Physical Therapist Assistants work alongside a Physical Therapist to provide rehabilitative care and treatment to patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, or illnesses. PTAs help patients improve mobility, reduce pain, and prevent or manage physical disabilities through prescribed exercises, therapeutic techniques, and other interventions. PTA duties include implementing treatment plans, monitoring patient progress, educating patients about exercises and proper body mechanics, and assisting with physical therapy equipment.
Outlook for the Next Ten Years. The demand for PTAs is expected to grow significantly over the next decade. This growth is driven by an aging population, increased awareness of the benefits of physical therapy, and a rise in chronic conditions, such as arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity. Additionally, as more people seek non-invasive treatments, physical therapy becomes a preferred option over surgery or medication. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 16% growth for physical therapist assistants from 2024 to 2034, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The national median annual salary for a degreed physical therapist assistant is $65,510, according to the BLS. The lowest 10% of earners make less than $46,930, while the highest 10% earn over $87,630.
Specialties within Physical Therapy. PTAs are integral rehabilitation team members with diverse career opportunities in various specialties and a strong employment outlook in the coming years.
Physical therapy encompasses various specialties, and PTAs can work in any of
these fields, including:
• Orthopedic Physical Therapy
• Neurological Physical Therapy
• Pediatric Physical Therapy: Geriatric Physical Therapy
• Sports Physical Therapy
• Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy
• Women’s Health Physical Therapy
As part of the professional Physical Therapy community, PTAs are uniquely positioned to significantly impact both within their professional field and in their local communities. Through volunteerism, PTAs have the opportunity to give back to the community and develop their skills, advance their proficiencies, and contribute to the ongoing evolution of healthcare and education in physical therapy. The American Physical Therapy Association emphasizes the following core values that PTAs uphold in their work and actions:
• Optimization of Human Movement – helping patients achieve their fullest potential by enhancing mobility and overall function
• Innovation in Healthcare – being flexible at adopting new technologies, treatment approaches, and evidence-based practices to improve patient care and outcomes
• Advancement in Education - whether through formal advanced proficiencies, continuing education, or mentorship
• Advocacy for Equal Access to Services – ensuring that services are available for everyone, no matter one’s age or background
• Vigilance in Protecting Patient Rights - ensuring patient privacy, consent, and ethical treatment of all
• Responsiveness to Patient, Client, and Member Needs - maintaining flexibility and responsiveness to ensure optimal patient care
• Respect for Diversity – embracing and respecting the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences of patients, clients, and fellow healthcare professionals.
By aligning with these values, PTAs play a critical role in advancing the physical therapy profession, advocating for patients, and making a meaningful impact in the communities they serve. Their efforts help shape the future of healthcare by ensuring that the profession remains inclusive, innovative, and patient-centered.
Want to learn more about enrolling in Fayetteville Technical Community College’s Associate Degree Physical Therapist Assistant program? Contact us at healthproadmissions@faytechcc.edu.

This December, the Cameo invites you to unwrap a different kind of holiday classic: a classic filled with tension, terror and tinsel.
On Friday, Dec. 26 at 9:30 p.m., the Cameo’s Fourth Friday Fright Night series will present Black Christmas (1974), one of the most influential and chilling horror films ever made. If you think the holidays are all about joy, laughter and family gatherings, Black Christmas will make you think again.
A Dark Night In December
Released in 1974 and directed by Bob Clark, Black Christmas follows a group of sorority sisters played by Olivia Hussey, Margot Kidder, and Andrea Martin.
They are preparing for winter break in their cozy home. It’s Christmas time, the lights are glowing, the snow is falling, and everything seems right with the world. But then the phone rings.
The caller doesn’t wish them a merry Christmas. Instead, what they hear is disturbing, obscene and fragmented; a voice that shifts between childlike whispers and guttural screams. The mysterious calls are at once menacing and strangely personal. The sisters begin to fear that they’re being watched.
This simple premise became one of the most terrifying in cinema history. Clark uses long, quiet takes, eerie sound design and the killer’s perspective to pull audiences into the horror. The opening sequence, shot through the killer’s eyes as he climbs into the attic, was groundbreaking for its time, a technique later borrowed by John Carpenter for Halloween (1978).
A Cast That Makes You Care
Unlike the disposable characters of later slasher films, the women in Black Christmas feel real. Olivia Hussey’s Jess Bradford is intelligent and composed, a woman struggling not only to survive, but also to make her own choices in a world that tries to make them for her. Her decision to end her pregnancy, a bold subject for a 1974 film, adds unexpected emotional weight to the story.
Margot Kidder, who would go on to star in Superman and The Amityville Horror, is unforgettable as Barb, the sharp-tongued, hard-drinking sorority sister who masks her pain with sarcasm. Andrea Martin brings warmth and humor as Phyl, grounding the group with a quiet strength. Supporting them is John Saxon, who later terrified audiences again in A Nightmare on Elm Street, as a compassionate police lieutenant, and Keir Dullea from 2001: A Space Odyssey fame, as Jess’s increasingly unstable boyfriend, Peter.
Each performance adds to the slow-building dread that makes Black Christmas so effective.
From A Christmas Story To A Nightmare
It’s hard to believe that the same director who gave the world the heartwarming holiday staple A Christmas Story (1983) is also responsible for one of the darkest Christmas films ever made.
Yet that’s the brilliance of Bob Clark. His range as a filmmaker and his understanding of how holidays can stir both comfort and chaos.
Clark uses familiar Christmas imagery, such as snow, carols, lights and gifts, to heighten the fear. The contrast between the season’s cheer and the film’s creeping horror makes every moment more disturbing.
In one chilling scene, a Christmas carol plays outside as a murder unfolds inside, the two tones overlapping in perfect, horrifying harmony.
The film’s visual design, crafted by cinematographer Reginald H. Morris, is both beautiful and claustrophobic. The use of red and green lighting throughout becomes a macabre take on Christmas decor, bathing the scenes in an unholy glow.
A Pioneer Of The Slasher Genre
Black Christmas is widely regarded as one of the first true slasher films, predating Halloween, Friday the 13th, and When a Stranger Calls. But unlike many of its successors, it’s less about gore and more about mood. Clark’s restraint and his refusal to reveal the killer’s identity make the film feel disturbingly real.
The mysterious “Billy,” whose deranged phone calls echo through the house, remains unseen throughout. We never learn his backstory, motives or connection to the victims. That ambiguity makes the fear timeless. Evil, the film suggests, doesn’t always have a reason; it just exists.
A Cult Classic That Still Inspires
When it was first released, Black Christmas received mixed reviews. Some critics found it too disturbing; others dismissed it as sensationalist. But over time, the film gained recognition as a masterwork of suspense and a major influence on the horror genre.
Today, it’s celebrated as both a terrifying experience and a surprisingly progressive film for its time. Modern audiences appreciate its focus on women’s experiences, its critique of authority figures who dismiss their fears and its willingness to leave questions unanswered.
The movie’s legacy can be seen everywhere from Carpenter’s Halloween and Craven’s Scream to more recent works like It Follows and Barbarian. Filmmakers continue to cite it as a model for building tension and psychological realism.
So, after you’ve unwrapped your gifts and sung your carols, join The Cameo the night after Christmas for something a little more sinister. Grab your friends, settle in with some hot cocoa or popcorn and prepare for a holiday film that will haunt you long after the credits roll.
For more information, visit https://www.cameoarthouse.com/

Cool Spring District is the place to be on New Year's Eve. For 5 years, they’ve brought lights, color and action to end-of-year celebrations with their Night Circus, a one-of-a-kind evening featuring aerialists, fire dancers, roving entertainers, headlining artists, food, drink, and a firework-laced countdown.
This year, the tradition continues, but with a few twists. No longer a “Night Circus,” the new theme is set to commemorate a musical era nostalgic to many. 90’s babies—get ready to relive your glory days.
Ashanti Bennett, president, CEO, and Senior Joymaker, for the Cool Spring Downtown District, explained the theme:
“MTV is supposed to be ‘dying’ on New Year's Eve,” she said. “They're no longer going to be showing their music videos at all. It's the end of the MTV era. And so for us, we are going to lean into that a little bit and add a little. Kind of bring some Total Request Live nostalgia, if you will, to the event.”
While past years leaned heavily into Circus-related aesthetics and motifs, this year, Bennet says everything will be “on-the-nose ‘90s.” From headlining artists to aerialists, each detail reflects an early aux era remembered fondly by many.
There will still be roving performers, and there will still be aerialists, Bennett confirmed, hinting that performers may instead appear as ‘90s celebrities like Britney Spears rather than circus entertainers.
“This year we've just softened the Night Circus piece, but a lot of the same performers will be there; they'll just look a little different.”
Sponsored, in part, by the Fayetteville Arts Council and the North Carolina Arts Council, Bennett says local artists will play a role in the event, setting the stage for headlining artists. While the local talent remains unannounced, they’ll be new to the event, as Bennett says they never duplicate artists.
“We want to give the opportunity for our folks at home to be able to grace the big stage in Festival Park and share with their own community,” she explained. “So, we will have three different groups that are going to be leading up to the headlining talent.”
After the local talent plays their pieces, Bubba Sparxxx, Yung Joc, and headliners 702 will take the stage in turn. Bubba Sparxxx, an American rapper from Georgia, gained success in 2001 with his debut album Dark Days, Bright Nights. Rapper Yung Joc, best known musically for his 2006 hit single “It’s Goin’ Down,” is also known beyond his music career as a radio host and television personality on Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta. The final act, 702, which takes its name from a Las Vegas area code, consists of Kameelah “Meelah” Williams and sisters Irish and Lemisha Grinstead. An R&B group, they were discovered by Michael Bivins and produced their debut album, No Doubt, in 1996.
“From doors open to doors closed, it’s going to be a hot stage,” said Bennett. She reminisced about her own favorite moments surrounding the Festival Park Stage, “All of my favorite memories are where I get to stop and be on the stage and look out at this crowd of about 20,000 people and see their faces. You see laughing, we’ve seen proposals, you see grandmas dancing with their grandbabies. It’s just a really, really sweet way to end the year.”
The event is family-friendly and features a 9 p.m. children’s countdown, where kids can experience the joy of ringing in the new year without sacrificing their bedtimes. Other kids’ attractions include a bounce house, face painting and a virtual reality tent.
“It’s an opportunity to bring your children, bring your family, bring your visiting relatives that are in town, and just have a good night in a safe environment that is incredibly fun,” Bennett shared.
While general admission is free, but ticketed, there are VIP options. For $75, attendees can access dedicated seating in the VIP tent, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a dessert bar, a dedicated VIP bar with two drinks included and a cash bar after tokens, and access to a private restroom.
As the evening draws to a momentous close, a custom-designed, 18ft multi-colored NYE star, symbolizing the City of Fayetteville, will be raised in tandem with the countdown. Why raised instead of lowered?
“We raise something because we are always looking to raise the vibration,” Bennett enthused.
“Whether you’re ready for the year to be over or you’ve had a great year and great memories, people are coming in with an energy where they want to let their hair down,” said Bennet. “You don’t have to be in perfect holiday mode. Why not come on out?”
District NYE Spectacular will be held Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at Festival Park on 335 Ray Ave. It is a free, ticketed event. For tickets and more information, visit https://visitdowntownfayetteville.com/nyefaync2025/

(The Cool Spring District's New Year's Spectacular has been held at Festival Park, with a "Night Circus" theme. This year, the Spectacular will move slightly away from the circus theme and feature music from the 1990s as 2025 comes to a close. Photos by Tom Ellis)

You never outgrow a bottle of pop and your favorite candy bar. That’s what Ann Wiremalm Sims and Ineke Morris, co-owners of Rocket Fizz of Fayetteville, have seen time and time again over the last ten years.
“It’s a place for everybody, we don’t care who you are,” shared Wiremalm Sims.
Innumerable repeat customers, the formation of lifelong relationships, and the simple joy that a candy and soda shop holds to turn a bad day into a good one are all part of their decade-long history. Throughout December, they’re celebrating these pillars with special deals and surprise offers.
“It’s a happy place,” Wiremalm Sims explained, “When people walk in, you cannot be in a bad mood.”
The month will feature exclusive anniversary discounts, weekly specials, limited-edition holiday candles, and surprise flash deals, which will be announced on Facebook and Instagram.
Rocket Fizz Fayetteville’s story began in 2015. Wiremalm Sims, a military spouse who stayed home with her children, was shifting gears as her husband’s retirement neared. She wanted something new to focus on, and a random TV episode was all it took to spark her new career path.
“We watched an episode of Undercover Boss and Rocket Fizz was featured on it,” she explained. “Once we watched that episode, we looked into other franchises as well, but we were thinking, ‘Fayetteville doesn’t have anything like [Rocket Fizz],’ and we thought a candy store looked fun.”
With that, Wiremalm Sims’ path to franchise ownership was set in motion. It took several years to gain awareness and traction for the business, but with time, their brand grew and Rocket Fizz became a fixture.
“When we would talk to people and tell them what we were doing, they’d say, ‘We’ve already heard of that place! We’ve been there and love it!’” Wiremalm Sims shared. “That’s one of the most wonderful things to hear.”
Immediately upon opening, Wiremalm Sims hired a storefront manager. A mutual friend recommended Ineke Morris for the position. They had something in common that made the relationship a natural fit.
“She was kind of in the same situation as myself. Her husband was retired Air Force, and we’re both Europeans,” Wiremalm Sims explained. “She’s from the Netherlands, and I’m from Sweden.”
The two excelled at their respective job descriptions, Wiremalm Sims crunching numbers behind the scenes, and Morris handling operations in the store. Almost two years into the arrangement, Morris and her husband were thinking of opening their own franchise when Wiremalm Sims saw another opportunity.
“She and her husband were thinking of opening their own Rocket Fizz, and I said, ‘Well, why don’t you join forces with us instead?’ So that’s how we became co-owners and ever since then we’ve run the place together.”
In 2018, they opened a second location in Columbia, SC, but the venture was short-lived. It taught them just how strongly they felt about keeping a personal touch to their storefront. “We want to be present at that store, and the South Carolina location wasn’t what we expected it to be; the distance was hard.”
They closed it without any second thoughts.
“This is our baby,” Wiremalm Sims said of the Fayetteville location. “Instead of spreading ourselves thin, we wanted to do this one store well.”
“Do one store well,” they have, with customers staying in touch years later to keep fond memories alive, even after leaving the Fayetteville area. Wiremalm Sims recounted the custom soda can labels they previously offered at Rocket Fizz, and a particular bride and groom who ordered some for their wedding.
“That couple—we are still friends with them today, they always send us Thanksgiving and Christmas cards even though they don’t live here anymore.”
Repeat customers hold a place in her heart as well. One older lady made a habit of coming in with her daughters and buying ten small mystery bags and one large one. The tradition stuck out in Wiremalm Sims’ mind: “There are certain customers that you will never forget.”
For both regulars and new customers, a stop by Rocket Fizz during the month of December will be full of surprises and sweet discounts.
Many items are discounted 50% for purchases of ten items or more. Large bags of saltwater taffy cost the same as small bags. For mystery bags, which contain a surprise assortment of candy, one in every ten also contains a $5 gift card, and half the bags contain a ticket for a free soda. Other products in the store, such as tin signs, are marked buy one get one half-off. There’s even a prize wheel that customers can spin to gain exclusive prizes and discounts.
With a decade of serving up sweet treats behind them, Wiremalm Sims has one message for the community: “I hope we will be around to make people happy for another 10 years at least!”
Rocket Fizz is located at 1916 Skibo Rd. To find out more information about the shop, visit their website at https://rocketfizz.com/locations/rocket-fizz-fayetteville-nc/

(Photo: Ineke Morris, left, and Ann Wiremalm Sims, right, are the co-owners of Rocket Fizz in Fayetteville. The candy shop is celebrating ten years of business in Fayetteville. Photo courtesy of Ann Wiremalm Sims)

Reptiles and amphibians are sometimes thought of as primitive, dull, and dimwitted. In fact, of course, they can be lethally fast, spectacularly beautiful, surprisingly affectionate, and very sophisticated. —David Attenborough

The Crown Complex will be playing host to Repticon on Dec. 20 and Dec. 21. It is located at 1960 Coliseum Dr. The event hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days. Tickets range in price from $12-$15 for adults; $7 for children ages 5 to 12, and children four and under are free. Half-day tickets are available after 1 p.m., with adult tickets ranging from $10-$12, children’s tickets $6-$7, and ages four and under are free.
Super tickets are also available for both days. Active duty, retired military veterans, first responders and teachers with IDs get in free. Ticket purchases are available online at https://repticon.com/north-carolina/fayetteville/ or onsite at the Crown Complex box office at 910-438-4100.
Reptiles are a diverse group of cold-blooded, air-breathing vertebrates. Favorites include familiar animals such as snakes, lizards, turtles and crocodiles. They typically lay eggs, though some give birth to live young, shed their outer skin layer, and rely on external temperatures for body heat, living across many habitats worldwide.
Reptiles such as leopard geckos and bearded dragons can be great pets due to their quiet, low-maintenance nature, but they require specific care, including the right size habitat, specialized diet, and environmental conditions. Popular choices for beginners are leopard gecko, crested gecko, and tortoises.
Gary Rogers, Director of Marketing, Oak View Group, shares his enthusiasm about Repticon. “We are thrilled to welcome Repticon to the Crown Expo on Dec. 20 and 21. It is a unique opportunity for families, reptile lovers and the simply curious to experience these incredible creatures up close,” he said. “You can also do some last-minute shopping, as well. I think Grandma would love a Ball Python or Leopard Gecko under the tree this year (preferably in a cage). It is going to be an event you will not want to miss."
See live lizards at the Crown Complex at Repticon. For more information, contact the Crown Complex at 910-438-4100.

As the final hours of the year tick away, Fayetteville is getting ready to ring in the New Year with style, sparkle, and plenty of celebration close to home. From lively parties and family-friendly festivities to elegant dinners and late-night countdowns, local New Year’s Eve events offer something for everyone looking to welcome the year ahead with joy and connection. Whether you’re planning a big night out or a low-key evening with friends, these upcoming celebrations promise memorable ways to toast new beginnings right here in our area.
All of the following events are scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 31.

North South New Year's Eve Bash! at North South Brewing Company, 304 Williams St., 7 p.m.
Get ready for a high-energy New Year's Eve bash featuring ‘80s Unleashed playing all your favorite retro hits. They'll be pouring a fantastic selection of drinks all night long to keep the celebration flowing.
Enjoy complimentary snacks or bring your own favorites to share with your crew. Join in for a champagne toast at midnight and a New Year's Eve party you won't forget. No dress code, but feel free to get fancy. Tickets are $15 online or $20 at the door. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/4xrbz7xj.

District New Year's Eve Spectacular 2025 at Festival Park, 222 Hay St., 7:30 p.m.
A District New Year's Eve Spectacular is returning for its fifth year. The City of Fayetteville and Cool Spring Downtown District invite you to celebrate in Festival Park. This year's event promises an unforgettable night with electrifying performances from touring artists Bubba Sparxxx, Yung Joc, and headliners 702.
The District NYE Spectacular will also showcase local bands on the Vibe @ NYE stage, dynamic DJ sets, delicious food trucks, festive drinks, and engaging children's activities. Experience an atmosphere brimming with color, lights, music, and entertainment as the community comes together. At the stroke of midnight, ushering in 2026, Fayetteville's custom-designed, radiant 18-foot, multi-colored NYE star will ascend, illuminated by a spectacular fireworks display, marking a joyous start to the New Year. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/y2w33knp, and read page 18.

Psychedelic 80s New Year's Eve Party at Gates Four, 6775 Irongate Dr., 7 p.m.
Step back in time and celebrate the arrival of the new year with an unforgettable evening of 1980s-themed entertainment and festivities. Throughout the night, guests will have multiple chances to win exciting door prizes and showcase their creativity in various themed competitions.
Show off your best retro outfit in the costume contest, demonstrate your moves in the dance competition, and test your knowledge of the decade in our trivia challenge. Savor an array of delectable heavy hors d'oeuvres expertly prepared by the renowned Two Brothers Catering.
The highlight of the evening will be a high-energy performance by Fayetteville's most beloved party band, Joyner, Young, & Marie, who will keep the dance floor packed with classic hits. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/38kr6jkm, and read pages 13 and 14.

2026 NYE Party at Group Therapy Pub & Playground, 1906 Skibo Rd., 9 p.m.
You're invited to the biggest party of the year as we launch into 2026! Get ready for an unforgettable night to include a toast to the New Year. Enjoy fantastic drink specials and celebratory champagne buckets. Dance the night away by grooving to the beats of DJ Lazarus spinning tunes all night long.
Join in on the fun and games by taking a swing at the $10 mini golf course. Score prizes throughout the night, culminating in a major giveaway at 11:59 p.m., and so much more. This event is 18+ only. Admission is free with no cover charge. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/2wsh37jy.

New Year's Toast at The Clubhouse Member's Lounge, 100 Hay St., 6th Floor, 7 p.m.
Elevate your New Year's Eve with a sophisticated soiree at The Clubhouse. They are offering an elegant alternative for those seeking a more refined night out, featuring an elevated ambiance, bespoke cocktails, and a midnight toast amongst distinguished company (ages 30+).
This year, they will transport you to the golden age of Old Hollywood Glamour, celebrating timeless elegance and classic star power. For the Ladies, embrace satin gowns, opera gloves, pearls, fur stoles, and soft vintage waves. For the Gents, don tuxedos, velvet blazers, bow ties, pocket squares, and polished black shoes. Doors open at 7 p.m., Pre-NYE Toast: 9 p.m. (for our early birds), and Official Midnight Toast (celebrating with the city). Space is limited. RSVP is highly recommended. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/44xfe57d.

New Year's Eve at James Creek Cider House, 172 US Highway 1, North, Business, Cameron, 7 p.m.
Join James Creek Cider House starting at 7 p.m. for a truly special evening as we bid farewell to 2025. In partnership with Blue Suede BBQ, they're offering an intimate and relaxing celebration featuring a chef-crafted menu and your choice of a delightful sweet or dry cider pairing.
Both pairings are included with your ticket. Blue Suede BBQ will be serving herb-crusted chicken roulade, stuffed with spinach, goat cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes; wild rice pilaf, with cranberries and pecans; and garlic-roasted Brussels sprouts, with applewood bacon.
This is the perfect way to enjoy a cozy night out before the ball drop or to welcome 2026 with delicious food and exceptional company. Tickets are required for the dinner experience only. They will remain open all day for bottle and growler sales, as well as full cider pours. Tickets are $45. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3a9f5ajc.

New Year's Eve Party at Carolina Ale House, 161 Glensford Dr., 9 p.m.
Celebrate New Year's Eve with an electrifying performance by the Scroggins Band at Carolina Ale House. Join the festivities for an unforgettable night of live music and entertainment. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/bdcwj7m3.

What do you get when you combine a great band, popular 80s music, costumes, awesome food, and prizes on one of the most festive nights of the year?
You get the Gates Four New Year’s Eve Party—a fun-filled way to end 2025 and ring in 2026!
Hosted by the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre, Gates Four Country Club, and Servpro of Fayetteville, this Dec. 31 celebration promises an evening of non-stop excitement with all the magic you expect from a New Year’s Eve party—plus a few surprises. Get ready to break out your best ’80s outfits and neon gear and prepare for a blast from the past that will rocket you straight into the future at this year’s Psychedelic ’80s New Year’s Eve Party.
For nearly a decade, the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre, Up & Coming Weekly newspaper, and Gates Four Country Club have partnered to bring the Fayetteville area a first-class New Year’s Eve celebration. Event coordinator Bill Bowman describes Gates Four as “a beautiful venue and one of Fayetteville and Cumberland County’s most elegant best-kept secrets.” The setting and hospitality make it the perfect backdrop for a sophisticated yet wildly fun retro-themed celebration.
This year’s community sponsor and party host is Brett Craig, branch manager of Servpro of Fayetteville, one of the nation’s leading fire and water cleanup, restoration, and construction companies. Their involvement adds even more energy and excitement to the night.
This party is packed with incentives to embrace the holiday spirit and the high-energy theme. There will be gifts and cash prizes throughout the evening, rewarding enthusiastic participation in costume, dance, and trivia contests.
It’s all things ’80s—style, music, and spirit. Guests can look forward to door prizes, an ’80s dance contest, and trivia challenges covering pop culture, music, TV shows, and hit movies from everyone’s favorite decade.
While past New Year’s Eve parties have been formal, this year guests can leave the black ties and evening gowns at home and break out their vintage gear.
Whether you’re hitting the nearest thrift store or digging deep into your own closet, the goal is simple: Think bold. Think bright. Think big! Parachute pants, acid-wash denim, neon skirts, teased hair, leg warmers, fingerless gloves, and over-the-top jewelry are not just welcome—they’re encouraged.
Go all out, because cash prizes await the best costumes. Whether you channel Madonna, Michael Jackson, a Valley Girl, or a Miami Vice detective, your efforts will shine. Usher in the new year with a spectacular, neon-drenched blast from the past.
Doors open at 7 p.m. with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner service at 8 p.m. The delectable fare is provided by the award-winning team of Brad and Kelly McLawhorn at Two Brothers Catering/The Vine.
Although advertised as “heavy hors d’oeuvres,” that description hardly captures the impressive spread, which includes a carving station, shrimp, and a wide variety of high-end, creative dishes. Served buffet-style, guests can enjoy the offerings at their leisure.
Come for the food, come for the fun, and definitely come to dance! The night’s soundtrack will be delivered by Joyner, Young, and Marie, one of the region’s most beloved bands, entertaining audiences across the East Coast for nearly 30 years.
Known for their high-energy performances and pitch-perfect covers from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, they’ll keep the dance floor packed until the clock strikes midnight. With an ’80s theme leading the night, expect all the iconic hits that defined the era—music made for dancing, neon lights, and pure nostalgia.
As midnight approaches, all eyes will turn to the clock for the traditional champagne toast. But the celebration doesn’t end there. Immediately following the toast, guests will enjoy a comforting and delicious mimosa breakfast to welcome the very first hour of 2026. This thoughtful touch ensures everyone is well cared for as the new year begins.
Although Gates Four is a private, gated community, the New Year’s Eve party is open to the public, with several ticket options available.
• General Admission: $90 per person, $175 per couple, or $680 for a table of eight. Includes all food, entertainment, and prizes.
• VIP Tickets: Reserved seating, a bottle of wine, and an additional New Year’s gift.
• Deluxe VIP Package: All VIP perks plus door-to-door limousine service provided by Fayetteville Limousine Service—perfect for celebrating in style and ensuring a safe ride home.
Space is limited. Tickets are available at fayettevilledinnertheatre.com.
With a vibrant psychedelic theme, incredible food, non-stop music from Joyner, Young, and Marie, and the chance to win fantastic prizes, the Gates Four New Year’s Eve Party is set to be your most memorable way to say goodbye to 2025 and hello to a rocking 2026.
Don’t miss your chance to celebrate in radical fashion. For more information, visit the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre website at https://fayettevilledinnertheatre.com/ or call 910-391-3859.

(Joyner, Young & Marie will be playing the Psychedelic '80s New Year's Eve Party at Gates Four. The band brings a mix of tunes from several decades, and is excited to play the event. Photos courtesy of Bill Joyner)

Cape Fear Studios is holding its Annual Holiday Members’ Show at 148 Maxwell St. The show opened Nov. 25 and will run until Jan. 20, 2026. The studio hours are Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The studio is closed on Sunday and Monday. General admission is free. For more information, contact Cape Fear Studios at https://artgallerycapefearstudios.com or call 910-433-2986.
The members of the Cape Fear Studios have national and international recognition for their artwork. Pandy Autry shares, “I like to work in a variety of mediums, using metal in the highlights and lampshades, with hand-stitched wall hangings with paper and discarded items, as well as acrylics in mixed media pieces, and occasionally in pastels. Working in various mediums has expanded my horizons and inspired new possibilities and directions in my work. I became a member at Cape Fear Studios to have an outlet for my art and to be part of an artist community.”
Jill Diefenbach states,” I have been a functional potter for the past 42 years, thirty-five of those years I have been a member of the Cape Fear Studios. Most of that time has been spent in the quest for the perfect form, combined with the application of a pleasing glaze or decoration to accent the form. All of this is done around being a single mom of four girls and holding down a full-time job. Since retiring, I have been able to spend more time in my studio experimenting with different forms, glazes, and different surface treatments or forms. It is a thrill for me to watch the creative process evolve from one idea to the next as my work progresses. I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds as I explore new dimensions in clay.”
Suk Rodriguez always had a passion for oil painting. She has explored different mediums throughout her life: clay, pottery, watercolor, oil and Asian painting. Being a military spouse and mother of two, she explored diverse cultures and saw the world through multiple perspectives, and gets most of her inspiration from the natural view, and still life around her.
Sandie McFarlane states, “I was born in a small village outside of Edinburgh, Scotland. The family and I moved to Fayetteville in 1983. I was always interested in art, but never fully pursued it until all my children finished with their schooling. I started painting oil with Tom Moore at the Museum of Art in Fayetteville, and later enrolled in watercolor classes at FTCC. I now work in many different mediums, including graphite, color pencils, pastel, oil, chalk, and Silver Point. Each of these art mediums serves me in a way to slow down and pay attention to light, texture, and presence.”
“Art is the most powerful gift; it is also one of the easiest ways we can make time for art during the busy holiday seasons,” asserts American artist Courtney Jordan. One of Fayetteville’s must-stop holiday events is attending the Cape Fear Studios Holiday Members’ Show. One -of-a- kind artwork within the mediums of painting, mixed media, photography, pottery, jewelry, stained glass, woodworking, and metalworking can all be seen and appreciated.

(Photo courtesy of Cape Fear Studios' Facebook Page)

Cumberland County Public Library is transforming the way residents engage with food, nutrition, and lifelong wellness through its new Cumberland Cooks program. Launched in September, this culinary literacy initiative uses fully equipped Charlie Cart mobile kitchens to deliver hands-on cooking classes, live demonstrations, and wellness-focused education across multiple library branches.
With a mission to combat food insecurity and increase food literacy, Cumberland Cooks is opening doors for community members of all ages to build practical, healthy cooking skills—entirely free of charge.
At its core, Cumberland Cooks is designed to make healthy, affordable cooking accessible to everyone. The program teaches fundamental skills, such as knife safety, budgeting for groceries, interpreting nutrition labels, and preparing balanced meals.
Participants not only learn how to cook but also gain a deeper understanding of why food literacy matters—especially in a county where food deserts and food insecurity affect many families. The library’s focus on outcomes-based instruction ensures that each session equips attendees with knowledge they can immediately apply at home.
The heart of the program is the library’s two new Charlie Carts, state-of-the-art mobile kitchens funded by a $40,500 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Each cart includes a convection oven, induction cooktop, sink, and storage for more than 100 kitchen tools, allowing staff to deliver high-quality cooking programs anywhere. The carts rotate among CCPL’s eight locations, spending two months at each branch so the entire community has consistent access to hands-on culinary learning.
These portable teaching kitchens make it possible for CCPL staff to bring dynamic cooking experiences directly to neighborhoods across Fayetteville and Cumberland County. Sessions vary by branch and audience, with events held at locations such as Headquarters Library, West Regional Library, and East Regional Library.
The program serves multiple age groups, offering targeted events for teens, adults, and families, ensuring everyone from beginners to budding home chefs can participate.
Cumberland Cooks classes are intentionally fun, interactive, and seasonal, blending practical skills with creative cooking activities. Recent and upcoming programs include making Chocolate Chip Cookie Jars, gingerbread, and a variety of savory dips. Whether attendees are mixing dough, experimenting with spices, or learning how to stretch ingredients into multiple meals, each event reinforces the message that nutritious cooking can be both enjoyable and achievable. To see more Cumberland Cooks events, visit their calendar at
https://bit.ly/4oPgk55
Participants can expect two main types of experiences: hands-on cooking classes, where they actively prep and cook food with guidance from trained library staff, and live demonstrations, which allow attendees to watch, taste, and learn techniques they can recreate at home. Tastings provide opportunities to sample healthy dishes and explore new ingredients—an important step in expanding food awareness, especially for families on tight budgets.
Beyond teaching recipes, Cumberland Cooks fulfills a broader mission: promoting wellness and empowering residents with life skills that extend far beyond the library’s walls. By integrating concepts like food safety, meal planning, and cultural cuisine, the program encourages a deeper appreciation for nourishing foods and the role they play in overall well-being.
For teens and young adults, these classes provide essential skills that support independence and long-term health.
Cumberland Cooks is redefining what a public library can be. With mobile kitchens, grant-funded resources, and a commitment to community wellness, CCPL is creating a vibrant space where residents can learn to cook healthy, affordable meals—one recipe at a time. In doing so, the library is not just a place for books, but a hub for practical skills, shared learning, and lasting nourishment.

(Photo: The Charlie Carts at the library were provided by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The carts are mobile kitchens, and allow for easier culinary instruction. Photo courtesy of the Charlie Cart Project's Facebook page)

Camp Ground United Methodist Church will host various activities during December.
“We began the month of December by inviting the congregation on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 4 p.m. to our fellowship hall for a planning meeting for our A Light in the Darkness neighborhood events,” said Bobby Tyson, senior pastor at Camp Ground United Methodist Church. “We have invited the congregation to participate, and we want to gather folks who want to volunteer for every activity that we have planned, as we are doing everything from caroling to communion.”
Tyson added, “My administrative assistant has put together a book containing 20 traditional Christmas carols that we have printed and will sing as we go about. There are more than 10 stops on the route. The afternoon of Sunday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m., we handed out flyers that contain 2 invitations around the neighborhood.”
On Sunday, Dec. 21, at 4 p.m., the congregation will go door to door in the neighborhood to sing carols. Later on that evening at 5:30 p.m., neighbors can enjoy a home-cooked chili meal in the fellowship hall. There will also be a fire pit to enjoy while eating delicious s’mores.
“We’ve got great vision and hope as we are inviting the neighborhood that is three blocks or so from the church, all around the church, surrounding from the back and across the street over on that side of Skibo Road to come to the church to have a chili supper as long as the chili lasts,” said Tyson. “At least a half a dozen individuals are preparing commercial pots of homemade chili, so we are hoping and anticipating a crowd.”
There will be a Christmas Eve service on Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 5:30 p.m. at the church.
“We will have a live nativity portrayed by the youth on the front portico of the church,” said Tyson. “At 6:15 p.m., we are going to serve holy communion in the front yard, light and lift up real candles and sing, ‘Silent Night.’ Then we’ll go home to be with our families.”
How did this idea come
into fruition?
“We embarked on the past season of Lent with The Art of Neighboring book,” said Tyson. “We looked at this book that talked about trying to be a witness out into your neighborhood by being intentionally invitational.”
He added, “We thought about what we could envision to do at Camp Ground.”
Tyson reflected on the present state of the church and how things have changed.
“The United Methodist Church is in a post-pandemic time and season, and going to church is not what it once was,” said Tyson. “We are wanting to be the church and to reach out into the community instead of being in the church building and just hoping they will show up.”
Tyson added, “We are intentional by taking the first step by reaching out to the community and saying we care.”
The goal is to begin to sow these seeds by offering Christ.
“We want to invite the community and let them know that there is a church that exists and they are welcome to attend and sing the Lord’s blessings,” said Tyson. “We are going outside of our walls to meet people where they are.”
Camp Ground United Methodist Church is located at 4625 Camp Ground Road. For more information or to volunteer, call 910-867-9436.

The City of Fayetteville is pleased to share that the Fayetteville Woodpeckers will be acquired by Diamond Baseball Holdings, an organization that owns and operates multiple minor league franchises across the country.
Under the agreement, the Woodpeckers will remain in Fayetteville and continue to play at Segra Stadium. Diamond Baseball Holdings will assume club ownership and business operations, while the Houston Astros will retain responsibility for player development and baseball activities, including the on-field staff and player pipeline. Fans can expect the same exciting game-day atmosphere, community events and family-friendly entertainment they have come to enjoy in downtown Fayetteville.
City leaders expressed their gratitude to the Houston Astros for bringing affiliated minor league baseball back to Fayetteville through the creation of the Woodpeckers and for reaffirming their long-term commitment to the community.
“This is a win for Fayetteville and for everyone who loves coming out to the ballpark,” said Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin. “We are grateful to the Houston Astros for believing in Fayetteville, for bringing the Woodpeckers to our downtown and for staying committed to our community by continuing to oversee player development and baseball activities.”
Diamond Baseball Holdings also operates clubs in major and growing markets across the country, including the Charlotte Knights in North Carolina (Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox), the Inland Empire 66ers in San Bernardino, California (Single-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels), the Brooklyn Cyclones in New York (High-A affiliate of the New York Mets) and the Memphis Redbirds in Tennessee (Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals).
“Diamond Baseball Holdings brings a proven track record of operating successful minor league clubs, and together with the Astros they are committed to keeping our fan experience affordable, fun and deeply rooted in this community,” added Colvin.
Fayetteville’s inclusion alongside these markets underscores the city’s strengths as a destination for professional baseball and positions the Woodpeckers for a bright future.
“The fact that Diamond Baseball Holdings is investing in Fayetteville, just as they have in places like Charlotte, San Bernardino, Brooklyn and Memphis, is a strong vote of confidence in our community, our fans and our local economy,” Colvin said. “Fayetteville will continue to have great baseball, great entertainment and a team our residents can be proud of.”
Additional details about the ownership group and upcoming season promotions will be shared in the coming weeks by Diamond Baseball Holdings and the Fayetteville Woodpeckers.
“Change in ownership does not mean change in commitment,” said City Manager Douglas J. Hewett. “Our community can be confident that baseball in Fayetteville is here to stay. The Astros will remain our Major League partner on the field, and Diamond Baseball Holdings will bring additional stability and resources off the field, all while preserving the local traditions and game-day experience that fans love.”
DBH and the Houston Astros expect the transaction to close in the coming weeks, pending completion of all standard league and regulatory approvals.
“We look forward to working closely with both organizations to keep Segra Stadium a place where families, friends and visitors want to be,” Hewett added.

Leaders of Cumberland County government and the City of Fayetteville have historically had different governance styles, which have affected their collaboration. However, recent efforts led by Chairman Kirk deViere's re-election for an unprecedented second year and Fayetteville's 5th-term mayor, Mitch Colvin, have significantly improved that relationship. This shift aims to boost residents' confidence in ongoing community efforts and future collaboration, fostering a sense of unity and shared progress.
Colvin and deViere, once political rivals, are now dedicated to bridging the leadership gap between city and county. Their focus on community progress and addressing key issues, such as the county's Tier One status, aims to inspire residents and stakeholders by demonstrating a united effort to improve our community and foster hope and collective pride.
A critical community concern is the county-wide 911 call center, a vital part of public safety. It offers a direct connection to law enforcement, medical, and fire services, ensuring help reaches those in need quickly and efficiently. deViere and Colvin are solidly backing centralized, county-wide 911, which is essential for building trust and confidence in our community's safety infrastructure and reassuring residents about their safety and well-being.
Mayor Colvin welcomed three new Fayetteville Council Members to his legislative body. The integration of these first-term members into the mayor's agenda will be closely watched. Early signs from at least one new council member might indicate a potential conflict with the mayor. While respect and unity are essential for sound decision-making, a push-and-pull dynamic can often lead to more robust discussions and outcomes. Understanding these leadership dynamics helps residents stay informed about local governance and decision-making processes.
Colvin defeated Mario Benavente, a harsh critic of the mayor and a former District 3 Councilmember. The question is whether one of the new members will bring the same negative energy to the meetings as he did.
Just a block away on Dick Street, Commissioner Chairman Kirk deViere marked one year of leadership. On Dec. 1, his colleagues expressed strong confidence in him by re-electing him as their chairman for another year. Typically, the board of commissioners does not re-elect chairs for consecutive terms; however, deViere's impressive leadership skills won the support of all but one of his colleagues. Commissioner Glenn Adams, the naysayer, publicly criticized deViere's re-election as chair and his influence regarding a controversial community project.
Kirk deViere, a former Fayetteville city council member and state senator, is a solid consensus builder and visionary, the kind of leadership that has been lacking in our community at times. The collaboration between Fayetteville's mayor and the board of commissioners' chairman is refreshing. Finally, two elected leaders are seemingly more interested in building a better community than in displaying competing egos or advancing personal agendas. Let's hope they can keep this going and bring about the kind of changes our community desperately needs.
2025 is ushering out the old, while 2026 is bringing in the new, hopefully, a different brand of politics with elected leaders committed to positive change for our community.

As 2026 barrels toward us, we Americans have some significant pondering to do on a problem that is uncomfortable for most everyone. By Americans, I mean Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and people who may not bother to vote but who are nonetheless affected by decision-makers running our government.
The problem is that many of our political leaders, both Democrats and Republicans, are simply too old to be effective in their jobs. Some of them have the potential to be flat-out dangerous.
Think Joe Biden, who froze during a debate broadcast around the world.
Think Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell, who did the same thing multiple times in public, and we have no idea what happened in private.
Think California Senator Diane Feinstein, who repeated questions during Senate committee hearings and reportedly sometimes did not know where she was.
Think South Carolina Senator Strom Thurmond, who fondled teenage pages and died at 100, just six months after leaving office.
And think Donald Trump, who, love him or loathe him, is not the same person he was during his first term as President and who now openly dozes in meetings, calls women journalists “piggy,” and rages online at night.
Each of these leaders is/was at least in his/her late 70s, and others are/were considerably older.
Age is a delicate topic because most people of a certain age function well or not as private citizens, not public officials. Our loved ones may worry about our health and our decision-making abilities, but whatever they may be, they do not affect thousands or millions of others.
When the United States was formed, our Founding Fathers (there were no official Founding Mothers) realized there should be age minimums and wrote them into our Constitution—25 for members of the US House of Representatives, 30 for members of the US Senate, and 35 for US President. North Carolina’s Constitution also has minimum ages—21 for the NC House, 25 for the NC Senate, and 30 for Governor.
And, oh my goodness! US Supreme Court justices and federal judges hold constitutionally mandated lifetime appointments. Many do resign for all sorts of reasons, but some who do not wind up in the same advanced age situations as elected politicians. They make decisions for others that are difficult, if not impossible, to change.
Most other advanced nations limit legislative and judicial service through term limits or mandatory retirement ages, but most of the US does not. The North Carolina General Assembly actually raised the retirement age for appellate judges from 72 to 76 to accommodate the birthday of a conservative Supreme Court Justice it wanted to keep in place—clearly a move in the wrong direction!
Little, if any, thought was given to age limits, probably because in the late 18th century, life was shorter than it is now and few lingered in old age, which is often prolonged today by modern pharmaceuticals. George Washington died at 69, and while Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin made it into their 80s, the average lifespan for a man in 1800 was around 40. With life being so short, there was apparently little, if any, thought given to decision-makers who overstay their capabilities.
That simply was not a problem in the early days of our nation.
It is now.
While many older Americans—you and I know plenty of them—remain vibrant and capable well into old age and to their last breaths, many do not. This becomes a serious issue when they are making life-changing decisions not only for themselves but for millions of Americans and others around the world.
Remedying the United States’ dilemma of aging decision makers will not be easy and will involve the participation of some of those same decision makers.
That said, we need to proceed for the sake of a nation that has evolved dramatically over its 250 years of existence.

Letter to the Editor: Closed City Council Dinner Meetings Violate NC Laws for Open Meetings

The recent CityView article exposing Fayetteville’s “dinner meetings” should trouble every citizen who values transparency and lawful governance. What is described is not simply an informal gathering over food—it is a parallel system of government operating in a locked, upstairs room where major public business is discussed, shaped, and in some cases effectively decided before the public ever enters the first-floor council chambers.
That is not how open government works in North Carolina.
When the entire City Council meets at 5:30 p.m., behind a badge-lock door, with a staff escort required for entry, in a cramped room that can barely seat eight citizens, they are not hosting a “casual dinner.” They are holding an official meeting under North Carolina General Statutes 143-318.9–318.18.
The law is unambiguous:
If a majority of members gather to deliberate public business, the public has the right to attend, observe, and understand the
decision-making process.
Yet these dinner sessions routinely involve:
• Deliberations on developer contracts and litigation decisions,
• Strategy discussions before televised council meetings,
• According to former and current members, informal voting.
This practice circumvents both the spirit and the letter of the Open Meetings Law. Accessibility is not satisfied by posting a notice while placing the meeting in a locked, inaccessible location. A council member even acknowledged that the structure is designed to “make it not as easy” for the public to attend—an admission that should alarm anyone familiar with the statutory prohibition on meetings held to evade public scrutiny.
Equally concerning is the absence of written agendas, the destruction of audio recordings after minimal minutes are approved, and the use of a meeting format that no comparable municipality in North Carolina employs. When the public must guess what happened upstairs while watching a scripted performance downstairs, trust in government is not just eroded—it is actively undermined.
This is not about politics. It is about governance, law, and the public’s right to know.
If Fayetteville wants to restore confidence in City Hall, the first step is straightforward:
Move the dinner meetings to the first-floor chamber, publish agendas, livestream the proceedings, and treat them as the official meetings they clearly are.
North Carolina provides numerous resources and training opportunities precisely so that local governments avoid these pitfalls. Fayetteville’s leadership should immediately engage with:
• The North Carolina Open Government Coalition (Elon University)
• The North Carolina Press Association’s Open Meetings resources
• The Attorney General’s Open Government Unit
These organizations exist to ensure public bodies operate transparently and in full compliance with state law. The fact that Fayetteville’s dinner meetings resemble none of the best practices recommended by any of them speaks volumes.
This city deserves better. Transparency is not a campaign slogan—it is a legal duty.
Respectfully,
—Darden Jenkins, Fayetteville

Each year on the twenty-fifth day of Kislev, which typically falls during the month of December, adherents of the Jewish faith celebrate the festival of Chanukah. Although Chanukah may not bear the same religious significance as other Jewish holidays, it is a well-known celebration.
Chanukah commemorates the rededication of the Temple by the Maccabees in 165 BC after its desecration by the Syrians. Although there was not enough oil left to light the Temple for even one night, lamps remained illuminated for eight straight days and nights. Thus, Chanukah is known as the Festival of Lights, which incorporates many unique traditions.
Lighting the menorah
Perhaps the most visible and important Chanukah tradition involves the menorah. While traditional Jewish menorahs have seven branches, the Chanukah menorah, known as the hanukkiah, actually has nine branches. There are eight candles and a ninth, which is called the shamash, is used to light the other eight. The menorah is lit each night after sundown.
Giving of gelt
Chanukah gelt is money given as presents during the festival. It is typically offered to children and sometimes to teachers. Other gifts have now largely replaced the coins once offered, and gelt is sometimes chocolate.
Playing dreidel
Greek-Syrians outlawed Jewish studies at one point, so the Jews spun dreidels to pretend they were only playing games. Really, they were engaged with their scripture. The tradition of spinning the dreidel endures as a Chanukah tradition.
Foods fried in oil
The miracle of the burning oil extends to the foods enjoyed during Chanukah. Many of the holiday foods are prepared in oil, including latkes (fried potatoes) and sufganiyot, which are fried, jelly-filled doughnuts. According to Town & Country magazine, millions of jelly doughnuts are consumed in Israel throughout Chanukah.
Serving brisket
An authentic Chanukah celebration often includes traditional dishes served in the spirit of celebration and gratitude. Brisket is frequently prepared for Chanukah dinners. Brisket was adopted because it was affordable and delicious. Jewish brisket is braised, and served with carrots, potatoes and other vegetables. Brisket may be served alongside another Chanukah dish, kugel, which is a casserole made from eggs and noodles
Making cookies
Although Christmas cookies may be ubiquitous this time of year, cookies often are part of Chanukah traditions as well. Some cookies are cut to look like dreidels or stars. Those who want to incorporate the miracle of oil into their baking can seek recipes that use oil in place of butter in the cookie batters, something that can make them dairy-free and also vegan.
Chanukah begins on Dec. 15, and will last through Dec. 22. It's a festive time to embrace many time-honored traditions.

Nicholas Vernon is a “rising country artist rooted in the red clay of North Carolina.” He is far from your typical overnight success story, though; he's a dedicated local singer and songwriter whose musical journey began on his family farm and has quickly caught the attention of the country music industry.
Nicholas is a true local boy: he grew up on the Vander, N.C. farm that has been in his family for four generations, where he still lives and works with his wife and their two children. After four years of playing for the Cape Fear High School band, Nicholas went on to UNC Wilmington, where he studied music education. He has spent years working with high school and middle school band programs. It wasn’t until a few years ago that a friend of his invited him to play a gig with him that his performance career started to take off.
And take off it did. In 2023, he released his first song, “Horizon,” which earned him a nomination by the Carolina Country Music Awards for Male Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year. For the past two years, Nicholas has been a full-time, professional recording artist. According to Vernon, “The Lord has opened so many doors, so quickly.”
Vernon writes all his own music and has even had some of his songs recorded by other artists. The inspiration for the music he writes and performs is widely varied, everything from the Gaither Vocal Band and their old-fashioned gospel music to AC/DC and other ‘80s and ‘90s rock bands. His favorite country artist has always been Clint Black, and his work has certainly inspired Vernon.
While he draws inspiration from lots of different styles of music and artists, “every song gets its own flavor,” Vernon says. Even the classical music that he played in his high school and college years influences him as an artist. Fans of classical, orchestral music will pick up familiar tunes in his song “Take Me Back” because, Vernon says, “it is taken directly from Igor Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite.”
Vernon’s music has definitely caught the attention of the country music world. The Carolina Country Music Awards named him 2024’s Male Artist of the Year. He was named the 2025 Rising Male Star by the International Singer/Songwriter Awards. The Josie Music Awards nominated his song “Lady in Black” for 2025 Song of the Year in the Southern Rock/Country Rock category. He has been featured on several country radio stations, including 94.7 WQDR, 98.5 Big Dawg Radio, and B93.9’s Carolina Country Artist Spotlight.
Vernon has played venues big and small in North Carolina and beyond. Recently, Vernon played the 2025 Stars and Guitars pre-concert at Dirtbag Ales, as well as the VIP room at Stars and Guitars. North Carolina audiences have had the chance to see him at the NC State Fair, GotToBeNC Festival, Fayetteville’s Dogwood Festival and Fayetteville After 5.
Nicholas’s next big release is his EP entitled “Under the Same Sky.” The collection will feature four of his fans’ favorite songs, re-recorded after parting ways with a past producer. The updated versions of these songs will have a raw, cozy feel, just right for the fall and winter seasons. “Under the Same Sky” will be submitted for 2026 Grammy consideration.
Nicholas Vernon has no intention of slowing down anytime soon. The next few months are booked with lots of opportunities for local audiences to see him perform live. One notable opportunity is an event that he is headlining on January 17 at Bird’s Nest Listening Room in Dunn.
VIP tickets for the event sold out in the first hour, but general admission tickets are still available for purchase. His music can be streamed on all streaming platforms, and discs are available for purchase on his website: nicholasvernonmusic.com

(Photo courtesy of Amy Stillwell)

Ladies Lift night is standard fare at Gracefully Fit LLC. A high-energy evening of team-style training, it’s a recurring event that sells out every time, attracting fitness enthusiasts who can’t resist breaking a good sweat and the sisterhood Gracefully Fit LLC is known for. This year, their impact is expanding.
Announced as “the biggest Ladies Lift Night in history,” the Super Bowl-themed evening is about lifting not just weights, but those who need a helping hand. Through the launch of their Lift Her Initiative, Gracefully Fit LLC has partnered with a local women's shelter. Connections of Cumberland County will receive 10% of every ticket sold to support their mission of providing safety, stability and resources for women in crisis and victims of domestic violence.
Additionally, individuals and organizations can give women the chance to attend Ladies Lift Night through the new “Buy a Ticket for Her” initiative.
Behind the event are Grace Bex and Charlotte Robinson. Bex, a military spouse, mother of three, and personal trainer, is the founder of Gracefully Fit LLC. Robinson, co-founder of the T.J Robinson Life Center, serves youth, veterans, seniors, and at-risk populations at her multi-sport and wellness facility, where the Jan. 9 Ladies Lift Night will be held.
Bex’s fitness journey began after a long history of chronic illness and a particularly challenging pregnancy. During her postpartum weight loss journey, family and friends saw her progress and started reaching out, asking what she was doing.
Always trusting that God had a greater purpose in her suffering, Bex took a leap of faith and became a Certified Personal Trainer through Auburn University’s American College of Sports Medicine. Ladies Lift Nights were a favorite even when Gracefully Fit LLC was located in Bex’s home gym. When Bex opened a permanent location in Fayetteville in December 2024, she fought unexpected battles to secure the location. That fight connects her to co-host Charlotte Robinson.
“She and I have very similar yet different stories,” Bex said of Robinson. “We’re both female entrepreneurs. She’s black, I’m white. I’m young; she’s what I would call a bit more seasoned than I am. She’s faced a lot of adversity in trying to open her facility. She fought for over 10 years to actually get it open. I fought for 115 days to be able to get the keys to my space and everything. So I guess all around this event embodies us empowering women in the community with what we’ve built and trying to give back.”
The evening starts with a 30-minute bootcamp. Described as an explosive, high-energy, team-style training that’ll get your adrenaline pumping, Bex still describes it as modifiable and suitable for all ability levels. Then comes a 30-minute MixxedFit dance and fitness mashup, and finally a 30-minute CIRCL Mobility stretching routine.
Lest attendees think the night is winding down as they take a breath and stretch out, the Half Time show is gearing up.
“We have a little dance crew coming out to do a dance routine. And then, one of the coolest things I’ve seen come from this initiative, we have someone from Group Therapy who has stepped up. She’s a survivor of domestic violence and sex trafficking, and she’s stepped forward and wants to speak at the event. She’s going to speak during the halftime show,” Bex explained.
“That, for me, is a full circle moment. Having started this event to really give back to Connections of Cumberland County, it is now giving women a platform and a voice who have experienced domestic violence.”
Attendees can grab swag bags filled with items from women-owned businesses across Fayetteville, event T-shirts—which come free with admission—win prizes, shop local vendors, and enjoy incredible food throughout the evening.
Pre-sweat or post-sweat, grab a photo with your besties at the photobooth. But more than anything, Bex says, come and find a tribe of women who are there to empower you.
“Whatever walk of life you’re in, this event is for you,” she shared. “You don’t have to have a background in fitness; you don’t have to know anybody to come. You can just come, and I guarantee you’re going to leave knowing at least 10 ladies.”
Bex and Robinson say they embody one message: women rising together—lifting each other physically, emotionally and socially.
“It’s going to be a night where women can step away from normal life, find community, sweat it out a little bit, and just have some fun.”
Purchase tickets online at begracefullyfit.com. Ladies Lift Night: Strength Bowl MMXXVI will be held Jan. 9, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at T.J. Robinson Life Center at 4221 Black Bridge Rd, Hope Mills.

In August of this year, the Cumberland County Public Library unveiled an exciting new resource for the community: the Library of Things. Designed to expand access beyond books and digital materials, this innovative program allows library cardholders to borrow a variety of practical and recreational items—from kitchen kits and games to tools and more—using the same library card they use for traditional materials.
The Library of Things reflects a growing national trend in libraries reimagining their role as community resource hubs. By offering nontraditional items for checkout, the Cumberland County Public Library is helping residents save money, try new hobbies, host gatherings, and complete projects without having to purchase costly equipment.
Who Can Borrow and How It Works
To participate, borrowers must hold a Cumberland County Public Library adult library card and maintain an account with less than $10 in fines. Each cardholder may borrow one “Thing” at a time, making access fair and available across the community.
Items in the Library of Things are checked out for a three-week loan period, and unlike books and other materials, renewals are not permitted. This policy helps ensure that high-demand items circulate efficiently among patrons.
Placing a Hold and Checking Out
Holds for Library of Things items are handled a bit differently than traditional materials. Items are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and online holds are not available. Patrons who wish to reserve an item may call their local library branch to request a hold for that same day only.
When picking up an item, borrowers must visit the Circulation Desk and speak directly with a staff member. Before checkout is finalized, patrons are required to sign a customer responsibility form and participate in a brief review of the item alongside staff. This includes:
• Verifying that all parts are present
• Confirming the item’s condition
• Understanding the item’s replacement value
This hands-on process establishes that both staff and patrons are confident about the item’s condition before it leaves the library.
Returning Items Safely
All Library of Things items must be returned to the same branch where they were borrowed. For safety and inventory purposes, items must be returned directly to the Circulation Desk—they should not be placed in the outdoor book return.
Upon return, staff members carefully inspect each item for missing parts or damage. If an item becomes unsafe or damaged during use, borrowers are instructed to stop using it immediately and notify library staff as soon as possible.
If an item is lost or not returned, the borrower will be charged the full replacement cost. In cases of damage, the borrower may be responsible for repair or replacement fees, depending on the extent of the damage.
What’s Available?
The Library of Things collection includes a wide range of items designed to support learning, creativity, entertainment, and everyday needs. Current offerings include kitchen kits, games, tools, and other useful equipment. Items are distributed across different Cumberland County Public Library branches, allowing patrons to explore what is available closest to them.
A full, up-to-date catalog of items and their branch locations is available through the library’s online system, making it easy for patrons to browse options before visiting or calling their local branch.
Access that online catalog here: https://tinyurl.com/3vt3vxnk. Additional information on how to check out items from the Library of Things can be found here: https://cumberland.lib.nc.libguides.com/LibraryOfThings.
“The main page is about the Library of Things in general, then there are tabs for Children, Teen, Adult, Experience Passes, and Memory kits with descriptions (and usually photos) of each kit. A search of “Library of Things” will bring up the collection items in our online catalog, again with photos, locations, and descriptions. The Ghost Hunting kit was so popular that we immediately purchased 2 additional kits!” said Pamela Kource, Senior Library Division Manager for Collection Development and Circulation.
Kource gave a sneak peek at some of the new items to come.
“We’re working on the new kits for this year. Here are some of the kits we’ll be adding for Adults: Water Bath Canning Kit, Metal Detecting Kit and a Mini Projector Kit.”
The launch of the Library of Things demonstrates Cumberland County Public Library’s ongoing commitment to equity, education, and community enrichment. By offering access to high-value items at no cost beyond standard library membership, the program helps reduce financial barriers and encourages hands-on learning and exploration for residents of all ages.
Whether someone wants to try out a new cooking skill, plan a game night, or tackle a home project, the Library of Things provides a convenient, budget-friendly solution—proving once again that today’s libraries are about much more than books.

"Everything has a beginning and an end."
—Jet Black, Cowboy Bebop

The Fayetteville Anime Fest will take place on Dec. 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Crown Complex Expo Hall, 1960 Coliseum Drive. Children under the age of eleven are free with the purchase of an adult ticket; one free child entry will be allowed for each adult ticket. Additional children are only $10.
Adult tickets cost $20. Tickets can be purchased in advance at https://bit.ly/4rIDHA4, or at the door on the day of the event.
Anime originated as an abbreviation of “animation” in Japan, and the term refers to all forms of animated content. Spirited Away was the first anime to win an Academy Award in 2003.
Anime accounts for sixty percent of the world’s animation production, and episodes can cost between $100,000 and $200,000, according to Anime Facts.
Anime is an art form by those who appreciate it. A wide range of audiences are targeted with complicated, in-depth, and emotional storylines. In Japan, there are more than forty new anime appearing on television per week.
Anime shows include Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Death Note, Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, Attack on Titan, Dr. Stone, Dragon Ball Super, One Piece, Naruto, Cowboy Bebop, Delicious in Dungeon, Pokémon, and Fruit Basket, to name a few.
The Fayetteville Anime Fest will feature Kent Williams, voice actor for FullMetal Alchemist, and My Hero Academia; Chuck Huber, voice actor of My Hero Academia; and Aaron Roberts, voice actor, One Piece and My Hero Academia. There will be Pokémon merchandise, anime vendors, and a cosplay contest. Festivities include discussion panels, manga artists, toys, anime candy, family gaming and a lip sync contest.
Be your favorite anime character for a day in costume at the Fayetteville Anime-Fest on Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Crown Complex Expo Hall, 1960 Coliseum Drive. For more information about the Fayetteville Anime-Fest, visit www.fayettevilleanimefest.com

As the holiday season settles over our community, families are once again piling into cars, bundling up in scarves and gloves, and heading out to local Christmas tree farms and nurseries in search of that perfect evergreen. These small, seasonal destinations offer more than just trees—they provide tradition, the scent of fresh pine, and the simple joy of selecting a Christmas centerpiece straight from the field.

Local Nurseries Selling Christmas Trees
Bell's Seed Store
230 East Russell St.
910-483-8400
https://www.bellsseedstore.com/
Bring the magic of the mountains home this Christmas with a beautiful, fresh Fraser fir from Bell's Seed Store! Sourced directly from North Carolina's pristine mountains, their trees are guaranteed to be full, healthy, and fragrant. Whether you're looking for a cozy tabletop tree or a grand statement piece over 10 feet tall, they have the perfect size to complement your holiday space. They meticulously care for each tree, keeping them perfectly hydrated from the moment they arrive until they find their new home, ensuring they stay fresh and vibrant throughout the season. Experience unparalleled convenience with special delivery service: simply call to select your desired size, view photos sent directly to your phone and complete your purchase over the phone. They'll then deliver your tree right to your doorstep for free, within specified zones. Beyond trees, discover their other festive collection of wreaths, garland, bows, Christmas flags, poinsettias, and other essential holiday decorations.

Pate's Farm Market
6411 Raeford Rd.
910-426-1575
https://patesfarmmarket.com/
At Pate's Farm Market, you'll find the perfect tree for your needs. They offer both beautifully pre-cut trees and live trees with intact roots, giving you the option to plant them in your yard for years to come. Explore the selection of Fraser firs, Blue spruce, and White pine, with approximately 400 trees available. Tree prices are determined by the type and size. To guarantee your favorite variety and size, they advise calling ahead or checking their Facebook page for real-time availability, as popular trees tend to sell out quickly.

Local Christmas Tree Farms
B&D Christmas Tree Farm
1206 Elliot Farm Rd.
910-482-4404
At B & D Christmas Tree Farm, experience the joy of selecting and cutting your own field-grown tree, or choose from their pre-cut options. They provide saws and twine for your cutting adventure. Choose from beautiful white pine, Virginia pine, leyland cypress, and cedar trees. Pre-cut Fraser firs are also typically available. Trees range in size from four to twelve feet, with choose-and-cut trees priced at approximately $10 per foot. Don't forget to browse their selection of wreaths and tree stands! The farm accepts cash and checks only.

Doby Christmas Tree Farm
150 Doby Rd., Cameron
910-308-5147
https://tinyurl.com/4yh77y9y
Discover your perfect Christmas tree with Doby Tree Farm's classic "choose and cut" experience. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit as you select from their beautiful field-grown trees. They'll equip you with saws and offer helpful services like machine shaking and net-bagging for a hassle-free outing. Their tree selection includes Virginia Pines, Leyland Cypress, White Pines, Red Cedars, Green Giants, Carolina Sapphires, and Blue Ice Cypress. They have a wonderful variety of sizes to suit every home, from slim profiles to generously wide trees. Please note that the selection of trees taller than nine feet is limited.

Griffin Evergreens
1823 Broadway Rd., Sanford
919-842-6306
At Griffin Evergreens, they offer the best of both worlds: the authentic "choose and cut" experience straight from their local farm, and a curated selection of premium pre-cut trees sourced from the majestic North Carolina mountains. Discover the unparalleled beauty of Fraser firs, hand-selected from a dedicated family farm nestled near Crossnore, N.C. This esteemed collaboration has spanned generations, covering nearly fifty years. Immerse yourself in the joy of selecting your own tree from the farm, featuring popular varieties that thrive in Eastern North Carolina, such as Leyland Cypress, White Pine and Green Giant. Add a touch of festive charm with their exquisite, handmade wreaths.

Blue Ridge Tree Farm at Dirtbag Ales
Til December 21
Dirtbag Ales, 5435 Corporation Dr., Hope Mills
https://tinyurl.com/423xsjuy
Head out to Dirtbag Ales between now and Dec. 21 to pick up a locally grown North Carolina tree from Blue Ridge Tree Farm. Hours to purchase are Tuesday through Friday, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They will also have tabletop sized tress and garland. Get the full service treatment with their trim and carry service.

Fort Bragg celebrated its strongest supporters—the families—during the annual Family of the Year Ceremony, hosted by Army Community Service on Dec. 2. The event honored seven nominees from across the 82nd Airborne Division, recognizing their dedication, resilience, and service alongside their Soldiers.
The evening began with a welcome from ACS representative, Mrs. Melanie Tucker, who served as emcee. The 82nd Airborne Division All American Chorus performed the National Anthem, followed by an invocation from garrison Chaplain (Col.) Jay Outen.
Lt. Gen. Greg Anderson, Commanding General of the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, delivered remarks praising Army families as “the heart of readiness.” He emphasized that the strength of the Army depends not only on Soldiers but also on the families who stand behind them.
Seven families were nominated this year:
• 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, Staff Sgt. Kevin Blackadar and Family.
• 82nd Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade, Sgt. Johnathan Lovegren and Family
• 82nd Airborne Division Artillery, 1st Sgt. David Parra and Family
• 82nd Airborne Division Artillery, Staff Sgt. Joshua
Prewitt and Family
• 82nd Airborne Division Artillery, 1st Sgt. Wesley Turner and Family
• 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Capt. Brian Stecker and Family
• 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Chaplain (Capt.) Kairui Zhang and Family
From these nominees, five were chosen as finalists. Finally, in front of Soldiers, leaders, and community members, the 2025 Fort Bragg Family of the Year was announced: Sgt. Johnathan Lovegren, his wife Amanda, and their children Athena and Ares.
The Lovegren family was honored for their commitment to the Army community and their support of one another. Applause filled the Main Post Chapel as the unit representative accepted the award, representing the spirit of service and family that makes Fort Bragg strong. The winning family couldn’t make it to the ceremony due to an out-of-state emergency.
This year’s ceremony reminded everyone that behind every Soldier is a family whose courage and dedication deserve to be celebrated.

(Photo: The 82nd Airborne Division All American Chorus performs at the Family of the Year event at the Main Post Chapel on Dec. 2. Photos courtesy of Fort Bragg ACS Volunteer Services' Facebook Page)

The Fayetteville Rotary Club and Rotary International present the 26th Annual Fayetteville Rotary Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 10 a.m. in downtown Fayetteville. The route will begin at the back of the Cumberland County Courthouse and end on Winslow Street.
“The Fayetteville Rotary Christmas Parade has always been a community staple and brings out everyone from all walks of life,” said Brandon Price, chair of The Fayetteville Rotary Christmas Parade committee. “It is the one time of year where all families from everywhere come downtown to witness all of the floats, marching bands, Christmas music, big jeeps, and kings and queens.”
The Fayetteville Rotary Club was founded in Fayetteville on May 1, 1920. The Rotary International Club was founded in 1905 in Chicago by attorney Paul Harris. The term “rotary” comes from the practice of early members who rotated their weekly meetings among their different businesses. Harris and his friends would get together at each other’s businesses and talk about what kinds of things they could do in the community.
“For example, if I put my resources with your resources and a couple of other people’s resources, then no one person has to do everything if we all do something,” said Price. “Over time, this has taken on a different meaning and has come to be community leaders coming together every week, and we invite people from the local community to the meeting to tell us what is going on in the community and how we can improve it.”
Price added, “That is the purpose of Rotary, which is business leaders and community leaders coming together to serve together and to do service before self.”
The 2025-2026 theme for Rotary International is “Unite for Good.” It emphasizes bringing people together to work towards positive change and addressing global challenges. The theme encourages members to unite across backgrounds, strengthen connections and collaborate on service projects to create a meaningful impact worldwide.
“I call Rotarians quiet heroes because they don’t usually promote all the things that they are doing,” said Price. “They just do the things that need to be done.”
The parade, which has been a holiday tradition since 1999, will feature Rotary International District 7730 Governor Andrea Young, Mayor Mitch Colvin and his wife, City Council members, county officials, city personnel, local library mascots, dance groups, local marching bands, motorcycles, horses and jolly old Santa Claus.
The highlight of the parade is the high school marching bands.
“All of the Fayetteville High School marching bands are participating, and this year we will also have Lumberton High School and Hoke County High School marching bands,” said Price. “Most of these high schools are award-winning high schools, and I would be remiss if I did not say that one of the most well-known bands from our local community that always helps us wrap up the parade is E. E. Smith High School’s Magnificent Marching Machine.”
He added, “It is super exciting when E. E. Smith’s band performs; it is must-see TV. Not everybody can make it to a high school football game, but everybody gets to come out to the Rotary Christmas parade.”
The Fayetteville Rotary Club started a new tradition this year by selecting an individual and a community organization to lead the parade. This year’s grand marshal is the recently retired and prominent Roosevelt Pratt, Jr. and the Salvation Army of the Sandhills.
“Mr. Pratt is the former band director of E. E. Smith for 28 years and has played an integral role in so many kids going to college and becoming a part of bands all across the country,” said Price. “Twenty-seven of his graduates have gone on to become drum majors at their respective HBCU schools, and we are very excited to honor his legacy, the work he has done to draw attention to musicianship, and we believe in giving people their flowers while they are still here.”
It is imperative to have top-notch security at the parade, especially to prevent accidents.
“A couple of years ago, accidents took place in a couple of parades in North Carolina. We beefed up security every single year, working together with the City of Fayetteville, the city police, and the Fayetteville Jeeps Club,” said Price. “They have a ton of jeeps that will come through, and they have somehow become the staple part of the parade because we send jeeps two by two behind every walking entry to protect that entry from any loose or runaway cars.”
Price added, “This is one of our ways that we try to target safety as a main issue for our walking groups to include our bands.”
It takes a lot of moving parts to plan a parade, and Price enjoys every moment of the process.
“This will be my 5th year chairing the parade committee, and every year I say that I am not going to do it next year,” said Price. “Something will happen at the parade that makes me see that this is why we serve, and my goal is for all the little boys, little girls and their families to come out and have a good time for that two-hour window and for everything to be close to perfect.”
The parade is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.fayettevillerotaryclub.org.

Holiday meals are memorable and delicious, and something many of us look forward to all year long. Preparing those meals can also be stressful and costly, especially if you have a crowd to feed: planning, shopping, preparing, storing, and of course cooking all make an already busy time, even busier! Never fear, though: Iron Mike Conference Center has you covered with their Meals-to-Go program.
The program started in 2020, when in-person meals were not possible because of Covid-19 restrictions. Like so many other businesses and organizations, Iron Mike had to pivot and began to offer meals that people could pre-order and pick up to bring home.
After meals-to-go were such a popular option, the conference center decided to keep the program going, even when in-person service became a possibility again. The to-go meals are helpful for people on-post and off, as they are available to military and civilian personnel alike.
The Iron Mike Conference Center offers catering and buffet meals year-round, but for Thanksgiving and Christmas, they additionally offer meals to go. All you need to do is order the meals ahead of time and pick it up on the day you choose. The final day to reserve meals is Dec. 12, with the final day for pick-up on Dec. 19.
According to Cynthia Kauth, Business Manager, Iron Mike Conference Center, the Meals-to-Go program has filled 10-15 orders a year for the past few years. The total number of people fed is much higher than that, though. Many parties order several meals at a time, enough to feed an entire unit of soldiers for the holidays.
Meals include a choice of ham or turkey, plus a choice of three sides (there are six to choose from), rolls, dessert and sweet tea. Everything is fully cooked and cooled by the catering staff at the conference center, then packaged to be refrigerated or frozen. They even include instructions for re-heating the food when you are ready to serve it to your crowd. There are two sizes available: the smaller size feeds up to 8 people and costs $180; the larger meal feeds 8-15 people and costs $280. Both come with the same food options.
The Iron Mike Conference Center offers a wide array of services year-round. The beautiful venue is available for events large and small, including weddings, professional conferences, job fairs, proms, birthday parties, or any kind of celebration. Events include full-service catering.
If you enjoy the Meal-to-Go and wish you could enjoy Iron Mike’s food service all year, you are in luck. Iron Mike Conference Center has a lunch buffet year-round. The all-you-can eat lunch costs $13.50 and features different themed offerings throughout the week: Wednesdays feature pasta on the buffet; on Thursdays, they offer German food; and Friday is a fish fry.
To take advantage of the Meal-to-Go offering that Iron Mike Conference Center offers this holiday season, place your order over the phone at 910-907-2582 or 910-907-1945, or in person. The final day to reserve meals is December 12, with the final day for pick-up on December 19. The Iron Mike Conference Center is located at 2658 Rock Merritt Ave. on Fort Bragg.

As nighttime temperatures dip below freezing, Cumberland County officials are preparing for another demanding season of “White Flag” shelter operations, an emergency system designed to keep unhoused residents safe when the cold turns dangerous.
The county’s White Flag program, managed by Cumberland County Emergency Services, activates only during severe weather nights when the National Weather Service forecasts temperatures at or below 32 degrees. When the threshold is met, local shelters open additional beds and extend hours to ensure no one is left outside in life-threatening conditions.
Garry Crumpler, who oversees emergency management for the county, said the system is straightforward but critical.
“A White Flag night isn’t just about cold weather,” he explained. “It’s about the reality that some people in our community have nowhere else to go, and we refuse to let winter decide their fate.”
Once activated, the White Flag plan relies on a patchwork of community partners, churches, nonprofit facilities, and service organizations that agree to open their doors when conditions worsen. Some locations provide 25 beds; others may offer only a handful.
The goal is consistency, not scale: every partner commits to operating safely, serving hot meals, and offering overnight protection. Transportation is another essential piece.
On White Flag nights, residents without resources can be brought to designated pickup points, where county staff or partner agencies transport them to the shelter hosting that evening’s activation.
“The biggest misconception,” Crumpler said, “is that this program is permanent at one site. It’s not. It rotates because partners have different capacities, and we’re making the best use of what each organization can offer.”
For individuals living outdoors or in unstable conditions, the White Flag system can mean the difference between survival and severe injury. Frostbite risk increases dramatically as temperatures fall, and county leaders have stressed that winter weather affects more than the homeless population alone: individuals living in unheated buildings, cars, or temporary spaces may also seek emergency shelter. Last winter, county emergency services documented dozens of activation nights and an even greater number of requests for assistance. While some residents return night after night during cold stretches, officials say many also come in waves, the newly displaced, the recently unemployed, veterans coping with harsh conditions, and families forced into cars or motels.
“We never ask anyone to prove hardship,” Crumpler noted. “If the cold brings you to the door, that is enough. We are here to keep people alive, not to interrogate them.”
While the program has grown steadily each year, shelter capacity remains the biggest challenge. Some partner organizations can only accept single adults, leaving limited options for families, couples, or parents with children. The county has issued multiple calls for additional nonprofit partners, particularly those equipped to serve vulnerable populations with more complex needs.
Crumpler acknowledged the difficulty, saying community resources often lag behind community need.
“We’d love to have a facility where families, individuals, and seniors can be under the same roof,” he said. “Right now, we’re doing the best we can with the partners we have. The support is strong, but the demand is stronger.”
Several organizations have expressed interest in joining the network this year, though no final agreements have been announced. County leaders say they remain open to proposals and welcome any group with the capacity and willingness to take on the responsibility.
Emergency staff emphasize that despite its seasonal focus, the White Flag system speaks to a broader issue: housing insecurity is no longer limited to a small subset of the population. Rising rents, fewer affordable units, and a growing number of displaced residents have made winter preparations increasingly urgent.
“It’s not just homelessness as people imagine it,” Crumpler said. “It’s folks living in cars, families doubled up in unsafe homes, people leaving hospitals with nowhere to go. The White Flag program gives them a safer option even if it’s only for one night.”
Advocates say that the stability offered by a warm meal, a clean cot, and a secure building often leads residents to additional services such as case management, mental health resources, or employment assistance in the days and weeks after a shelter stay.
As December advances, county officials stress that communication is essential. Residents can check the Cumberland County Emergency Services website for updates and shelter locations or call the county’s information line for transportation arrangements.
Crumpler said the program’s philosophy remains unchanged, even as demands grow.
“Our measure of success is simple,” he said. “If someone survives a night they might not have survived otherwise, then the White Flag did its job.”
With winter forecasted to bring several extended cold snaps, staff and volunteers are bracing for a busy season — one that will require ongoing coordination and community support.
“We’ll be ready,” Crumpler added. “Cold weather doesn’t wait, and neither do we.”