Jonathan Wright

Westover • Senior •

Football/basketball Wright has an unweighted grade point average of 3.7. He played football and is a member of the Wolverine basketball team. He also plans to run track in the spring. He’s a member of the Academy of Scholars and served as a junior marshal.

Sydney Harris

E.E. Smith • Senior •

Tennis/basketball Harris has a weighted grade point average of 4.5. She was captain of the Golden Bull tennis team and is a member of the basketball team. She also serves as the president of the senior class.

GIRLS

Coach: Brent Barker

Top returners: Taylor Rowe, 5-9, Sr., G/F; Lillian Flantos, 5-11, Jr., G/F; Destinee McKnight, 5-6, Sr., G.

Top newcomers: Jessica Walton, 5-4, So., G; D’Asia Jackson, 5-7, Sr., G; Angel Manigo, 5-10, Jr., F.

Coach’s comment: “Although we will not have the height we have had in the past, we hope to use team speed and willingness to share the ball to be successful this season.’’

BOYS

Coach: Wendell Wise

Top returners: Dezmin Clark, 5-11, Sr., G; Kasual Maxwell, 6-3, Sr., F; Dai’Von Owens, 6-2, Sr., G; Zavia Jones, 5-11, Sr., G; Elijah Bowling, 5-5, Jr. G.

Top newcomers: Christian Locklear, 6-0, Jr., G; DaQuarius Murphy, 6-2, So., G; Felix Davis, 6-1, Jr., F; Chris Agosto, 5-9, Sr., G; Billy Pryor, 6-1, So., G.

Coach’s comment: “This team is full of new faces that bring a new, invigorating feeling to our team. We will have great team speed and cohesion. With most players playing the same position, we will also be able to go deep on our bench during games. As a unit, we are small, with our tallest players topping at (6-foot-3-inches), making rebounding a challenge. However, we will plan and practice to overcome our height.”

PHOTOS: (Top, L-R: Girls’ basketball coach Brent Barker & Top returner Lillian Flantos / Bottom, L-R: Boys’ basketball coach Wendell Wise & Top returner Dezmin Clark)

North Carolina legislative redistricting maps proposed by third-party expert Nathaniel Persily would revert a local senate district to be similar to a map it looked like before Republican Wesley Meredith was elected. It’s one of two Republican Senate seats and four state House seats that would become more balanced as envisioned by Persily, a Stanford professor who was hired by federal judges to propose alternative maps. Persily just released his proposal.

The News & Observer of Raleigh’s “Under the Dome” columnist Colin Campbell analyzed election results from last year’s governor’s race to determine how current district maps approved by the GOP legislature compared to those released by Persily for judicial review. One of the significant differences is Meredith’s Senate district. It voted about 53 percent for Republican Pat McCrory last year. But under Persily’s map, Meredith’s new district is nearly evenly split between the parties, which if approved, could cost Meredith his seat in the next election.

Evans bows out as County Chairman nominee

Cumberland County Commission Vice Chairman Charles Evans was in line to become chairman of the board next year. “I have decided not to seek the nomination for the chairmanship of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, and I have notified the board of my decision,” he said in a statement. Evans added that “this was a difficult decision for me because I have always strived to work on behalf of our citizens by serving with enthusiasm and excitement.”

He did not give specific reasons for his decision. Evans offered only a vague reason for not wanting to serve. “I believe timing is the key, and although now is not the right time for me to serve as the chairman, that does not mean I will not seek the position in the future.” The seven-member board decides among themselves who becomes the presiding officer. Traditionally, the vice chair ascends to the chairmanship. Rarely, if ever in recent years, has the honor been rejected.

Photo: Sen. Wesley Meredith, R-NC

Trump thanks paratroopers for their service

President Donald Trump thanked U.S. troops for their service on Thanksgiving Day, assuring them “we’re really winning” against America’s foes. Trump told deployed Fort Bragg paratroopers via a video conference that they’ve achieved more progress in Afghanistan and against the Islamic State group on his watch than had been made in years under previous administrations.

“Everybody’s talking about the progress you’ve made in the last few months since I opened it up,” he told the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division. It’s conducting operations in Kandahar, Afghanistan. “We’re really winning. We know how to win... they weren’t letting you win before,” Trump said of previous administrations. “You’ve turned it around over the last three to four months like nobody’s seen,” he added.

Retired Army Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling was offended. “You’re talking to soldiers and military personnel around the world who have been in this fight for 17 years,” Hertling said on CNN. “And to suddenly be told they’re winning now and weren’t winning before is somewhat insulting.” Trump’s words “would not have rung very well with me had I been a deployed soldier,” Hertling added. He has served as a military analyst since his retirement.

The U.S. has 8,892 forces in Iraq, 15,298 troops in Afghanistan and 1,720 in Syria, for a total of 25,910 troops serving in the three war zones.

The was in Afghanistan

More U.S. troops will be sent to the Afghan battlefield in 2018, said Gen. John Nicholson, the American commander in Afghanistan and previous commanding general of the 82nd Airborne Division. Nicholson’s revamped strategy is designed to “turn the corner” on the 16-year war against the Taliban, Nicholson said last week. U.S. troops will accompany Afghan units at the Kandak level next year, placing them closer to the front lines than most American soldiers have operated in recent years.

A Kandak is the Afghan Army’s equivalent of an American battalion, or about 800 to 1,000 soldiers. It will put U.S. troops in a better position to provide Afghan commanders advice during the fight as well as increasing their ability to call for American support such as air power, artillery or medical evacuation, Nicholson said. “Yes, there will be greater risk, absolutely,” he told reporters from Kabul. He said as many as 1,000 American troops would likely be conducting patrols and missions with Afghan forces at any given time once the fighting season begins in the spring.

Chrsitmastime is upon us

Fort Bragg has launched the Greater Fayetteville area’s holiday season with the lighting of its official Christmas tree.

The annual Christmas tree lighting event took place, as it always does, on the Main Post Parade Field directly across from the chapel.

“The lighting of the Fort Bragg Christmas tree marks the beginning of Fort Bragg’s holiday season,” said Adam Luther, Fort Bragg spokesman. “It is a time-honored tradition to ring in the season and celebrate the service and sacrifices service members and their families make each and every day.” Santa and Mrs. Claus were on hand. Light refreshments were served and there was plenty of holiday entertainment. Miss North Carolina, Victoria Huggins, was a special guest.

County employees' food drive

For the 25th consecutive year, Cumberland County government employees are taking part in their annual holiday food drive. Residents are encouraged to join in. Non-perishable food items are being collected at county buildings through Dec. 13 and will be given to the Fayetteville Urban Ministry and Salvation Army for distribution to local families. Donations can be placed in the marked green plastic bins inside the entrances of the courthouse, libraries and other county buildings. Suggested food items include canned meats, vegetables and fruit as well as sturdy bags or boxes of rice, pasta, dried beans, sugar, flour, coffee and grits. Plastic jars of peanut butter and jellies are also good choices. Glass jars will not be accepted. For more information, call (910) 321-7108.

Many of the stately buildings that line Hay Street were built in the 1800s. They’ve housed businesses and bars, fallen into disrepair and been revived and refurbished. Today, most of the storefronts are once again home to unique and thriving businesses. But what about the space above these eateries, art galleries, bookstores, antique stores and other unique establishments? What’s up there? Many of the spaces are homes to families embracing the lifestyle that downtown offers. The Candlelight Loft Tour on Dec. 10 from 5-8 p.m. offers a chance to see these living spaces decked out for the holidays. It is a self-guided event. Pick up your tickets and a map, and you are on your way.

“We have half a dozen or so properties on the tour this year,” Cool Spring Downtown District general manager Sam DuBose said. “There are definitely some new and returning champions.”

Dr. Hank Parfitt, owner of one of the properties on the tour, said, “Every year, hundreds of people come to downtown Fayetteville for the Candlelight Loft Tour two weeks before Christmas. Their fascination with these apartments, designed and constructed within buildings that are 100 and even 150 years old, is understandable. After all, loft apartments are associated with ‘the big cities,’ and they are a growing trend. The striking variety from one loft apartment to the next is also an attraction. Each architect’s clever solutions to the numerous design challenges make the Loft Tour an evening of discovery and marvel.”

Parfitt and his wife, Diane, are owners of City Center Gallery & Books on Hay Street. Their apartment above the bookstore is part of this year’s tour and has been featured in the past as well.

“Ray’s Grocers first occupied our building in the early 1890s when grocery stores were a relatively new concept,” Parfitt said. “City residents still shopped for fresh produce and meats under the Market House, but it was becoming a less popular option, and the open-air market there was closed by 1907.”

Through the years, the building was also home to a young ladies’ dress shop and a wig shop as well. The Parfitts purchased the building in 1999. In 2003, they opened City Center Gallery & Books, specializing in used and hard-to-find books and art “of Fayetteville and by Fayetteville.” The apartment above was finished the next year.

“During one of the loft tours, as a petit and slightly frail elderly woman entered our apartment, she stopped before the grand staircase and exclaimed, ‘This is where I bought my wedding dress!’” Parfitt said.

“This is the first year for the Cool Spring Downtown District to host the Candlelight Loft Tour,” said Du- Bose. “We are really excited about it.”

The self-guided tour runs from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 10. Check-in is at ReMax Edge, 214 Hay St., from 5-7 p.m. Tickets cost $10 in advance or $12 at the door. They are available in advance at The Pilgrim in Westwood Shopping Center, at the Cool Spring Downtown District office at 222 Hay St. and at many Downtown businesses. Call (910) 223-1089 for more information.

MISS: City Councilman Larry Wright’s offensive reference to citizens

Fayetteville’s new city council has been sworn in, and four new members have taken office. Their swearing in ceremony (which some council members call an inauguration) took place at Fayetteville State University at a cost of more than $6,000.

“Whatever we do is going to be criticized,” said Councilman Larry Wright at a recent private council dinner meeting. “We cannot become submissive to the voices of those in the background,” The Fayetteville Observer reported him saying. Those voices are the people of Fayetteville. Wright went on to say that the council should not take criticisms from the public to heart. And he didn’t stop there. “We don’t really get paid for what we do, but what we do is a sacrifice for us all.” In fact, Wright receives $18,156 a year in city of Fayetteville wages and benefits from the “voices of those in the background” – better known as taxpayers.

HIT: POW-MIA remembrances

In the run-up to Veterans Day, the observance of annual Heroes Homecoming events included dozens, if not hundreds, of “Missing Man” tables exhibited in our community. Each table resembled a single place setting complete with a small American flag and Bible prepared for those who could not be there. It was a beautiful way to honor Vietnam War-era prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action.

Photo: City Councilman Larry Wright

HIT: Veterans Day

Veterans Day observances extended well beyond the holiday. That was evident on the parade field of downtown Fayetteville’s Airborne & Special Operations Museum. Hundreds of American flags were on display, and, for a few days, the moving wall – a replica of the Vietnam Memorial – in Washington, D.C., attracted hundreds of visitors.

MISS: Street side landscaping

For years after the so-called Hurley pots were installed around downtown Fayetteville, the plantings were neglected. In recent years, civic groups have made sure that appropriate plants and flowers are kept alive and well. The city’s new construction project along a few blocks of Person Street includes two dozen sizable areas for plantings or shrubbery. But, will they be kept up? So far, they haven’t been.

MISS: Police improper parking

In nonemergency situations, police officers should set an example for others and not park in clearly marked fire lanes and noparking zones. They are not special characters … regular folks could get tickets for doing that.

HIT: Sign improvement

Hats off to the owners of Brantley Electronics on Bragg Boulevard. They sandblasted the building’s facade to clean off several years of unsightly discoloration. City regulations govern the condition of commercial signs. But officials say Brantley didn’t have to clean the building because the large letters on the front of the structure are not considered a sign. They did it anyway.

MISS: St. James Square

The busy intersection of Green Street, Ramsey Street, Rowan Street and Grove Street is tricky and potentially dangerous. New construction has made left turns from Ramsey and Green Streets problematic. Drivers find themselves facing near-miss head-on collisions because the lane separation is extremely narrow.

HIT: Spontaneous acts of kindness

A very big hit to Shirley Hartness and the Snyder Memorial Baptist Church Prayer Group that meets at Mary Bill’s Café every Tuesday morning. Twice during the past seven weeks, we have witnessed Hartness walk boldly into a room of active duty military men and women and not only thank them for their dedication and service to our country, but she also picked up the tab for their breakfast. It is this kind of spontaneous act of kindness that defines our community. Thank you, Mrs. Hartness, for this display of unconditional appreciation.

Do things seem a bit amiss? Is the plumb bob of history askew? The Thanksgiving turkey coma morphed into the warm glow of sharpened shoppers’ elbows of Black Friday followed by the carpal tunnel syndrome of Cyber Monday, leaving us deep in the holiday season. Is there a direct line between recent news events that can make sense of it all? Let us begin by recalling Bob Dylan’s musical question, “There’s something happening here, and you don’t know what it is. Do you, Mr. Jones?” Can we help Mr. Jones figure out what is happening?

I knew there was a disturbance in the Force while watching the UNC - Michigan State basketball game being called by UCLA goofball Bill Walton. Listening to Walton blather on about anything but the basketball game in front of him reminded me of listening to Eddie Haskell tell Mrs. Cleaver what a lovely dress she was wearing. It was bad enough that UNC was getting creamed on the court, but the rancid frosting on the horse puck was having to listen to Walton pontificate about whatever non-basketball thought crossed his mind. I would rather have a root canal without benefit of anesthesia than listen to Walton free associate. There are a lot of things wrong in the world right now. Walton calling a Carolina game is right at the top of the list.

Changing gears, switch to Sweet Home Alabama where would-be Senator and teenage-girl-fan Roy Moore has been fending off angry women accusing him of being a pedophile and purveyor of unwanted gropes. Moore denies everything. He says he always got permission from the girls’ mothers before dating teenagers. Moore’s denial is enough for The Donald, who would rather have a pedophile in the Senate than a Democrat. Roy’s proclivities have created a colorful scenario in which Ivanka Trump was quoted as saying, “There is a special place in hell for people who prey on children.” She sees no reason to doubt what the women are accusing Roy of doing. This sets up a problem with Dear Old Dad who wants Roy in the Senate to set a sterling moral example for America’s youth. News reports say The Donald is irritated at Ivanka for her criticism of Roy. We will see if The Donald will fire his daughter.

Meanwhile, as if on cue from Ivanka, crazed ’60s cult killer Charles Manson finally left the building at age 83. Apparently, when Charlie croaked, he went to prepare that special place in hell for Roy, where they can both barbecue over a flaming lake of gluten- free fire for eternity. Charlie always liked the ladies, so scheduling his demise to coincide with Ivanka’s plans for Roy was probably Charlie’s way of trying to curry favor with the First Daughter. Charlie doesn’t surf, but he can roast.

Thanks to Harvey Weinstein priming the pump, we have a whole host of men from both the left and right who have been caught with their pants down in connection with unwanted sexual acts. Al Franken, The Donald, Bill Cosby, Louis C.K., Charlie Rose, Kevin Spacey, Mark Halperin – the list gets longer by the day. Too many to name, so we shall focus briefly on Congressman John Conyers, who sometimes shows up in his jammies at public events.

Conyers settled a suit by a former employee who accused him of firing her after she refused his sexual advances. Conyers paid her $27,000 of your tax dollars to shut up and go away. She took the money and signed a nondisclosure agreement. Are you happy Congress can use your tax dollars to pay people to forget Congressional sex abuse? Do you think Conyers is the only Congressdude who has been bothering women? If you do, I have a lovely beachfront lot on the moon I would like to sell you.

Even the earth is angry at sexually abusive men – as evidenced by Mount Agung in Bali. Ms. Agung recently launched a 13,000-tall cloud of ash into the sky in sympathy with Roy Moore’s accusers. It is not nice to fool with Mother Nature. Mount Agung is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, which has 140 active volcanoes assembled in tribute to Johnny Cash’s immortal song about the pitfalls of lust, “Ring of Fire,” with the great lyrics, “I fell into a burning ring of fire/I went down, down, down/And the flames went higher/And it burns/ burns/ burns/ The ring of fire/The ring of fire.”

Be on the lookout for Roy Moore and his buddies standing on the edge of Mount Agung getting ready to jump in to find that special place in hell that Ivanka predicted. It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.

GIRLS

Coach: Kevin Dennison

Top returners: Jasmine Davidson, 5-8, Sr., G/F; Danny Howland, 5-8, Sr., G; Kate Perko, 5-10 Sr., F; Covey Holmes, 5-6, Jr., G.

Top newcomers: Priyanka Singh, 5-7, Sr., G; Mary Hana, 5-7, Sr., F; Jenna Mergy, 5-8, So., F; Anne Schafer, 5-7, So., F; Talana Banks, 5-5, So., G.

Coach’s comment: “This year’s team, despite losing four starters to graduation, still has the potential to be competitive and win games.”

BOYS

Coach: James Strong

Top returners: Emmanuel Izunabor, 6-9, Jr.; Williams Onyeodi, 6-6, F., Jr.; Cameron’s Billups, 6-3, Jr., G.

Top newcomers: Charles Massie, 6-4, Jr., G; Eric Bethea, 6-2, Jr., G; Ron Kirkland, 6-1, Sr., G.

Coach’s comment: “One of my team’s strengths is the strong and experienced players I have on our baseline. Charles Massie, one of my new players, tore his ACL this past summer and will miss the first half of the season. Although this could be a weakness for us, I believe all of my players are key components to help us go far and be very competitive this season.”

PHOTOS: (Top, L-R: Girls’ basketball coach Kevin Dennison & Top returner Jasmine Davidson / Bottom, L-R: Boys’ basketball coach James Strong & Top returner  Emmanuel Izunabor)

There is a flurry of upcoming holiday activities to partake in and sights to see in Hope Mills and the surrounding area. Whether you prefer big, festive parade crowds or quiet, one-on-one walks, Cumberland County has something for everyone this holiday season.

• Dec. 1-30 Christmas Lights at Denton Ridge on Ramsey Street starts with a tram ride accompanied by Christmas music and lights. Stops include a live Nativity scene, an old-timey country store, Mrs. Claus’ bake shop and a museum of early 1900s farming equipment. Marshmallow roasting and free photos with Santa are also available. Open every weekend Dec. 1-30. Entry is $10 per person. For more information, visit www.dentonridge.com.

• Dec. 1-23 Christmas in Paradise at Paradise Acres in Hope Mills features, in addition to lights, a holiday buffet, live Nativity scene, train rides, inflatables, fried moon pies, marshmallow roasting and the Clauses. Admission is free. Open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5-9 p.m. Dec. 1-23. Call (910) 424-2779 for details.

• Dec. 1, 2, 8, 22, 29 Nothing adds excitement to an evening like a hockey game. With five home games this month, it is easy to come out and support your local team. All local games are at the Crown. Learn more about the team and purchase tickets at www.marksmenhockey.com.

• Dec. 1-17 “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is a beloved Christmas tradition at Cape Fear Regional Theatre. This comedic classic tells the story of the awful Herdsman kids and how they wreak havoc on a local production of the Christmas story. For tickets and information, visit www.cfrt.org.

• Dec. 4-17 “It’s a Wonderful Life” at Gilbert Theater runs through Dec. 17. This classic production is based on the 1946 comedy-drama produced and directed by Frank Capra starring Jimmy Stewart. Watch local talent bring this timeless tale of hope to life. Visit www. gilberttheater.com to purchase tickets.

• Dec. 7-21 Christmas in the Park occurs at Arnette Park adjacent to the Cape Fear River. Enjoy a half-mile stroll on a paved walking trail and take in the sights and sounds of Christmas. Other features include local musicians, a Christmas Express train, food vendors, a marshmallow pit, Santa, and an outdoor movie screen with holiday films. Tickets cost $10 per vehicle. Open every day Dec. 7-21, 6-9 p.m. Call (910) 433-1547 for details.

• Dec. 7-30 Holiday Lights in the Garden at Cape Fear Botanical Garden offers a mile-long walk to admire the decoration of the garden’s natural winter plant life and structures. Other attractions include a synchronized light show, Santa photos, s’mores and free kids’ crafts. Entry is $5-12 depending on age and membership. Open Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 7-30. Learn more at www.capefearbg.org.

• Dec. 7-9 Sweet Tea Shakespeare presents “Behold, a Folk Christmas Cantata” at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. The production features musicians and actors with music from Andrew Peterson’s “Behold the Lamb of God” and the Oh Hellos. Find out more at www.sweetteashakespeare.com.

• Dec. 7 Multimodal Congestion Management Plan Public Meeting No. 2 at Hope Mills Parks and Recreation Center from 6-8 p.m. Open house starts at 6 p.m., presentation starts at 6:30 p.m. Several potential transportation alternatives will be presented to address transportation issues in Hope Mills. The Hope Mills Board of Commissioners may be attending the meeting, and there could be a possible quorum. To learn more about the study, visit www.HopeMillsPlan.org. For more information, contact Joel Strickland of the Fayetteville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization at jstrickland@ co.cumberland.nc.us or (910) 678-7622.

• Dec. 8-10 Nothing says Christmas like a performance of the “The Nutcracker.” Join the NC State Ballet (Dec. 9-10, www.crowncomplexnc.com) at the Crown to see Tchaikovsky’s iconic two-act ballet. Or, join The Dance Theatre of Fayetteville (Dec. 8-10, www.dancetheatreoffayetteville.com) for a more acrobatic take on the classic show.

• Dec. 9 Fayetteville’s Rotary Christmas Parade brings the spirit of Christmas into downtown. The parade starts at 11 a.m. and features bands, floats and more. Free to attend. Learn more at www.rotarychristmasparade. com.

• Dec. 9-17 Santa and his sleigh will be in downtown Fayetteville. Enjoy a carriage ride with the jolly elf, and take in the charming sights and sounds of Fayetteville during the holidays. Call (910) 223-1089 for tickets and information.

• Dec. 10 Have you ever wondered what the lofts above the Hay Street restaurants and shops look like? Don’t miss the Downtown Candlelight Loft Tour. This self-guided tour lets you peek inside the historic living spaces (and some newer ones, too). Call (910) 223-1089 to reserve your spot.

• Dec. 14-17 The Crown hosts Disney on Ice “Dare to Dream,” a production that will entertain Disney fans of all ages. Visit www.crowncomplexnc.com for tickets and information.

• Dec. 16 Ryan’s Reindeer Run in downtown Fayetteville is not only a fun way to get some exercise, it is a celebration of life. Come dressed in holiday costumes, bring your friends and family and run – because you can. Register at active.com or www.ryansreindeerrun.com.

Productions of “The Nutcracker” ballet are holiday staples around the world. Local nonprofit The Dance Theatre of Fayetteville, however, has a goal that reaches beyond entertaining its audience. TDTF exists to enable every young dancer to perform in “The Nutcracker” regardless of their family’s income level, regardless of race, regardless of disability, and regardless of fitting into the stereotypical image of what a ballerina looks like. Its production runs Dec. 8-10 at Methodist University’s Huff Concert Hall.

Ann Clark Crummie founded TDTF in the 1950s. She opened up board positions to parents of dancers attending any studio in Cumberland County. Her goal was to connect and support young, local dancers. In the ’70s, Crummie found her passion project for the group with “The Nutcracker.” Though she passed away this May, her legacy is alive and well.

The only requirement for participation in “The Nutcracker” is that the child be enrolled in a dance class somewhere in the county. “We just accept people from everywhere,” said TDTF Artistic Director Leslie Dumas. “We buy all the costumes for the kids. … A lot of kids don’t get to participate in a recital or something (like that) because costumes cost so much. … But if they’re in a dance class, they have shoes and tights already, so they come to The Dance Theatre of Fayetteville and don’t have to buy anything else.” The TDTF board pays for everything by holding two fundraisers each year.

Fayetteville native Tara Herringdine, owner of Cumberland Dance Academy in Hope Mills, is the lead choreographer. She began dancing with Crummie at the age of 5. “I am now 44 and still teaching and trying to expose children to the art of dance,” she said. “I began dancing in ‘The Nutcracker’ at age 6, back in the ’70s. I started as a mouse and ended up dancing all the major roles. Now, teaching and choreographing for the company is my way of continuing its legacy.

“The unique quality with our... performance is that The Dance Theatre of Fayetteville uses no guest artists. Every role in our (show) is performed by locally raised dancers that attend our local dance studios.”

Also unique to TDTF’s “The Nutcracker” is that many of its local dancers are also gymnasts. Dumas owns Leslie’s Dance Academy, which is located within CountrySide Gymnastics. The young gymnasts, some of whom have qualified for and won national competitions, are required to take two dance classes per week to supplement their training. Dumas provides those classes. “Adding unique elements such as gymnastics and tumbling... brings more dynamics to our show,” Herringdine said. “For some of the more lively dances, such as the Soldier Doll and The Russian Trepak, gymnastics makes for a high-energy, fun, crowd-pleasing performance.”

This year, there are about 80 dancers in the production. The bulk of them come from Dumas’ and Heringdine’s studios. The homegrown talent is comprised of 7 to 18-year-olds as well as college students who return to dance in their favorite show. Primary roles include Jadyn Spitler as Clara, Brandon Turner as the Prince, John Fleshman as Drosselmeyer, Mikela Singleton as the Snow Princess and Ashlyn Williams as Dew Drop.

This year’s production is dedicated to Crummie and will feature some of her original choreography. Beth Heisel, Becca Fazekas and Thomas McGill also contributed choreography. “(Crummie) was a traditional dance teacher; however, she always thought out-of-thebox,” Herringdine said. “She was very creative in her work and brought a unique flair to her choreography. … She made people fall in love with the art of dance.”

Showtimes at Huff Concert Hall are Friday, Dec. 8, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 10, at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $10 in advance or $15 at the door for adults, $5 for those 18 and under and free for children 4 and under. Call (910) 850-6363 to reserve your seats.

GIRLS

Coach: Michael Ferguson

Top returners: Salome Campbell, 5-3, Jr., G; Diamond Steward, 5-10, Sr., C; Jaleigha Graham, 5-10, So., C.

Top newcomers: Alyssa Bethea, 5-9, Fr., G; Zaniya Melrose-Williams, 5-5, Jr., G; Faith Francis, 5-10, So., C; Maria Wiley, 5-8, So., G; Simone Gibbs, 6-2, So.,

C. Coach’s comment: “This year’s team is very young, but we are building a growing and learning foundation. They are going to surprise a lot of teams this year from the hard work and dedication.’’

BOYS

Coach: George Stackhouse

Top returners: Jalin Thorne, 6-8, Sr., C/F; Edmund Scott, 6-7, Sr., C/F; Lamar Hawkins, Sr., 6-2, G; Justin Ward, 6-0, Sr., G; Shakim Middleton, 6-3, Sr., G.

Top newcomers: Traymond Willis-Shaw, 6-6, So., F; Camari Williams, 6–2, Jr., G.

Coach’s comment: “We return every player from last year’s playoff team, so we should have a more experienced team. Our kids have worked hard on improving their individual skills in the off-season. If we can now focus on becoming the best team we can be, we can be as good as anyone out here.’’

PHOTOS: (Top, L-R: Girls’ basketball coach Michael Ferguson & Top returner Salome Campbell/ Bottom, L-R: Boys’ basketball coach George Stackhouse & Top returner Jalin Thorne)

Some things just go together – like popcorn and movies or a cup of coffee and the morning - but nothing quite compares with the holiday season and “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” Both wholesome and zany, the story has been around since 1971, with its own ABC television special to boot. Yet the 27th annual stage production of the story at Cape Fear Regional Theatre still manages to tease out laughs, cuteness and the power of generosity – everything that makes “BCPE” so special.

Narrated under the straight gaze of Beth (Megan Steenbergh), whose mother is hoodwinked into directing the church’s annual Christmas pageant, we learn everyone is apprehensive to do the show this year because the misfit Herdman children will participate. There’s Ralph (Josiah Burkhardt), Imogene (Briana Fewell-Johnson), Leroy (Curtis Holst), Claude (Sophia Rosado), Ollie (Devin Tandon) and Gladys (Annika Benander) Herdman.

To borrow words from “Home Alone,” Benander as Gladys has “a certain je ne sais quoi.” The part inherently gives her an advantage, it seems, as she’s in the wackiest and most physically demanding role – not to mention she has her own catchphrase to capitalize on – “Shazaam!” But I don’t think anyone quite anticipated her ability to wrap the whole play in a Christmas bow and thoroughly steal the show. Gladys is kooky and hilarious, but the showmanship Benander possesses is shocking for someone so young.

The storyline of Imogene, though, stitches the themes of the show together. I only wish she had a more equal narrative footing in the production. In the story, she’s the one who smokes the cigars, bullies the other children and dares to question the nativity story – in a church, no less. If the Herdmans are a bunch of rotten apples, then Imogene is the queen that presides over them.

By the end of the pageant, however, it’s Imogene who demonstrates a near reverence for her role of Mary. She weeps over it, even. A solo monologue for Imogene might have brought this character development home for the audience. This is just as true for the story on which it is based.

Still, the theater breathes life into the presentation of the story in other ways. Everything from snow flurries to smoke to alternating mood lighting create an indelible ambiance. The set itself is newly built specifically to invite the audience into the story. By design, it is simple: a church façade with steps and a vaulted window with a biblical stained glass image. In one scene, the lighting hits the window from behind to reflect the stained glass onto the stage. It is lovely and unexpected.

But some moments disarm you with the intensity of their tenderness – like when a nameless little girl sidles up next to Beth’s mother, Grace (Donna Jo Mangus), on a bench. Grace despairs because the pageant is turning into a fangled, chaotic mess. The little girl looks up at her and says, “I’ll help you.” It’s silent, but then you hear growing echoes of the other children saying, “Me, too.” It’s enough to make you want to cry on the spot – because the spirit of children is the spirit of Christmas itself. Not presents. Not trimmings or candy. Just the selfless acts of kindness and generosity. That’s what “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is all about, and the red cast at CFRT charmingly embody it.

Performances will continue to run at CFRT until Dec. 17. For tickets and information, visit www.cfrt.org.

By the time you read this, the city of Fayetteville will have a vibrant new city council. Congratulations to everyone, especially Mayor Mitch Colvin and newcomers Johnny Dawkins of District 5, D.J. Haire of District 4, Tyrone Williams of District 2 and Tisha Waddell of District 3. Best wishes to all.

Honestly, I’m glad the installation is over. Or, was it an inauguration? Or coronation? Call it what you will, I just hope that everyone has settled down by now and will allow our new council to focus on the real issues that will move the city forward. I will admit I was quite surprised at the reactions of the public to the initial controversy over where to have the swearing-in ceremony. From the many interviews and conversations I had and phone calls and emails I received, the common thread of angst and frustration came from the discomfort of knowing this new council had its first controversy over something as simple as organizing and agreeing on the details of an event.

Equally unnerving was the perception that some council members seem to have little concern or respect for how the citizens felt about the issue. I think a lot of the unnecessary drama and controversy might have been avoided altogether had someone been able to tamp down the brazen, uncharacteristic bravado of District 7 Councilman Larry Wright, who basically suggested Fayetteville citizens should shut up and stop whining.

I’m not kidding. Wright’s attitude and uncharacteristic comments came across like fingernails on a chalkboard as he was trying to make a point to the well-seasoned and highly respected dean of the council, Bill Crisp. Wright told Crisp that it is always the nature of politics to attract and warrant criticism. Then, the good Rev. Wright doubled down with an outrageous statement; it reeked of pompousness and arrogance. “We (the council) cannot become submissive to the voices of those in the background.”

What? Are you kidding me? Those voices? In the background? Well, here’s a news flash for Councilman Wright, those “voices” are his constituents. Those “voices” are the people who put him where he is today. Those “voices” are the people paying taxes and expecting him to be a conscientious and responsible steward of their money.

Wright went on to say that they, the elected city officials, deserve a nice, lavish celebration in return for all the time and effort they put into serving the residents of Fayetteville. Wright has now shown his true colors. And, it will be difficult for him to take back those sentiments. His conspicuous attitude of entitlement is indelible. I just hope it is not a sentiment held by other members of council.

Allowing common sense to prevail, he could apologize to his fellow council colleagues for including them in such selfish, thoughtless and outlandish comments. More importantly, he should apologize to the residents of District 7 and then to all the citizens of Fayetteville. Let me remind you that I am writing this four days before the swearing-in ceremony. If Councilman Wright did acquiesce and come through with a sincere and heartfelt apology during or after the ceremony, then it will be I who apologizes to him.

In the meantime, since local politics seems to attract its fair share of clergy, they must realize that politics is a calling of a different nature – a calling that does not entitle them to a love offering. The money they are spending and responsible for belongs to the citizens. One other message for Rev. Wright: we are not obligated to “honor” any elected official. Holding an elected office is a privilege and should not be considered just a supplemental source of income.

In conclusion, I want to congratulate Mayor Colvin on his decision to raise money from the private sector for the swearing-in ceremony. Who wouldn’t want to contribute to that fund? My check is on the way, Mitch. And, make no mistake about it, this is a time for celebration. It’s a time to allow citizens, family, friends and well-wishers an opportunity to congratulate, meet and greet Fayetteville’s new leadership. Gratitude need not be lavish or expensive. It only needs to be sincere.

Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

Photo: Councilman Larry Wright

The Rotary Clubs of Fayetteville present the 2017 Rotary Christmas Parade Saturday, Dec. 9, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

“The parade is dedicated to the children of Fayetteville and Cumberland County with the theme of ‘The angels are watching over us,’” said Matthew Smith, chairman of the Rotary Christmas Parade. “We will have approximately 110 units in the parade.”

Smith added that the parade will be televised by FayTV Channel 7, and the point of pickup for the camera will be at the Market House. There will be commentators at the grandstand area and the Market House.

This is the 18th year of the parade. “There are three clubs that have sponsored the parade: the Fayetteville Club, the West Fayetteville Club and the Lafayette Rotary Club,” said Smith. “This is a joint project that the three clubs do each year.” There will be representatives from Fort Bragg, and the Interact and Rotaract Clubs will participate in the parade.

The route begins at Person Street and goes to the Market House, onward to Hay Street, and will conclude at the Medical Arts building.

“We will have various bands from the high schools performing in the parade this year and a number of new entries,” said Smith. “We are having the homemade float contest this year, which we have not had for several years.” Smith said the homemade float contest brings a lot of interest for some groups and is a treat for the people that come to watch the parade as well.

The parade will conclude with Santa Claus and his elves passing out Tootsie Rolls to the kids.

“The Rotarians enjoy doing this every year,” said Smith. “Some people think that all you have to do is get a place for people to line up and have a parade. This is literally a year-round project, and we look forward to doing this as a community service project for the Rotary Club.”

If your business or organization would like to volunteer, contact Mike Reid at (910) 964-3998. For applications, visit www.rotarychristmasparade.com. The parade will take place rain or shine. Email general@rotarychristmasparade.com for more information.

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.