Some days I want to run screaming from my computer, cellphone, televisions and the handful of social media sites I follow. News overwhelms from all fronts: North Koreans firing missiles that can reach the continental United States; Harvey Weinstein, Donald Trump, Al Franken, Charlie Rose, John Conyers, Matt Lauer, Garrison Keillor, Roy Moore, etcetera; and a U.S. president whose own party members question his fitness for office as well as his mental stability.

It all feels like more than I can comprehend or want to process.

So, I have begun to search out my own alternative news, all sourced, though not by Breitbart or CNN, and some of it, shall we say, clearly eccentric. Here goes.

Who knew that naming one’s child could become a legal issue? “Lucifer” has been ruled out by the naming police for a German couple’s son, and now I read in the Huffington Post that 17 naming possibilities some parents apparently wanted are legal nonstarters – “non nons” – in France. Among them are Nutella (a chocolate spread beloved by children), Mini Cooper (a car), MJ (homage to Michael Jackson), Manhattan, Fraise (strawberry), Babar (an elephant in children’s books), Prince William (presumably for a baby who is not a prince) and the French words for port and starboard for a set of French twins. Naming in the United States is less restrictive. I once met a young woman named Chandelier.

We all search the internet these days, often turning to it for answers to “why” questions that have piqued our curiosity. All Home Connections, an AT&T retailer, was curious about what we are curious about and searched for the most frequent search questions in all 50 states. Not too surprisingly, we in North Carolina are most curious about why hurricanes form. Other states are interested in other issues. Here are a few of them, including several that have never occurred to me.

Those living in Alabama, Nevada and Oklahoma ask, “why do dogs lick?”

People in Arizona, Michigan and Virginia want to know “why do people lie/cheat?”

Californians ask, “why do human beings kiss?”

People in Delaware, Montana and North Dakota are interested in “why dogs eat grass?”

Hawaiians want to know “why do roosters crow?”

Residents of Idaho and Ohio are curious as to why men have nipples.

New Yorkers want to know why feet smell. South Dakotans are preoccupied with “why do dogs eat poop?”

People in Texas are curious as to why they call it the birds and the bees.

And, finally, people in Wyoming want to know “how to kiss?”

Maybe they should move to a big city.

Last but hardly least, an online source called Peace Quarters, which posts all sorts of articles including “The More You Use Social Media, The Worse You Feel,” “People Who Wear Crazy Socks Are More Creative and Successful” and “13 Clear Signs That You Have Been a Mother for Too Long Now” also ran this one, “11 Reasons the Most Incredible Women Often Have the Worst Dating Lives.”

The reasons include “they are more intimidating,” “they are independent and put their needs first,” “they have built-in jerk repellent,” “they call guys out on their bs,” “they are super picky because they know their worth,” “they have real goals,” “they are way more mature than most” and “they are the ones that guys have a hard time finding.”

The venerable New York Times is not immune to alternative news either. It ran an article last year entitled “13 Questions to Ask Before Getting Married.” They include the usual ones about sex, money, inlaws, arguments and religion. My favorite, though, is a most basic one. “Will we have children, and if we do, will you change diapers?”

Now, don’t you feel better?

The world is still turning no matter what the North Koreans, all the very badly behaving men and Trump are up to.

Opening day for Fayetteville’s unnamed Class A Houston Astros baseball team is 16 months away, but general manager David Lane is already at work with Astros brass figuring out ticket opportunities for the club’s future fans.

For $250, fans can join the new team’s Founders Club and take advantage of an assortment of perks when the time to play games in 2019 draws closer.

Founders Club members get priority seating reservations as soon as season tickets are available.

Lane said the cost of those tickets will range from $500 to $1,100 for 70 home games. The top-priced seats are at what’s called the club level, and there will only be 100 of those available, he added.

Those season ticket prices will be locked in for two years for Founders Club members, Lane said. They’ll also get their name engraved on a brick that will be placed at the stadium’s front gate. Club members will also get a gift item and a VIP invitation to a “first look” experience.

There will be six suites in the new stadium, which will come with 20 tickets per suite for a single game.

Lane said four of the suites will likely be sold for the season to corporate sponsors or any group that is willing to pay the cost for the whole year. That fee has not been determined yet, he said.

One suite will be reserved for the company or individual who purchases the naming rights for the new stadium. The sixth suite will be available for rental on a game-bygame basis to any group that doesn’t want to commit to taking a suite for the entire season.

Lane said the team already has a list of those interested in taking a suite for the season.

Once construction gets going on the stadium, Lane expects the construction company to place a camera on-site that fans will be able to access through a website to watch the new ball park go up.

Several major announcements are planned in April of 2018, including the color scheme for the team’s uniforms and the team nickname.

“We had some issues with colors and color schemes, but we’re close now,’’ Lane said. “We’ll have a big party to unveil the name, (we’ll) invite the general public, (and we’ll) have food and drinks and merchandise to sell.’’

While the stadium will be used mainly for the minor league team’s games, Lane said the plan is to reach out to local high schools and offer it up for use for other sports, including football and soccer.

“Anything and everything other than baseball we’re open to,’’ Lane said. Anyone with questions about the team, including the Founders Club, can contact the team in a number of ways. The temporary office is at 101 Hay St., Suite 1.

The phone number is (910) 339-1989, or you can email them at fayettevilleastros@astros.com.

Photo:  David Lane, general manager, Fayetteville minor league baseball team

A new development in the community’s 10-year struggle to establish a joint city/county 911 emergency dispatch center may further disrupt the plans. Cumberland County’s 911 Communications Center has been designated an Accredited Center of Excellence for emergency medical dispatch by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch. County Emergency Services Director Randy Beaman made the announcement.

“This acknowledges that our center is meeting national standards and is providing the highest level of service to the citizens,” Beaman said. He said the accreditation is valid through 2020, and he verified that county government continues to be competitive with the city of Fayetteville in its standard of emergency communications. Fayetteville’s 911 dispatch center has been fully accredited without interruption.

The IAED is a nonprofit, standard-setting organization that promotes safe and effective emergency dispatch services worldwide. It evaluates and accredits medical, fire and police dispatching. Beaman said Cumberland County’s emergency dispatch center in the downtown law enforcement center was fully accredited through 2014. That was the year officials failed to seek reaccreditation, resulting in the temporary loss of the mandate. “But the standard of operations never changed,” he said. It was the lack of official accreditation that resulted in county commissioners begrudgingly agreeing to grant the city responsibility for day-to-day operation of the center, and that likely will not change.

The county board has rejected a shared capitol construction cost of the $30 million call center offered last month by city council. The city’s proposal would cost city taxpayers $7.8 million with the county’s share being $5.2 million. The county believes the city’s share should be much more. Local government will ask the North Carolina 911 board of directors to award $15 million toward construction of the communications center, which would be built on cityowned property off Fields Road. The grant request must be submitted by the city of Fayetteville no later than Dec. 15. An application submitted in August was turned down because there was no interlocal agreement outlining which local government would be the lead entity.

If the state awards local governments the $15 million grant, city and county officials would still be faced with overcoming differences on the shared cost of construction.

Mayor Mitch Colvin was asked if the new development is a game-changer. “As I stated during the campaign, it is vitally important to the citizens we represent to work collaboratively with all the elected boards,” he said. “I will work tirelessly to come to common ground on this matter if it is at all possible.” Outgoing County Commission Chairman Glenn Adams did not respond to Up & Coming Weekly’s inquiry.

The next time you sit down for a meal, try this. Close your eyes, and start eating your dinner. Keep them shut, no peeking. See how long you can go without looking at your plate. See how long you can go without spilling your glass of sweet tea or red wine. See how long you can go without tipping over the salt or pepper shaker – or dropping peas on your lap. And see how long you can go without becoming frustrated at doing something that usually comes so naturally to you.

I recently had the chance to eat my meal blindfolded. I participated in the Vision Resource Center’s annual Out Of Sight Dining Event Nov. 18 at the Hellenic Center on Oakridge Avenue. It’s the organization’s premiere fundraising event, and it also raises awareness of the challenges the blind or visually impaired face daily.

It wasn’t a pretty sight. I cut my meat, potatoes and asparagus in chunks way too large to fit into my mouth, at least for someone who’s supposed to have some modicum of table manners. Sometimes the morsel at the end of the fork would miss my mouth and smear my cheeks with whatever sauce or gravy enveloped it.

At one point, I cheated and extended my finger onto my plate, hoping to locate the next portion I planned to cut into a more suitable size, stab with my fork and transport to my lips. But the saw teeth on the knife rubbing across my fingers made me think twice about mixing my digits with a steak knife.

Now imagine having to eat all your meals without sight. But eating without seeing is only one obstacle people with limited or no eyesight face.

There are other daily challenges like not tripping over the Ottoman someone put in your way or seeing who is at the front door ringing your doorbell. Or, simply wanting to find something you dropped.

Remember this: The loss of sight can happen to anyone at any time. It can be present at birth, the result of an accident or just from getting older.

If you want to experience firsthand what it’s like to eat a meal without sight, contact Terri Thomas, executive director of the Vision Resource Center. She and her board annually put together a blindfolded dinner for the public.

The Vision Resource Center is located inside the Dorothy Gilmore Recreation Center at 1600 Purdue Dr. You can also check out the website at www.visionresourcecentercc.org/contact-vrc.

This year’s event included both a silent and live auction with awesome prizes: Myrtle Beach Golf packages, Caribbean cruises, a weekend at an oceanside condo and more. Local radio personality Goldy served as master of ceremonies and auctioneer. There also was live music and dancing.The money raised helps the Vision Resource Center pay repair costs for an old van that transports sight-impaired clients to social and cultural events. The van travels about 22,000 miles a year.

Donations also pay for life-skills training that help the more than 200 children and adults in the program become more independent and self-sufficient. Training includes basic housekeeping, money management and growing food in their own gardens.

So, if you ever want to know what it’s like to chow down on food without being able to see what you are eating, try eating your next meal blindfolded, or better yet, come out for next year’s Out of Sight Dining Event.

 Upon reaching my early 60s, I said to my father, “I am an old man now.” Given that he was in his 80s, Daddy staunchly announced that I was not yet old. Shortly before his death in 2012, when I was about 65, Daddy looked at me and said, “You are old now.” There were times when I would call this wise father of mine and ask, “What are you doing?” He would often respond, “Just sitting on the back porch, watching the grapes grow.” It meant he was sitting there musing: reflecting on his life, what was happening around him, what the future might present … no matter how brief that future might be.

 I know what he was doing because, now that I am old, I do more than my fair share of musing. That has especially been my mode over the last week. Happenings in my life often bring on musing moments. However, one recent moment turned into a week and is still with me.

 This current musing session started Nov. 11, when my wife and I went to a couple of events at Fayetteville’s Airborne and Special Operations Museum. The first event was a show called “On the Air: A Tribute to Bob Hope.” I expected a video of some of his USO shows. Instead, Lynn Roberts dressed like, talked like and performed a Bob Hope USO show while imitating Hope in every way. Not only did he perfectly imitate Hope, but he did the same for Jack Benny, Jimmy Durante and Red Skelton. It was an amazing show. For those who do not know Bob Hope or the other performers, I encourage you to do an internet search and learn a bit about them.

 Roberts’ perfect impression of Hope started me musing about having seen a Bob Hope USO show while the U.S. Navy ship I was assigned to was making a port call in Singapore. This was in the early 1970s. Between 1941 and 1991, Hope traveled all over the world, doing 57 USO tours and entertaining American military personnel. Beyond the show, I remember seeing Hope shopping in a downtown jewelry store. The store closed so he could shop, but passersbys could easily see him through the huge glass walls. Over 40 years later, I remember that he was wearing a light-colored sports jacket and brownish slacks, both of which screamed top-quality.

 Thinking about Hope started me musing upon present-day entertainers. Bob Hope clearly loved America, was thankful that this was his home and was, in my estimation, the epitome of class. As I look at most of today’s entertainers, people who make millions for singing a few songs, talking about meaningless topics on TV or other mediums, playing some sport that produces nothing of real value and so forth … I long for there to be some Bob Hopes. Missing Bob Hope, and so many others like him, grows out of seeing far too many entertainers conduct themselves in ways that show a lack of love and appreciation for America, while exhibiting zero class. The lack of class, of polish, shows in their dress, speech, conduct and general presence.

 After the show, we walked out to visit a traveling Vietnam War Memorial Wall. It was set up in a grassy area behind the museum. As I stood there looking at sections of the Wall where the names of 58,220 American men and women who died in the Vietnam War are inscribed, I realized I could see my reflection on the Wall. That reflection did not cover the inscribed names, but seemed to appear behind them. As I looked at that picture, it hit me like a bolt of lightning: These men and women died; they gave their all so that I, and millions of other Americans, could be free. Not only did these individuals die, but across the wars in our history, hundreds of thousands have died, and even more have been wounded.

 With some help from a guide, I found the name of Willie Clyde Robinson Jr. He was a Marine Corps lance corporal and was 19 years old when he gave all in Thua Thien Province, Aug. 25, 1967. His name is at panel 25E, line 44. I attended Clyde’s funeral back home in Camilla, Georgia. He was a year or two behind me at Camilla Consolidated School. We played together on the school’s football team. I remember him as a kind young man with tremendous promise. In spite of all his promise and kind spirit, Clyde is on that wall. Like hundreds of thousands of others, he died so that hundreds of millions of Americans could go on being free.

 By the time this column appears in Up & Coming Weekly , Thanksgiving 2017 will have come and gone. Americans will have gathered and reflected on what we are thankful for. As I write this, I can, through my tears, still see my reflection on that Vietnam Memorial Wall. I see all those names, including Willie C. Robinson Jr., and am thinking about the hundreds of thousands of others who gave all, and the some 2 million who have been wounded, in order to keep us free.

 The question now fueling my musing is whether or not the totality of our actions in 2017, as a nation, reflects genuine thanks for the freedom that is ours, in great part, because of those who gave all, those who were wounded and those who serve right now in the military of our nation. I think the answer is a resounding “No!” If you doubt me, take an honest look at the condition of America. Words of thanks are meaningless when actions are inconsistent with those words. I contend that, as a nation, we have a consistency problem. We claim appreciation for freedom but, more and more, our actions tell a different story.

 GIRLS

Coach: Dee Hardy

Top returners: Sydney Harris, 5-10, Sr., F; Aaliyah Thomas, 6-2, Sr., C; Trinity Dixon, 5-7, Jr., G; Kayla Parson, 5-6, Jr., G; Danielle Tripp, 6-1, Jr., C.

Top newcomers: Alexandria Scruggs, 5-11, Jr., G/F; Keonna Bryant, 5-9, Fr., G/F; Jordan Everett, 5-10, Fr., F; Moesha Smith, 5-8, Sr., F; Saniyah Diamond, 5-7, Fr., G.

Coach’s comment: “We are excited about the season. We lost several key players last season due to graduation but gained several athletic young ladies this season. Our team will look to rebound and use our athleticism to keep an aggressive pace this season. We feel every game will be competitive this season.”

 BOYS

Coach: Steven Mims

Top returners: Isaac Bonds, 5-10, Sr., G; Keondre Fryar, 6-1, Jr., F; Ishmael McNeil, 6-4, Sr., C; Dante Shadley, 6-1, Sr., F.

Top newcomers: Odell Gamble, 6-4, Jr., F; Jaylen Siermons, 6-4, So., F; Christopher Jordan, 5-11, Jr., G; James McLaurin, 5-8, Jr., G.

Coach’s comment: “There’s no question that E.E. Smith will enter the season with a completely different look from last year’s squad. For this season, we will work hard to increase our mental and physical toughness as well as the amount of pressure we place on the ball defensively. Our frontcourt players need more experience and development to go along with their athleticism. As the season goes on and they gain experience, they should be potentially one of the more successful frontcourts in the conference.’’

PHOTOS: (Top, L-R: Girls’ basketball coach Dee Hardy & Top newcomer Alexandria Scruggs/ Bottom, L-R: Boys’ basketball coach Steven Mims & Top returner Isaac Bonds)

Well, now that Thanksgiving is over, we can relax and enjoy Christmas. It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

 How do you celebrate Christmas? Do you travel? Is your home the gathering place for friends and family? Do you do like I do and bake to your heart’s content? Do you put up the tree and decorate on Thanksgiving? There are many ways to celebrate and enjoy our savior’s birth. Everyone has their own traditions. Some make homemade presents. Some ride around and listen to Christmas music while looking at the different decorations and lights. Some volunteer to help feed the less fortunate. Some donate clothes and/or money. Some eat … and eat and eat. (You can’t blame them – the food is just too good!)

 The Town of Hope Mills has traditions as well. Santa will be making a special stop to our humble town to kick off the holiday a bit early. Beginning Dec. 1, the town will begin celebrating with Christmas on Trade Street from 6-9 p.m. The celebration continues with Christmas in the Village and the Hope Mills Christmas Parade Saturday, Dec. 2, at 3 p.m. Right after the parade, there will be a Christmas movie to enjoy along with free hot chocolate and cookies. You also can ride the train.

 On Friday, Dec. 8, Seniors (55+) can enjoy a Christmas banquet at the Hope Mills Parks and Recreation Center from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.  Who doesn’t want to enjoy a tasty breakfast with Santa? Saturday, Dec. 9, from 8:30-11 a.m., join Santa for breakfast at the Hope Mills Parks and Recreation Center. If you can’t make it, no worries. Santa won’t be heading back to the North Pole until after he eats dinner and dances with us all Saturday, Dec. 16, from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

 This is the first of my wishing you a Merry Christmas! Enjoy the parties, the food, the decorations and most of all, the fellowship with family and friends.

 For more information on the events, call the Hope Mills Parks and Recreation Center at (910) 426-4109 or visit their Facebook page.

Now in its 42nd year, the North Carolina State Ballet’s presentation of “The Nutcracker” is a local holiday tradition. For the audience members, it’s a beautiful experience that ushers in the excitement of Christmas. For the dancers, it’s a way to honor and continue the legacy of the woman who taught them to dance and to give back to their community. Showtimes are Dec. 9 and 10 at the Crown Complex at 3 p.m.

 “The Nutcracker” came to Fayetteville because of a woman named Charlotte Blume. Blume was the prima donna for the NC State Ballet in the 1960s, which was at the time based in Raleigh. When the director decided to step down, Blume stepped up – and transplanted the company firmly in Fayetteville, where she also owned the Charlotte Blume School of Dance. “The Nutcracker” was her passion project, and she oversaw its production every year from 1975 until she passed away a year and a half ago.

 “(Blume) basically wanted to bring the arts to Fayetteville,” said Dina Lewis, longtime NC State Ballet board member and vice president of the company for the past two years. “That was her love. She wanted everyone to be exposed to it no matter your level in society. She wanted everyone to have that opportunity to see a classical ballet.” Dina is also the office manager for the Charlotte Blume School of Dance and was a close friend of Blume’s.

 “Quality was one thing she was extremely stringent about,” Dina said. “You knew if you were cast in this production, this was her baby. Don’t ask what time rehearsal ended. If you asked, you weren’t in it. She knew if you molded these children, the ones who wanted it and had the ability and were trainable, she knew the good that would come out of it. She was one of a kind. … She wanted this show to become a tradition in Fayetteville. It was her way of giving back, and she passed that mentality on to the dancers.” 

 This year, local ballerinas Ella Lewis (Dina’s daughter) and Tiffany Alexander share some of the show’s most advanced and difficult roles: Snow Queen, Snow Princess, Dewdrop, Arabian and Jewel. Ella, a sophomore at Terry Sanford High School, has trained with Charlotte Blume School of Dance since she was 3. She’s danced in “The Nutcracker” since she was 8. Alexander, a senior at Village Christian Academy, trained in Blume’s school since she was 2 and has danced in “The Nutcracker” since she was 9.

 “‘The Nutcracker’ is the most magical story of all holiday stories, and to perform in this holiday tradition is quite an honor,” Ella said. “From the snow that falls from the ceiling in the first act to the beautiful variations that are performed on pointe in the second; from start to finish, it is breathtaking.”

 Alexander mentioned the “life-sized dolls … and larger than life-sized food” as a few of many magical elements in the show, but for her, “the music is what really brings the show to life. The music makes it feel as if you really have traveled to a different place and time.”

 Ella and Alexander agreed that the show is a tribute to Blume’s work in Fayetteville, her ideals and her legacy. “I think this is why I look even more forward to (dancing in the show) now; it feels like she’s going to come out of the wings and make her corrections and then applaud us after we have performed,” Ella said.

 “The Nutcracker” follows a young girl, Clara, who receives the gift of a nutcracker carved as a toy soldier from the magician Drosselmeyer on Christmas Eve. In her dreams that night, Clara is whisked into a magical world. The nutcracker transforms into a prince, who helps her fight the evil Mouse King before escorting her to the Land of Snow and the Land of Sweets. Clara meets the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Flower Queen, Mother Ginger and many other enchanted characters; she also travels to Spain, Russia and China. The ballet debuted in 1892 with a score by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and choreography by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. It is based on E. T. A. Hoffmann’s story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” which was written in 1816.

 Dina said the NC State Ballet’s production of the show primarily uses Blume’s original choreography, which she created using inspiration from Petipa and Ivanov. However, some choreography and other elements in the show have been updated.

 Sheila Mitchell, in her 47th year of teaching at the studio, put on the majority of this year’s rehearsals. The core of the production is made up of dancers ages 9 to 17. Alumni of the studio also returned to help with choreography or to dance in the show, including Jessica McAlister, Adam Chavis and Deprecia Simpson. Eric Hoisington, who’s danced everywhere from San Francisco to Broadway, will play Drosselmeyer and is also helping re-work elements in the Arabian and Russian dream sequences.

 “We’ve replaced quite a few costumes, doctored up a lot of the scenes,” Dina said. “We’re bringing it a little more forward and constantly letting it evolve into what Ms. Blume would have expected us to have done....That legacy that she left behind us, there’s this obligation and sense to carry it forth.”

 Young Clara is played by Laura Jones and Ava Knight. Brynna Nunez and Marissa Morris are cast as grown Clara. Other cast members include Haebin Drewery and Halea Joines as Fritz, Audra Bussey as Mouse King and Cai Davis as the Nutcracker Prince.

 In many ways, audience members will feel and see the impact of Blume’s life in Fayetteville as they watch “The Nutcracker.” They will see it in her choreography. They will see it in the quality of classical technique developed under her exacting standards. They will see it in the love for dance and the love for sharing this story with the community that she instilled in the performers. They will see it in the affordability of the ticket prices, in line with Blume’s desire to make classical ballet accessible to everyone.

 Some elements of the show, though, will honor Blume in ways that will be most strongly felt by those dancing onstage. Her portrait will hang above the set’s fireplace. Her stool that she’d sit on during pointe class will observe the proceedings during the Arabian variation. And the Snow dance – her favorite – remains completely untouched so that it will look just the same as if she were still with the dancers. “(This production) was her heart and soul,” Dina said. “We tell everyone that her ghost still lingers in the studio.”

 Purchase tickets for the Dec. 9 and 10 shows by calling (910) 484-3466. Cost is $20 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under and free for children under 5. Learn more about the Charlotte Blume School of Dance at www.charlotteblumeschoolofdance.com.

 GIRLS

Coach: Karl Molnar 

Top returners: Lindsay Bell, 5-7, Jr., G; Imani Elliott, 5-2, Jr., G; Cayleigh Quigg, 5-8, Sr., F; Zaharia McNatt, 5-10, Jr., C.

Top newcomers: Nyla Cooper, 5-6, Fr., G.

Coach’s comment: “Last year was a rebuilding year for the Bulldogs, who finished the regular season with a 13-game winning streak and a Cape Fear Valley 3-A Conference tournament championship. Though expectations are high, it will be tough competing in the new 3-A/4-A Patriot Athletic Conference.”

BOYS

 Coach: Darren Corbett

Top returners: Malik Johnson, 6-1, Sr., G; Gabe Harbison, 6-2, Sr., G; Holt Walker, 6-6, Sr., F; Dante Bowlding, 6-1, Jr., G.

Top newcomers: Yates Johnson, 6-4 , So., F; Ezemdi Udoh, 6-5, So., F.

Coach’s comment: “We have an experienced group, but our success will depend on how well we gel as a team early and gain confidence. We play in an extremely tough league, so we will all have to depend on our senior leadership. If Malik Johnson, Gabe Harbison and Holt Walker can give us the right leadership all season and get our younger kids to buy into our system on both ends of the court, we have a chance to put ourselves in position to win every night.’’

PHOTOS: (Top, L-R: Girls’ basketball coach Karl Molnar & Top returner Lindsay Bell / Bottom, L-R: Boys’ basketball coach Darren Corbett & Top newcomer Malik Johnson)

 Former Fayetteville Mayor Tony Chavonne broke ground on Fayetteville’s new transit center four years ago in the last month of his administration. But construction didn’t begin until months later. The opening of the gleaming new terminal came a year-and-a-half late, 19 months after the construction contract completion date. The center features 16 bays to accommodate FAST buses and Greyhound coaches. Megabus has a reserved spot on Russell Street. Buses will arrive at the terminal from West Russell Street and will depart onto Robeson Street.

 The building itself has modern customer ticket counters and waiting rooms. It will be open 24 hours a day to accommodate Greyhound’s schedule. Greyhound Lines is sharing in the day-to-day cost of operating the facility. On-premises security will be enforced 24/7. Police surveillance cameras installed inside and outside of the building will be monitored at all times. The federal government contributed most of the $13 million cost of construction. Smaller amounts were provided by the state and city.

Retired Army general arraigned on rape charges

 A retired two-star general has been arraigned in Virginia on six courtmartial specifications related to the alleged continuous rape of a minor while on active duty. Maj. Gen. James Grazioplene spent some of that time at Fort Bragg as a battalion commander with the 82nd Airborne Division. He deferred entering a plea during a hearing this month at Fort Belvoir. Grazioplene was not placed in custody, and no date has been set for the next proceeding in his court-martial.

 At least one military court of criminal appeals has affirmed that retirement is a change in duty status. Those who retire from active duty and receive retired pay remain subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The Army said he faces a maximum sentence of forfeiture of pay and allowances as well as confinement for life.

 During an Article 32 preliminary hearing in August, the victim, who is now 46, described in detail Grazioplene’s alleged escalating abuse starting at age 3 and continuing until she turned 18. Military prosecutors charged that Grazioplene assaulted the girl at or near each of his duty stations from 1983 to 1990, including Fort Bragg. As a lieutenant colonel, he served as commander of the 3rd Battalion, 73rd Armor and 82nd Airborne Division during some of that time.

 The alleged victim testified in August that she revealed different portions of the ongoing abuse to different people over the years, depending on how much she trusted each of them. The government prosecutor, Lt. Col. Carol Brewer, said at the August hearing that some problems with the woman’s recollection were due to Grazioplene’s “depraved acts.” The general has not been recalled to active duty. He continues to draw retirement pay and benefits, but for purposes of adjudicating the charges is attached to Headquarters, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Virginia. According to court documents, the rapes Grazioplene is accused of occurred at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Amberg, Germany; Bindlach, Germany; and Woodbridge, Virginia. The identity of the victim was redacted from the records.

 In 1986, a three-year statute of limitations on rape charges was removed from the Uniform Code of Military Justice. No statute of limitations on rape exists in the military now. The U.S. Army has only court-martialed four generals since the Truman administration. Grazioplene is a 68-year-old resident of Gainesville, Virginia. He is a West Point graduate who entered the Army in 1972 and retired in 2005.

Investigation of Fort Bragg Green Berets’ murder continues

 The U.S. mission in Niger is the largest in West Africa, and the incident that left four Fort Bragg special operators dead is calling into question the extent to which military officials have been transparent with Congress and the public about the full scope of undercover missions. The Army’s investigation into the deadly Oct. 4 ambush in Niger is likely to extend into January 2018, the Pentagon said. Maj. Gen. Roger Cloutier Jr., chief of staff of U.S. Africa Command, is leading the investigation into a 12-man Fort Bragg special forces team and 30 Nigerien troops who were ambushed by fighters believed to be associated with the Islamic State.

 Staff Sgt. Bryan Black, Staff Sgt. Dustin Wright, Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Johnson and Sgt. La David Johnson, all assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group, died in the attack. It resulted in the U.S. military increasing its defensive posture in the area and Niger requesting the military to operate armed drones above it. Its aftermath has generated political controversy in the U.S. A fifth Green Beret was murdered in neighboring Mali at about the same time, and two Navy SEALs are suspects in that case. Families were informed that the investigation team has begun to visit locations in the U.S., Africa and Europe to gather information related to the investigation, the Pentagon said in a prepared statement.

University president to retire

 One of Methodist University’s most effective fund raisers is stepping down. Ben Hancock, Methodist’s fourth president, said he will retire in May. He’s 65.

 “With my current contract coming to an end in 2018, it seemed to be an appropriate time for Debbie and me to consider our future and that of the university,” Hancock said. Mac Healy, chairman of the university’s board of trustees, is expected to announce search plans for Hancock’s successor soon, according to a statement from the university. Hancock had an impressive fundraising background when appointed in 2011. During his tenure, the university conducted its largest-ever fundraising campaign, generating nearly $42 million for new buildings, programs and the school’s endowment.

Police training academy opens

 Fayetteville Technical Community College has dedicated its new Law Enforcement and Emergency Management Center adjacent to its Spring Lake campus on McKenzie Road. The center houses the Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy for individuals wishing to become law enforcement officers and the training facility for sworn officers who need to maintain their certifications. The BLET curriculum prepares entry-level cadets with the skills needed to become certified North Carolina law enforcement officers. The center contains six classrooms, a state-of-the-art driving simulator, a shooting simulator and a mock courtroom with a holding cell. Currently, 33 cadets are enrolled in the day and night academies. The course of study conforms with guidelines established by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission. It mandates a 616-hour, 16- week course, which concludes with a comprehensive written exam, skills testing and certification.

As the 27th annual production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” premieres Nov. 30 at Cape Fear Regional Theatre, stage rehearsals are brewing this week for more than 193 children in Fayetteville. The show runs Nov. 30 through Dec. 17.

 “The BCPE” began as a short story written by Barbara Robinson in 1971. But it was the television movie adaptation produced in 1983 by ABC, also written by Robinson, that catapulted the story into a seasonal favorite. It follows the six Herdman misfits as they disrupt the traditional Sunday school play they’ve been given parts in. Their tendency for smoking and cursing makes them unfavorable in the town’s eyes to tell the Nativity of Jesus. Yet along the way, everyone begins to learn that Christmas spirit isn’t some ideal we hold others to, but how we treat and understand those different from us.

 For director Brandon Santoro, the play is incredibly close to home. He even claims that people from his hometown were inspirations for certain characters.

 “The Herdmans and I go way back,” he said. “I have directed this play a lot. I directed the regional premiere of the musical up in New Hampshire a few years ago, which was really fun. I think it’s a very fascinating show that (CFRT) does because of its size – the pure scale of it.” CFRT shared schematics of the new stage being built specifically for the show. It promises an actual church façade to preside over the story.

 Santoro said, “We have some new special effects. We added a bunch of music. There are a lot more solo opportunities, and we’re hearing a lot more singing across the board. Some fun surprises are going to help tell the story in a way that will hopefully blow people away. This is supposed to be, in theory, like the best redux version (of the show).”

 With 193 young performers, the theater has divided the children into three separate casts. According to Leslie Flom, marketing director for CFRT, three casts are necessary because, along with 18 public performances, the children will also be doing nine days of student matinee performances at local schools. 

 Up & Coming Weekly spoke with a few actors from the “red” cast, one of whom is Justice Haygood, age 14. This will be her fourth year in “The BCPE.”

 “I can definitely see the difference every year,” said Haygood. “My first year, I was a baby angel at age 11. It was really exciting because that was my first show at the theater. But last year looked a lot different. The set didn’t look as much like a church, and there wasn’t as much singing.”

 Briana Fewell-Johnson, age 14, is another veteran performer for the show. She plays one of the misfits: Imogene Herdman.  “I like how (Imogene) is nothing like me, so it gives me more of a push to actually be a different character,” said Fewell-Johnson.  She also noted that she thought the cast could have been more diverse “because Fayetteville is a mostly African-American community, so if you incorporate more people with like minds or looks then you’ll get more of a reaction from the community to come and see people who look like them.”

 Megan Steenbergh, age 16, plays Beth and is yet another repeat performer. 

 “I like that Beth is almost the voice of reason in the show,” said Steenbergh. “She’s mediating everything that’s happening. … That’s what I like about acting. We take a story that people can read on a piece of paper and think about in their minds, and we make it happen.”

 Santoro said, “It’s a huge part of the classic story – that anyone can be any part of it – and (this) is part of the message of the show as well. We’ve taken that to heart.” Shows run for approximately 60 minutes. For tickets, visit www.cfrt.org.

When the Dentons decided to help the local tractor club with a fundraiser in 2010, the idea was fairly simple: line up tractors and string them with lights to create an impressive and colorful display, then give guests rides on the tractors through the woods to see festively lit farm buildings. Today, the Christmas Lights at Denton Ridge span four family properties across about 75 acres. Every Friday and Saturday evening in December, from 6-9 p.m., unless it is raining, Denton Ridge is filled with twinkling lights, music, a live Nativity, a bit of history and a touch of nostalgia, bringing old-time traditions and down-home goodness to the Christmas season. It will bring back sweet memories for adults and create new ones for youngsters.

 When guests arrive, they take a tram ride on a festively lit path through the woods. The first stop is a live Nativity scene. The Dentons wanted to include Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection in this part of the event, so the Nativity includes three crosses and an open cave with two angels inside. While the manger scene is a live one, event spokesperson Debbie Denton noted that there are wooden camels, and the wise men are mannequins. Mary and Joseph are real, though, as are the goat and donkey.

 At the venue, visitors can wander the grounds. There are pony rides, several fire pits throughout the property and snacks available for purchase. “We have popcorn, snickerdoodle cookies, hoop cheese, funnel cakes, candy apples and hot chocolate and apple cider, along with marshmallows for roasting,” Debbie said. “We even sell s’mores kits.”

 There are several buildings to explore as well, all decorated for the season. The Model T car shop houses a 1925 touring car belonging to Debbie’s husband. “It is filled with vintage tools and other interesting things,” Debbie said. “It is a man cave for back in the day.”

 The barn features a bluegrass band. “They are really fun and easygoing,” Debbie said. “They take requests and do sing-alongs, too. People always enjoy them.”

 There is a one-room schoolhouse furnished like a 1920s classroom. “The desks have inkwells, and there is a potbellied stove and old books and maps,” Debbie said. “Often, church services were held in schools like this, so there is an old pump organ from the 1800s in there, too.”

 The wash house has a 40-gallon wash pot encased in brick. “This is how they used to heat water, cook food, render lard and wash clothes,” Debbie said. “We have old cast iron irons to press clothes, old bottles of bleach – it looks like a wash house from the 1920s.”

 The old-timey country store is one of Debbie’s favorite elements. “It is set up with open candy jars lining the counter, just like when I was little. You can even buy a coke and leave with a paper bag filled with peanuts to eat with it.”

 The big house is another favorite, with a large room set up to host a feast. The tables are set with Christmas china, and the shelves are stacked with Nativities. The open chimney beckons guests to come in and look around.

 For the little ones, though, visiting Santa is often the highlight of their visit. The Santa house is decorated with vintage toys and a working train set. “Santa is just wonderful,” Debbie said. “He tries not to rush anyone and really takes times with the kids and listens to them.” Guests are invited to take pictures with Santa.

 Dec. 2, Denton Ridge hosts a fundraiser for Baptists on Mission to support disaster relief. Bring five cans of food and get in for $5. Entrance to Denton Ridge costs $10. Children 3 and under are free as are guests in wheelchairs. It’s open Friday and Saturday through Dec. 30 and Sunday, Dec. 17. Visit www.dentonridge.com for more information.

 The Old Testament was originally written primarily in Hebrew (with a little Aramaic sprinkled in a few chapters of Daniel). The New Testament was originally written primarily in Koine Greek (also a few Aramaic words used in the Gospels). As you may know, many English words have their roots in Hebrew and Greek, especially Greek.

 The Greek word for “book” is transliterated “biblos,” from which we get the word “bible.” Technically speaking, the word “bible” could refer to any book. However, because the early church was so focused on studying, understanding, applying and teaching the Bible, they commonly added the article “the” to the word “bible” to get “The Bible,” or quite literally, “The Book.” It was THE BOOK of the church. They realized it was the only source of divine revelation; it was the only book that God had ever written.

 That book is the source of Carolina College of Biblical Studies’ mission, which is obedience to the great commission as we partner with local churches to disciple believers in Christ through biblical higher education.

 While CCBS is different from many colleges and universities, it has one thing in common with most of them – our library is a focal point of the campus. It is there that students and patrons from the community can access what scholars have written on a topic or portion of scripture. Because the library is important, CCBS recently completed a major expansion and relocation of the Mark and Marilyn Boyd Library. The size of the library was more than tripled to allow for the growth in our collection and to provide a quiet place to study.

 While still purchasing traditional hardback books, more than ever before, CCBS is purchasing electronic books. These books allow our growing number of online students (who now represent 17 states and one foreign country) to access the collection and receive the same excellent student services our local students enjoy.

 CCBS does not want to add resources to its collection merely for the sake of growth; therefore, the college has a procurement policy whereby potential books are vetted by professors and the librarian to ensure the collection exposes students to a worldview that aligns with scripture. Solomon wrote that of the creation of new books there would be no end (Eccl. 12:12), so I can’t imagine CCBS will ever cease adding books to our collection until our king returns.

 The apostle Paul, in Romans 12:1, commanded believers to “renew their minds.” In part that process involves a serious consideration of what God has said on any topic. The study of the Bible is often aided by additionally reading good books about the topic or passage being considered. CCBS focuses on “The Book” and has more than 14,000 volumes in the Boyd Library to aid its students (and our community) in the study of that special book.

 If you live locally, you really should stop by for a tour. Better yet, why not make use of the Boyd Library for your enrichment?

 GIRLS

Coach: Henry Cowan

Top returners: Caliyah Bumbrey, 5-2, Sr., G; Amira Coles, 5-9, Jr., F; Taylor Allen, 6-0, So., C; Gloria Smith, 5-6, Jr., G; Darianna McIntyre, 5-9, Jr., G/F.

Top newcomers: L’Mya Broadnax, 5-9, Sr., G; Dominique Vassar, 6-2, So., C; Nyielah Nick, 5-8, So., F; Faith Clark, 5-6, Jr., G; Memory Henry, 5-4, So., G.

Coach’s comment: “As a team, we plan to play together, smart and tough. As a coach, I will work my hardest to put the team in a winning position while teaching them about basketball and life. We have a lot of talent, but it means nothing if you don’t do something with it. The team consists of great student-athletes (who) are a joy to coach, and I can already visualize a successful season.’’

 BOYS

Coach: David Simmons

Top returners: Dontravious Byrd, 5-11, Sr., G; Darrius Bryant, 6-0, Sr., G; James Kamara, 6-5, Sr., C; Jaden Scriven, 6-4, Jr., F. 

Top newcomers: Brion McLaurin, 6-4, Jr., G; Jaylin Thompson, 5-9, Sr., G; Troy Mile, 6-2, Jr., F; Stephon Johnson, 6-5, Jr., F; Alejandro Ford, 6-2, Jr., G.

Coach’s comment: “We will be faster than the last couple of years. We have some experience in the backcourt. Our front line will be young. Hopefully by mid-January we will meet our expectations.’’

PHOTOS: (Top, L-R: Girls’ basketball coach Henry Cowan& Top returner Taylor Allen / Bottom, L-R: Boys’ basketball coach David Simmons & Top returner Dontravious Byrd)

 I feel compelled to send this message to my longtime friend, Sara Vanderclute, after reading her heartfelt article in the Nov. 24 edition of The Fayetteville Observer  titled “FayetteNam: The slur that will not die.”

 Very few people have contributed more to the quality of life of this community than Sara. She wears her love for Fayetteville and Cumberland County on her sleeve. Sara’s outlook and perspectives are always positive, and her loyalty to our city and county has never been in doubt or compromised. For as long as I have known her, Sara has been a woman of principle, a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, a consummate community activist, a volunteer and a talented writer and editor. She’s served this community in many capacities, including as a Cumberland County School Board member.

 My message to Sara is this: When it comes to the moniker “Fayette- Nam,” stop trying to combat it! Thousands of men and women came through Fayetteville via Fort Bragg during the Vietnam War era – I was one of them – and the experience was not always a pleasant one. Multiply that by the hundreds of thousands of people who have passed through our fair city. What you end up with is an indelible “brand” that is not going away – FayetteNam. So, why not embrace it for what it is? History. Pure and simple.

 FayetteNam is a term that qualifies as history when it comes to defining Fayetteville as a community. Many things point to this. Over a decade ago, I observed that we – members of the Fayetteville community – were reinforcing and perpetuating this haunting moniker by continually talking about it as a negative feature of the community. We introduced the term FayetteNam to those who were unaware of our past. Whenever a person, group or organization like the Greater Fayetteville Chamber or Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation presents programs or speeches intended to promote or showcase the Fayetteville community and the prospects we have for a prosperous future, the presentations are usually preceded by reminding the audience of Fayetteville’s questionable past.

 They bring up FayetteNam – the notorious 500 block, the prostitutes at the Prince Charles Hotel, and Rick’s Lounge. They recall the many fights that broke out on Hay Street between drunken teenage soldiers hours before they were shipped 3,000 miles overseas to fight a war they didn’t understand in a country they’d never heard of – Vietnam. That was Fayetteville then. It’s history.

 That is not what Fayetteville is now. We are a military community. We have a past, and we have future – an extremely bright future. It would serve us well to embrace our history and use it shape this future. The progress we have made in the last two decades is inspiring. However, if you were not living here 20 years ago, how could you appreciate this progress?

 This is why many of the people who come to Fayetteville through their business or the military decide to make it their permanent home. It’s because of who we are now. It’s because of the tireless efforts of so many who fought to make this a better, stronger community. Those who choose to call Fayetteville home love what the area has to offer.. They’ve sought out the goodness that resides here. They love the arts, culture, schools, weather, shopping, restaurants and, most of all, the people, all of which make up our community.

 I encourage everyone, including Sara: When you encounter the term “Fayette- Nam,” don’t fight it. It is part of who we are. But do take the opportunity to let people know what you love about Fayetteville and the wonderful community it has become.

 Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly .

 Monday, Nov. 20, was a special date to remember for the town of Hope Mills. This meeting was unlike others. In her usual manner, Mayor Jackie Warner called the assembly to order, and then Michael Mathis from Mission Field Ministries prayed the invocation. During the prayer, we could all sense it. We could feel it. Mathis lifted the mayor and the commissioners up in prayer. He prayed for our humble and growing town of Hope Mills. He prayed for our first responders and their families. He prayed for America. And he prayed for the family and friends of Mayor Pro Tem Bob Gorman, who passed away Nov. 4. One could feel the differences put to the side to come together as a community of business leaders, town leaders, veterans and citizens so we could        remember and celebrate Gorman’s leadership and contributions to our town.

 There was an extra sense of community pride when Alizdair Ray was presented his Certificate of Recognition for being selected as a panelist at the 62nd Biennial Conference as a North Carolina Student Library Ambassador. This young man is on the right path for a bright future and will represent Hope Mills in a tremendous way.

 Warner then gave a heartfelt speech about Gorman’s impact on the community and her life as her friend. She recalled how sincere he was when he would call to check on her if she had a bad day. She credited Gorman and his wife, Marian, for always thinking of her. With gratitude, she then presented Marian, his children and grandchildren a proclamation and a plaque to honor Gorman for his dedication and service to the town of Hope Mills as commissioner and mayor pro tem.

 Gorman was an advocate for citizens knowing about what goes on behind the scenes in Hope Mills. He was proud of and enjoyed the Hope Mills Citizens Academy so much that he went through it twice – the first time on his own and the second time with his granddaughter, Katie, even though he was not a registered student in the course.

 The students from the 2017-02 session had their graduation ceremony and were presented plaques. There were a total of 18 students. They learned about local government, inspections, the police department, fire department, the Parks and Recreation Center and much more. The citizens of Hope Mills for this session included: Lamikka Bell, Sherhondia Blanks, Grilley Mitchell, Richard Cox, Kenjuana McCray, Thurston Plumley, Winnie Golden, Marie Callendar, Christine Cox, Katie Hawkes, Larry Jenkins, Michael Mitchell, Jo Lynn Mitchell, Oscar Taylor, Derrick White, Patricia Edwards, Allen Miller and myself, Erica Walls.

 As I learned about Hope Mills through the Citizens Academy, I had the pleasure of getting to know my classmates and their roles within the community. During the course, Gorman told me that even though he was told it might be best to retire because of his health, it was not in his heart to do so. He told me that his passion was for the town and to help the people in this community and that he felt more productive when he was able to just that. It was an honor to meet him. He set an example of determination and passion when it comes to doing what was best for the town of Hope Mills.

 The holiday season is a wonderful time of year in the Sandhills, and the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex celebrates in a special way – with an old-fashioned holiday jubilee, complete with carolers, Victorian décor and a lot of family-friendly fun. It’s a one-day-only event, but one visitors will surely remember for years to come. Sunday, Dec. 3, from 1-5 p.m., the museum opens the 1897 Poe House and showcases local history and traditions from a bygone era for its visitors. It’s free to attend, and everyone is welcome.

 “We do this event every year, and it is our kickoff to the holidays,” said Megan Maxwell, education coordinator of the Poe House. “This year, we are having a free concert. We first started it as a Victorian Christmas to let people experience what Christmastime would have been like in the late 1800s and early 1900s.”

 She noted that people enjoy the experience, and many have added the museum to their list of Christmas traditions, returning year after year to celebrate the holidays in a unique and meaningful way.

 The jubilee features the Cross Creek Chordsmen and the Coventry Carolers. The Coventry Carolers are a staple at this event, adding a touch of nostalgia to an already sentimental day. The group will perform on the front porch of the Poe House at 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

 “We will have hot cookies and cider along with a cooking demonstration on our 1902 woodburning stove,” said Maxwell. “We also have Santa Clause at the event, so parents can bring their kids to visit with Santa and take their own pictures free of charge.”

 While the jubilee on Dec. 3 is the perfect time to come experience a Victorian-era Eastern Carolina Christmas, the 1897 Poe House will be decorated for Christmas and open for tours from Tuesday, Nov. 21– Sunday, Jan. 7. To view tour times and learn more, visit www.museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov/1897-poe-house.

 “We normally do a Victorian Christmas theme, which includes a lot of traditional greenery – that is pine, holly and magnolia – which is what they would have used at the time,” said Maxwell. “We do our Christmas trees with a Victorian theme, but this year we are doing a patriotic spin on it because we are honoring the 100th anniversary of the United States’ entry into World War I.” Maxwell added that the trees will have red, white and blue decorations along with other items typical of a Christmas in 1917 after the United States entered the war.

 “Come out and join us for holiday music, Christmasdecorations, food and fun,” said Maxwell.“This is a fun time to see the Poe House in a morefestive, relaxed atmosphere.”

 Admission to the Holiday Jubilee is free, and the event is open to the public. For more information, call (910) 486-1330.

 North Carolina has already accomplished what Republicans in Washington want to pass – historic tax reform that caps or eliminates special-interest deductions, cuts tax rates and encourages investment, business formation and job creation.

 The process began in 2011, after the GOP took charge of both houses of the state legislature. While then-Democratic Gov. Bev Perdue wanted to keep in place a “temporary” increase in sales taxes costing North Carolinians nearly a billion dollars a year, legislators refused. They prevailed.

 With the election of Republican Gov. Pat McCrory in 2012, legislative leaders had an ally rather than an adversary on tax reform. The ensuing 2013 tax bill initiated a reform process that has continued to reduce the tax burden by both cutting rates and increasing standard deductions.

 The net effect was to save North Carolina taxpayers about $5 billion from 2013 to 2017. By 2022, the projected savings will approach $10 billion.  With regard to tax rates, the most dramatic change was on the business side of the tax system. Keep in mind that businesses are bundles of contracts among human beings – among owners, workers, customers and vendors. When the government taxes a business, it really taxes the incomes of some or all of these individuals, even if they don’t realize it.

 Politicians and political activists often assume that corporate taxes, for example, just bite corporate shareholders. In the short run, investors may well bear most of the cost when corporate taxes go up. But markets soon adjust. Investors can move their money fairly easily from high-tax to low-tax jurisdictions. Customers can often do the same, particularly if they shop online or can shop around among competing products or places.

 Workers are the least able to avoid business taxes, because it can be so costly to leave one job for another – particularly if it would require leaving one community for another. Thus, many economists believe that workers bear most of the burden of corporate taxes in the long run.

 Before 2013, North Carolina imposed a 6.9 percent tax on corporate income attributed to the state. By 2019, thanks to tax reform, that rate is scheduled to fall to 2.5 percent. That’s one of the lowest rates in the country. That will make North Carolina a more attractive place to do business – thus boosting the employment and incomes of North Carolina workers over time.

 As the state implemented tax reform, its economic performance has often compared well with our peers. In virtually every category – job creation, employment gains and income growth – North Carolina has exceeded regional averages, national averages or both.

 That doesn’t necessarily prove a causal relationship. Indeed, most of the benefits of tax reform couldn’t possibly have happened yet, given the lifecycle of business investment. But pro-growth tax policies certainly haven’t hurt. And, make no mistake, corporate tax cuts are pro-growth. According to the findings of the more than 100 peer-reviewed studies published on the issue since 1990, states with lower corporate taxes tend to experience stronger economic growth than those with higher corporate taxes.

 In Washington, both the House and Senate tax plans seek to follow in North Carolina’s footsteps by dramatically reducing the tax rate on corporate income. There are many other features of the plans – some good, some not-so-good – but in fiscal terms the net effects aren’t large. The real action will be slashing the corporate rate to 20 percent, a move likely to induce substantial flows of capital into America.

 There remains one big difference between Raleigh’s accomplishments and Washington’s aspirations: fiscal responsibility. While reforming and cutting taxes, North Carolina has kept a lid on spending growth. Our state budget is in the black, not deeply in the red like the federal budget.

 Indeed, measured as a share of the state’s gross domestic product, the government sector in North Carolina grew slower than the national average from 2013 to 2016 while North Carolina’s private-sector economy grew faster than the national average.

 Our state has set a good example. Federal politicians should follow it.

 The inaugural season of Marksmen hockey kicked off Oct. 27, and while they aren’t off to the start head coach Nick Mazzolini was hoping for, there is still plenty of time left in the season to get things back on track. The team currently sits eighth out of a 10-team league, with a record of 2-5-1. Captain Jake Hauswirth leads the league with 17 points scored and 11 assists.

 After the Marksmen wrap up a road game stretch, they have some great home game opportunities coming up at the Crown Coliseum. November was the team’s Teddy Bear Toss – a game for a good cause that has become a tradition for hockey leagues around the nation. The team asked fans to bring a teddy bear to toss onto the ice. Donated bears benefit the Cape Fear Valley Children’s Hospital.

 Jeff Longo, president of the Marksmen, is thrilled to give back to the community his new team calls home, saying, “Fayetteville has been so welcoming, and it’s wonderful to call this city my second home. We are looking forward to putting smiles on the faces of children in this community along with providing a night of entertainment for our fans who come out to support us.”

 Other great opportunities to catch the Marksmen in action include the Dec. 22 Star Wars Game, which features Star Wars-themed jerseys and a lightsaber giveaway, and a variety of other themed games in the new year, including Pink in the Rink, a Pooch Party, a Mascot Party and more.

 Even if you’re not a hockey fan, the Marksmen organization strives to create an atmosphere where anyone can have fun. If you’re looking for something to do, check out a game. By the third period, you’re likely to find yourself cheering along.

 Faith May

Pine Forest • Sophomore

• Volleyball/basketball May has a 3.625 grade point average. In addition to playing volleyball and basketball, she’s a member of the Academy of Emergency Medical Science at Pine Forest.

 Christian Jayne

Terry Sanford

• Senior

• Football/baseball Jayne led the Terry Sanford football team to the Patriot Athletic Conference regularseason title this year. He has also signed to play baseball at East Carolina starting next year. He has a 4.6 grade point average. He is active in Global Studies, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Twelfth Man.

 Citing successes in Mecklenburg and Forsyth counties, local community organizers want to galvanize Cumberland County to put an end to poverty. It’s an objective likely impossible to achieve, but making serious efforts to try could significantly reduce poverty here.

 Two hundred and fifteen people gathered in an auditorium at the Social Services Office building to hear what the process will involve. Pathways for Prosperity, known as P4P, will require creation of a Community Revitalization Task Force, said City Councilman Kirk deViere. He and Councilman Larry Wright have taken P4P leadership positions. As envisioned, the task force would consist of local civic and service organizations, community groups, the faith community and local government – to include elected officials, business leaders and the military.

 To dramatize the need for change, deViere revealed the results of a community survey that was responded to by more than 1,500 people. A concerted effort was made to engage individuals who have experienced living in poverty. Twenty-one percent of the respondents reported annual household incomes of less than $24,000 a year. Another 25 percent said they had household incomes of between $25,000 and $49,000. A living wage for a family of four is considered $25 an hour, or $52,000 annually.

 “There are people out there who are hurting,” said County Commission Chairman Glenn Adams. Commissioner Charles Evans was also present. City council members present in addition to deViere included mayor-elect Mitch Colvin, Jim Arp, Ted Mohn and Larry Wright. Assistant City Manager Jay Reinstein and Assistant County Manager Sally Shutt were on hand. Neither the sheriff nor the police chief were present. “The optics were not good not having law enforcement represented,” said one official.

 Defining poverty requires a lot of statistical data: Locally, barriers to economic mobility include lack of job training, the cost of living, criminal backgrounds and racial discrimination.

 “One-and-a-half million people of the state’s 10 million citizens have criminal records,” said Executive Director Rick Glazier, of the North Carolina Justice Center.

 “Nearly one in four children in our community live in poverty,” said deViere; 18 percent of Cumberland County’s residents live below the poverty line, he said. Of that number, 24 percent are African-American, 21 percent are Hispanic and 12 percent are white. “Our sole mission is to eradicate poverty,” Glazier emphasized.

 Researchers have found that three supportive factors help people move up the economic ladder: job training, affordable housing and higher wages. Therein lies the need for what deViere called “an infrastructure of opportunity.” Proponents of community involvement to tackle poverty’s causes and effects hope to create an atmosphere of openness, broad-based societal support, an understanding of how to leverage our strengths and assets and a will of the community to come to grips with poverty. “This is a two to three-year process,” said deViere.

 Across the nation and in North Carolina, manufacturers and trades industries are facing daunting workforce shortages. Several factors have contributed to this gap in the skilled fields: many skilled workers are aging and retiring, creating a need for a replacement workforce; technological advances and a growing economy have created new jobs; and a decades-long emphasis on four-year college degrees has steered many young people away from skilled employment. 

Many of today’s young people are not aware of the opportunities in the skilled fields and leave four-year institutions with large debt and no marketable skills.

 At Fayetteville Technical Community College, the Applied Technology division offers certificates, diplomas and degrees at affordable prices in many of these skilled fields. The Applied Technology division includes air-conditioning, heating and refrigeration, automotive systems technology, building construction technology, carpentry, collision repair and refinishing technology, computer-integrated machining, electrical systems technology, gunsmithing, industrial systems technology (a new program), plumbing and welding. Each of these programs leads to high-demand, high-skill careers. Companies seeking employees regularly contact us, but we lack enough students to fill the demand.

 Many companies are starting to look to apprenticeship programs as a way to attract employees. Apprenticeship programs combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training. Participants work and earn a paycheck while they attend classes. Apprenticeship programs can last one to five years, depending on the occupation. Apprenticeships provide access to clear career pathways for employees and encourage loyalty in the company’s workforce by demonstrating a desire by the employer to invest in their employees. As the result of apprenticeship, not only does the employee gain the skills for success, the employer gains a skilled employee who has grown up in the culture and vision of their company.

 FTCC has worked closely with the State Apprenticeship Program to provide apprenticeship training in areas such as electrical, heating and air conditioning, industrial maintenance and machining. This hand-in-hand relationship just got stronger this summer when the State Apprenticeship Program and the Apprenticeship Council transferred from the North Carolina Department of Commerce to the North Carolina Community College System. FTCC is excited about leveraging its Applied Technology programs to create more apprenticeship opportunities to serve our community and our economy.

 To learn more about the many skill training programs available at FTCC or about apprenticeship opportunities, call (910) 486-3930 or email gibsonp@faytechcc.edu. 

 Don’t miss the opportunity to register for spring semester classes. Stop by the Fayetteville or Spring Lake campus or the Fort Bragg Training & Education Center for assistance in enrolling in FTCC and registering for classes. With over 250 programs of study to choose from – in program areas including arts and humanities, business, computer and information technology, engineering and applied technology, health, math and sciences, and public service – FTCC can quickly and affordably prepare you for a better future. Call (910) 678-8400, visit in person, or take virtual tours at www.faytechcc.edu for more details about what FTCC can offer. Preparing for a better future is a wonderful way to begin a new year.