Wine & Design Fayetteville has recently relocated to larger premises. Their new address is 2180 Skibo Rd. Ste C, situated next to Popeyes, just north of the Skibo and Raeford intersection. The decision to move was driven by their need for a space that could accommodate growth and expansion. With the new location, they can now accommodate double the number of people and introduce new workshops, such as laser woodworking.
Wine & Design offers a large range of projects.
“We offer classes that work with chunky yarn where you can knit blankets, hats, dog beds, and more. We offer door leaners and door hangers that follow seasons. Just recently, we introduced a planter for real or fake plants that is made out of the image of your pet. People love them,” said owners Mike and Jenna.
Resin workshops are also a new addition.
“Our resin workshops are really fun with all kinds of different options. From Harry Potter Wizard Houses, to light sabers, to cute cows, we paint and design different themed frames and pour resin in for a durable project you keep forever. We even offer a personalized custom resin pour family portrait.”
With May 4th, Star Wars Day, right around the corner, what would be better than a Resin 4 Foot Light Up Saber Workshop? The crew at Wine & Design are huge Star Wars fans. Participants will have the opportunity to personalize their saber to any color scheme they want. The Wine & Design artists will walk you through the whole process of how to create your masterpiece.
You are encouraged to bring your own beer, wine, champagne, or non-alcoholic beverage or snack to enjoy while you work on your project. (No liquor is permitted). The class will last for about two hours.
After the first class sold out, another one was added with the likelihood of selling out as well. Reservations are required to participate. If you are interested in signing up for this class visit: https://tinyurl.com/3y9cbwmf. You can also contact them by email at fayetteville@wineanddesign.com or by phone at 910-366-5911.
Also available May 4th is a May the 4th Be With You Star Wars Trivia & Paint Night. This class is also approximately two hours long with reservations required. BYOB or BYOW as well. To register for this workshop visit: https://tinyurl.com/42xz4cbp
Get the full list of events planned at Wine & Design on their website calendar:
https://www.wineanddesign.com/calendar/fayetteville-nc 

(Photo: Wine & Design's new location on Skibo Rd allows for more space for larger classes. Their next specialty class will center around May 4, Star Wars Day, with a resin light saber workshop. Photo courtesy of Wine & Design's Facebook Page). 

 On Saturday, May 4, the serene grounds behind the First Baptist Church at 4621 Cameron Rd. in Hope Mills will transform into a vibrant oasis of music, arts and camaraderie as the community comes together for the Living Water Music Festival. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., attendees are invited to immerse themselves in a day filled with live performances, artisanal crafts, delicious food and meaningful connections, all supporting a noble cause.
Nestled on a bustling 4 acres of land, the festival promises an unforgettable experience for all ages. With a diverse lineup of local entertainment spanning hits from the 60s and 70s, country, jazz, bluegrass, gospel and contemporary Christian music, there's something to captivate every musical palate. From toe-tapping tunes to soul-stirring melodies, the festival stage will showcase the rich tapestry of talent within the community.
In addition to the musical extravaganza, the festival grounds will host an array of vendors offering an eclectic mix of arts & crafts, jewelry, beauty and wellness consultations. Attendees are encouraged to bring their chairs, blankets and picnic baskets to fully enjoy the outdoor ambiance while exploring the offerings from local artisans and entrepreneurs.
One of the festival's highlights is the Classic Car Cruise-In, where vintage automobile enthusiasts can admire an impressive display of meticulously restored vehicles. Foodies will also be delighted by the presence of food trucks from local culinary establishments such as This Little Pig, Sunset Slush of Grays Creek, Some Tings' Cookin’ and many more, offering an irresistible assortment of culinary delights to satisfy every craving.
However, a more profound purpose drives the event beyond the music, food and festivities. Proceeds from the Living Water Music Festival will benefit Gate Beautiful, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to offering a clear path to freedom for individuals caught in the snares of prostitution or addiction. Gate Beautiful's mission extends beyond aiding victims of human trafficking to provide support and restoration for individuals on all sides of the trafficking issue, including victims, buyers and traffickers themselves.
Human trafficking is a pervasive and insidious crime that affects individuals of all ages, genders and backgrounds. Despite the clandestine nature of the crime, organizations like Gate Beautiful work tirelessly to provide rapid response, case management, and individualized restoration planning to those in need. By raising awareness and rallying support through events like the Living Water Music Festival, communities can contribute to the fight against human trafficking and offer hope and healing to survivors.
Ronnie Holland, an organizer from First Baptist Church spoke about the inspiration behind the Living Water Music Festival and its significance to the community.
“The Living Water Music Festival was born to foster unity and support within our community while addressing a pressing issue like human trafficking. Music has a unique power to bring people together and inspire positive change. By organizing this festival, we aim to provide attendees with a day of enjoyment and raise awareness and funds for Gate Beautiful, an organization doing crucial work in our area,” Holland said.
“At First Baptist Church, we view ourselves as more than just a place of worship; we see ourselves as an integral part of the community. It's our responsibility and privilege to support initiatives that promote compassion, justice and healing,” he said. “Our partnership with Gate Beautiful exemplifies our commitment to addressing social issues with empathy and action. Together, we hope to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by human trafficking and related challenges.”
The community is encouraged to come out to the event to support the efforts of Gate Beautiful and First Baptist Church, but the festival isn’t the only way to show support.
“Individuals can support Gate Beautiful and its mission in several ways. Volunteering time, making financial donations, or simply spreading awareness about the issue of human trafficking are all valuable contributions. For those attending the Living Water Music Festival, we encourage donations of cases of water, which the Red Hat Ladies will collect at the event entrance. Additionally, individuals can contact Gate Beautiful directly to inquire about volunteer opportunities or contribute financially. Every effort, no matter how small, makes a difference in the lives of those impacted by human trafficking,” said Holland.
As the Living Water Music Festival approaches, anticipation builds within the community for a day filled with music, fellowship, and meaningful support for a worthy cause. Through the collective efforts of organizers, volunteers, performers, and attendees, the festival stands as a beacon of hope and solidarity, demonstrating the transformative power of community action in the fight against human trafficking.
For more information about the Living Water Music Festival and how you can support Gate Beautiful, please visit www.gatebeautiful.org or contact Ronny Holland at (910) 624-4166 or info@gatebeautiful.org.

(Photo: First Baptist Church on Cameron Road in Hope Mills will host the Living Water Music Festival on May 4. The music festival will benefit Gate Beautiful, a non profit organization dedicated to help those who have been involved in prostitution or addiction. Photo courtesy of First Baptist Church Facebook Page.)

In a much-anticipated event, the beloved Little River Band is gearing up to play at the Crown Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 4. Fans and rock enthusiasts alike are eager to welcome their favorite band into Fayetteville while on their 2024 American tour. After gracing states like Florida, Washington, and West Virginia, LRB sets their sights on North Carolina. Don’t miss your chance to see rock legends Wayne Nelson, Chris Marion, Ryan Ricks, Colin Whinnery, and Bruce Wallace in person.
LRB was founded in Melbourne, Australia in 1975 by musicians who already enjoyed success in other rock acts over the previous years. The name “Little River Band” comes from a road sign for the Victorian township of Little River. LRB was the first Australian rock band to have sustained commercial success in America.
The late Glenn Frey, founder of The Eagles, called Little River Band “the best singing band in the world,” and their chart-topping songs prove that he was right. LRB celebrated multi-platinum albums and chart breaking hits through the 70s and 80s such as “Cool Change,” “Reminiscing,” “The Night Owls,” “Take It Easy On Me,” and tons more. Their song, “Reminiscing” has even garnered a rare title of having over 5 million air plays on American radio.
Stephen Housden, LRB’s rock-style guitarist, has retired from touring, but encourages and helps out his bandmates while they do. LRB continues to play for sold-out audiences while, according to their website, Housden “continues to write and participate in all things Little River Band.”
The current lineup in LRB includes keyboardist and Dove Award-winning producer Chris Marion, singer-songwriter and guitarist Bruce Wallace, drummer and vocalist Ryan Ricks, and lead guitarist Colin Whinnery. Alongside those four, Wayne Nelson, who joined the band in 1980, quickly became the band’s frontman with bass and lead vocals in 1999.
Bringing their classic hits and love of music around the world, Little River Band is no stranger to performing. Although they started in Australia, their initial focus was to get airplay on American radio. LRB easily achieved that goal with amazing songwriting and insane musical skills. Alongside the previously mentioned song “Reminiscing,” “Lady” follows close behind in American airplay with over 4 million airplays.
In 1981, Wayne Nelson was recognized by the world-renowned Sir George Martin, a producer for the Beatles. Martin chose Nelson to record vocals on two of the band’s biggest songs, “The Night Owls” and “Take It Easy On Me.”
Stephen Housden joined LRB that same year and was a big contributor to their string of top-10 hits.
Although none of the founding members still work with Little River Band, Nelson has been with the band for over 40 years. The band member’s commitment and love of music keep both themselves and their fans lively and excited for every show.
At the annual ARIA Music Awards in 2004, Little River Band was placed into the Australian Recording Industry Association Hall of Fame.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to their music, don’t miss your chance to see Little River Band!
For more information, events, tickets, and pricing, visit reallittleriverband.com or by visiting the Crown Complex’s website at https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/little-river-band.

The highly anticipated championship cycling event has arrived! The Carolinas Cycling Association is thrilled to declare that the charming town of Wade, located in Cumberland County, has been chosen as the host for the upcoming 2024 North Carolina and South Carolina Road Cycling Championship, scheduled to take place on April 27 and 28th.
“Hosting the Regional Road Cycling Championship in Cumberland County truly indicates the strong grassroots base that cycling has in southeastern N.C.,” said Mike Thomas, Race Director.
“On behalf of the Cross Creek Cycling Club, we are thrilled to host these two exciting days of amateur bike racing.”
Thomas also holds the position of President at the Cross Creek Cycling Club (C4), which recently marked its 20th anniversary in October 2023. C4 is a member club of USA Cycling that is based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the national governing body for bicycle racing in the US. C4 has been honored with the title of "Club of the Year" by USA Cycling on 13 occasions, across different categories. In 2021, USA Cycling specifically recognized C4 as the Master's Club of the Year.
The primary objective of the Cross Creek Cycling Club is to foster inclusivity in cycling, regardless of age or skill level. C4 advocates for all facets of biking, placing particular emphasis on promoting bicycle safety, educating cyclists about their rights and responsibilities, and prioritizing overall health and fitness.
Additionally, they endeavor to facilitate better communication among cyclists, creating avenues for both biking and socializing with fellow enthusiasts. To learn more about the Cross Creek Cycling Club, go to www.crosscreekcyclingclub.org.
The Regional Road Cycling Championship is set to showcase a diverse range of participants, including masters, elite riders, and juniors, in both male and female race categories.
Competitors will have the opportunity to vie for cash prizes totaling up to $1,400, in addition to the highly coveted State Championship Medals.
The 2024 North Carolina and South Carolina Road Cycling Championship is an event that holds immense importance for the cycling community. This championship provides a platform for both amateur and professional cyclists to showcase their skills and compete against the best in the region.
It serves as a stage where riders can test their limits, push themselves to new heights, and gain valuable experience in a competitive environment.
This championship not only brings together cyclists from different backgrounds but also creates a sense of unity within the community.
Sports Marketing Director for the Fayetteville Convention and Visitors Bureau said, “This cycling championship is the start of a collaborative effort between the cycling community, Cumberland County and the city of Fayetteville to bring high-quality amateur bike racing to the region”.
The racecourse, spanning 17 miles, commences at the Wade Community Fire Dept at 7130 Powell Street in Wade, NC. Thomas expressed gratitude for the support received from the Wade Fire Department, acknowledging their generosity in offering the race staging area, parking facilities and complimentary camping.
The race distances will range from 34 miles, equivalent to two loops, to a maximum of 85 miles, which involves completing five loops for the more experienced participants. To get a peek at the route check out it out here: https://www.strava.com/routes/3179172468379457354
Everyone is invited to participate in the event as a spectator or a competitor. The event is free of charge for spectators interested in cheering the racers on.
For those looking to compete, there will be race fields open to the general public on Saturday, April 27.
Go to bikereg.com for online registration details. Mark your calendars and get ready for a weekend of high-speed action and camaraderie. Wade is waiting to welcome you with open arms as you join in on the excitement of this prestigious championship.
For more information go to the CCA Regional Road Race Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/CCA-Regional-Road-Race

(Photo: Members of C4 pose in front of the Field of Honor at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in Downtown Fayetteville.)

After their exciting event on all things books and STEM, NC Scifest is set to host yet another amazing and informational fair on wind-powered vehicles.
Science fairs have long been an exciting opportunity for kids of all ages and backgrounds to show off their hard work. This April, the spotlight shines on balloon-powered vehicles in the Cumberland County Public Library.
Don’t miss the chance to give you and your kids an educational and creative afternoon on April 23, at North Regional Library on 855 McArthur Road. Join the fun at 3:30 p.m. on this Terrific Tuesday!
Presented by RTI International and proudly produced by Morehead Planetarium Science Center, the NC Scifest offers plenty of chances to learn about Science with their in-person and online events.
Not only can you learn about balloon and wind-powered vehicles, but you and your children can build your very own balloon-powered car and hovercraft! Expect to be amazed by all the different types of vehicles and technologies you’ve
never seen before.
Wind-powered vehicles are considered the best for the environment and a great show of innovation. Kids will be able to learn all about how abundant and inexhaustible wind is as a resource and how it’s used to create all sorts of amazing inventions. Get the kids started on a science kick and help them learn all about the world of science through NC Scifest!
If you can’t make it to this event, don’t worry because NC Scifest has plenty more April events and fairs to choose from. Keep an eye out for other events happening throughout the month.
These events barely scratch the surface of how many opportunities NC Scifest gives to children all over North Carolina. They’ll be hosting over 400 events this month statewide for all ages and backgrounds. Admission is free to most of the events.
It’s easy to feel very inspired by NC Scifest’s mission to teach children all over North Carolina about the world of science and fuel their creativity in the process.
Because of this, many recognize the importance of teaching the next generations about science and their impact on the world.
Another wonderful way to support their cause is through sponsorships. To keep admissions free, NC Scifest relies on sponsors to keep going and welcomes organizations of all kinds to join their mission. Outside of attending and sponsoring, an easy way to support the continued success of NC Scifest is through donations.
For more events and information, visit ncsciencefestival.org. Look for the interactive map and events listing page to find an event close to you and browse their events listing page for more.

The annual NC Science Festival has over four hundred events throughout April statewide, several of which are happening in Fayetteville. The Cumberland County Public Library is partaking in the NC Science Festival this year by offering an escape room on April 30th. It will go from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free for everyone. The Going Nuclear Escape Room will happen at the Main Headquarters Branch, located at 300 Maiden Lane in downtown Fayetteville.
“Join us for an afternoon of daring escapes, as you try to problem-solve your way out of a nuclear reactor meltdown!” is how the NC Science Festival summarizes the indoor event. It is a hands-on experience perfect for teenagers and families.
The puzzles and clues related to the game will include the use of knowledge related to technology, engineering, physics, mathematics, chemistry and science in general. This is a great opportunity to develop an appreciation for science and a wonderful learning experience for free at the library. It is important for kids and adults alike to take an interest in science, as it encourages curiosity and learning about our world.
What exactly is an escape room? An escape room is a very immersive game that involves being locked in a room with other people. Games involve a series of puzzles with a limited time to accomplish them all, which makes it a good teamwork and time management exercise. Each escape room tends to have its unique theme, with the goal of finding a way out of the room.
Usually, it involves finding a key to “escape”. The theme for this particular escape room is scientific, involving a pretend scenario of escaping a locked room before a nuclear reactor meltdown. Escape rooms are exciting and enjoyable, putting attendees’ on-the-spot problem-solving capabilities and critical thinking skills to the test.
This specific event is part of a collection of other events for the April 2024 NC Science Festival. According to their website, the main goal of the yearly festival is to “help spread science education through exciting, educational, and fun hands-on science events. The educational, cultural, and financial impact of science affects all North Carolinians, and we want to make sure that continues through future generations.” They identify it as a period of celebration, as there is so much to cover to the point an entire month is needed to “do our state science celebration justice.”
The NC Science Festival has quite a diverse number of generous sponsors that make events like the Going Nuclear Escape Room possible. Sponsors for this festival include Duke Energy, RTI International, the Biogen Foundation, PBS North Carolina, and even Google.
For any further information about this event, contact the Cumberland County Public Library at 910-483-7727 ext. 1361. Information about this event is also available on the NC Science Festival’s official page at https://ncsciencefestival.org/events/going-nuclear-escape-room.

“I love wildflowers and I am excited to help spread them in every neighborhood.”
— Regan Scott, Cape Fear Botanical Garden Instructor
Just imagine the Cumberland County community garden spaces with tangerine, periwinkle, mustard, crimson, and lavender wildflower blooms from April to September. The North Carolina Science Festival presents Family Program: Seed Balls and Wildflowers on April 27, at Cape Fear Botanical Garden, 536 N. Eastern Blvd. The workshop times are 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The topics are Life Sciences and the Environment. The event is a hands-on, indoor, and outdoor event.
“Blooming wildflowers provide a burst of color attracting pollinators, such as bees and butterflies which are responsible for one in every three bites of food we eat. Wildflowers provide a lot of benefits,” says Clay Bolt, World Wildlife photographer. ”The root systems along with other grassland plants extend deep into the soil, sharing water and nutrients while holding carbon that would otherwise be released in the air.”
According to the sites of North Carolina Wildflowers and the North Carolina Department of Transportation, North Carolina wildflowers include the Coneflower, Swamp Milkweed, Bur Marigold, Black-Eye-Susan, Fire Pink, Aster, Golden Rod, Bird Foot Violet, Butterfly Weed, and American Bell Flower.
Nakita Gill shares a poetic perspective of wildflowers, “Strong enough to rise again after being trampled upon. Tough enough to weather the worst summer storms and able to flourish in even the most broken places. This is the heart of the Wildflower.”
Seed Balls are the second activity at the North Carolina Science Festival, at Cape Fear Botanical Garden.
“Seed Balls are small clusters of seeds in a protective coating. The coating usually consists of compost, clay, and sometimes organic fertilizers,” according to GrowthRainbow.com. Seed Balls are an ancient and natural farming method for riverbed restoration, and enhancing biodiversity in urban and rural areas, according to Seed Bombs.
The Seed Ball and Wildflowers workshop is a Spring celebration.
“This workshop is a celebration of Spring with a guided tour of the garden’s wildflowers and a chance to get your hands dirty making Seed Balls two diverse ways. The workshop is a great fit for the celebration of native North Carolina Wildflowers and an opportunity for all ages and experience levels to explore the science of gardening. Persons of all ages can experience the science of nature,” shares Barbara Goldentyer, Environmental Education Manager, Cape Fear Botanical Garden.
Let's go wild for wildflowers at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden on April 27.
The $15 admission fee is required online at https://ncsciencefestival.org/events/family-program-seedballs-and-wildflowers and www.capefearbg.org/event/family-program-seed-balls-and-wildflowers. For more information call Cape Fear Botanical Garden at 910-486-0221, Extension 43.

Mark your calendars to attend the musical, Piano Day, at Fayetteville State University’s Rosenthal Building on Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., organized by Dr. Amanda Virelles, a passionate pianist and educator. Dive into a world of melody and technique with artist recitals, enlightening master classes, engaging group sessions and inspiring student performances.
“Each year, we have seen an increase in the number of students attending the event. The day kicks off with a captivating artist/faculty recital, setting the tone for an unforgettable experience. The day continues with exclusive master classes where you have the opportunity to connect one-on-one with expert instructors, gaining invaluable insights and honing your skills throughout the day. The day caps off this musical extravaganza with a mesmerizing student recital, showcasing the talent and dedication of our piano community. In addition, there are also group classes and lectures where topics like concert etiquette, performance protocols, competitions, and other topics related to the world of piano performance and pedagogy are discussed,” Dr. Virelles shares.
Dr. Virelles adds, “As we commemorate a decade since the inception of FSU Piano Day, a distinct milestone that holds a dear place in my heart, I have extended an exclusive invitation to students who participated in our 1st Piano Day and our esteemed FSU community. In honor of this significant anniversary, I am delighted to welcome back one of the pioneers who played a pivotal role in shaping the first FSU Piano Day, Valerica Muller. A former FSU student turned accomplished professional, Valerica was instrumental in co-creating and orchestrating the inaugural event in the year 2014. She has a prominent piano studio in Apex, and many of her students are expected to attend this year’s event.
Dr. Virelles has been at FSU since 2013. Her dedication to musical education shines through in her diverse course offerings, ranging from Music Theory and World Music to Piano Literature and Pedagogy. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Virelles collaborates with instrumentalists' students and faculty, lending her exceptional piano skills to elevate their performances to new heights.
A testament to her commitment to nurturing young talent, Piano Day has become a cherished tradition under Dr. Virelles' guidance. This event draws aspiring musicians from Fayetteville and neighboring cities like Raleigh, Apex, Southern Pines, and Raeford, and even budding pianists as young as five years old.
Dr. Virelles, FSU Associate Professor of Piano, Dr. Kristina Henckel, FSU Piano faculty and accompanist, and Valerica Muller, FSU alum and owner of Val's Piano Forte, will teach the Master Classes.
Whether you're an aspiring virtuoso or simply love the enchanting sound of piano music, FSU Piano Day offers a unique opportunity to enhance your skills and immerse yourself in the art of piano performance. It promises an enriching experience for all participants, offering insights, guidance, and inspiration that transcend mere notes on a score.
Are you looking to pursue a music career? Dr. Virelles invites you to connect with like-minded students who share your passion and engage with teachers who can provide invaluable insights to nurture your musical aspirations. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of this vibrant musical community.
Registration is required, go to https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/71706830/fsu-piano-day-registration-required-fayetteville-fayetteville-state-university-affiliated and click on the link provided to register. Lunch will be provided.

(Photo: FSU will be celebrating their 10th annual Piano Day April 27. Photo courtesy of Dr. Amanda Virelles)

It wouldn’t be the Gilbert Theater if it didn’t end the season with a bang. After a revival season, full of patron favorites and ghosts of Christmas past, Ivories, a Queer tale of horror with a splash of humor, is taking the stage as the final show of the season from April 26 to May 12, with shows Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.. Gilbert Theater is located at 116 Green Street, Downtown Fayetteville, above the Children’s Museum, where they plan to stay.
Ivories “True Horror Begins at Home” was written by the extraordinarily talented, internationally produced playwright, Riley Elton McCarthy, a Fayetteville childhood resident. The synopsis on the Gilbert’s website on Ivories reads, “Brought back to their childhood home to care for the grandmother who is riddled with severe dementia, young prodigal playwright Sloane and their botanist husband Gwyn are struggling to settle into a new routine after having their lives uprooted by tragedy. The longer Sloane stays in their grandmother’s home, the more secrets and childhood trauma begin to resurface, and the couple soon suspects something deeply sinister is afoot in this small, suburban New England estate. Good thing their best friend Beckham’s there to help sort out the estate… right?”
Described as a comedy-horror, Ivories is sure to take you on an emotional rollercoaster of fear, maybe some loathing, and some comedy to blend it all out.
“I find horror to be circumstantially funny,” McCarthy said of their choice to write Ivories as a horror-comedy.
This production has a full cast of seasoned Gilbert Theater regulars: Daniel Adams, Justin Gore Pike, and Michelle Rutherford. Kay Trojan is the stage manager and rounding out the group is Victoria Lloyd, co-director and technical director.
“I felt like we needed some Queer voices, even more so than we usually do at the Gilbert and I’m just really excited to be a part of this,” Lloyd shared of her choice to step in and up as Co-Director.
Ivories had been destined for greatness since its inception.
“I’ve been working on Ivories since 2021, I was a senior in college, getting my BFA in playwriting and acting and I had to write a thesis play, that was a full-length play. I pitched this idea of writing a play about a couple struggling with their sexuality while tending for a dying loved one…
"A friend of mine had really liked the pitch that I had done for that class and asked me to write a 30-page version of that play. 24 hours later, I wrote a 180-page draft instead of 30 and I said ‘hey, it’s not 30 pages, I wrote an entire play, could we do a midnight reading instead?’ So we scheduled the reading, we thought nobody would come, we cast 3 of my dearest friends in the world and we had 300 people come. It was online, in the middle of the night, all of us bored on Zoom watching a reading with elaborate artwork we created for every single room in the house and really embraced the horror of this piece. That was only in its first draft. It was largely successful,” McCarthy said.
Ivories was the first production to be performed in New York without masks at the Tank Theatre, a small off-broadway theater that has given the start to many careers, post-lockdown.
“We sold out within 24 hours of opening ticket sales,” McCarthy humbly stated about the first production success of their play.
While Ivories is a story of identity and loss, it is also a horror, a genre not commonly found on the stage, but one that when done well, provides the audience with a good time in the theater.
“People were really ecstatic to see horror on stage,” McCarthy said of the production at the Tank.
While some critics have not found the humor amongst the horror, Ivories continues to make waves worldwide. McCarthy recently signed a production contract to take Ivories to Dublin, Copenhagen, and Berlin. McCarthy, a military kid, grew up in Fayetteville and got their start in theater at the Gilbert. The production at the Gilbert Theater is truly a full-circle moment for the playwright.
For those patrons looking for an early bird scoop on next season, make sure opening night is on the calendar, as the Gilbert will be revealing next season’s lineup.

(Photo: The poster for the Gilbert Theater's production of Ivories. The show will close out the Gilbert's season. Courtesy of the Gilbert Theater and their Facebook page.)

The Fayetteville Faculty Senate passed a vote of “no confidence” in the leadership of Provost Monica Leach Friday, becoming the latest in a series of UNC System campuses where faculty have expressed their dissatisfaction with administration.
Out of 44 voting senators, 32 voted for the resolution, 8 abstained and 4 voted against.
Faculty Senate Chair Zahra Shekarkhar said the faculty did not come to the resolution hastily but after much discussion.
“It was not one single event,” Shekarkhar said. “It was more a culmination of a lot of different things.”
Faculty members from across the university said they had discussed the resolution in their departments and found no opposition.
Leach was present online for the remote meeting but did not address the resolution in her comments to the senate before the vote.
As Newsline reported this week, the resolution cites more than a dozen points of contention between faculty and the provost.
The most recent and pressing is opposition to a plan to require faculty members to go from teaching a minimum of three classes per semester to four. Faculty members say that will cut into the time they have to prepare for classes, meet with students who need individual attention and mentorship, advise student groups, and perform research or service in the community.
The increase in courses is in response to a new workload policy adopted by the UNC System’s Board of Governors, Leach said in a written statement to Newsline Thursday. Faculty members had their chance to weigh in through a working group, she said.
“Fayetteville State University fully supports its faculty and welcomes the discourse as we make progress towards our shared goals,” Leach wrote in the statement. “Under my guidance, the University established a working group to update its Faculty Workload policy in alignment with the UNC System Faculty Workload policy. ”
“This FSU policy is a requirement by the UNC System and must be brought to the FSU Board of Trustees for approval at its next meeting,” Leach said. “The FSU working group is made up of 16 members representing the four colleges and is co-chaired by Dr. Sonja Brown, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic and Faculty Affairs and Dr. Zaira Shekarkhar, Associate Professor and Faculty Senate Chair. Our goal in creating the workgroup was to ensure faculty members had representation, awareness, and input in the shaping of the policy.”
Daniel Okunbar, a professor of Computer Science, said he didn’t like seeing a draft of the resolution in media reports ahead of the vote.
“I think there should have been more deliberation before it was made public,” Okunbar said.
Other professors, including Jonathan Breitzer, an assistant professor of Chemistry, said it would have been inappropriate to withhold a draft resolution from the public.
“This is just as much a public body as the [North Carolina General Assembly],” Breitzer said. “So of course the media are privy to what we deliberate on.”
Robert Taber, an associate professor of History, said this resolution had seen much more public discussion and deliberation than other resolutions considered by the Senate, some of which are crafted on the floor during the very meetings where a vote takes place.
“This is not something that is undertaken lightly,” Taber said. “This is solemn.”
A university spokesman provided a written statement after Friday’s vote, saying the university continues to work with faculty members on their concerns.
“Fayetteville State University and its administration continue to address faculty concerns and have met recently with a small group of faculty members regarding the issues they’ve raised,” the statement read.
"We are not in opposition with any faculty member and believe that together, through dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding, we can be progressive in meeting 21st century needs. As a constituent member of the UNC System, we have to ensure that we adhere to the policies and regulations instituted by the UNC System.”
“Our administration and faculty members are forward focused and aligned with ensuring our adherence to these policy changes ahead,” the statement read.
“We will continue to have regular meetings with faculty and administrator workgroups to review and evaluate these new policies and regulations. We have recently hosted a Faculty Senate lunch with the Chancellor and will continue to work together to solve our concerns internally.
The University is set to host a Faculty Town Hall in mid-April to further discuss issues of concern.”

(Photo: Fayetteville State University's campus as seen from above courtesy of Fayetteville State University's Facebook page).

For generations, we worried about overpopulation around the world, but, increasingly, we are now more worried about too few babies arriving in the United States and in many other developed nations.
Let this statistic sink in.
Our nation’s birth rate has dropped an astounding 23 percent since the Great Recession. In less than a century we have transitioned from the unexpected and stunning Baby Boom following World War II to today’s average American mother having 1.6 children, well below the replacement rate of 2.1 needed to maintain population stability.
We are hardly alone.
Nations from Italy to Korea and all in between are in the same or a similar boat, with governments scrambling to entice young citizens into parenthood. Some offer incentives including 2.5-year maternity leaves (Austria), cash payments of $7000 (Russia), and a $30,000 loan which is forgiven if the couple has 3 children (Hungary). Public education campaigns around the baby shortage abound, including one in Denmark asking, “have you counted your eggs today?” Some nations, especially the more authoritarian ones, are restricting access to contraception and reproductive health care, and there is concern in some circles that the United States is moving in that direction as well.
Demographers say there are many reasons for declining birth rates, some positive and others not so much. Education levels have risen since the Baby Boom years, giving men and especially women more options for how to spend their lives as well as greater economic resources to make individual choices.
Many of child-bearing age delay parenthood and some never get there at all. In addition, many young people express concerns about bringing children into our current world of rapid climate change, rampant gun violence, and highly toxic politics. Minority women fear disparities in maternity care and higher pregnancy mortality rates. And, across the board, prospective parents understand the high cost of raising and educating children and understandably wonder whether they can afford to become parents.
I doubt that pleas from politicians and other policymakers for young people to start families ASAP make much difference at all, including promises of cash payments. Deciding to have children changes one’s life forever, and most of us do not care what our government thinks about this most personal decision.
What can we do to encourage young people to reproduce and replace us with new generations, most of whom will become productive, taxpaying adults?
The obvious answer is to make it easier to be a parent, a job that is intense for about two decades and continues even beyond that.
Paid parental leave is a no-brainer. Anyone who has had a baby knows that the adjustment takes not weeks but months and that families need income during that period. When it is time for parents to return to work, someone has to take care of the little one. Some families are fortunate enough to have a grandparent or other relative/friend willing and able to tackle that task for free or with small compensation.
Most families, though, need daycare services, now prohibitively expensive for millions, making affordable daycare a must. Instead of underfunding public education as North Carolina has done in recent years, parents want and need to know that high-quality public education is and will remain available to their children.
The bottom line is this: patriotic pleas for parenthood fall on deaf ears, even for people who might want children.
Smoothing the way for parenthood and supporting those who choose it will help more prospective parents think pink and blue.

Publisher’s Note:
I’m yielding my editorial space to publish a Letter to the Editor we received from a Fayetteville resident who addresses a major (and common) local safety concern that weighs heavily on the hearts and minds of thousands of Fayetteville residents. I applaud this writer for his bold initiative in attempting to bring his concerns to our city leaders.
It is my hope, that this letter will inspire and motivate others to get involved by voicing their opinions and sharing their experiences with elected officials. This is the ultimate way to effect change. Thank you for reading the Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper.
— Bill Bowman

I went to the April 3rd meeting of Fayetteville City’s Council Community Safety Committee to voice my complaints over speeders with their ear-piercing, unmuffled cars and motorcycles. I never knew we had such a committee until I was directed there by the 911 operator.
I came prepared with a speech and expected to see many more like-minded concerned citizens present, but I was the only non-committee member there. Maybe not too many people know about this resource. Interesting.
I was cordially greeted and asked the nature of my presence. I told them my intentions and gave the Chairman of the Committee, Council Member Mario Benavente, a copy of my presentation since I would not be allowed to present it. He said the first step for concerns like mine begins with my District Five representative, Lynne Greene.
He took my contact information, and I showed myself out. This is my speech to the committee:
Fayetteville police do not rule the streets. They are overwhelmed by speeders with their ear-piercing, unmuffled cars and motorcycles. The lack of police cars with radar is only part of the problem. In my opinion, the will to enforce the law is also lacking. (At this point, I was going to relate my personal experience.)
My wife and I were waiting to turn left from S. McPherson Church Road onto Raeford Road when a speeder ran through the red light just before I was about to turn.
I looked up and saw a police car sitting at the BP station facing the intersection. Both my wife and I said at the same time, "Look at that!". I made the turn, and my wife said, "You go over there to that policeman and ask him why he did not go after that car!"
I resisted, but she was insistent. So, I did.
I came up to his window, and he was very nice. He answered me, "I don't have radar."
He also said he was one of only two officers available for the entire area. This incident caused me to question the city's resolve to provide an adequate police force with proper equipment—end of story. My presentation continues.
South McPherson Church Road and the All-American Freeway serve these lawbreakers as their personal Indianapolis 500. Also, misfits draw doughnuts in intersections and parking lots, showing contempt for authorities and private property owners.
You should take it personally and direct more funds to the police force. Without safety and respect for the law, you cannot pursue other projects to improve the city—end of presentation.
The constant blaring of speeding, unmuffled cars, and motorcycles just got too much for me recently, which is why I called 911. This led me to the Community Safety Committee on where I received their meeting agenda and the minutes of their last meeting on March 6, 2024.
I then focused on one agenda item and two organizations I was not familiar with:
1. Driving Equality Laws Presentation Recap (agenda item)
2. Emancipate NC (organization)
3. Forward Justice (organization)
Upon reviewing the minutes, I noticed both Emancipate NC and Forward Justice made presentations to the committee, and received general approval with City Council Member Banks-McLaughlin saying there was "great dialogue between Fayetteville Police Chief Braden and Attorney Carpenter" of Forward Justice.
What is Emancipate NC, and who is Forward Justice? Emancipate NC has a website that states, "It is an organization founded on the knowledge that incarceration and structural racism is harmful.
It is an organization dedicated to shifting the narrative on racialized mass incarceration through community mobilization.” They maintain that the mainstream narrative that criminalizes Black and Brown people must be transformed.
The Forward Justice organization is a nonprofit center in Durham, NC, dedicated to advancing racial, social, and economic justice in the South. This group challenges laws, policies, and practices that harm the most vulnerable in society- the Black, Brown, and poor populations, keeping them from full liberation.
You should Google these groups for yourself. They are anti-capitalist (Marxist), anti-police, and anti-law and order. They promote the ideas of systemic governmental racism and racial injustice.
So, why do these organizations have the ear and endorsement of our city council without public knowledge?
Does not the law read the same no matter what race you are? Is there a need for any organization to cheer on one race over another? Justice must be blind no matter what your situation is.
I went to the April 3rd meeting to complain and voice my concerns about noisy, speeding, and contemptible behavior on the roadways. I came away more troubled over what appears to be a bigger problem.
Craig Stewart
Fayetteville, NC 28314

Earth Day will get its own special event this year in Fayetteville, thanks to Sustainable Sandhills. For the first time in Fayetteville’s history, there will be a gathering to celebrate planet Earth and education on resource conservation and sustainable energy.
While Earth Day is officially April 22, the city will celebrate a bit early on April 20th, at Festival Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The day will be packed full of events starting with the 5k and 10k races. Races are open to everyone, including families.
Not a runner? Then walk the race. This is meant to be a community event that everyone can participate in. Runners and walkers can register online on the Sustainable Sandhills website, sustainablesandhills.org. If running is just not a tempting activity, don’t worry, there will be a plethora of other choices for all members of the family.
Along with the races, there will be a cornhole tournament. Participants can register for this activity onsite. The event will also include games, environmental education, and an electric car show. Have an electric vehicle? Want to show it off and promote gasless driving? Register for the electric car show on the website. 910 Telsa Car Club is already set to show off its electric cars.
Fascinate- U Children's Museum Super Science Fun Fest will be taking place at the celebration. They will have STEM activities for kids. Around 60 vendors and community partners are in attendance, creating a one-of-a-kind marketplace full of sustainable businesses, like Sandhills Mushrooms. The fun will be fueled by a DJ and food trucks including Gaston Brewing Food Truck. Adult beverages, including non-alcoholic drinks, are provided by Wana Nauva Kava Bar. Co-op Extension Master Gardeners will also be holding a plant sale for those looking for new additions to their garden.
Trinity Vetere, Special Events and Website Manager Volunteer & Air Quality and Waste Management Coordinator was the “get it done girl” who helped bring this inaugural event to Fayetteville.
“Last year, during Earth Day…our staff of four, was in four different locations because there were four different events going on. Each of them wanted a piece of Sustainable Sandhills because we are the region's local environmental nonprofit. So wonderful. Awesome. Have us there. Have us involved, we love it. But after we got together, it was rather exhausting. So, we were talking about how exhausting it was and what we were going to do to fix it and my Executive Director and I looked at each and said why don’t we just bring everybody together for Earth Day. Like everybody who summoned us, put them in one spot and they can have us…. That's what we decided to do, and we thought where’s the best place to have it? Of course, Festival Park, everybody wants to be at Festival Park,” Vetere said of how the idea to have the first unified Earth Day celebration came about.
Fayetteville Beautiful will simultaneously run a Community-Wide Cleanup Event. Those who wish to participate can do so on the website. Supplies will be distributed to those who register. Attendees are encouraged to bring their old electronics and lithium batteries for safe disposal. Drop-off for these items will be in the Crest Fund Parking lot with the Cumberland County Landfill. This year’s inaugural event is sponsored by Fleet Feet Fayetteville, Gaston Brewing Company, Red, White, Bubbly & Brew, Cumulus Media, Lee Hyundai, Genesis of Fayetteville, and Allegra Marketing, Print, Mail.
Sustainable Sandhills is the Sandhills ecological nonprofit. Their mission is to preserve equity for current and future generations. They raise awareness, conduct outreach, and educate the community about what their options are and what their reality is. Sustainable Sandhills has 8 major impact areas, their most active being air quality, water quality, climate resilience, and public health.
They are always looking for volunteers. Those interested can check out the website. Earth Day was first observed on April 22, 1970, as a show of support for environmental protection. A day celebrated all over the United States in most major cities, Earth Day focuses on bringing public attention to current environmental concerns, intending to preserve the Earth for future generations. Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin and Activist Denis Hayes were created to spearhead the movement that ignited the first Earth Day.
Preserving our natural resources has never been more important. Earth Day is one day, but the community should be looking to make small changes in everyday life to contribute to the work of preservation. As Vetere says, “Every day is Earth Day at Sustainable Sandhills.”

Earth Day is an annual holiday that has been celebrated since 1970. Despite somewhat humble beginnings, much of the globe now celebrates Earth Day, which this year takes place on Monday, April 22.
Earth Day has long drawn attention to issues affecting the planet and its climate. The effects of those issues have grown increasingly noticeable in recent years, which makes this Earth Day and all subsequent celebrations an ideal opportunity to celebrate the planet while learning about the many challenges it faces in the years to come. The following are unique, fun and educational ways to celebrate the planet this April.
Leave the car at home. Winter weather is a distant memory by late April in many places, making Earth Day an ideal time to travel by foot or by bicycle instead of by car. That is not only fun, but also a great opportunity to learn about carbon emissions.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency reports that a typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year. Vehicles also emit a substantial amount of methane and nitrous oxide. This is why gas-powered vehicles are so often linked to climate change, much of which is driven by greenhouse gas emissions.
A car-free Earth Day can be fun and serve as a catalyst for conversation about the effects of gas-powered vehicles on the health of the planet.
Volunteer with a local environmental organization. Environmental organizations are committed to the ideals behind Earth Day all year long. However, each Earth Day many of these organizations sponsor eco-conscious efforts to help the planet and raise awareness about issues like climate change.
Volunteering with a local beach or park cleanup or signing up to walk and raise money for a local environmental charity makes for a fun and educational way to spend your Earth Day.
Get your hands dirty and plant. The National Forest Foundation notes that planting trees can have a profound and positive impact on the planet.
According to the NFF, planting more trees helps forests sequester carbon, which can have a significant effect on climate change.
The NFF estimates that 100 mature trees can remove 50 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent and 430 pounds of pollution from the atmosphere. Even if you can't work with a local forestry organization to plant more trees in a nearby forest, planting native trees on your own property can help combat climate change.
Involve children in your efforts to combat climate change. Today's adults likely won't be the ones forced to confront the more challenging consequences of climate change.
Unfortunately, that cost is likely to be passed on to future generations. That makes this Earth Day a great time to involve kids more directly in efforts to combat climate change. Explain the significance of avoiding the car, volunteering or planting trees in terms that kids can understand, emphasizing that the planet's future could very well be in their hands.
Earth Day takes on greater significance each year as the effects of climate change become more noticeable.
This year, the holiday can be celebrated in various ways that are both enjoyable and educational.

In many ways, data is changing the face of the world. The constant collection of data helps to improve the quality of life. Businesses thrive on data to help improve processes, save money, and maximize profits. Decision-makers rely heavily on data to help make key decisions on business practices and processes. Data helps find solutions to problems by effectively determining the cause and developing fact-based solutions that are as close to predicting the future as humanly possible. Data helps businesses and organizations be extremely strategic in their approaches. The world runs on data, so it’s vital that data is managed properly, kept secure, and accessible in a timely manner. In today’s world, that means immediately.
The Information Technology curriculum at Fayetteville Technical Community College prepares graduates for employment in the technology sector as designers, testers, support technicians, system administrators, developers, or programmers who use computer software and/or hardware to design, process, implement, and manage information systems.
Course work includes the development of a student’s ability to understand the role of databases and database management systems within the field of Information Technology, to demonstrate knowledge of SQL data definition and SQL, to develop queries to extract information from large databases, and to implement a database solution in the area of Information Technology.
A career in database management can be very financially rewarding. Database architects currently earn a median salary of $113,000 a year.
FTCC Student Tiffany Brown shared her thoughts about the program: “In my experience, the Database Management program at FTCC is exceptional. Throughout my matriculation, the courses provided me an opportunity to build a strong foundation in Information Technology and Database Programming which helped me feel confident that I will be able to excel in the field of Technology. More importantly, our Dean, Tomica Sobers, was very knowledgeable on the subject matter and always willing to go the extra mile to assist me with any questions or hurdles I encountered during and after my completion of the program. As an individual with minimal prior knowledge in this discipline, her advice and constant words of encouragement helped me maintain a positive attitude when facing new challenges.”
FTCC Student Bryan Campbell plans to pursue a career in database management: “With help from my favorite advisor, Ms. Sobers, I completed the database program at FTCC, and I wish to pursue a career in database management; with the knowledge that I have gained, I continue to excel in my current program of study at UNC-G.”
Are you ready to learn more? FTCC offers a broad range of specialty areas in the field of Information Technology. Contact FTCC today to begin your career in database management or explore the many available pathways to success.
Find the office of Advanced Technology Center in Room 154-D, 2300 Hull Rd., open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or call 910-678-7365. Tomica Sobers, department chair, can also be reached at sobersto@faytechcc.edu.

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.