-known wizard series,” Burke says with a smile.
“It’s a 90 minute tour de force,” she says. “If you liked The Play That Goes Wrong, you’ll love Puffs. It’ll be a silly good time.”
Following that will be The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. This year the show will have four different casts and up to 40 youths involved in the production. After that, the theatre will put on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This production will be directed by Marc De La Concha. De La Concha is the director of education and directed Matilda. Burke says this production will have a lot of opportunities for youth performers.
“Its going to be a family favorite.”
The follow up to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will be Steel Magnolias. Burke describes it as a beloved Southern masterpiece. This production will happen in the springtime for CFRT.
“We are really excited to bring this story to life,” she said. “It’s both hilarious and touching.”
With all these productions and managing the change of locations, Burke notes that it’s ironic that Steel Magnolias has a large theme about change since the theatre and staff will undergo so much change during the next two years.
“Change can be something you have to be thoughtful about when you manage.”
The last production in the theatre's 2024-2025 season will be Once on This Island. The show is a different story from The Little Mermaid, with “incredible” music, according to Burke. She and the other members of the staff at the theatre are excited about the upcoming changes and any challenges along the way.
Their new space will have less seating than their home space in Haymount so Burke recommends getting a season pass as those pass holders will have priority in seating. The theatre will still have all the education programs but where they will be held will be forthcoming.
“Even though it’s going to be in a different location, we are still going to be serving the community in the same ways we always have,” she said.

(Photo: The Good Homes Bordeaux, formerly the Holiday Inn Bordeaux, will be the new home of Cape Fear Regional Theatre for the next two seasons.  Photo by Linda McAllister)

Early Voting for the Republican 2nd Primary Election ends May 11.
Voters will be required to show photo identification in order to vote in this election. Citizens who do not have a photo ID can get a free ID at the Board of Elections office.
The Republican Primary Election is Tuesday, May 14, from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Only registered Republican or unaffiliated voters that voted Republican in the March 5, 2024 election, or unaffiliated voters that did not vote in the March 5, 2024 election may vote in the Republican 2nd Primary Election.
Early voting hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and early voting hours on Saturday, May 11 are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Early Voting will be held at the Cumberland County Board of Elections office, located in the E. Newton Smith Center at 227 Fountainhead Lane, Fayetteville.
To register to vote, you must be a citizen of the United States, 18 years of age or older and a legal resident of Cumberland County for 30 days before the date of the next election.
If you are not a registered voter, you may register and vote only on Election Day if you are newly eligible to vote because you:
• Became a new county resident between Feb. 5, 2024 and April 14, 2024
• Were naturalized as a U.S. citizen after March 5, 2024
• Completed a felony sentence after March 5, 2024
• Were absent on Feb. 9, 2024, due to uniformed service.
For more information, go to the N.C. Board of Elections website at ncsbe.gov.
Voter ID Requirements
Starting in elections in 2023, all North Carolina voters are required to show photo identification in order to vote. Many forms of ID are already accepted in order to vote including:
• North Carolina driver’s license
• State ID from the NCDMV (also called non-operator ID)
• Driver’s license or non-driver’s license from another state, District of Columbia, or U.S. territory (only if voter registered in North Carolina within 90 days of the election)
• U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport card
• Voter ID card issued by a County Board of Elections
• College or university student ID approved by the State Board of Elections
• State or local government or charter school employee ID approved by the State Board of Elections
To learn more about the photo ID requirements, acceptable forms of identification and how to get a free Voter ID, ncsbe.gov/voting/voter-id.
For more information about the Cumberland County Board of Elections, call 910-678-7733 or visit cumberlandcountync.gov/elections.
Regular hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Board of Elections is located in the E. Newton Smith center at 227 Fountainhead Lane in Fayetteville.

Dr. Hank Parfitt and former State Rep. Diane Parfitt are hosting a reception for Fayetteville/Cumberland County resident Dr. Sarah Taber, the Democratic candidate for North Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture.
The event will occur on May 15, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the City Center Gallery & Books in Downtown Fayetteville.
The event will be a historic moment and celebration since Dr. Taber will be the first candidate from Cumberland County to run for a statewide office since the late Senator Tony Rand in 1988.
She is also the first woman ever to run statewide from Cumberland County. The reception supports her efforts to become the new NC Agriculture Commissioner.
Taber is a homegrown and well-known crop scientist with 26 years of agriculture experience working with North Carolina farmers and the food industry, assisting and advising them in producing quality crops vital to building successful businesses. Taber’s priorities are promoting North Carolina Agriculture and supporting NC farmers and the farm industry.
The meet and greet reception is open to the public. For more information about the event, call or text 910-227-9162.
To reserve tickets to the event, visit https://bit.ly/4doVcOI Tickets begin at $50 for the "Seed" level.

(Photo courtesy of Dr. Sarah Taber's website taberfornc.com)

I read the New York Times so you don’t have to. A recent Times article about Polyamory caught my attention. Frequently their articles are informative. I will not bore you with anything useful. Oh, no. Dig up useful stuff yourself.
Today’s stain on world literature dives into the deep and rancid stew of Polyamory. What is Polyamory you might ask? I wondered the same thing. Does it involve putting a suit of armor on a parrot to protect against tiny Chlamydia parasites which cause avian pneumonia? Nope.
Does it involve putting Armor All on a parrot? Polly want an Armor All? Who wouldn’t want a shiny, highly polished, easy-to-clean, and rain-resistant parrot? We do not own a parrot, but if we did, I would want one that was spick and span, pollen resistant, that would make the neighbors jealous of my bright shining parrot.
Alas, once again No.
Double Trigger Warning: (I do not refer to Roy Roger’s wonder horse- Trigger) This column is likely to be highly offensive to both friends and foes of Polyamory. I count as a win any time I can generate a column likely to offend people on both sides of an issue. If you have a sensitive or insensitive nature, tear this page out of the Up & Coming Weekly and wrap up some 4-day-old fish.
“Normal” people won’t like the column because it shines a light on what they perceive as an aberrant lifestyle. “Progressive” people will not like the column because it makes fun of this current trend. What more could any writer ask? Although I think Polyamory is pretty weird, it did not keep me from reading the article. I would pay to see a two-headed goat if one was available, so naturally I was fascinated by the concept.
Polyamory has nothing to do with parrot hygiene. Polyamory is what the progressive crowd of younger folks, hip middle-agers, and desperate Baby Boomers are doing to stave off the existential dread of being alone. Mr. Google defines Polyamory as: “Consensual nonmonogamy, having the practice of multiple intimate relationships, whether sexual or just romantic, with the full knowledge and consent of all parties involved. It is generally not gender-specific: anyone can have multiple partners of any gender.” Back in the ‘60s it would just be called “whatever turns you on.”
The Times article went into great detail about the jargon that has developed to explain the many wonders of Polyamory relationships. Our old pal Voltaire once said: “If you wish to converse with me, define your terms.”
Polyamory terms are “pretty, pretty, pretty entertaining” as Larry David would say in Curb Your Enthusiasm. Let us define Polyamory’s terms as explained in the Times. A group of people who are in a cohort of Polyamorous folks is a called a Polycule which is an amalgam of ‘Polyamory’ and ‘molecule.’ The polycules resemble amoebas with highly ambiguous borders. Members in one polycule are not limited to fooling around only in their polycule. Like the old Yellow Pages ad said, they can reach out and touch someone in their polycule or an adjacent polycule.
Many folks in the polycule are heteroflexible and enjoy the company of either sex.
The goal of Polyamory is Ethical Non Monogamy or ENM. ENM says if you tell your partners what you are doing, everything is OK. If you are in a relationship with a Significant Other but dallying with a third person, your Significant Other and the partner of the third person are called Metamours.
If there was a Mr. Stormy Daniels, then Mr. Stormy Daniels and Melania Trump would be Metamours. Not everyone in a Polycule follows the ENM rules; those folks are called “Relationship Anarchists.” The Times described a subgroup in a Polycule made up of “Radical alien witch academic nerds.”
If you are interested in becoming ENM, there is a how-to manual called “The Ethical Slut” which could help you on your way. If you have achieved full ENM and are happy when your Significant Other is making whoopee with someone else, you have achieved a state of being Polysecure. This level of ENM is called Compersion. If you are quaintly actually married, your spouse is called your Nesting Partner. Not every Polyamory party ends up in an orgy, sometimes folks just end up in a big cuddle pile of puppy love.
Speaking of puppies, this column nearly ended without mentioning South Dakota Governor and Dog Murderer Kristi Noem. Kristi’s new book relates she shot her puppy Cricket in the face in a gravel pit because she “hated that dog.” For good measure, Kristi then shot her goat because it had a bad attitude. I suspect that sort of animal cruelty would get Governor Kristi kicked out of any Polycule.
Old Yeller and I would never vote for Kristi. Fortunately, no two-headed goats were harmed during the writing of this column.

Ron Brewington, Fayetteville native, husband, father, entrepreneur and successful businessman has been my friend for over four decades. Below is the second article he has submitted to Up & Coming Weekly in 28 years.
I know this because he was the first to write for this newspaper when I created it in 1996, 28 years ago. He loved the idea of a publication promoting and showcasing the Fayetteville community. His article immediately captured the hearts and minds of the entire Fayetteville community, catapulting him to near-celebrity status, resulting in interviews and guest appearances on local radio shows.
His topic? Fayetteville is NOT FayetteNam. In his article, he effectively articulated the many reasons the Fayetteville community needed to actively initiate an aggressive awareness campaign to eliminate the negative FayetteNam moniker so it would not be detrimental or impair the progress, development, and growth of the Fayetteville community.
I credit Brewington for bringing that invaluable awareness to the forefront of community leaders. Fast forward 28 years: Mission accomplished. We need many more concerned and courageous citizens like Ron Brewington who are willing to speak up for the community they love, if for no other reason than to let our city and county elected officials know that we are aware of their actions and they are not operating with impunity.
Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.
— Bill Bowman

I saw a sign in front of a building on Village Drive: "Coming Soon — Lumbee Bank."
I've heard that Lumbee Bank would be vacating their downtown location. This may confirm that rumor.
This is not good for downtown. Small start-ups come and go, but losing banks on high-profile corners is unsuitable for anyone in the downtown community.
Mayor Mitch Colvin's rooftop restaurant atop Lumbee Bank took forever and a day to open and was only open a few months before closing. Not good.
Huske Hardware House Restaurant has shut down. They'd been there for quite a while. To lose one of downtown’s longest-tenured and significant businesses is devastating.
Across the street, the Prince Charles property is again for sale. Fayetteville City's parking deck next door took over five years to build, and still isn't complete. It isn't ADA-compliant, and the building has no elevator. In addition, there was supposed to be a hotel on top. What's up with that?
And where is the high-end steak house that is supposed to be at the Prince Charles? How do a baseball stadium, a museum and a performing arts center function and succeed without a hotel, bank and sufficient parking?
The success of downtown communities depends on the success of other merchants and businesses. Companies don't locate where parking decks aren't finished or where corporate visitors have no place to stay. It is a lousy location when their staff has to leave the downtown community to get lunch.
Our financial security with the baseball stadium was that the Astros had a long-term lease to pay off the note. I haven't read it, but I bet the city has violated many parts of that lease, giving the Astros the right to walk away.
We need a vibrant downtown. It is essential to the entire city and county. Downtown is a city's image. Downtown Fayetteville has more tenants leaving than entering. The only industry that is growing in downtown Fayetteville is the homeless. A few blocks away is a multi-million-dollar investment to build a resource center for the homeless, while just a few blocks in the other direction is the Department of Social Services. DSS is responsible for that population. Insist that they do their job.
What's the problem? I don't think there's a community commitment to a master plan. I don't even think there is a plan. We're throwing pasta onto the wall, hoping something sticks even if it conflicts with other plans.
Except for Up & Coming Weekly, newspapers and objective journalism no longer exist in a way that holds our elected official's feet to the fire. For the most part, local radio no longer exists, and with over 330,000 residents, Fayetteville community has no local TV station.
No one is asking questions, and our leaders are all too happy to tell us nothing. They have gerrymandered city council districts that give us just one person to hold accountable. I don't know the answer to this BS, but I do know that, Fayetteville should be the third or fourth largest market in North Carolina. Our demographics could make us a desirable and entertaining city with great earning potential. We've squandered many opportunities.
When our young people leave for school, they don't come back. Is there any wonder?
We have a huge investment in our downtown. It is OK to make mistakes, but our leaders need to identify and acknowledge them and get them back on track.
WE CANNOT AFFORD TO FAIL. If we fail now, the decay of downtown Fayetteville will be inevitable.

— Ron Brewington
Fayetteville, NC

(Photo: An aerial photo shows the businesses of Downtown Fayetteville. File photo)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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