Passover is a Jewish celebration that begins this year at sundown on April 22 and ends on April 30.
According to the religious resource My Jewish Learning, Passover is a festival of freedom that marks the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their freedom from slavery. The term "Passover," which is also known as "pesach," coordinates with a key moment in religious history.
According to texts, the Egyptian Pharaoh refused to liberate the children of Israel, despite requests from Moses and his brother, Aaron. The pharaoh was warned that his people and he would be punished if the pharaoh did not comply.
Persistent and obstinate in his refusal, Pharaoh was subjected to 10 plagues, each of which was more devastating than the previous one. These plagues included blood, frogs, bugs, flies, pestilence, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and finally the demise of all firstborn males.
To be spared the ultimate devastation, Israelites were instructed to sacrifice a lamb for a meal and to mark their doors with its blood. The Lord would see the blood and pass over that household, sparing the occupants' sons.
Because Passover is so symbolic, Passover seders, which take place either on the first Friday or both the first and second Friday of Passover, feature many traditions.
It is customary to read the Haggadah at the seder table, but celebrants who cannot come together may share these important stories, blessings and songs via an online video chat.
In addition, if Passover celebrants cannot make it to the store or find all of the ingredients for their seder plates, substitutions may need to be made. Traditionally, an egg, bitter herbs, a shank bone, parsley, haroset (chopped mixed nuts, fruits and cinnamon), and lettuce are included.
Celebrants can even experiment with making unleavened bread at home if necessary. If horseradish for a bitter herb is unavailable, any item that can cause tears, such as ginger or raw lemon, may be substituted.
Passover is an important part of Jewish history and a holiday that is celebrated each year with vigor.

Fayetteville Comic Con is an event that takes place biannually to honor the culture of comic books, anime, horror, wrestling, movies, and other fandoms that are connected.
The Spring 2024 Fayetteville Comic Con will be held at the Crown Expo Center on April 27 and 28.
History and background of Fayetteville Comic Con
Fayetteville Comic Con was established in 2015 as a one-day event by Michael and Pam Chaudhuri, in response to the community's desire for a convention of this nature. The initial success of that event led to its expansion into a full weekend show in October 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Keith D. Gibbs, who is the present president and CEO, started as a volunteer in 2016. As fans began requesting two shows per year, an expansion was planned for 2020, but unfortunately, it was halted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
During this time, Gibbs assumed ownership of the show. Although there were not any in-person events in 2020, Fayetteville Comic Con successfully organized a live virtual show in June of that year. As soon as restrictions on social gatherings were lifted in 2021, the convention returned to a live show format.
Since then, Fayetteville Comic Con has been offering two shows per year. This year’s Spring 2024 show in April will be their seventh convention since the pandemic and the twelfth live convention overall.
Nod to the Military for Spring 2024
As we are all aware, Fort Liberty holds the distinction of being one of the largest military installations. Numerous soldiers and support personnel from this base have regularly attended Fayetteville Comic Con in the past. However, during the Fayetteville Comic Con Fall 2023, tensions in the Middle East escalated, leading to many soldiers being unable to attend. To express Comic Con’s gratitude for their service, they have decided to center the Spring 2024 show around the beloved franchise of GI Joe: A Real American Hero.
As a token of appreciation, they have reduced ticket prices for military personnel and first responders, and are also hosting various “Send a Soldier to the Show” fundraisers.
Friday Night Film Night on Friday, April 26
During the 2023 Autumn Show, a brand-new addition was unveiled to the lineup of attractions - the Friday Night Film Festival. This exciting festival will be returning this spring with a specially curated screening of the film "Black Hawk Down", followed by a Q&A session featuring the talented actor, Richard Tyson. Furthermore, there will be a showcase of a selection of short films created by aspiring local directors.
It's important to note that this event is separate from the ticketed Saturday/Sunday Fayetteville Comic Con, and all proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Cosplay Your Favorite Character
Another new feature that started at the 2023 Fall Show was "CosPlays Got Talent!" competition. This exciting event allows CosPlayers to showcase their talents by performing dance, musical or theatrical acts in character. Participants will have the opportunity to compete for cash prizes, which will be awarded by a distinguished panel of celebrity judges.
Alongside this competition, they are also hosting the Character Creator Master Class competition. In this challenge, they have invited fans to design, create, and embody a unique character that seamlessly fits into the GI Joe universe. The event will take place on Saturday, April 27, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the main ballroom of the Crown Expo Center. Please note that tickets to Fayetteville Comic Con are required for attendance.
Additionally, there will be other exciting cosplay events lined up, including a youth cosplay parade on Saturday, April 27, and an adult cosplay competition on Sunday, April 28.
Special Guests and Celebrity Appearances
The lineup of comic creators for the Spring 2024 Fayetteville Comic Con includes the legendary patriarch of GI Joe, Larry Hama, the esteemed artist Brian Shearer, who has had a long tenure with GI Joe, and the unmatched master of comics, Jim Shooter. In addition, they will showcase the talents of Michael Watkins, Jeremy Whitley, Rob "Potsy" Potchak and Wolly McNair, who is a native of Lumberton. Also highlighted is Brandon Ballard, a rising star in the world of comic book creation.
Fayetteville Comic Con has emerged as a top-notch occasion to interact with actors and creators from the Power Rangers series.
The upcoming Spring 2024 Con presents an exclusive opportunity to meet Phillip Jeanmarie, Alyson Sullivan, and Jessica Rey, who are renowned for their roles in Power Rangers: Wild Force. It is worth noting that Alyson will be making a special appearance all the way from Ireland, marking a rare occurrence in the United States.
Anime and animation play a significant role in conventions, and this particular convention boasts an impressive lineup of voice actors. Among them is Scot Innes, known for his roles as the voices of Scooby Doo, Scrappy Doo, and Shaggy.
Additionally, there are talented voice actors Michelle Knotz, Tony Salerno, Jason Griffith, Brian Beacock and Michael Sinterniklass. These skilled individuals have lent their voices to various projects ranging from Pokémon to Naruto, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to Sonic the Hedgehog, and even One Piece to Dragon Ball.
The Complete Line Up Is As Follows:

Comic Creators
• Larry Hama
• Jim Shooter
• Michael Watkins
• Brian Shearer
• Jeremy Whitley
• Rob “Potsy Potchak”
• Brandon Ballard
• Wally McNair

Voice Actors
• Scott Innes
• Michelle Knotz
• Tony Salerno
• Jason Griffith
• Brian Beacock
• Michael Sinterniklass

Power Rangers
• Alyson Sullivan
• Phillip Jeanmarie
• Jessica Rey
• Screen Actors
• Richard Tyson
• John Anderson
• Felissa Rose

Wrestling
• Seargent Slaughter

Special Guests
• Ron Rudat
• Carson Mataxis

Fayetteville Comic Con Spring 2024 will be held Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28 starting at 10 a.m. Tickets range in price depending on day passes or weekend passes. Tickets can be purchased at crowncomplexnc.com.

The notorious Harlem Globetrotters are currently having their 2024 World Tour traveling to over 25 countries and 400 cities. One of those cities is Fayetteville.
Now is the chance to see them live at the Crown Colosseum on April 19 at 7 p.m. This part comedy show part basketball game is fun for the whole family, as they compete against the Washington Generals. The Crown Complex states on its website, “You’ll be amazed by new levels of mind-blowing trick shots, expert ball-handling skills, and big laughs with unrivaled opportunities for pre-game, post-game, and in-game fan engagement.”
Fans of the Harlem Globetrotters can purchase the VIP Bench Premium Ticket for the best Globetrotter fan experience possible. This premium ticket allows the ticketholder to sit on the player bench with the Harlem Globetrotters or the Washington Generals during the game. Fan engagement like this can't be beat. The Premium VIP Bench Ticket tickets are limited.
The Harlem Globetrotters have almost 100 years of groundbreaking history of basketball talent and quality comedy appropriate for all ages. According to their website, “The Globetrotters were socially influential and quickly became recognized as the world’s best basketball team, showing that African-Americans could excel on a professional level.”
They helped pioneer many aspects of basketball, including the iconic slam dunk. The team also started the figure-eight weave, the forward and point guard positions, and the fast break.
Victories of past members include Nathaniel “Sweetwater” Clifton being the first African-American player to sign an NBA Contract, and the team receiving accolades from former Presidents Ford and Eisenhower. Another accomplishment is Olympic Gold Medalist Lynette Woodard joining the team in 1985, becoming the first woman to play on a men’s pro basketball team. Her presence as a member of the Globetrotters helped lead the path to the creation of the WNBA.
Two of the team players of the Harlem Globetrotters are North Carolinians. Angelo Sharpless, also known as “Spider Sharpless”, joined the basketball team in 2014 after playing for Elizabeth State University. He is from Plymouth, NC.
Sharpless has won Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year in his career with the CIAA. He was also introduced to basketball and inspired to play by former Globetrotter Magic Johnson. Spider Sharpless’s favorite quote is “I’m closer to my goal than I was yesterday, so keep working forward.”
Another native to North Carolina is Zavian “Sky” Jackson, who is from the town of Burlington. He has won four awards in his career: Triad NC All-Star 2016, Top 100 Junior College Player in the Nation in 2017, Queen City Pro-Am Slam Dunk Champion twice, and Offensive Player Of The Year HS, in 2016. Before becoming a Harlem Globetrotter, he played for the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff. According to his bio, he wrote that he “joined the Globetrotters to impact people’s lives through laughter and the game of basketball…to be a part of an almost 100-year tradition, it’s a beautiful feeling!”
For tickets, visit https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/harlem-globetrotters-2024-world-tour or call the Crown Coliseum’s ticket office at 910-438-4100.

In a wonderful display of community and kindness, Fayetteville’s Child Advocacy Center is hosting their 8th annual Ultimate Lip Sync Showdown at Fayetteville's Crown Complex.
Whether you’re looking for an exciting opportunity to perform, a fun time for your kids, or an entertaining night of energetic performances, Fayetteville’s Ultimate Lip Sync battle is the fundraiser you won’t want to miss. This annual event is always full of laughter and family-friendly fun. Mark your calendars for April 20, and come enjoy this exciting fundraising event.
Fayetteville’s Ultimate Lip Sync Showdown provides a stage for participants to show off their lip-syncing prowess and a fundraiser filled with fun and laughter. The audience plays a massive role in crowning Fayetteville’s 2024 Ultimate Lip Sync Star, so don’t miss the chance to participate.
The CAC is hosting two separate shows on April 20, one for all ages and another with adult lip-sync performers.
The Matinee show at noon is perfect for everyone of all ages by featuring groups with one or more performers under 18 years old. For this showing, one ticket is $35 and two are $60. Both the doors and food stands open at 11:15 am.
The second show is the Evening show at 7 p.m. You can purchase one ticket for $65 and two tickets for $120. For this event, the doors open and food is served at 6 p.m.
Why participate? The winners of this exciting competition will walk away with an amazing prize of $500.
This is the community’s moment to shine and help out a wonderful cause all in one.

Started in 2017 by the Child Advocacy Center, the Ultimate Lip Sync Showdown has been a success from the start, being well-loved by performers and tons of attendees each year. For the first time in 8 years, CAC is holding two events which creates double the audience for your sponsorship dollars and performers!
The CAC asks that you let your worries go and enjoy this event, whether you’re dancing and lip-syncing your heart out on stage or watching, knowing that your efforts directly help prevent and spread awareness on child abuse.
CAC aims to cast light on the ever-present issue of child abuse and how to prevent it. On top of this, their annual events bring a diverse audience to raise both awareness and funds for their incredible cause. Not only are they bringing people together through the universal language of music, but they also create a safe and entertaining space for those personally affected by abuse and those who support the cause.
The slogan for this event, “Be Their Voice,” goes to show this organization’s commitment to its mission of protecting children from abuse. Founded in 1993, CAC, Child Advocacy Center, constantly works to educate the community on child abuse prevention, provide safe places for children to meet with victim advocates, give counseling if abuse has already taken place, and to conduct forensic interviews.
The CAC is a nonprofit organization funded by corporate, state, and foundation grants on top of any individual donations.
As stated on their website, “the CAC secures local, specialized medical evaluations for child abuse victims by highly trained medical personnel. Before the establishment of the CAC, victims had to travel to UNC-Chapel Hill or Duke for exams.” The CAC brings a coordinated approach to children and families in unsafe environments and helps alleviate victims’ trauma alongside an increased prosecution rate of perpetrators. On top of all they do for children and families in dangerous situations, they help save money with their specific approach, saving the community approximately $600,000 per year.
The Child Advocacy Center provides education for the public with their professionals. They provide training where they aim to educate parents, grandparents, and anyone who works with children on how to recognize, prevent, and responsibly react to child sexual abuse. CAC also offers training for professionals and organizations in recognizing signs of abuse and how to go about reporting child abuse.
For more information on the organization, please visit cacfaync.org.
Karen B. Tisdale, CAC’s Lip Sync Committee Chair, shared her experience with the event in the past, “The CAC's mission is enough to make anyone passionate about this organization. This event is a blast! It is a fun day full of fantastic performers, laughs, creativity, and dancing. I've never talked to someone who didn't enjoy attending and/or performing. The committee works hard to put together a great lineup with fun emcees and judges.”
She continued her praise for participants and spectators alike. Tisdale says it best, “Our job as a community should be to constantly work to make Fayetteville a better place to be. What better way is there to make our community better than to serve and protect children? They really are our future.”
Luckily, this isn’t CAC’s only annual event. The Pinwheel Masquerade Ball, which usually takes place at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden in the fall, is also a wonderful way to support the prevention of child abuse.
Sponsors can have their name or logo on event materials, a vendor booth at the event if desired, and their name or logo displayed on the CAC website depending on the amount donated.
By donating, you will help fund the continued effort to provide healing and hope to over 800 child victims of abuse yearly. The CAC hopes you join their efforts to protect and provide for children of abuse.
If you’re interested in performing as one of the lip-syncers, you can request an electronic registration packet by emailing CACLipSync@gmail.com or by picking a physical copy up at the CAC at 222 Rowan Street.
If you’d like to join the fundraiser without performing, message the previously mentioned email for volunteer opportunities and assistance, donation information, ticket purchasing links, and answers to any other questions you may have.
To purchase tickets for Fayetteville’s Ultimate Lip Sync Showdown, visit https://www.cacfaync.org/how-to-help/2024-fayettevilles-ultimate-lip-sync-showdown.html.
For more information, contact the CAC’s Planning Committee Chair, Karen B. Tisdale at 252-258-8151 or at the email mentioned above.

Something magical happens when learning comes off the page of a textbook and becomes real. Whether that looks like a science experiment, playing a piece of music, performing a play, or creating a work of art, learning can take on a lot of different appearances. Research has shown time and time again that learning is most effective when it is interactive. When students can apply knowledge and skills, they are much more likely to retain them. Plus, and this might be the most important part, when kids have fun learning, they want to do it more and more and eventually, they become lifelong learners; people who are constantly striving to learn more and to more fully understand the world around them.
It is with this notion in mind that Todd Boyette and Denise Young, leaders in science education from Morehead Planetarium and Science Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill started the NC Science Festival in 2010. Over the past 14 years, the festival has become what it is today: a month-long, statewide celebration of science. The goal of the festival is to promote careers in science
and technology.
“Through hands-on activities, science talks, lab tours, nature experiences, expos, exhibits, and performances, the Festival engages a wide range of public audiences while inspiring future generations,” ncsciencefestival.org. Since April of 2010, over 3 million people across our state have participated in NC Science Festival programming.
One unique NCSciFest event will be held at the East Regional Public Library on Thursday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. It is called “Art, Its History and Our Great State.” This workshop celebrates the art and culture of North Carolina-from “African American musical culture, Appalachian music and crafts, Cherokee arts and culture, Piedmont pottery, maritime traditions,” according to ncsciencefestival.org, and learning the science and math behind them. It's easy to assume that art and science are totally different things, but the reality is that they go hand in hand. Reading music is math; understanding how to blend colors to create new ones is science. These ideas will be explored through hands-on activities at this workshop on April 25. Kids of all ages are invited to try experimenting with mixing colors and learning the math required to prepare an art project. In one hour, students will create a connection with the history and culture of our state, grow in their understanding of how that artwork is created, and enjoy creating something themselves. As with most NC SciFest events, Art, Its History and Our Great State is free for any and all participants, and all ages are invited to participate.
There will be several NC Science Festival events in Fayetteville during the month of April, so be sure to check out their website ncsciencefestival.org for a full lineup of events for students of all ages. Events in our area will be held at Cumberland County Public Library locations as well as Cape Fear Botanical Garden.

As the gentle touch of spring breathes life into Fayetteville, Sweet Tea Shakespeare, in collaboration with Fayetteville State University Theatre & Dance, is thrilled to unveil a poignant exploration of humanity’s shared essence through the play Everybody on April 25 through 28 at Fayetteville State University, 1200 Murchison Rd.
Set amidst the serene ambiance of Butler Theater’s courtyard and the enchanting outdoor venue of the Museum of the Cape Fear, the thought-provoking production of Everybody, invites a unique theatrical journey that delves deep into the universality of life experiences and challenges. This immersive play confronts the ultimate journey that all individuals must face — mortality. Nominated for the prestigious Pulitzer Prize, the play has been captivating audiences across the US and beyond with its powerful storytelling and exceptional performances. It’s promised to spark meaningful conversations.
Through a captivating storyline and engaging performances, Everybody prompts reflection on the shared human experience of grappling with the inevitability of death. As spectators immerse themselves in the narrative, they are encouraged to contemplate their existence and relationships, fostering a profound connection with the themes presented on stage.
This compelling production serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility and beauty of life, offering audiences an opportunity to explore fundamental questions about mortality, identity, and interconnectedness. Everybody promises to leave a lasting impression on all who experience this theatrical masterpiece. With a talented cast of fourteen actors from FSU’s Theater program, professionals from Sweet Tea Shakespeare’s company of artists, and a phenomenal band, get ready to immerse yourself in an unforgettable theatrical experience that transcends boundaries.
Jeremy Fiebig, Professor of Theatre and Directing, states, “Everybody is more than just a play—it’s an experience. With live music echoing the emotions on stage, engaging preshow entertainment, and a touch of Sweet Tea Shakespeare’s signature audience interaction, we’re redefining the essence of immersive theatre.”
Everybody was written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, a native of Washington, DC. He graduated from Princeton University in 2006 with a major in anthropology and earned a master's degree in performance studies from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. His play, Everybody, was a finalist for the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Drama – according to Wikipedia. It is a modern-day adaptation of the 15th-century play, Everyman, one of the first recorded plays in the English language. It's essential to note that due to adult language and scenes, accusations of racism, and themes surrounding mortality, this production is not recommended for children.
Don't miss this opportunity to witness the magic unfold on stage. Get tickets now and be part of an extraordinary theatrical experience that will stay with you long after the curtains close. Go to: tickets@sweetteashakespeare.com or call 910-420-4384 for more information.  This production is sponsored by a grant from the Arts Council of Fayetteville & Cumberland County, with funding from NC Arts Council. 

Methodist University proudly serves those who serve at the highest level – and once again, it has the designation to prove it.
Today, the Military Friendly® ratings program officially named Methodist University a Military Friendly® university with a gold-level ranking for the 2024-25 academic year. The ranking is a recurring honor for the University, which was also listed as one of the Military Times’ “Best for Vets” schools in November.
“Receiving this recognition is important for Methodist University,” said Dr. Doris Munoz, assistant provost of student retention and persistence initiatives at MU. “We have amazing services and resources in place to support all military-connected students. It is an honor for us to receive this recognition, but it’s even more of an honor to be able to provide military-connected students with the services we provide. After all they have done for us, this is the least we can do for them.”
The Military Friendly® program utilizes public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey to determine the rankings.
Located only a few miles away from Fort Liberty and Pope Army Airfield, Methodist University is uniquely positioned with several students, faculty, staff, and alumni who are serving or have served. For active-military student Ryan Lucas, the Military Friendly® ranking for Methodist University is well earned.
“At Methodist University, they adapt to my mission in expanding my education,” said Lucas, a U.S. Army critical care flight paramedic who is studying MU’s online Advanced Paramedicine program. “Flexibility meets dedication as they synchronize with my military schedule, ensuring I’m successful both in the field and in the classroom.”
With a Fort Liberty Office, Methodist University is dedicated to serving active-duty military, veterans, and their family members with personal assistance on general inquiries, admission, registration, academic and career advisement, and tuition assistance.
Methodist University also offers more than two dozen 100-percent online degree and certification programs – allowing active-duty military the flexibility they need to take the steps in their education or career.
Online undergraduate and graduate programs include Advanced Paramedicine, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Health Administration, Marketing, Psychology, Social Work, and more.
To learn about all of the advantages offered to active-duty military, visit Methodist University’s Fort Liberty Office web page.
Methodist University is an independent, four-year institution of higher education with approximately 2,000 students from across the U.S. and more than 50 countries.
MU offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including doctoral-level options, on campus and online. MU has been ranked as the “No. 1, Most Diverse University in North Carolina (2021-22 and 2022-23)," features more than 75 student clubs and organizations, plus 20 NCAA intercollegiate sports with nearly 40 team national championships.
To learn more about Methodist University, please visit methodist.edu.

Deployed Love, a national nonprofit organization, will be hosting a celebration for military children at Fort Liberty in honor of April, the Month of the Military Child.
Military families will be able to join Deployed Love at Sprout Springs Church Community Playground on April 20 for a fun afternoon. Children will be able to play on the playground, get their faces painted, jump in a bounce house, and dance to music.
As the kids have fun, there will be a special appearance from Leo the Lion, the Food Lion mascot.
Several food trucks will be available on-site for families to purchase food and drinks. The New Growth Cafe, which is partnering with Deployed Love to host the event, will also be open. Their menu includes a variety of espresso, coffee beverages and a selection of non-coffee drinks and seasonal flavors.
The event will begin at 1 p.m.
With help from volunteers from the community, Deployed Love will be able to provide 50 military families at Fort Liberty with free professional photos.
“I am so excited for this event, as it gives us the opportunity to recognize the military kiddos and the sacrifices and changes they make everyday.
"They are asked to follow their parents where they go, even if that means leaving behind friends, family, sports and schools. They have experienced certain things other children will never understand, but they also get to explore more than most children! Our military kids are the strongest group affiliated with the military and they deserve the world,” said Co-coordinator Katrina Belvin.
Anyone interested in volunteering, donating items and food for the event, or sponsoring the event can email communicationmanager@deployedlove.org.
About Deployed Love
Deployed Love is a non-profit based out of Fayetteville, North Carolina and currently has 6 chapters nationally.
It is a fully volunteer-run organization providing a community for military families.
Deployed Love strives to unite deployed military members and their families by serving the military community with events that bring connection and joy to the families involved.
The purpose of Deployed Love is to create and share events that allow families separated by military deployments a chance to connect. To learn more, visit DeployedLove.org or follow @DeployedLove on Instagram and Facebook.

Because of the tremendous benefits conferred by better education, it would be great if policymakers knew precisely what silver bullets to fire to eliminate obstacles to higher achievement.
But obstacles to achievement aren’t werewolves. They are complex and deeply rooted, not simple and fictional.
Unfortunately, far too many political discussions of education reform turn into debates about how best to cast silver bullets.
Some years ago, the magical ammunition of choice was the idea of making schools smaller. It attracted media attention, foundation funding, and political momentum. There was some early research support for the cause, which also seemed like common sense: smaller schools would be easier to manage and differentiate, allowing more innovation and individualized instruction.
Like so many other education-reform fads, however, policymakers let a few successful cases and a plausible theory displace critical thinking and patient evaluation. They didn’t look before they leaped. States and districts across the country hurried to break up existing schools and found new, smaller ones. The results proved to be mixed and, in many cases, disappointing.
It turns out that, yes, some students thrive in smaller schools. They feel safer and receive more attention. Some principals and teachers also do their best work in smaller schools.
But for other students and educators, the tradeoffs aren’t to their advantage. Smaller schools may lack the scale necessary to justify the high-level courses that challenge the gifted or the extracurricular programs that keep some students excited about school.
If policymakers had studied the issue more carefully, they wouldn’t have greeted the small-school movement with unrealistic expectations. Over the past quarter-century, scholars have published more than 100 peer-reviewed studies in academic journals exploring the relationship between school size and student performance.
In roughly a third, smaller schools were associated with higher achievement. In half, there was no statistically significant relationship between school size and outcomes. In the rest of the studies, smaller schools were linked to
lower student achievement.
Importantly, these findings do not suggest that there are no benefits to be had from smaller schools. They may be precisely what the doctor ordered for some students. But policymakers shouldn’t expect a general program of downsizing public schools to result in substantial improvements in efficiency or effectiveness. Other factors play a larger role in shaping student achievement.
And for small schools that do have a strong track record of success, size may be only part of a larger bundle of characteristics — a shared vision, a dynamic leader, rigorous curriculum, community support — that can’t easily be replicated.
Indeed, some of the studies finding benefits from small schools are really finding benefits from new, innovative schools — those that naturally begin their existence with small enrollments but then retain their effectiveness even as
they grow larger.
A 2013 study in the Journal of Urban Economics, for example, found that when New York City broke up existing high schools into smaller units, there wasn’t necessarily any effect on graduation rates or other outcome measures, whereas newly founded small schools did outperform other high schools in the city.
Policymakers out to improve education shouldn’t discard the silver bullet of small schools in search of a new silver bullet. They should abandon that search altogether and approach the problem differently.
After setting rigorous standards and ensuring that there will be independent assessments of student performance to provide critical information to parents, educators, and taxpayers, they should then largely get out of the way and let districts, schools, and educators make their own choices about operational matters.
It’s best to think about school reform as a process of discovery and replication, not one of social engineering and bureaucratic compliance.
Unlike small schools, school autonomy does offer consistent benefits. About two-thirds of peer-reviewed studies find a statistically significant link between the degree of school autonomy and student outcomes.
Some autonomous schools — be they public or private — choose to keep total enrollments low. Others don’t. As long as they get results, who cares?

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

Love is a many splintered thing. Time to hop into Mr. Peabody’s Way Back Machine back into the wonderful world of Greek Mythology. Remember our old friend Daphne? If you skipped class the day Daphne was discussed, you are in luck. Daphne was a Naiad. Naiads are beautiful woodland nymphs who hang out around water features like fountains, ponds, and streams.
Her Daddy Peneus was a River God. Daphne was minding her own business when as luck would have it, Apollo, the God of poetry and light, got into a ruckus with Eros the God of Love.
Daphne ends up as collateral damage due to the fuss between Apollo and Eros. Pro tip: Eros is now known popularly as Cupid, the God of Love, chocolate, flowers, and men buying the wrong gift for their lady person.
In a win like NC State beating Dook in the NCAA tournament, Apollo had just gotten back into town after whaling the tar out of a substantially mean nasty dragon named Python. Flush with success and arrogant about his victory, Apollo bumped into Eros at the sauna at Mount Olympus. Eros was famous for shooting arrows into mortals to make them fall in love. Apollo trash-talked to Eros, bragging his defeat of Python made Eros’ puny love arrows look silly. This jab did not sit well with Eros who was defensive about his job making people fall in love.
To prove he was not a God to be trifled with, Eros shot a gold tipped arrow into Apollo’s heart making Apollo fall in love with Daphne. To make Apollo’s life miserable (and incidentally Daphne’s life as well), Eros shot a lead-tipped arrow into Daphne which made her want to avoid men at all costs.
The lead-tipped arrow had the same effect on Daphne that Suboxone has on heroin addicts. Gentle Reader, you can see where this is going. The late great Possum, country superstar George Jones, sang about this very situation in his song “The Race is On”: “Now the race is on/ And here comes pride up the backstretch/ Heartache’s a-going to the inside/ My tears are holding back/ Trying not to fall/ … My heart’s out of the running/ The race is on/ And the winner loses all.”
Apollo was smitten with Daphne as only a God injected with a golden arrowhead could be smitten. Like Ernest T. Bass’ unrequited love for the beautiful Rowena, like Running Bear loved Little White Dove with a love as big as the sky; Apollo loved Daphne with a love that could not die. Apollo became Daphne’s stalker.
He begged and pleaded with her to no avail. The lead arrow turned Daphne off to all men. Another dude, Leucippus, was so taken with Daphne that he disguised himself as a woman to get close to her. Like Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe in “Some Like it Hot,” Leucippus became Daphne’s best friend while disguised as a woman. Their closeness grossly aggravated Apollo.
Being a God, he caused Daphne and her merry band of nymphs to decide to go swimming in a river. This was before bathing suits were invented. Everyone had to strip down nekkid to take a dip. When Leucippus had to undress, his shortcomings as a woman were revealed to the nymphs. They did not take kindly to being fooled and stabbed him to death.
Apollo’s pursuit of Daphne resumed unabated. Apollo’s unwanted persistence foreshadowed Sting’s hymn to stalking “Every Breath You Take”: “…Every breath you take/ And every move you make/ Every bond you break/ Every step you take/ I’ll be watching you.” Finally, exhausted by Apollo’s advances, about to be kissed, and backed into a proverbial corner, Daphne called on her father Peneus to save her from Apollo.
Dear old Dad did what any loving father would do to save his daughter. Peneus turned Daphne into a laurel tree. The transformation was complete. Her hair turned into leaves, her skin turned into bark, her feet became roots, and her face turned into the canopy of the tree. She was no more.
Even Daphne’s treemongrification did not quench Apollo’s ardor. Apollo became the first tree hugger. Apollo could feel Daphne’s heart beating while he hugged her tree. Apollo is reported to say: “My bride since you can never be, at least, sweet laurel, you shall be my tree. My lure, my locks, my quiver you shall wreathe.” His pledge of love is almost as sweet as when Andy Griffith sang: “Sure as the vine twines ‘round the stump/ You are my darlin’ sugar lump.”
Apollo was so taken with laurel trees that he used laurel leaves to crown the winners of the early Olympics. This habit caught on. That is why laurel leaves are awarded as prizes to winners of various contests to this day.
As Paul Harvey used to say: “Now you know the rest of the story.” So go rest on your laurels.

At the last City Council meeting the members of the Fayetteville City Council voted down a proposal to adopt a “resolution in support of immigrant communities in Fayetteville.” Good for them. After all, Fayetteville has an indisputable reputation for being one of the friendliest and most diverse communities in the country.
Regardless of whether this resolution was symbolic or not, it's absurd and insulting to even insinuate we must mandate such humanity. Sure, liberal- progressive communities like Chapel Hill and Carboro cowed down to North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper's left-wing progressive wishes, but in Fayetteville, trying to endorse and pass such a resolution in our community disrespects citizens of our proud heritage.
There is another disturbing aspect of that proposed resolution and the way it was voted on. The resolution was voted down with a 4-4 split vote. The City Council is made up of 9 District Representatives and the Mayor. The vote should equal 10, not 8.
Hmmm? Perhaps we should be concerned that our elected officials are not representing their constituents or taking their responsibilities seriously.
The 4-4 vote resulted when Councilman Mario Benavente proposed the motion introducing the symbolic resolution, and it was then supported by Council Members Brenda McNair and Courtney Banks-McLaughlin who were present at the meeting.
The fourth "yes" vote came courtesy of Deno Hondros who was not present at the meeting and was credited with an "unexcused" absence. Regardless of motion, an unexcused absence results in an automatic “yes” vote. (I contacted Loren Bymer, Director of Marketing and Communications for the city, to define what is considered an "unexcused absence " vs. an excused absence. His office has not responded.)
Kudos to Mayor Colvin, and Council Members Lynne Greene, Malik Davis, and Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Jensen who voted NO against the resolution. But, what about Council Members Derrick Thompson and D.J. Haire?
What was their vote? What were their comments and where did they weigh in on this issue? The answer is: they didn't.
Both were officially excused from the meeting by the council, so their absence did not count in the vote. So, is this how they are going to continue representing their constituents by manipulating absences?
If so, you can be assured that the outcomes will never be in favor of the citizens. Another question comes to mind: When a Council Member has an unexcused absence do they get paid for that meeting or is their salary adjusted?
Support immigrant communities in Fayetteville? You bet we do. Fayetteville is known nationwide for its diverse population and warm, friendly, hospitable outreach to all nationalities.
If any city councilman feels the need to introduce and vote on a symbolic resolution, let it be one recognizing Fayetteville as a community of History, Heroes and a Hometown Feeling. This includes our immigrants.
Thanks for reading the Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper, and I hope to see you in September at the International Folk Festival when we celebrate our diverse heritage.

The Dogwood Festival is just around the corner in Fayetteville, and the annual “unofficial kickoff” barbecue is about to happen. The annual Crime Stoppers Benefit BBQ celebrates its 40th year on Friday, April 26. It is hosted by the Fayetteville/Cumberland Crime Stoppers and the Spring Lake Police Department. Similar to previous years, the event will be at the parking lot of the Harris Teeter located at 2800 Raeford Road. This event is a chance to support the Fayetteville/Cumberland County Crime Stoppers and enjoy a nice meal of North Carolina barbecue.
The barbecue starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 7 p.m. One can stop by for lunch, dinner, or even both. The event is set up as a drive-thru, so you can pick up a plate of North Carolina barbeque without getting out of your vehicle. Each plate can be purchased with a $10 donation, and contains delicious barbecue pork, a dinner roll, coleslaw and potato salad.
“This year we are excited to be hosting our 40th annual Crimestoppers BBQ. This event serves as our main fundraiser to continue providing cash rewards for tips leading to arrests. Our community has been generous supporters of this event each year, which ultimately helps everyone in our community,” said Tommy Hodge, secretary of the board for the Crime Stoppers program. He also mentioned how each year they gain a lot of traction, serving over 3,000 plates of delicious Southern Coals BBQ on average.
The Fayetteville/Cumberland County Crime Stoppers is not officially a part of any police department. It is a community volunteer program that assists in law enforcement and has the goal of reducing crime within the community. They also support the Spring Lake Police Department, Hope Mills Police Department, the Fayetteville Police Department, and the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.
“While our primary role is to pay out cash rewards, we also provide funds to purchase and operate kiosks that are stationed around Cumberland County,” said Hodge. “These digital kiosks display pictures to increase awareness of wanted criminals and the likelihood of a tip that leads to arrest. We currently have three kiosks in high-traffic areas: the Fayetteville police department lobby, the courthouse lobby and the downtown bus terminal.”
It is local fundraisers like these that help Fayetteville/Cumberland County Crime Stoppers raise money for their program. It helps them be able to give their cash rewards to citizens who give them tips and to pay for their staff. Anyone can call them to provide anonymous information on any criminal activity. If an arrest is made from the tip provided, the caller will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000. The Crime Stoppers can be reached at 910-483-8477 to provide confidential tips for any criminal activity.

“The biggest benefit of Apollo was the inspiration it gave to a growing generation to get into science and aerospace,” said Buzz Aldrin, Astronaut, former American Astronaut and Engineer.
“The North Carolina Science Festival is the first statewide science festival in the United States. The festival promotes science awareness for all North Carolinians... The concept is the cultural, educational, and economic development of the sciences within North Carolina,” according to the North Carolina Science Festival (Wikipedia).
“The NC Science Festival started in 2010 out of Morehead Planetarium and has developed to cover events across the state during the month of April. Fayetteville State is proud to participate in this program for our second year. State on Innovation is the theme for 2024. This theme inspired the kickoff for our new degree program, Material Science and Advanced Manufacturing,” states Joseph Kabbes, Astronomy instructor and planetarium manager, Fayetteville State University.
Innovation and Aerospace Manufacturing will be presented at Fayetteville State Planetarium, Fayetteville State University on April 13 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This free event will have presentations about Earth Science, Physics, Engineering, and Technology. Activities include launching rockets, coding robots, learning 3-D printing techniques, thrust testing rocket engines including the Bronco Nitro, experimentation with heat shield designs, designing personalized badges with the assistance of robots, driving robots on simulated lunar surfaces, flying small drones, exploration of thruster design and a full movie experience of the Fayetteville Planetarium.
“Innovation, to me, is the process of seeing what is and imagining the development of what may be. It takes the form of invention or could be the combination of existing ideas or products in unique and novel ways or for different purposes,” states Kabbes.
Fayetteville State University is offering a new degree program called Material Science and Advanced Manufacturing degree during Fall 2024.
“The new Material Science and Advanced Manufacturing Degree is an outgrowth of the existing Material Science minor in the Department of Chemistry, Physics, and Material Science at Fayetteville State. This extends the current work in material science at the microscopic scale to the macroscopic scale for manufacturing. This is to address a critical national priority to reestablish onshore manufacturing to address economic and strategic needs.
"The program excites me, as it is the first step towards engineering at Fayetteville State University, in addition to meeting a strong demand for material scientists,” Kabbes said. “We see the economic impact of material science every day, from new materials in cars and airplanes to 3-D printed parts and even houses. NASA and other organizations have a high need for material scientists and advanced manufacturing to help with the growing space economy. It is an exciting time for our students. In addition to training students for these new industries, one dream is to establish Fayetteville State University as the regional hub for new businesses related to Advanced Manufacturing.”
The degree program is available for Fall 2024. For more information contact Fayetteville State University, at https://www.uncfsu.edu.
“The mission of the Fayetteville State University Planetarium is to engage students in Cumberland County and the surrounding region. We hope to inspire and inform students of the opportunities in Science and Engineering, In Civil Engineering, for example, there is a shortfall of tens of thousands of engineers today. Engineers are responsible for public infrastructure, such as roads, buildings, and water supplies, but also design infrastructure as we move to build bases on the Moon and beyond. We want younger students to see some of the opportunities and say, ‘I could do that,’” said Kabbes.
Inspire and inform students from pre-kindergarten to college level to attend the Innovation in Aerospace and Manufacturing, at the Fayetteville State University Planetarium on April 13. The event is free., and will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Lacey Crime's first canvas wasn't the side of a building like it often is now. It was a small wall inside her own home. The wall wasn't fully painted in graphics as most of her murals are now. Instead, the sky blue wall had smaller space graphics on it to give the feeling of looking at space from inside a rocketship. In 2015, it began with a child's bedroom -- her child’s bedroom. For her technically the art of cookie decoration preceded her love of murals and painting walls and buildings. But these days, even though Crime is known in the area for her cookies, murals are taking up more of her time.
Growing up, Lacey says she never took her artistic talent seriously. She thought she needed to get a "real" job to be successful. Art didn't seem like it could also pay the bills.
"It's pretty cool to say that the starving artist mentality is quickly becoming an idea of the past and artists are thriving in their field, making it their full-time jobs while [being] able to fully support their families," Crime said.
Crime’s first mural, the one featuring astronauts and space inside her child’s bedroom, led her to paint more and more. Although for Crime, she says it took years before she really delved into that space.
“Murals are satisfying, addictive. It’s a space profession that allows more time with my family,” she said.
Painting has taken her across North Carolina to different cities and even to the neighboring states. Crime just finished an interactive mural in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina at The Twisted Penguin.
“The interactive bench murals are always a fun way to fool the eye and get the people in town involved and excited about public art,” she said.
In Myrtle, Crime traded in a bench for a surfboard. And for this destination, some of her family got to come along. Crime says that's the most challenging part of her business: finding the time to balance both it and her family.
“Having to juggle being a mom of four and a military spouse … planning around my husband’s schedule and him having to try and plan around mine has been quite interesting to say the least,” she said.
Crime’s murals are usually created with a little bit of ideas from both the client and herself. She begins by talking with clients to get their vision and any ideas down on paper. Crime says this process is to ensure that not only is she a good fit for them, but the client is also a good fit for her. Then comes all the digital mockups of the design. While the greatness of artistic freedom is often bounced around in the field, Crime says she always gets happy when clients have an exact design and they just need her to paint it.
“I have one coming up where the client is giving me full artistic freedom. As much as it sounds fun, I find there’s more pressure because I really don’t want to mess it up and have their expectations not met,” Crime said. “Logos sound boring to many but they are so fun and relaxing for me. Give me a logo mural any day!”
As far as favorites, Crime has trouble naming just one or two but logos aren’t in the mix. Crime recalls a challenging mural in Lumberton as being one of her favorite pieces she has completed.
“I needed to put together a 4-stage scaffolding. I needed to recruit help moving it every time I was done with a section. I think there is more pride in that one because of all the labor involved. I didn’t have a lift where I could easily go up and down, left and right. It was straight-up labor and my body was sore every day from carrying the paint cans up and down each story. And of course, the design is absolutely beautiful. All of the elements give a snapshot of Historic Robeson County’s history.”
Thankfully for now, according to Crime, she stays pretty busy. While cookies are still part of her work now and in the future, she's glad for the swing toward work in murals.
"I am one of many artists who was selected to paint a large mural in the Durham County Public Art Project. I was just approved to paint a mural in the Central Prison in Raleigh," she said.
Although, according to Crime, the job that has held the most weight in her kids' minds was a job she did for Mr. Beast a couple of years ago.

Attention all daredevils! Have you ever thought about rappelling down the side of a building with your colleagues cheering you on?
United Way of Cumberland County presents an Over The Edge fundraising event Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Medical Arts Building in downtown Fayetteville.
“Over the Edge is what we call a peer-to-peer fundraiser that is the same scope of a walkathon in which people raise money individually,” said Carolyn Justice-Hinson, member of the United Way Board of Directors and co-chair of the event. “Over the Edge is urban rappelling and to participate in the event an individual must sign up and raise money. The goal for each individual is to raise is $1,000.”
She added, “They will rappel down the side of the Medical Arts Building in downtown Fayetteville which is approximately 50 feet.”
United Way of Cumberland County has typically raised funds that support partner agencies in the community through workplace campaigns.
“As times have changed and we were going through COVID-19, we started looking at some new ventures to help raise funds,” said Justice-Hinson. “Last year was the first year that United Way embarked on a fundraiser because we have always done workplace campaigns and individual contributions.”
Justice-Hinson added, “It was challenging to find buildings in Fayetteville to fit the criteria for rappelling. We are thankful to Cape Fear Valley Health System and Michael Nagowski for allowing us to use the Medical Arts Building which is the perfect location in downtown Fayetteville. With United Way, we wanted to attract younger donors, people involved with United Way and we felt this kind of fundraiser would be another way to get the younger generations involved,” said Justice-Hinson.
The adventurous event has taken a life of its own and some individuals have used it to take a stance for causes that are close to their heart.
“Some people are doing it in honor of a loved one, as a challenge to themselves, or because they have not had an opportunity to rappel before,” said Justice-Hinson. “Some people are doing it because their company is participating in what we call Toss the Boss and that is when the company or its employees raise money and the goal is to raise $2,500. When they raise the money, their boss agrees to rappel down the side of the building and if they decide not to rappel, they will have to pay additional money to not rappel,” she said.
“When participants come to rappel, there are areas for their friends and family to cheer them on,” said Justice-Hinson. “We have an MC and when you are rappelling down the building, he will talk about you and tell what cause you are rappelling for.”
Last year’s edgy event drew support from some of Fayetteville’s heavy hitters.
“We had the representative from the Garrison Command, Command Sgt. Maj. Greg Seymour, to participate last year as one of our VIPs and he is planning on participating this year,” said Justice-Hinson. “We had a lot of community leaders who participated … Superior Court Judge Ammons, Police Chief Kemberle Braden, County Commissioner Toni Stewart, City Councilwoman Kathy Jensen and North Carolina Superior Court Judge Robby Hicks.”
“Last year’s event exceeded our expectations and many of the partner agencies of United Way participated,” said Justice-Hinson. “There were a lot of the members of the community who just came out to observe and I will say that since COVID-19 there have not been as many activities that I really think had a sense of community and that day really did.”
She added, “It was incredibly positive and that is why the United Way decided that we would go for a second year with the fundraiser. This is a fundraiser like no other.”
Justice-Hinson’s decision to rappel has given her personal and professional fulfillment as well as a testament to her adaptability.
“When I was participating on the committee last year, I was very excited about it but I personally was not going to rappel,” she said. “I actually raised money so that one of my best friends could rappel and I was too chicken to do it because of my life experiences of being put in that type of situation and not being able to do it.”
Justice Hinson added, “At the end of the day, the event had been so successful that I ended up rappelling. Maybe I got caught up in the moment by looking around and watching all of the excitement of that day and watching the people who rappelled, get to the ground and were able to celebrate doing it. Now, anytime that I have a challenge, that has stuck out in my mind. If I can rappel down the side of a building, I can certainly tackle what is in front of me. It was a personal victory for me and that was my takeaway from it.”
All the funds that are raised are going to United Way.
“Last year we ended up raising $30,000 and every bit makes a difference,” said Justice-Hinson. “United Way is all about making this community a better place and it is really a win-win situation.”
United Way’s goal is for the fundraiser to become a popular staple in the community.
“We would ultimately love to see it grow, sustain it year in and year out and love to see some competition between businesses,” said Justice-Hinson. “We chose rappelling because it was different than any fundraiser that we had done around Fayetteville, it was unique and we wanted to do something with the military.”
The event is free and open to the public. For more information visit https://www.unitedway-cc.org/ or call 910-483-1179.

April showers and pollen aren’t the only things Spring is bringing to the Fayetteville community; on April 6, the City Market at the Museum will be hosting its annual Spring Kickoff. The Fayetteville History Museum hosts this local farmers, crafters, and makers market every Saturday, rain or shine. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Museum’s front lawn hosts a broad array of local growers and artisans who peddle their wares to visitors.
The Fayetteville History Museum’s City Market at the Museum has been a Saturday staple downtown since 2010 and is a warm and welcoming community of small businesses. The program began with former Museum Director Bruce Daws. Daws felt that the history museum and the farmers market were a natural fit. Historically, farmers markets have played an essential role in the Fayetteville community. Open-air markets served as significant economic and social institutions within our community.
Farmers markets have a unique and positive impact on their communities. These markets allow small businesses and small farms to establish themselves. Local markets also use fewer resources to bring products to the market, supporting a more economic and ecological way to produce and sell products. Market goods are often more sustainable. Farmers markets also help to increase access to fresh and nutritious food and allow consumers to build relationships with the businesses and farmers who produce the goods they are purchasing.
“My favorite thing about the market is the sense of community it creates,” explained Britney Mankin, historical properties specialist and market coordinator.
Each Spring, the City Market at the Museum hosts a kickoff event, and various organizations from around the community participate. This year, Fayetteville PWC will be in attendance, and Fayetteville/Cumberland Parks and Recreation’s Clark Park Nature Center and Lake Rim and the Master Gardeners will have tables set up. These organizations will have fun activities ready for all who visit their tables. The market is regularly the home to farmers selling vegetables and meat, bakers, crafters, food trucks and makers. For this event, vendors will contribute to gift baskets as part of a giveaway for attendees on the day of the event, and a small selection of carnival games will be set up for all to enjoy.
In addition to the Spring Kickoff, the City Market at the Museum hosts various special events throughout the year. The market regularly participates in the weekend-long Midsummer Magic event in July hosted by the Downtown Alliance. It hosts a dog-friendly day in August for the Dog Days of Summer.
The market is home to some tried-and-true regular vendors, such as Joyce and William Horne. They have been vendors at the market since it began and sell a selection of produce, jams, and jellies. This summer, there will be a host of newcomers to explore.
“This program brings energy and life to the museum grounds in the heart of downtown Fayetteville,” said Heidi Bleazey, museum director and historic and natural resources manager for Fayetteville/Cumberland Parks and Recreation.
The market always welcomes new vendors who make or grow their products. Those interested in becoming a vendor with the City Market at the Museum can stop by the Museum to collect and apply during business hours, Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendor spaces are approved at the discretion of the museum staff, and participation is free. For additional information, please call 910-433-1457.

In 2012, Hilda Burgos had a dream of bringing holistic wellness to Fayetteville. She bought a building on Anderson Street and she and her family spent the next two years renovating it to house such a service. In 2014, Prima Elements opened, offering fully plant-based smoothies and juices, aimed to provide healing through nutrition.
In the ensuing ten years, Hilda retired, but under the leadership of her son Adrian and daughter-in-law Audriaunna, Prima Elements has continued to grow through added services, classes, and therapies to promote healing and wellness through nutrition, movement and other holistic practices. On April 13, they are hosting a block party to celebrate their 10th anniversary and are inviting the whole community to come join in the celebration.
Prima Elements is a family/woman/veteran/minority-owned business located in downtown Fayetteville, just one block off of Hay Street. It is a unique small business in that it is service-based, not only retail-based. While the services offered by Prima Elements have grown over the past 10 years, the most popular feature is still the juice and smoothie bar. It is most people’s introduction to the company and continues to be Prima’s biggest asset. But Prima Elements is more than just a juice bar. They offer many services and therapies, including holistic health consultations, nutrition counseling, guided meditation, yoga and RestStation Therapy, which uses sound and vibration for restorative healing. They are also a certified training center for yoga instructors.
Prima Elements began with a recognition of how unbalanced Western medicine tends to be and with the belief that by incorporating Eastern, holistic practices, people could achieve more complete results and better healing for their body, mind and spirit. They also maintain a commitment to their community, through outreach and by intentionally keeping their prices lower than most similar services provided by other practitioners.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of this unique business in Fayetteville, Prima Elements is hosting a 10th anniversary celebration. According to Audriaunna Burgos, this event on April 13 will be the grand opening they never had, as the business opened in a slower, more gradual way in 2014. The celebration is free and open to the entire community. Some of the highlights of the celebration will include:
• Food Trucks: Indulge your taste buds with a diverse selection of culinary delights. All food will be plant-based and will feature shish-kabobs, street corn, juice bars, vegan ice cream, and other unique, exciting food options.
• Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Celebrate this milestone moment and share the excitement.
• Live Music: Enjoy performances by talented local artists throughout the day, including a steel drummer and an acoustic drummer. There will also be a playlist, curated by founder Hilda Burgos.
• Artisan and Craft Vendors: Explore unique and handcrafted items from local artisans.
• Small Business Vendors: Discover a variety of offerings from local small businesses.
• Competitions: Engage in friendly competitions-including a contest to see who can drink the spiciest juice and win exciting prizes.
• Kids Zone: A dedicated area for the little ones with activities and entertainment.
• Community Spirit with Zumba Class: Join an energetic Zumba class that embodies community spirit.
• Cooking Demos: Learn from culinary experts with live cooking demonstrations.
• Yoga Classes: Find tranquility and balance with invigorating yoga sessions.
• Sound Healing Workshops: Immerse yourself in the healing power of sound.
Bring the whole family out to Anderson Street. It will be blocked off for the party on April 13 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Whether you are a Prima Elements regular or this is your first introduction to this unique business and the services they provide, it will be a great opportunity to celebrate, discover something new and engage with your community.

The Fayetteville Symphony has partnered with the Kruger Brothers for a special event titled "Music of Appalachia," which will take place on April 20 at the Seabrook Auditorium located on the Fayetteville State University campus.
Jens and Uwe Kruger, two brothers from Europe, were brought up in a musical household where they began singing and playing musical instruments at a young age. Their upbringing exposed them to a diverse range of music, instilling in them a deep appreciation for the art form.
The siblings joined forces with Joel Landsberg, a bass player with a rich background in classical and jazz music. Since 1995, the three of them have been collaborating and putting on performances together.
Since 2002, the trio have found their home in Wilkesboro, NC, and the FSO is incredibly excited to have the opportunity to work together with them for this unique musical occasion.
“We’re excited to collaborate with the Kruger Brothers for this performance. It will be incredible to experience classical compositions with folk music elements. The Kruger Brothers have an incredible following and we’re looking forward to having new patrons in the concert hall!” said Meghan Woolbright, FSO’s Marketing and Office Manager.
From their inception, the Kruger Brothers have showcased their ingenuity by infusing classical music into folk music, resulting in a distinctive sound that stands out in the realm of acoustic music. This exceptional fusion sets them apart from any other artists in the genre.
The music originating from Appalachia has strong connections to Western North Carolina. When immigrants arrived from Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland, they brought their own musical traditions along with them. The sound of Appalachia was further enriched by incorporating influences from genres such as bluegrass, country, blues, and jazz.
You can look forward to hearing classic pieces like Copland's Appalachian Spring, Quinn Mason's Immerse and other selections from the Kruger Brothers that celebrate this rich music history.
The Coldwell Banker Trolley will be providing rides to Seabrook Auditorium. Pick-up will be at 6:30 p.m. at the FSO office located at 310 Green Street. The trolley will also be bringing patrons back to the FSO office after the concert is finished.
The concert starts at 7:30 p.m., but be sure to get there early and catch the pre-concert talk led by the FSO’s “Music Nerd” and FSO Musicians. Tickets range from $5 to $32 and can be purchased at https://www.fayettevillesymphony.org.

Fayetteville Fury is excited to announce the appointment of Skye Linkous and Ann Marie Chao as the new Co-Directors of the Fury Futures Program.
Their combined expertise and passion for soccer will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of young athletes in our community.
Skye Linkous brings a rich background in sports, coaching, and community involvement. Hailing from Watertown, New York, her diverse experience spans across dance, Tae Kwon Do, and multiple school sports, leading to her profound involvement in soccer as a parent and coach.
Skye's move to North Carolina in 2010 marked the beginning of her significant contribution to local soccer, including coaching stints at NZone and Freedom Christian Academy.
A certified first aid, AED, and a National Federation of State High School Associations coach, Skye’s commitment to nurturing young talent and fostering a love for soccer is unwavering. Her personal journey with the sport and her desire to create a positive impact make her an invaluable asset to the Fury Futures Program.
Ann Marie Chao's journey in sports is equally inspiring. Raised in Syracuse, New York, she was a multi-sport athlete from a young age, participating in soccer, lacrosse, competitive swim, and more.
Ann Marie’s leadership skills were honed through her roles at various camps and as a veteran of the United States Navy stationed in San Diego, where she continued to engage in competitive sports. Moving to North Carolina brought her closer to family and the local soccer community, where she has been coaching youth teams with dedication.
As a NFHS certified coach with U.S. Soccer Grassroots, CPR, and First Aid certifications, Ann Marie’s extensive experience and commitment to youth development are set to enrich the Fury Futures Program.
Together, Skye and Ann Marie will lead the Fury Futures Program with a focus on developing homegrown talent, fostering a culture of excellence, and ensuring soccer is accessible to all.
Their leadership will enhance the mission to provide a nurturing environment for young athletes to grow, compete, and embrace the beautiful game.
Fayetteville Fury is proud to have Skye Linkous and Ann Marie Chao join the team. We look forward to their contributions and the bright future they will help build for our young athletes.
For more information about the Fury Futures Program and the new Co-Directors, please visit Fayetteville Fury's official website.
The Fayetteville Fury is a professional indoor soccer team in Fayetteville, North Carolina dedicated to the community, personal development of the players, and to the growth of soccer among the youth by providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in the sport.
As a proud member of the United Premier Soccer League, the team is poised to make its mark on the national stage, epitomizing the spirit of competition and sportsmanship.

On Thursday, April 25, at 7 p.m. the Ruth Pauley Lecture Series will present the fifth in its 36th consecutive season of free lectures from renowned thinkers, statesmen, and arts and entertainment figures. This lecture will feature Dr. Anne E. Weiss on the topic “Explore NASA: Sailing the New Cosmic Sea to Reveal the Unknown for the Benefit of Humanity.”
Dr. Weiss is a NASA STEM Engagement & Educator Professional Development Collaborative Specialist at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia – the nation’s first aeronautic laboratory. She earned a B.S in Vertebrate Physiology from Pennsylvania State University, an M.D. in Physiology from Arizona State University, and her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration also from Pennsylvania State University.
In her quest to fulfill a lifelong dream of flying in space, Dr. Weiss originally trained as a neuroscientist, including research work at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico.
For the past 28 years she has merged her scientific training with her passion for education as a middle school, high school and undergraduate science educator.
Since 2010, she has also contributed to various NASA STEM Engagement (Education) projects, including the NASA Educators Online Network, NASA/NSTA Teacher Learning Journeys, and NASA’s Aerospace Education Services Project.
Now more than 50 years after the Eagle landed at Tranquility Base, Dr. Weiss will discuss NASA’s preparation to send the Artemis II crew further than ever before into space aiming to establish a permanent base of operations at the Moon’s South Pole.
This foundational outpost on the shores of a vast cosmic sea will allow humans eventually to follow the trailblazing robotic missions that explore our Solar System and beyond, some of which look back nearly to the beginning of the Universe itself.
The Ruth Pauley board is excited to announce that for this lecture and in collaboration with Dr. Weiss, the Series’ Lyceum Scholars program and the program’s participating high schools, the Ruth Pauley Lecture Series will be awarding a scholarship. A high school student will be able to attend NASA’s Space Camp in “The Rocket City” of Huntsville, Alabama – a camp based on NASA astronaut training focused on teamwork and leadership skills. At her lecture, Dr. Weiss, herself a Space Camp alumna, will announce the winner of the scholarship competition and present the award.
Advance registration is required for Ruth Pauley Lectures. Get free tickets (no tax/no charge) by visiting www.ruthpauley.org, or by using the following link: www/ticketmesandhills/organizations/ruth-pauley-lecture-series.
The lecture will begin at 7 p.m. in Owens Auditorium at the Bradshaw Performing Arts Center on the Sandhills Community College campus. The lecture will be preceded with a cash bar in the auditorium lobby, and will be followed by a Q&A session and then an informal gathering with the speaker and refreshments in the lobby.
All Ruth Pauley lectures are free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.ruthpauley.org or contact Robert Hughes at rhughes44@nc.rr.com or
910-255-0777.

I think the North Carolina General Assembly deserves loads of credit for making our tax code friendlier to growth, investment, and freedom. In one respect, however, the state still imposes too heavy a load. It requires too many out-of-state retailers to collect and remit sales taxes. Lawmakers ought to fix this problem when they reconvene April 24.
Yes, I know it may sound odd to prioritize a tax change that, by definition, won’t benefit businesses based here. But hear me out. Our current filing threshold is unfair and out of step with that of most Southeastern states. Moreover, changing it will have only a modest impact on our future revenues.
First, some background. Until fairly recently, a state or local jurisdiction couldn’t really compel a company to charge and remit sales taxes unless it was headquartered or had a substantial physical footprint in the jurisdiction.
The rise of online commerce rendered that standard increasingly hard to defend. In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a pivotal decision in a case called South Dakota vs. Wayfair. Rather than requiring a physical presence in a jurisdiction to establish a “nexus” for tax purposes, the majority ruled that it would be enough to have a significant economic presence in the jurisdiction.
In other words, if a company in Oregon does a substantial amount of business with consumers in North Carolina, the company ought to be required to collect and pay sales tax to North Carolina. Otherwise, competing retailers in North Carolina have to shoulder higher compliance costs and charge higher prices (because there’s a sales tax embedded in them).
Moreover, the argument goes, that governments charge sales taxes in order to pay for public services. While it makes intuitive sense that businesses with a physical presence in a jurisdiction collect taxes to help pay for the services that make their operations possible, even remote sellers and their customers benefit from some public services (one example might be courts for adjudicating potential disputes) and thus ought to have a role in financing those services. Rightly or wrongly, the four-justice majority agreed.
Now, Wayfair doesn’t allow governments to compel all retailers in the country to collect and remit sales taxes, regardless of how much business they do within a given jurisdiction. The justices ruled that small retailers ought not be unduly burdened, though they left it up to states to set the minimum thresholds that would trigger sales-tax liability.
Manish Bhatt, a senior policy analyst at the Tax Foundation, observed in a recent study that states with sales taxes have chosen three different solutions. Twenty-five states — including our neighbors South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia — use a minimum dollar amount of retail sales as the threshold. Another 19 states, including North Carolina, require that retailers with a minimum revenue or a minimum number of retail transactions in their jurisdictions collect and remit sales taxes. Finally, Connecticut and New York require both a minimum revenue and a minimum number of transactions to trigger sales-tax liability.
Bhatt argued that the transactions threshold should go. “Establishing economic nexus through transactions alone is quite burdensome,” he wrote, “as compliance costs associated with collection and remittance requirements could be greater than the business transacted.”
North and South Carolina illustrate the difference. Both states have set the minimum sales figure at $100,000 a year. But only North Carolina requires that out-of-state retailers with less than $100,000 in annual sales still file taxes if they conduct at least 200 transactions in the current or prior year.
If your company is doing less than $100,000 in sales here, your “economic presence” in North Carolina is minuscule. Our sales-tax rule may make you doing business here a waste of your time. I’d rather let North Carolinians decide from whom they buy goods and services. Our state should adopt South Carolina’s standard.

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

Last week, a group of prestigious Fayetteville residents came together at the home of Ralph and Linda Huff to celebrate and launch a local $12 million fundraising campaign supporting the new $60 million Medical School in partnership with Methodist University and Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.
Those in attendance were a virtual who's who of Fayetteville residents that have long and impressive records for contributing to Fayetteville's infrastructure and quality of life. These select residents and business leaders continue to give back to the community that has given them so much.
They are pillars of the Fayetteville community who have for decades opened their minds, their hearts, and their wallets for the betterment of our community and all humanity. Out of respect for their privacy, I will not identify them except to say that eight people raised over seven million dollars of their twelve million dollar goal.
Generous and impressive.
The new medical school's potential economic impact on our community is even more impressive. Tens of millions of dollars will be brought into the community to boost our economy, not to mention the addition of hundreds of doctors, medical technicians, and support staff, and more importantly, the addition of much-needed medical services for the area.
This is a win-win-win proposition for Fayetteville/Cumberland County, Cape Fear Valley Health System, and Methodist University. I congratulate CFVHS CEO Mike Nagowski and Methodist University President Stanley Wearden for their vision and leadership in making this a reality.
Of course, projects of this nature and grandeur cannot be accomplished or succeed without the full support and cooperation of local elected officials, business and civic leaders, and residents.
Ralph Huff has successfully rallied the private and business sectors; now, we can only hope the local November elections will provide a higher level of involvement, talent, and competence in our elected officials that will inspire and complement more achievements of this nature.
My only concern is regarding the generous, philanthropic nature of residents, like those assembled at the Huff home. They are considered and respected as Old Fayetteville, and their numbers are dwindling year after year.
Who will replace them? Who will replace their generosity, dedication, and commitment to the future of the Fayetteville/Cumberland County community?
Undoubtedly, Dr. Franklin Clark was on point when he said, "This [the medical school] will elevate our community to a level of sophistication and finally get Fayetteville in the light I think all of us want."
I agree. Now, we have to get there and stay there.
Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.