Step into a time machine and relive the unforgettable sounds of the 1980s at the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming concert, “Total Eclipse of the Chart.” This one-night event promises an exhilarating journey through the decade that brought us iconic pop hits from Tina Turner, Eurythmics, and Whitney Houston.
The Symphony’s first concert of the new season will take place on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Seabrook Auditorium, located at 1200 Murchison Road. With doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and the concert starting at 7:30 p.m., you have plenty of time to soak in the nostalgic atmosphere before the musical magic begins.
Thomas Hill, FSO Marketing & Office Manager, recalls that last year's audience couldn't resist singing along and even dancing in the aisles.
“Basically, everyone sang along last year, and some folks even got up and danced in the aisles,” reflected Hill.
“Guests told me how fun and fresh the concert felt for weeks after the performance. It's a great way for people who are interested in what we're about to give the Symphony a try.”
Whether you're a die-hard fan of ‘80s music or just curious to see what the Symphony is all about, this event is a fantastic opportunity to experience the energy and excitement of live performance.
Adding to the 1980s ambiance, four incredible musical theater singers will join the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra on stage. These talented performers are sure to bring an extra layer of authenticity and flair to the evening, making the music of the 1980s come alive in a way you've never experienced before.
Each singer brings their own unique style and stage presence, ensuring a diverse and dynamic performance. Their collaboration with the FSO promises to create an unforgettable night of music and entertainment, perfect for fans of musical theater and 80s pop alike.
Meet the Guest Performers
Carole J. Bufford has become one of the most sought-after performers on the American vintage pop and cabaret scenes. Her shows, including 'Speak Easy' featuring the Grammy Award-winning Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks, 'You Don't Own Me: The Fearless Females of the 1960s,' 'Come Together,' and 'Vintage Pop' have earned her rave reviews from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Times (UK).
Stephanie Jae Park is a versatile performer whose credits span Broadway, concerts, and on-screen roles. She starred as Eliza Hamilton in 'Hamilton' and originated roles in the Broadway productions of 'War Paint' and 'The King and I.' Her theater work includes performances at world-class venues such as The Muny, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and New York City Center.
After graduating with a BFA in Musical Theatre from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Tyler Huckstep began his journey performing in shows such as 'Shrek the Musical' (International Tour), 'The Sting the Musical' (Paper Mill Playhouse), and even a stint on Celebrity Cruise Lines as their Lead Vocalist.
Zina Goldrich is an award-winning composer, conductor, musical director, and performing artist. Her romantic comedy and theater songs have been sung around the world by Broadway stars including Audra McDonald, Kristin Chenoweth, Megan Hilty, Kelli O’Hara, and Alan Cumming.
This exciting concert is brought to the community in collaboration with Scott Coulter's Spot On Entertainment, the same group that delivered the spectacular Music of the Knights in 2024. Known for their high-caliber productions, Spot On Entertainment is dedicated to creating immersive and engaging musical experiences.
Their expertise in combining theatrical performance with live orchestral music ensures that 'Total Eclipse of the Chart' will be a polished and professional show. The synergy between Spot On Entertainment and the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra is a key ingredient in making this concert a standout event.
Tickets for ‘Total Eclipse of the Chart’ can be purchased online at https://www.fayettevillesymphony.org/2025-2026-season/, by contacting the FSO office at 910-433-4690, or at the door on the night of the concert. To make this event accessible to all, the FSO offers a variety of discounts. Seniors, military personnel, college students, children, and employees of Cumberland County Schools can all take advantage of reduced ticket prices.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to enjoy a night of incredible music at an affordable price. This concert also marks a significant milestone as it is the first performance of Stefan Sanders' farewell season with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. Sanders has been a beloved conductor, known for his dynamic leadership and passion for music. His departure is a momentous occasion for the FSO and its community.
For more details on Stefan Sanders' journey and his contributions to the FSO, visit fayettevillesymphony.org/farewell-stefan. Don't miss this chance to see Sanders lead the orchestra one last time and be part of this heartfelt farewell.

(Photo courtesy of Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra's Facebook page)

The CARE Clinic, a fixture in Fayetteville for over 30 years, is gearing up for its 25th Annual fundraiser on Thursday, September 18, starting at 6 p.m. The celebration not only affords an evening of fabulous food, dance, drink and opportunities to win one-of-a-kind travel packages, but also supports the organization’s mission: to provide free, quality healthcare to low-income, uninsured adults in Cumberland and the surrounding counties.
Nicole Ryan, Development and Marketing Director of the CARE Clinic, says the clinic brings together doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, dental assistants, and pharmacy techs who volunteer out of love and commitment to their profession. Ryan says those volunteers provide basic medical care, basic dental extractions, laboratory tests, additional diagnostic testing, pharmacy services, health education, community resource information, social services, and referrals to specialists.
The services they offer are much needed, as Ryan says that a substantial portion of Cumberland County residents are either uninsured adults who are unemployed or work part-time, or those who exceed the Medicaid income limit, but can’t afford private insurance and out-of-pocket medical costs.
Ryan says that the services they offer wouldn’t be possible without the community’s support.
“While The CARE Clinic relies on grants, it also relies heavily on the compassion, support, and generosity of those within the community,” she explained. “This event wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of sponsors, vendors, and small businesses that align with our mission.”
Whether it’s individuals, churches, local businesses, or other nonprofits, the CARE Clinic represents a cross-section of people within the community who want to make healthcare accessible. The 25th Annual Toast of the Town is yet another opportunity for people to rally around that cause.
The evening will take place at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden just as fall begins to nip the air, making it a “perfect time to plan a night out” and a chance to enjoy the “vibrant hues” of autumn seen at the Gardens, according to a press release from the CARE Clinic.
“The Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful locations and venues within the community (as well as neighboring counties),“ Ryan said. “It offers a stunning setting, surrounded by the beauty of the gardens at sunset. It offers priceless value to an event where members of the community gather not only for a memorable and entertaining evening, but one that serves a worthy cause!”
According to the CARE Clinic, attendees will enjoy “locally made wine, beer, and spirits; dancing; heavy hors d’oeuvres; dessert; a 50/50 raffle, and unbeatable silent auction packages.” Silent auction packages include items donated by local businesses, attractions, and athletic teams. Guests can also bid on unbeatable vacations to locations such as Puerto Rico, New Orleans, France, Belgium, England, Portugal, Key West, Ireland, Curacao, Amalfi, and Greece. For some lucky winners, the excitement will extend beyond the dance floor!
“It will be a memorable evening,” said Ryan, who emphasized how fortunate the Clinic is to have many community partners and volunteers who make daily operations and this event possible.

(Photo courtesy of The CARE Clinic)

Fayetteville has played host to some big names in the past, including Presidents. On Thursday, Sept. 4, the city hosted the Honorable Ketanji Brown Jackson, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Justice Jackson is the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court. She was appointed in 2022.
Her presence brought excitement among her fans and supporters. Held at J. W. Seabrook Auditorium on the campus of Fayetteville State University, this intimate event was hosted by the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity. Justice Jackson wasn’t here on a political visit; she was here to discuss her book Lovely One.
Her book is a memoir of her incredible life and the choices that led her to be sworn in as an Associate Justice, and she discussed the content with the CEO of the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity, Brandon Price. This free event was an effort by the organization to further promote their “commitment to bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope. A safe, decent place to live is the cornerstone of a strong community." Emphasizing, “Our vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Inspiring and deeply resonant, Lovely One is a testament to the power of dreaming big.”
Attendees were required to register for the event a month prior to allow for proper security vetting. The day of the event, FSU’s campus was abuzz. While the day-to-day activities continued, the small corner of campus that houses the auditorium was packed with cars, people and Secret Service.
Drones flew over the courtyard, black SUVs and suited members of the secret service fanned the way for the VIP guests. Distinguished guests were met with the enthusiastic smiling faces of FSU staff, students and alumni.
Lanyards were passed out at check-in and campus security ensured everyone made it to the right seating area.
Inside, balloons, centerpieces and standing cocktail tables were meticulously placed for the book signing scheduled right after the one-on-one. Attendees had the option at registration to purchase a book for the book signing.
The two-story, intimate theater space was dimly lit with more emphasis on the stage where Justice Jackson and Mr. Price sat and discussed her journey to the Supreme Court.
After prayer and the National Anthem, Judge Toni King had the honor of introducing the phenomenal Ketanji Brown Jackson. A roar of applause filled the auditorium, and many stood to their feet.
She approached the podium and read an excerpt from her book, Lovely One, her voice, gentle but commanding.
And command she did. Every word commanded the attention of the audience. Her journey takes the reader from her birthplace of DC to Florida, where she would finish high school, then on to Harvard to complete her law degree. She eventually made it back to DC, not as a little girl, but as a mighty force and voice for justice.
Her book is a self-titled memoir. A point of contention for some and a point of pride for most, Ketanji, one of the names her aunt sent her mother while she was serving with the Peace Corps in West Africa, has always been something to be proud of, a continuation of culture, for Justice Jackson.
When the one-on-one ended, those who had purchased a book received their signed copies and enjoyed a small reception in honor of her visit.
Ketanji Brown Jackson left a lasting impact on everyone in the room. To purchase her book, visit https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/737094/lovely-one-by-ketanji-brown-jackson/

When you talk to Marla West, it’s easy to forget that she’s 86 years old. With a sharp memory and a youthful sense of humor, the Lillington resident loves hunting for antique treasures in shops and keeping her garden in bloom.
But for most of her life, there’s been one thing that has sometimes slowed her down.
“Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve had problems with constipation,” she said. “I would go a few days with nothing happening, but then I’d take a laxative, and it would be fine.”
This continued into adulthood, with patience and laxatives usually taking care of the problem. But in recent years, West found that medication sometimes made things even worse.
“I have a very bad hip,” she said, “and the medication I took for that pain made me so constipated. I think that’s where it really became a problem.”
The problem started with some minor belly pain one night.
“I just had a little stomachache,” she said. “And I thought, oh, it was probably something I ate. I’ll be fine.”
But by midnight, it hadn’t gone away. When her daughter, Robin, said they should probably go to the hospital, West was still sure it was nothing.
“But we went anyway,” she said, “and I’m so glad we did.”
At Central Harnett Hospital, she quickly learned that her discomfort was something much more serious. She’d been so constipated, for so long, that her colon had perforated. West remembers hearing someone say how dangerous it was, especially at her age, and that she’d need an emergency colostomy. She was quickly transferred to Betsy Johnson Hospital for the surgery.
“And then Dr. Hall came in and talked to me,” she said, “and I just can’t tell you how wonderful she is.”
Rachel Hall, DO, is a board-certified general surgeon at Cape Fear Valley General Surgery in Dunn. The practice offers what they call “a family-type environment,” where patient and provider get to know each other before surgery. But in West’s emergency, the introductions were swift with no time to spare.
“Everything happened very quickly,” said West. “But I knew she was a very skilled surgeon, and more than that, she was just a very nice person. After we talked about what was going to happen, I just knew I was going to be OK.”
After a three-hour surgery, West woke up feeling groggy but relieved. She spent 10 days recovering. Visits from Dr. Hall helped keep her spirits up.
“She said they were still keeping an eye on me, and I wasn’t out of the woods yet,” said West, “but I was never really afraid because she was just so positive.”
Seven months later, West is back to antiquing and gardening with her daughter. She has even made peace with her colostomy bag, something she’d feared would be very hard to get used to.
“It just takes a little extra time every day,” she said. “I'm used to just undressing and jumping in the shower, but you have to remove and clean everything. I just get started before everybody else does if we're going somewhere.”
While she wouldn’t wish a scary night like that on anyone, West said she’s glad she followed her daughter’s advice to go to the hospital. And she’s grateful Dr. Hall was there.
“I just can’t tell you how wonderful she is,” said West. “I mean, my gosh, she saved my life.”
Sanford W. Hawkins-Rivers, MD, works with Dr. Hall at Cape Fear Valley General Surgery in Dunn and was recently awarded the Physician of the Year award from the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation’s Caduceus Society. For another patient, one of his best skills was knowing when you don’t need to operate.
Sandra Mahiquez, who lives in Benson, struggled for months with a worsening pain in her wrist and thumb. Friends and family recommended Dr. Hawkins-Rivers. At her first appointment, she braced for a conversation about surgery. But she was pleasantly surprised.
“He said what I needed was just a steroid shot,” she said. “So, I got that, and that alone made it 80 percent better.”
She received another shot in a follow-up visit, and by her third visit, she was back to 100 percent.
“I don’t even think about it anymore,” she said. “All that pain, just gone.”
Now Mahiquez happily recommends Dr. Hawkins-Rivers to anyone who asks, and not just because he helped her avoid surgery.
“He’s very confident,” she said, “but he’s pleasant too. He jokes around and makes you feel really comfortable. I hope I never do need surgery, but if I do, that’s where I’m going.”

(Photo courtesy of Cape Fear General Surgery)

Marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug, along with heroin and LSD, as "drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse" under federal law. Marijuana laws are rapidly changing across all 50 states. However, without a change in federal law, state laws create conflicts and negatively affect states with legalized cannabis programs, as federal law technically takes precedence over state law.
As of December 2022, North Carolina had the third-highest number of marijuana-related arrests in the United States. In 2023, there were a total of 10,909 marijuana-related arrests in the state. Most of these arrests were for possession, while the number of arrests for selling or manufacturing marijuana was significantly lower. Marijuana arrest numbers in the state have been decreasing; the 10,909 arrests are considerably lower than the 21,252 arrests recorded in 2018.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein is in favor of regulating cannabis sales and is considering the potential legalization of cannabis for adults. Last June, he established a state advisory council to recommend a comprehensive policy on this issue.
President Trump's administration is potentially eliminating a significant barrier regarding marijuana classification. Recently, he confirmed that his administration is considering reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous substance. The Wall Street Journal first reported that Trump is weighing the option of moving marijuana from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug.
Schedule III drugs are classified as having a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. Examples include ketamine, anabolic steroids, and testosterone. Reclassifying marijuana would enable more research into the drug and provide tax benefits for the cannabis industry.
I was a law enforcement officer for 6 ½ years, involved in the so-called war on drugs. In the early 1980s, school systems were struggling to address the issue of drugs in public schools. As a solution, they decided to place young law enforcement officers in high schools to conduct drug buys and subsequently arrest young drug dealers on campus. I was the undercover officer assigned to E.E. Smith, Reid Ross, and Hoke high schools. Marijuana was the drug of choice and was easily accessible, especially with schools providing smoking areas for students to use tobacco on campus.
After the school campaigns, I was appointed as a special federal marshal and began working on much larger cases. However, reflecting on my experiences, I will always regret my involvement in the high school campaign.
Although it was fair and conducted according to the law, more than 100 students learned a difficult lesson that adversely affected them for the rest of their lives. Marijuana is the drug in question, which is why I align myself with many former law enforcement officials who advocate for the legalization or decriminalization of marijuana.
Is marijuana a gateway drug? It might be, but the real gateway is tobacco use among ten-year-olds. Law enforcement opposes marijuana legalization due to the "smell doctrine," which permits warrantless searches when the odor of marijuana is detected. I hope that both Trump and Stein achieve success; it's time for a change.

In some North Carolina houses, this is a time of empty rooms and empty spaces. Children, so long ever-present, are now suddenly gone away to college.
Even though they knew the day was coming, there was great emptiness in their homes and in their hearts. This is true especially for parents, but also for grandparents, even though they all knew that the day was coming.
One of my grandsons is in college, far from home in Colorado. And both my granddaughters just graduated from college far away-- one in Vermont and the other in Scotland. After some time at home, one is heading even further afield, to Alaska, and the other back to Scotland. These “grandbabies” are so far away that I will seldom see them.
My own children stayed reasonably close to home in North Carolina at Davidson and graduate school at UNC. Still, the break was painful.
How much more so when the distance is more than a long drive away?
Each year, I watch young parents bring their children to Chapel Hill.
So much is the same every year: Heavy trunks to carry up long stairways on the first day.
Waiting for them are professors — giants of teachers — whose love of scholarship and service is exceeded only by their commitment to the opening and nurturing of the minds of their students. Will they be worrying about the meaning of life, or something more important — like a broken date?
What makes taking or sending a child to college such a milestone for parents, such a passage? Is it the sudden freedom from the hour-to-hour worries of child rearing? No more waiting up past midnight — waiting and worrying. No more strain of daily negotiation for the use of cars, time of meals, attendance at church, volume of the music, or use of the bathroom.
Or is it the extra worry and uncertainty that comes with an absent child so far away in distance and independence?
Suddenly, the house is peaceful — and so empty. Gone is the daily joy of their companionship. Gone is the excitement of their new ideas. Gone is the richness and seasoning that their growing up brought to our lives, every day.
You wonder, “Does life have meaning without children to watch over?”
The answer is not certain.
But the question remains.
My grandchildren will live in the future, but the occasion draws me almost 100 years into the past when, in 1928, my father entered Davidson. When these men (it would be 50 years before women were allowed at Davidson) first came to college in the fall of 1928, they brought everything they needed in a suitcase or small trunk.
Things were different in the 1980s when my children entered college. Most students arrived in cars driven by their parents and loaded down with the students’ “things.” Former Davidson President John Kuykendall welcomed them with a short “freedom and responsibility” sermon to help explain what this business of leaving home for college is all about.
He reminded them that colleges and universities no longer pretend to take the place of parents or impose strict parental rules to dictate how the students will act. At 18, they must seek and find their own moral guides. And freedom means the freedom to fail.
Kuykendall would then talk about responsibility, explaining that free people have the responsibility to develop and accept rules if they are to live together in harmony and dignity. Our freedom to make choices makes us responsible for those choices. Freedom gives us the free choice to serve others. Freedom gives us the opportunity and the responsibility to search for the truth.
That quest brings us towards the goal of a college education: a liberated mind, a mind that never stops searching and never stops learning.
If our grandchildren’s college experience helps make them partners with us in a search for truth, then the pain of physical separation and giving them up to their own freedom can bring us together in a way that gives our lives rich new meaning.

Test scores are up for North Carolina’s public-school students — a welcome development, although the news isn’t all good.
On average, 55% of students in grades three or higher tested proficient on last year’s state exams. For the 2023-24 school year, that figure was 54.2%. In 2018-19, the last full academic year before COVID, it was 58.8%. We’re headed in the right direction, in other words, but not rapidly.
Most worrisome to me is that just 46.6% of third graders were proficient in reading, down two percentage points from 2023-24. North Carolina’s science of reading strategy is only now beginning to shape classroom instruction, but I’d hoped to see gains among our youngest readers.
Across all grades and subjects, the familiar gaps remain. On average, poor students (41.7% proficient) scored lower than the rest (68%). Asian (81.7%) and white (67.8%) students scored higher than Hispanic (43.2%), American Indian (42.8%), and black (39.2%) students. Girls (55.8%) slightly outperformed boys (54.3%).
When it comes to North Carolina’s post-pandemic recovery, I’m an all-hands-on-deck guy, not a proponent of just one or two strategies at the expense of others. Science-based reforms of how we teach reading and math? Higher starting salaries for teachers, plus significant pay boosts for proven effectiveness and advanced teaching roles? Better preparation and performance incentives for principals? Firmer classroom discipline and a crackdown on chronic absenteeism? More choice and competition?
Check, check, check, check, and check.
I know I can sound like a broken record on this matter, but North Carolina policymakers and activists should resist the temptation to cram every new event or data download into their preexisting political frames. We’d all benefit from adopting a broader perspective instead of endlessly relitigating (figuratively and literally) the past couple of decades of North Carolina trends and reforms.
Which states have the high-performing schools? Notice I didn’t say the highest-performing students. Many factors influence test scores, completion rates, college or career success, and other measures of educational outcomes. When evaluating the value added by teachers, administrators, curriculum, and other elements of the school experience, one must attempt to adjust for student background and other non-school factors.
As far as I know, the best-available measures come from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, which administers reading and math tests every couple of years to samples of fourth- and eighth-graders in every state.
According to an Urban Institute analysis of NAEP exams administered in 2024, Mississippi had the highest average scores in the country after adjusting for student background. Here are the rest of the top-10 states, in order: Louisiana, Massachusetts, Texas, Indiana, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Illinois, and Kentucky.
And here are the bottom-10 states in adjusted NAEP scores: Michigan, Missouri, Arizona, Hawaii, Vermont, Maine, Delaware, West Virginia, Alaska, and Oregon.
If you think the primary driver of school quality is expenditure, then you aren’t surprised to see high-spending Massachusetts and Illinois in the top 10. But low-spending Mississippi, Florida, and Louisiana also ranking high — and very-high-spending Vermont ranking low — might well puzzle you. And if you think it’s all about choice programs putting pressure on school districts to step up their games, then public-school standouts Louisiana, Indiana, and Florida ought to warm your heart. All get an A or B-plus on the American Legislative Exchange Council’s latest Index of Educational Freedom. But so do Arizona and West Virginia.
Most scholarly research on the subject shows boosts in academic performance from both educational freedom and prudent government spending on high-quality programs and teachers in public schools. Indeed, robust competition from charter, private, and home schools makes district schools more effective. Now that legislators in North Carolina and elsewhere have enacted broadly available school-choice options, they can and should focus on reforming how public school educators are trained, deployed, evaluated, and compensated.
By now it should be obvious that choice and competition here to stay — and that school districts will continue to educate most students. Let’s all accept reality and get cracking.

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

The 8th Annual First Responder Car, Truck, and Bike Show will take place on Sept. 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Crown Complex. The sponsor of the event is Mopars of Fayetteville. The event will feature classic cars, trucks, custom builds, bikes, live music, food trucks, awards, giveaways, photo opportunities, vendor booths and special guest appearances. Best in Show, Most Repped Club, Top Muscle, and King Classic and Queen Classic awards will be handed out. General admission is free for the public. Fees for cars and trucks are $45, and motorcycles are $35 on the day of the event. Pre-registration and fees are payable by Zelle to moparsoffayetteville@gmail.com. For more information, visit the Mopars of Fayetteville Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/moparsoffayetteville/
Mopars of Fayetteville is a non-profit Car Club Family that enjoys giving back to the community. Two previous events were Back-to-School and Car Wash, according to their Facebook page.
Car shows provide economic value by boosting local economic growth, supporting various local businesses, and offering networking opportunities. Furthermore, cars facilitate valuable connections within the allied and automotive industries, fostering partnerships and career opportunities.
Car shows can also play a role in influencing consumer buying behavior. A recent study showed 78 percent of attendees stated a car show impacted their purchasing decision, while 80 percent of attendees were looking to buy within three months, citing it as a key factor, according to Economic Power of Car Shows, Colors on Parade.
First responders are vital to the community because they provide immediate, life-saving assistance and maintain public safety during emergencies, acting as the backbone of crisis response by saving lives, restoring order, and supporting recovery. The 8th Annual First Responder Car, Truck and Bike Show will help the community show support for Fayetteville’s first responders.
The day will be full of sleek rides, bold designs, and car culture at its finest. Gearheads, collectors, car lovers, and anyone who loves a good time are all invited to attend.

Nothing is more North Carolina than BBQ, and there’s one name that echoes the city when it comes to this mouthwatering southern staple. The man, the legend, the community Uncle, Carl Pringle, has made it his mission to feed his family (the city and surrounding areas).
Uncle Carl is a household name here in Fayetteville. The owner of Flip Flop Sauce, his own personal BBQ sauce, sells it locally, including at Food Lion and restaurants like Dad Bod Food Truck. A portion of the sales is used to fund Uncle Carl’s Safe Space. From his magnetic smile to his equally magnetic heart, the DC native is the epitome of a community leader. While his humbleness would never let him forget it, he has truly put in the work in the community, even when the cameras aren’t rolling. A selfless individual with a passion to not only feed the community but to bring a bit of sunshine. Through his nonprofit, We Are One Big Family, Uncle Carl has fed countless community members who experience food insecurity, setting up the grill and serving free food with a smile around Fayetteville.
You can’t miss his iconic Flip Flop Sauce van with trailer and grill in tow. Once he touches down, you know everyone will have a full belly. Uncle Carl doesn’t do it all on his own. He has the support of other community members with the same mission in mind: “make sure everyone eats.”
As he puts it, “We came up with the name, because it wasn’t about the name on the event or who’s doing it. It’s about us coming together as a family and making sure our family eats.”
As a unifying figure and the heart of food insecurity advocacy, Uncle Carl makes an impact on everyone he encounters and inspires others to be generous, gracious and conscious of the whole community.
“Uncle Carl isn’t just Fayetteville’s favorite uncle…he’s the kind of soul who makes you believe in the goodness of people. He’s the one who would give his last dollar without hesitation, cook you a meal when you didn’t even realize you needed one, or sit and listen when life feels too heavy. He’s the family you never asked for, but once he claims you as his own, that’s it… You’re loved, supported, and encouraged for life. Uncle Carl doesn’t just show up, he pours into you with every bit of kindness he has, reminding us all what it means to truly be there for one another.” Said Kaylynn Suarez, Dogwood Festive Executive Director.
Dennis Vee, local comedian and veteran, has worked with Pringle in the past and supports his mission.
“Carl’s the only guy I know who can fix your hunger, your heart, and probably your marriage with one bottle of sauce. Man’s out here feeding the community like Jesus with a grill… except instead of fish and bread, it’s wings, ribs, and Flip Flop Sauce! Fayetteville doesn’t need Batman; we've got Carl, and he actually shows up!” Vee said. “But seriously, having Carl in Fayetteville means a lot to me, to us, the community, because he’s the kind of man who doesn’t just talk about helping, he actually does it. Whether it’s feeding people, creating safe spaces, or just showing love through that Flip Flop Sauce, he puts his heart into this community. To me, he’s proof that one person really can make a difference, and we’re better off because he’s here.”
Carl Pringle has been serving this community for a while now, with little accolades, and that's ok, because that’s not what he does it for. If there was ever a person or a cause to get behind, this is it. Keep an eye out for more from Uncle Carl and grab a bottle of his famous Flip Flop Sauce here https://flipflopbbq.com/.

(Photo courtesy of Flip Flop Sauce's Facebook page)

On September 11, 2001, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks resulted in the loss of nearly 3,000 lives and left an indelible mark on the United States. Among the hardest-hit were the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, which were struck by hijacked planes and subsequently collapsed.
The sheer scale of the devastation and the loss of life profoundly shocked the nation and the world. The attacks targeted not just the physical structures but the very spirit of America, aiming to instill fear and chaos.
Among the many heroes of that fateful day were the 343 firefighters from the New York City Fire Department who sacrificed their lives. These brave individuals, ranging from probationary firefighters to high-ranking officials, rushed into the burning towers to save civilians, climbing numerous flights of stairs with heavy gear to reach those trapped on the upper floors.
Their actions were instrumental in the largest civilian rescue operation in U.S. history, helping to evacuate tens of thousands of people. The selfless courage and unwavering commitment to public service displayed by these firefighters continue to inspire and resonate.
The legacy of the 9/11 first responders extends far beyond the immediate aftermath of the attacks. In the years since, hundreds more FDNY members have died from illnesses related to their exposure to toxic dust and debris at Ground Zero. These deaths are also recognized as line-of-duty deaths, adding to the tragic legacy of 9/11.
Memorializing these heroes serves as a reminder of the resilience and unity that emerged in the face of tragedy, and it underscores the human cost of the attacks. It's a way of keeping the promise to 'never forget.'
One event dedicated to honoring the fallen firefighters is the 2025 Fayetteville 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb & Walk. This event will take place at Segra Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 11, with onsite registration starting at 5 p.m., followed by an Opening Ceremony and the climb commencing at 7 p.m.
Participants in the Stair Climb & Walk will pay tribute to an FDNY firefighter by climbing the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. This symbolic act not only remembers the sacrifice of an FDNY brother but also completes their heroic journey to save others.
The Role of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, established by the U.S. Congress, leads a nationwide effort in remembering America's fallen firefighters. Since its inception in 1992, this tax-exempt, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization has been dedicated to honoring fallen fire heroes and providing support to their families and coworkers.
Through various programs and initiatives, the NFFF works tirelessly to create and maintain support systems for Fire Hero Families and firefighters. The funding for these programs often comes from private donations, and events like the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb play a crucial role in sustaining their mission.
How the Fayetteville Stair Climb Supports the Cause
The Fayetteville Stair Climb, organized through the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, is a local event that contributes to the national cause. By hosting the 2025 Fayetteville Stair Climb & Walk, the community of Fayetteville plays an active role in supporting the mission of the NFFF.
Participants in the Fayetteville Stair Climb help raise funds and awareness for the programs that assist the families and coworkers of fallen firefighters. It's a local effort with a national impact, demonstrating how communities across the country can come together to honor and support our fire service heroes.
“We hope that participants feel a sense of reflection, but also a bit of community; to do this as a group and not alone. We specifically start the climb with the radio traffic from 9/11/01 to set the tone, but we also stop before the last lap and bring all flags to the front so that we finish as a group as well. Also, Fayetteville Fire Department’s Chief Richtmeyer provides a bell that participants ring as they finish the climb, as well,” said Brittany Tschida Odom, Fayetteville Stair Climb.
Community participation is crucial in ensuring that each of the 343 firefighters is honored and that the world knows we will never forget.
“Participants wear the badge of a firefighter, police officer, or EMS responder and can take that home with them. A video is also played on the videoboard of all the badges,” Odom said.
Typically, participants are firefighters, first responders, and military personnel from the Fayetteville area and beyond, but the event is open to the whole community.
“Before I became a trainer, I served as an EMT, so honoring first responders holds a very close place in my heart. When I started Gracefully Fit, I wanted to use the business not only to build strength and community, but also to carry forward the memory of the fallen and ensure that we never forget,” said Grace Bex, owner of Gracefully Fit.
Gracefully Fit will have their own team participating in this year's 9/11 Stair Climb & Walk event.
“For the past eight years, we’ve hosted our own 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, and this year — now that we’ve officially opened as a gym — it felt important to show up in force with our community at Segra Stadium. It’s our way of honoring the heroes of 9/11 while bringing people together through purpose and strength,” Bex said.
Bex encourages everyone who can to participate in this event that raises awareness and support for firefighters and their families.
“It’s everything. I’ve seen how service impacts not just the responder but their entire family. Raising awareness ensures that their sacrifices are honored, remembered, and supported in real, tangible ways. The funds raised go directly to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, which helps families who’ve lost so much — that’s a cause worth climbing for.”
If you are interested in starting your own team or joining one that is already established, register online at https://nfff.akaraisin.com/ui/fayetteville25/pledge/registration/start. You can also register as an individual stair climber. Registration fees are $35, and online registration closes on Sept. 7 at midnight. Each participant will receive a free T-shirt.
In 2024, the NFFF started a fundraising and awareness initiative with the goal of expanding the number of states that hold a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb to all 50 states by the year 2025.
“The program averages 40+ stair climbs a year across the country. The 50 x 25 campaign started last year, so we expect an increase next year on the 25th anniversary,” says Regina Livingston, the Development Program Manager of the NFFF.
Fayetteville Stair Climb is also looking to expand who the event helps locally in the future.
“Since the beginning, this event has been through the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, which offers a variety of resources for individuals or full departments. We are exploring options to have this event benefit our local first responders and military personnel,” says Odom.

(Photo courtesy of Fayetteville 9/11 Memorial Stairclimb Facebook Page)

Lee County will celebrate a milestone this weekend when it opens the gates to the new Lee County Athletic Park, a multipurpose recreation facility years in the making. The grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 13 at 2 p.m. at 1304 Broadway Road in Sanford and will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, demonstrations, and activities for the public.
The park has been described by county officials as both a community gathering space and an economic asset. With fields designed for multiple sports, trails for walking and jogging, and facilities built with accessibility in mind, the Athletic Park is expected to expand opportunities for recreation across the county while positioning Sanford to host regional events.
The idea for the Athletic Park first surfaced during county planning sessions aimed at addressing the growing demand for modern sports facilities.
Youth leagues and families had long voiced the need for more fields, while civic leaders sought spaces that could support community health and attract outside visitors. Those conversations evolved into the blueprint for the new park, which now stands ready to welcome its first guests. At its heart, the park features multipurpose athletic fields that can be used for soccer, baseball, softball, and football. Trails weave through landscaped green areas, providing space for walkers and joggers.
Shaded seating and ADA-compliant restrooms reflect the county’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring the park is accessible to residents of all abilities.
The design is intended to accommodate both casual recreation and competitive play. By meeting the standards needed to host tournaments, the park could draw teams from across the region, boosting traffic at local restaurants, hotels, and shops. Saturday’s event will give residents a chance to experience the park firsthand.
Tours and demonstrations, with Parks and Recreation staff guiding guests through the facilities will follow the ribbon-cutting. Food vendors, music, and activity stations will add a festive atmosphere, while families are encouraged to explore the grounds and join in the activities.
The event is free and open to the public, underscoring the county’s emphasis on making recreation accessible. Parking will be available on-site. The project has been framed as a quality-of-life improvement, ensuring that residents have access to safe, well-maintained recreational spaces close to home.
The Athletic Park is the product of a cooperative effort among the county, the state, and community partners. Funding was provided by county allocations, state recreation grants, and contributions from local sponsors.
Leaders have described the park’s completion as a model of how resources can be combined to achieve projects that benefit the public long-term. Once the opening ceremony is over, Lee County Parks and Recreation will begin the work of managing programming, maintenance, and scheduling. Seasonal leagues, school partnerships, and community events are expected to fill the calendar in the months ahead.
Officials have emphasized that the park will not remain static but will adapt to the needs of the community as it grows. Accessibility is expected to remain central to those plans, with the park designed to serve not only athletes but also walkers, families, and residents seeking social connection. From pickup games to tournaments, the facility is envisioned as a versatile hub that reflects the diversity of its users.
For Lee County, Sept. 13's ribbon-cutting is more than a ceremonial event. It represents the completion of a long-discussed project and the opening of a new space for recreation, connection, and opportunity. The county is inviting all residents to attend and see firsthand what years of planning and investment have built.
The celebration will be a moment of pride, not only for county officials but also for the families and organizations that advocated for expanded recreation. In the years ahead, the park will likely become a backdrop for countless games, gatherings, and memories.
As the ribbon falls, the Lee County Athletic Park will open as both a community space and a symbol of progress, a new facility that reflects the county’s commitment to health, vitality, and shared experience.

The joy of shared experiences and interests is a treasure sought by many. The Cape Fear Ballroom Dancers not only facilitate such connections, but they’ve seen it bridge generational gaps in surprising ways, with dancers of all ages coming together to enjoy evenings of socialization, food, music, and best of all, their favorite steps with friends new and old.
While dances are always open to visitors, CFBC functions like a club, with a president, board, and dues-paying members. Visitors simply pay a slightly higher entrance fee than members. All their events are suitable for dancers of all experience levels, and start with a lesson, so that everyone can brush up on their skills.
Drew Zeigler, president of the Cape Fear Ballroom Dancers, says that experience level doesn’t change how much people enjoy themselves.
“A lot of folks have had no training at all, and they have just as much fun as everyone else,” he shared.
Zeigler, a retired 20-year Army veteran, said he and his wife wanted to learn how to dance for a long time. At military events, they’d watch people who knew what they were doing and think, “We should try that.” It wasn’t until after his retirement that the two stepped out and decided to take lessons together. From there, they fell in love with the experience and couldn’t get enough.
In addition to helping plan and host CFBD events, the couple often host people who travel longer distances to attend the events—opening their home so those who have now become friends have a place to crash and sleep before heading home the next day. Zeigler says they see people traveling from Raleigh, Laurinburg, Clinton, Cary, and even Virginia.
“It’s really amazing how far these people come,” he said.
With social connection being a highlight of the group, they consider opening their house, “another chance to get to know each other.”
With monthly dances, quarterly dinner dances, holiday dances, community demos, and occasional trips to attend events hosted by other nearby dance communities, the group makes it easy for members and visitors to get their fill of all things ballroom dancing throughout the year.
Monthly dances are held at Roland’s Dance Studio at 310 Hope Mills Road. Members pay $15, and non-members pay $20. The evening starts with a lesson from one of several members who have previously worked as professional dance instructors. Zeigler says they typically see 30-40 people at these events.
Quarterly dinner dances are an elevated experience, and the price varies from $50-75 for members versus non-members. These dances feature a special catered dinner, a live band, and the chance to show off your formal attire.
“People like to get dressed up and put on a tuxedo,” Zeigler said.
They’ve also held community demos at locations such as the Kiwanis Club and the Cape Fear Botanical Garden in collaboration with a local art club.
Zeigler says that, much to the delight of long-standing members, they’ve seen an influx of young members recently.
“Within the last two years have had a real infusion of young people in their mid-twenties,” he shared. The influx began when his wife extended an invitation to a young man and his sister, “They had a great time and invited their church youth group, which added 3,4, and 5 more young people, and then they invited even more,” he recounted.
Recently added to the mix were young army officers and medical professionals, all of whom went on to invite more friends.
“It’s just been fun,” Zeigler shared, “If we had photos from 4-5 years ago, you’d see we didn’t have very many young people at all.” He described it as changing the complexion of the club from a retirement community to a social event, adding, “We’re thrilled.”
When monthly dances fall close to a holiday, they are often themed accordingly; wear red at Valentine’s Day, green for St. Patrick's Day, and something spooky for Halloween. Other monthly dances have themes independent of holidays, like an upcoming 1950s tribute dance on Sept. 13. Zeigler says dancers can don poodle skirts and other ‘50s attire. “I’m so impressed with how crazy the costumes are,” he said of past events.
When asked about favorite memories made with Cape Fear Ballroom Dancers, Zeigler responded, “Just the friends we’ve made.” The events evoke images of an earlier time, according to him. “If you’re looking for a low-cost, fun evening, check us out!”

(Photo: Members of Cape Fear Ballroom Dancers dance during a Halloween event. Photo courtesy of Drew Zeigler)

“Tumble out of bed and stumble to the kitchen, pour myself a cup of ambition, and yawn and stretch and try to come to life.”
If you read those words and started tapping your toes and imagined the sound of typewriter keys, then you will definitely want to make plans to see Cape Fear Regional Theatre’s season opener 9 to 5: The Musical, running from September 4-28. Described by director Robert Schneider as a “two-and-a-half-hour party” that is a celebration of life, courage, friendship, and coming into yourself, 9 to 5 is as thought-provoking and poignant as it is funny, irreverent, and uplifting.
The Play
Based on the hit film from 1980 that featured the powerhouse trio of Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin, and Jane Fonda, 9 to 5 tells the story of three women working in the big city corporate world who have had enough of their boss’s misogynistic bullying and sexual harassment. They take matters into their own hands to teach him a lesson.
The musical features all the same beloved characters, along with those we love to hate; it tells the same story, just with song and dance added to the mix.
Fans of the film will recognize a lot of the script, as much of the dialogue is taken straight from the movie. Patricia Resnick, who wrote the screenplay, also wrote the book (the spoken dialogue) for the musical. The music and lyrics were written by Dolly Parton herself. But, if you’ve never seen the film, worry not! The musical stands on its own with an empowering story, relatable characters, and non-stop laughs.
The three leading ladies are very different from one another, but share a commonality: they have been told in some way they can’t do something, and they decide to do it anyway.
Judy Bernly, played by Jodi Bluestein, is a recently divorced housewife who is trying to navigate her first job ever. Bluestein points out that Judy “is learning to walk in literal [and figurative] new shoes.”
Doralee Rhodes, played by Livi Rose, is constantly underestimated, judged, and isolated due to being the “pretty young thing” that is the object of the boss’s flirtation. She is courageous and has a fiery side, and decides she is not going to take it anymore.
Violet Newstead, played by Heather Setzler, is the brains behind the office’s operation, who is constantly overlooked for promotions and recognition, simply because she is a woman. They have a common nemesis, their boss Franklin Hart Jr., played by Robert Newman, the Vice President of their company, who is known for his bullying and womanizing.
Throughout the play, we get glimpses into their inner lives and thoughts, as Judy, Doralee, and Violet put their heads together to put Mr. Hart in his place and show him and everyone else what they’re made of. While the ladies’ treatment of Mr. Hart might be better described as justice, their treatment of each other and those around them is characterized by kindness.
While the play is set in the 1980s, the ideas and the characters are still relevant
and relatable.
“For better or worse,” says Livi Rose, “I think we’ve all lived versions of these characters in some way.”
The three leading ladies are shining examples of courage. They show how one can decide to “keep finding the sun,” even in dark times, decide to stand up for oneself, and not just take what the world hands out. It is a story with an important, thought-provoking, and empowering message, wrapped up in a high-energy, hilarious package.
The People
As is the case with any play, a great story, script, and music need a great company to bring it all to life onstage, and this production of 9 to 5 certainly has that! The 18-person cast is a combination of local talent and actors from “out of town,” newcomers making their CFRT debut and familiar faces to the CFRT audience. The cast is led by the equally talented and accomplished creative team, including director Robert W. Schneider, music director James Clark Jr, and choreographer Antionette DiPietropolo.
Robert Newman and Jodi Bluestein were both in CFRT’s 2019 production of Annie as Daddy Warbucks and Lilly St. Regis (respectively). When asked what brought them back to Fayetteville and Cape Fear Regional Theatre, Bluestein, who is from Manhattan, said part of what brought her back to this theatre is that she “felt very cared for by the theatre and everyone that works here. It was also just artistically fulfilling…and the quality of what we did was great.”
Newman was slated to be in the 2020 production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime that was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, echoes Bluestein’s sentiments. He said he’s been waiting for a chance to come back and added that Mary Kate Burke, CFRT’s artistic director, had a lot to do with his desire to return.
“I work in theatres all over the country and…she’s really special…she has really done some extraordinary things for this theatre. Sometimes you work with somebody and you’re like, boy, I can’t wait to work with them again.”
They all, including director Robert Schneider and Livi Rose, point to the helpful and efficient staff, including a “wonderful stage manager,” who, through thorough planning and efficient communication, who helps everything run smoothly.
Schneider also pointed to another unique attribute of CFRT: the community.
“I’ve got to work in a lot of theatres. I’ve not found a community that takes such pride in their theatre, the way this community does…it’s incredible.” His insight was shared by other cast members who are from “out of town.” They echoed the sentiment that we, in the Fayetteville area, are well aware of what a special institution we have in Cape Fear Regional Theatre.
The show is scheduled to run for most of the month of September. Tickets are on sale now, and they are going quickly. As with all CFRT shows, they host audience outreach nights that offer a discount for certain members of the community: Military Appreciation Night on Wednesday, Sept. 10, and Educator Appreciation Night on Friday, Sept. 12.
Opening weekend features two special events: Thursday, Sept. 4, the first preview performance is the “Welcome Back Bash” to celebrate the first show of the 25-26 season. This event starts at 6:45 and features complimentary snacks and signature Dolly-Style cocktails.
Friday, September 5, is “Tumble Out of Bed Night” and the audience is invited to wear their pajamas and “tumble out of bed and stumble to the theatre for our cozy preview night, featuring coffee cocktails, snacks, and a whole lot of 9-to-5 energy-just the jolt your weekend needs!”
This high-energy, fun-filled season opener is not to be missed. Tickets can be purchased online at cfrt.org or by calling the box office at 910-323-4234.

(Photos courtesy of Cape Fear Regional Theatre)

City of Fayetteville
For some, another place to get a 7-11 Slurpee, a short distance from Methodist University and surrounding neighborhoods, is a blessing. For others, they felt it was not a good fit for the commercial corner at the corner of McArthur Road and Stacy Weaver Drive in North Fayetteville and lobbied against the new convenience store with fuel sales.
Regardless, on Aug. 25, the rezoning request for the 2.1-acre parcel was approved. The intersection, which houses a public library, a grocery store and a Circle K convenience store, has had commercial activity on it since 1995. The property also aligned with the Future Land Use Plan and the Unified Development Ordinance, that the permitted uses and development standards for the district are appropriate for the site, given surrounding zoning and land uses, and there are no anticipated negative impacts to public health, safety, morals or general welfare.
Those voting in opposition were Mayor Mitch Colvin, Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Jensen and Councilman Mario Benavente.
In other news, the Economic and Community Development Department, in collaboration with the Office of Community Safety, awarded 20 grants totaling $84,500 for programs focusing on crime reduction through the Empowering Community Safety Micro-Grant Program.
The programs and activities ranged from community crime prevention to youth workshops and aimed to inspire and boost community crime reduction activities by supporting efforts to prevent crime and violence in Fayetteville. All were funded by micro-grants.
The City is also leading workshops to help residents establish and operate a non-profit organization. The first class was held on Aug. 20, and a future workshop will be held on Sept. 10 with information on recruiting, onboarding and managing board members, volunteers and donors. The last workshop will be held on Oct. 8 and will include information on how to generate sustainable income through grants, sponsorships and fundraising campaigns. Locations to workshops will be given once registered. Registration is required through www.fayettevillenc.gov/ECD.
Cumberland County
On Aug. 26, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution for the Purdue/Sackler opioid settlement. This action follows North Carolina's broader participation in national opioid settlements, which will bring millions of dollars to Cumberland County to combat the opioid crisis. In addition to funds from other opioid settlements, Cumberland County is estimated to receive an extra $3.26 million from the Purdue/Sackler deal over the next 15 years.
The board also approved a $250,000 Homeless Prevention and Stabilization Voucher program. The pilot program will provide short-term rental, utility, and transportation assistance for households who are at risk of homelessness. The program will run for six months or until funds are expended, with outcomes reported back to the Board.
In other news, “Buzz on over to the Cumberland County Fair!” The Cumberland County Fair will be held through Sept. 7 at the Crown Complex. According to county leaders, the annual event celebrates Cumberland County’s agricultural heritage and combines family fun, informative agricultural exhibits, a diverse collection of local arts and crafts, and entertainment with exciting rides and fair food.
The Cumberland County Co-operative Extension and North Carolina Cooperative Extension will also highlight bees and pollinators with a Winnie the Pooh exhibit with Pooh’s home and a tree with a red door. Youth livestock shows are also featured in the arena.
Admission is $11. Children under age 3 get in free. Ride Wristbands are available on the Midway for $32 per person. Individual Ride Tickets are also available. For more information, including admission prices, exhibits, entertainment, vendors and schedule, visit www.cumberlandcountyfair.org. Daily special events include Faith and Family Day, Day of Giving and sensory-friendly times, among others. View or download the official fair program book from the website and follow the fair on social media at Facebook.com/CCFairNC
About the Greater Fayetteville Chamber
Advocacy is a cornerstone of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. Every week, the Chamber dedicates staff to attend City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County meetings as well as monitoring updates on the state and federal levels. We monitor legislation locally, statewide and federally to protect our community’s business interests. With 91% of U.S. adults recognizing a Chamber of Commerce's impact on growth, membership ensures a strong voice shaping policies, driving economic success, and building a thriving business community—together. To learn more, visit www.faybiz.com or email jmclaughlin@faybiz.com.

(Photo courtesy of Anna Deaton)

Where does our garbage go? After you take it out of your house into your bin and roll it to the curb, the garbage truck comes to get it and rolls on out of your neighborhood. But then, where does it go?
My grandchildren, each in their own ways, were obsessed with all things garbage when they were little. They were always on high alert for the sound of the garbage truck’s arrival. We bought toy garbage trucks along with little, tiny rolling bins that amused them (and us!) for hours. Being a “garbage man” was the top career choice for one for a while.
They also had a book called “Where Does the Garbage Go?” The book read, “When the last layer of soil is spread on top of a landfill, grass and trees are planted on top of it. The landfill becomes a park or a playground.” There were drawings of a colorful playground, full of happy children. This cheery book, with wonderful intentions, showed a happy ending to a stinky pile of trash.
That book stuck with my granddaughter, and she recently wrote her college thesis on where, in fact, the garbage went for many years in Chapel Hill.
Spoiler alert: There is no happy playground on top of your local landfill if you live in Chapel Hill.
Some lucky communities that are next to a landfill might get a park in exchange. But in reality, being a landfill host community is much messier. Promises like parks are made to communities, and are often broken. Certain communities, usually those already burdened by poverty and racism, bear the burden again and again.
Here’s a little local history: For generations, the land near what are now Rogers and Eubanks roads in Chapel Hill was home to a historically Black community composed of farms and sawmills. The Rogers-Eubanks Neighborhood Association’s website says, “It was beautiful land. The woods were untouched, the streams were full of fish, and there were all types of birds and wildlife.”
But in the 1970s, Chapel Hill needed a new landfill, and the town chose land in the Rogers Road community. The town government offered the community benefits to soften the weight of the landfill’s presence. At the time, it was unusual — almost unheard of — for communities to receive any sort of incentive for bearing the burden of environmental hazards.
In exchange for the landfill, the Rogers-Eubanks community would receive water and sewer hookups, taking them off well water and septic. It was a clear recognition that there was the potential for water pollution.
And there were other promises -- of paving roads and installing sidewalks. After 20 years, the landfill would be closed and a new site would be found. And indeed, on top of the landfill would be a park. At the heart of this agreement was Mayor Howard Lee, Chapel Hill’s first Black mayor and the first Black mayor of a majority-white Southern city since Reconstruction.
Mayor Lee knew the burden of the landfill would impact the community. Knowing this, he made a deliberate effort to engage with residents.
Despite Mayor Lee's good intentions and engagement, the repercussions came fast and hard. Trucks rolled through daily, and smells filled the air and homes. The tap water ran brown, laced with unsafe bacteria. Pests roamed the streets scavenging trash. Community members became sick.
Residents protested, but to no avail. In the 1990s, the landfill was expanded further into the community.
Then, after more than four decades — 42 years of bearing the unseen and too often ignored costs — the community won a rare and hard-earned victory. The landfill was closed in 2013. The town funded a community center, which is a vital hub for the neighborhood.
But problems plague the community. Many homes are still not connected to the water and sewer lines. Some residents bathe in contaminated well water and purchase bottled water for drinking and cooking. The promise of sidewalks was not fulfilled by the town of Chapel Hill. And indeed, there is no park.
So where does our garbage go these days? Now our garbage travels an hour and a half to Sampson County. And just like Rogers Road, it sits next to a historically Black community, already burdened by hog and poultry farms. This community was told the landfill would not grow, but what started as a 20-acre landfill is now over 1,000. Different place, same story.
Across the South and the nation, familiar patterns repeat: land once home to communities long pushed aside is now used for landfills, industry, or other unwelcome uses—too often without residents’ say.
We’ve got to come to terms with the fact that solutions are rarely simple. They’re almost never wrapped up in bright colors or easy endings, like those cheerful garbage trucks and parks on top of landfills in my grandkids’ book might suggest. The real work of solving problems isn’t neat or easy. It’s messy. It’s complicated. And it demands more than good intentions.
When we go looking for solutions—whether it’s in government, education, or how we deal with our stinky, dangerous trash—we can’t just ask, “What’s the fix?” We’ve got to ask, “Who’s being affected?” and just as importantly, “Are they being heard?”

I love Cracker Barrel! In my twenty-one annual motorcycle trips to the Midwest, Cracker Barrel consistently delivered that warm, down-home Southern cooking and hospitality that started each day just the way Uncle Hershel designed it.
In today’s hyper-reactive marketplace, brands seem to be under constant pressure to change and evolve. However, from a marketing point of view, when change comes at the expense of abandoning your brand, the consequences can be unforgiving.
It takes years to build a brand. Anyone who knows me also knows I believe in branding as defined by three simple truths: Who you are. What you are. What you stand for.
It amazes me that successful products like Bud Light and iconic corporations like Cracker Barrel could make such poor and catastrophic decisions—whether it’s redesigning an iconic logo or partnering with a controversial figure like Dylan Mulvaney. How can you possibly lose sight of your customers and core audience who have served you well for decades? Curious minds would like to know.
Cracker Barrel abandoned its iconic image of “Uncle Hershel” sitting beside a cracker barrel, replacing it with a bland, minimalist design supposedly meant to modernize the brand and attract younger customers.
Wrong move. Nationwide, customers felt the company had abandoned its roots, and criticism came fast and harsh. At last count, this lapse in judgment cost Cracker Barrel nearly $100 million. However, it could have been much worse had they not reversed the decision just days later.
Not so with Bud Light. In 2023, they partnered with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney in a campaign to promote inclusivity. That campaign sparked a political firestorm across the country, leading loyal Bud Light customers to boycott the product—and in some cases, publicly destroy it.
Cracker Barrel’s $100 million mistake pales in comparison to Bud Light’s staggering $1.4 billion loss in sales, which ultimately dethroned them as the nation’s top-selling beer.
All of this adds credence to the adage: Go woke, go broke.
A brand and logo are not just concepts and graphics—they represent trust, nostalgia, history, and tradition. By choosing to preserve its original imagery, Cracker Barrel made a strategic decision to honor its heritage and reassure its loyal base.
Bud Light attempted a radical repositioning without fully understanding its audience. Their campaign wasn’t just progressive—it was political. A costly lesson, for sure. If change is needed, it must be evolutionary, not revolutionary.
Brands, businesses, organizations, and people must adapt to survive and thrive—but they must do so with empathy, clarity, and respect for the values that built their success.
Cracker Barrel’s course correction showed that even amid controversy, a brand can recover by reaffirming its identity. Bud Light, on the other hand, is still struggling to regain the market share it lost.
In the end, Cracker Barrel made the right call. It listened. It learned. And it chose legacy over trend. That’s a decision worth applauding—and one that other brands would do well to remember.
Keep your eyes on America’s most loved motorcycle brand, Harley-Davidson. They may be the next corporate tragedy if they aren’t paying close attention to their customer base or ignoring these conspicuous and disastrous business decisions. Just sayin’.
Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.
See you at Cracker Barrel.

Natural disasters and severe storms can leave a trail of devastation in their wake. When such events occur, people are left to pick up the pieces, and that may involve assessing damage to their homes.
The aftermath of a storm is a difficult time for individuals whose homes were damaged or lost. Knowing what to do in the aftermath of a storm that damaged or destroyed their homes can start victims on the road to recovery that much sooner.
• Check to confirm everyone is alright. The first step anyone can take after their home is damaged is to confirm everyone is safe. That includes residents of the home as well as neighbors. Check to ensure elderly residents and neighbors or those with mobility issues, made it through the storm safely.
A 2011 study published in the journal Medical Anthropology found that the greatest mortality during and immediately after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 was among the elderly. The study noted that individuals over age 60 accounted for 75 percent of the bodies found immediately after the storm.
• Assess and document the damage. Once everyone is safe, assess the damage from a reasonable distance. It's necessary to keep your distance because the property may still be vulnerable to further damage, including collapse.
If it's safe to do so, you can then begin to document the damage, utilizing a smartphone to take photos and videos of the property. If it's safe to enter the property, take as many photos and videos of the interior of the home as possible, making sure to upload them to cloud storage soon thereafter. Photos and videos taken immediately after a storm can facilitate the claims process with your insurance provider.
• Contact your insurance provider. If conditions allow for safe assessment and documentation of the damage, contact your insurance provider to report it and begin the claims process. Chances are, many others will be contacting the same provider, so it's best to begin the claims process as soon as possible. It also helps to recognize that patience will be necessary.
Many insurance providers now allow policyholders to file claims through apps on their mobile phones, and doing so can be invaluable if tablets, laptops and other devices were damaged or destroyed during the storm.
• Ask your provider what you can do. Insurance policies may only cover damage that occurred during the storm. Post-storm damage, such as water issues that arise because windows or doors were damaged during the storm, may not be covered. That's why it's a good idea for homeowners and others to call their insurance providers and ask what to do to prevent further, potentially uncovered damage.
• Recognize that criminals pose a new threat. The Federal Emergency Management Agency encourages survivors to be cognizant of fraudulent schemes that often arise in the aftermath of a storm. Examples of scams include housing inspectors claiming to represent FEMA, fake offers of local or federal aid and fraudulent building contractors. Always ask for identification and do not work with anyone asking for cash in return for assistance.
Knowing what to do in the aftermath of a devastating storm can help survivors get on the road to recovery more quickly.

In response to a growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals, Fayetteville Technical Community College is expanding its Associate Degree Nursing program, increasing enrollment from 280 to 400 full-time students. This expansion comes at a critical time: North Carolina is projected to face a 23% shortage of registered nurses by 2036 — the fourth-largest RN shortage in the nation.
For Cumberland County and surrounding areas, the looming shortage could lead to longer hospital wait times, heavier workloads for current staff, and challenges in maintaining high-quality care.
Without enough nurses, timely access to healthcare services is at risk, highlighting the urgent need to invest in nursing education and support local healthcare workers. FTCC’s expanded ADN program is a key step toward filling these gaps by preparing more highly qualified nurses to enter the healthcare workforce.
In September 2024, FTCC opened a new Nursing Education Annex, adding 6,000 square feet of space to support increased enrollment. The annex complements the Nursing Education and Simulation Center—a state-of-the-art facility with seven classrooms, two computer labs, eleven simulation labs, and two debriefing rooms.
Together, the labs, classrooms, study rooms, communal areas, and faculty offices create a welcoming, supportive environment for both students and instructors.
Beyond physical space expansion, FTCC provides comprehensive support services to help recruit and retain nursing students. Faculty and the engaging staff in the Student Learning Center offer regular tutoring to strengthen subject knowledge and lab skills.
Workshops on test-taking, time management, and study skills further strengthen academic success. Nursing students are encouraged to participate in clubs and organizations such as the Student Nurses’ Association, Alpha Delta Nu Honor Society and the Practical Nursing Club, which build peer relationships and promote health education and community engagement.
With some of the lowest tuition rates in the region, FTCC helps students access financial aid, scholarships, and work-study opportunities—allowing many to graduate with little or no personal cost. As the region faces a growing healthcare staffing shortage, FTCC stands at the forefront—preparing the next generation of nurses with the education, experience, and support to serve their communities.
Are you ready to learn more?
Contact FTCC Today by visiting the office at the Nursing Education Annex, Rm. 101, 2340 Hull Rd. Call 910-678-0183 or email the Department Secretary, Mrs. Michelle Asendorf, at asendorm@faytechcc.edu.

Jazz, romance, mobsters and laugh-out-loud comedy as Billy Wilder’s Some Like It Hot (1959) returns to the big screen at the Cameo Art House Theatre. One of the most beloved American films of all time, this comedy will screen on Saturday, Aug. 30 at 4:30 p.m.
The story follows two struggling musicians, Joe (Tony Curtis) and Jerry (Jack Lemmon), who accidentally witness the infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in 1929 Chicago. Fearing for their lives, they scramble to escape town and land the only available gig, playing in an all-female jazz band headed to sunny Florida.
To take the job, they don wigs, dresses, heels and adopt the personas of Josephine and Daphne. But the real trouble begins when they meet the band’s lead singer and ukulele player, the irresistible Sugar Kane, played by Marilyn Monroe.
As Joe as “Josephine” falls head over heels for Sugar, and Jerry as “Daphne” finds himself being pursued by a millionaire suitor, the film delivers a riotous comedy of errors full of mistaken identity, gender-bending hijinks and sharp one-liners. From train car shenanigans to moonlit beach romances, Wilder masterfully blends farce with charm, setting the gold standard for romantic comedy for generations to come.
What truly makes Some Like It Hot endure is its perfect mix of comedic timing, bold subject matter and sincere emotion. The trio of Curtis, Lemmon and Monroe creates electric chemistry that still pops off the screen. Monroe’s performance, often praised as one of her finest, showcases both her comedic instincts and dramatic depth.
She embodies Sugar with fragility and hope, dreaming of a better life while navigating the disappointments she’s known. Lemmon’s portrayal of Jerry/Daphne, with his expressions, physicality and delivery, earned him a well-deserved Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Curtis balances suave charm and zany disguise, especially in scenes where Joe pretends to be a millionaire to win Sugar’s affection.
Curtis should have been nominated, too. The film received six Academy Award nominations and took home the Oscar for Best Costume Design and rightly so. Orry-Kelly’s wardrobe design is awesome in both comedy and authenticity.
Beyond the laughter, Some Like It Hot was revolutionary in its approach to gender and identity. Released during the strict enforcement of the Hollywood Production Code, the film gleefully thumbed its nose at conventions of the day. The idea of two men dressing as women and navigating romantic entanglements was considered taboo.
Some Like It Hot is more than just a comedy. Its clever script and unforgettable performances make it a film that appeals to all ages, bringing joy and laughter no matter how many times you watch it. For Fayetteville residents, it’s a wonderful way to spend an afternoon in Hollywood’s golden era. The film reminds us that life doesn’t always go according to plan and sometimes, the only way to survive is to laugh through the chaos.
Saturday, Aug. 30 – 4:30 p.m. Rating: Approved. Runtime: 2hr 1min

(Photo courtesy of Cameo Art House Theatre)

Here’s a trivia question: Name a novel by a North Carolina writer about a fictional author who traveled abroad and struggled with returning to the complexities of American culture?
If you know your North Carolina literary history, your knee-jerk reaction might be “You Can’t Go Home Again” by Thomas Wolfe. Published in 1940 after Wolfe’s death, the plot follows an author who wrote an acclaimed book, traveled to Paris, London, and New York, and struggles with being able to return to his hometown.
If you are up to date with more current North Carolina authors, you know that these themes are explored afresh by our most recent National Book Award winner, Jason Mott. Mott grew up and still lives in Columbus County, is a double graduate of UNC-Wilmington, and is a professor there. He’s a North Carolinian through and through. In his new novel, “People Like Us,” the question of whether you can return home again is alive, well, and all too pertinent.
If you have not read any of Mott’s novels, you have a treat ahead of you. Mott bends genres and leans into his background and expertise as a poet to create visceral, vivid scenes that make his books hard to put down.
I’m drawn to realistic fiction and generally like to keep both my feet on solid ground. I shy away from anything with too much shape-shifting or supernatural elements.
Mott’s debut novel, “The Returned,” published in 2011, featured the reappearance in fully-human form of people who died years ago. I’ll admit, I was skeptical. But his ability to persuade literalists like me to suspend disbelief opened the door to my enjoying his provocative stories, laced with intoxicating magical realism.
In his 2018 novel “The Crossing,” he blurred the lines of reality in a dystopian story of teenage twins coping in a world battered by deadly disease and war. And then, in 2021, he captured the National Book Award with “Hell of a Book” using surreal elements, “audacity and invention” to wow the panel of judges judges.
And now, fresh off the presses, “People Like Us,” while not exactly a sequel to “Hell of a Book,” pulls some of the same characters into yet another blending of the mundane and the otherworldly. Mott’s toolbox of magical realism, time travel, and hallucinatory passages allows his characters—and his readers—to process difficult issues.
Stretching from familiar North Carolina all the way up to the cold reaches of Minnesota and even farther, across the Atlantic to Europe, Mott uses interlocking storylines of two main narrators who are alike in some ways but shaped by their own unique struggles.
Mott situates us on ground we recognize—post-pandemic America, full of both sunshine and lurking, dark shadows. He doesn’t flinch from the hard stuff—gun violence, divorce, suicide, racism—laying them out with an honesty that startles.
He treats these weighty themes not just with the gravity they demand, but with a surprising mix of wit, irony, and even tenderness. Mott pulls it off with grace, vivid detail, and, at times, something close to poetry.
For anyone who has wondered if they belong in their family, in their school, in their hometown, or in their country, Mott offers a reminder that’s both bracing and comforting: those doubts are not yours alone. You’re not as alone—or as different—as you might think.
No matter your view on the Second Amendment, no matter your race, no matter if you are a Southerner or someone from the Midwest, you’ll see yourself in these characters. They are grieving, struggling with questions of identity and belonging, and searching to find their place, whether that means a spot on the map, a moment in history, or a role within their own family. In “People Like Us,” Mott makes it clear: there are, indeed, people like you.
Mott picks up where Wolfe and other North Carolina writers have left off, wrestling with the question of whether we can or can’t go home again. Percolating amidst the rollicking exploration of this question lies something even darker: a quiet alarm about the direction our country—our home—is taking. One character even suggests that “hell, for the right price, leaving America just might be the new American Dream.”
You might find yourself nodding in agreement.