Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation is excited to announce the launch of a new youth music workshop series, supported by an $8,500 Project Support Grant from the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County. This initiative will provide free, hands-on music workshops that promote creativity, self-expression, and technical skill development for young people across the community.
The workshop series will include instruction in guitar, drums, keyboard, and vocal performance, all led by high quality instructors. In addition to live instruction, students will explore the world of music production and recording using state-of-the-art equipment in the newly outfitted Orange Street Music Lab located at 600 Orange Street.
In partnership with Sandhills Jazz Society, this initiative will deliver high-quality programming to youth who may not typically have access to such opportunities.
2025–2026 Music Workshop Schedule:
• Saturday, Aug. 23 at 11 a.m. – Basic Drumming: Finding Your Beat
Learn the fundamentals of rhythm and percussion in this interactive beginner-friendly class.
• Saturday, Sept. 20 at 11 a.m. – Keyboard Basics: Keys to Music
Explore basic hand techniques, note reading, and beginner melodies on the keyboard.
• Saturday, Oct. 18 at 11 a.m. – Music Appreciation: The Soundtrack of Our Lives
Discuss and experience global music genres through guided listening and group activities.
• Saturday, Jan. 17 at 1 p.m. Find Your Voice
Learn vocal techniques, pitch control, and stage presence in a supportive group setting.
• Saturday, Feb. 7 at 11 a.m.– Teen Music Recording & Production
Discover the basics of music production and audio engineering in a hands-on recording session.
• Saturday, March 7 at 11 a.m.– Guitar Jam
Learn how to strum, form chords, and play beginner songs with step-by-step guidance.
“This series is designed to open doors for youth who may not typically access music instruction or production tools,” said Tyshica Tucker, Youth Development and Cultural Arts Coordinator. “We’re creating space for creativity and confidence to grow.”
In fiscal year 2025–2026, the Arts Council distributed over $1 million in grants to artists, nonprofit organizations, and municipalities across Cumberland County. These programs are supported by contributions from community partners, the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, and the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Learn more: www.theartscouncil.com
About the Youth Development & Cultural Arts Program
Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation’s Youth Development & Cultural Arts Program delivers free, high-quality enrichment opportunities that empower local youth through the arts, leadership, and education.

Have you heard tell of Jeffrey Epstein and the mysterious missing list of his clients? MAGA world was told for years that there was a list of Friends of Epstein which the Democrats had buried to protect themselves. Our own sweet US Attorney General Pam Bondi told America she had the Epstein client list sitting on her desk, waiting to be unleashed like the Kraken. Then Oopsy Daisy, she told us there was no list.
Like Officer Barbrady on South Park: “Nothing to see here, people. Move along.” MAGA did not really want to move along. It had been promised red meat. All it was getting was an empty Tofu jar. AG Pam started getting heat after promising Democratic hides and then hiding the records. Alas. For the first time in history, a woman had talked herself into difficulties.
Pam’s troubles reminded me of another famous Lady Person who had caused troubles, our old pal from Greek Mythology, Pandora. Ms. Pandora is the flip side of Pam Bondi. Pam got in trouble for not producing scalps. Pandora got into trouble for opening a container and releasing troubles into the world. They are sisters from another mother. They do have one thing in common; they are both womenfolk of the female persuasion.
What do women want? Much has been written and conjectured about this topic. What does Mr. Science say? The late great blues singer Bessie Smith sang “Give me a pig’s foot and a bottle of beer.” Didn’t take much to make Bessie happy. Daisy Buchanon in the Great Gatsby was unable to rise from a sofa, explaining that “I am paralyzed with happiness.” Daisy only needed great wealth to make her happy. Are you paralyzed with happiness? If not, read on. If you are of the woman persuasion or know someone of that sort, this column is for you. Cut it out and put it on your refrigerator so you too can be paralyzed with happiness.
Consider how women first arrived on Earth according to Greek Mythology. The Greeks tell us that the first human woman was Pandora, who was created at the direction of Zeus. Her origin is a bit dark. Zeus was in a cranky mood because Prometheus gave the gift of fire to humans. This did not turn out well for Prometheus or humans. Zeus told his lackey Hephaestus to get a wad of dirt and make a woman. The woman turned out to be Pandora. She was not intended to be a gift to humans but rather punishment for them learning about fire. Per the myth, she was a “beautiful evil whose descendants would torment the human race.”
The other Gods, to curry favor with Zeus, gave Pandora a flotilla of groovy birthday presents. Athena gave her fancy clothes and a tiara. Hermes gave her a “shameless mind and deceitful nature.” The Charites gave her a fancy necklace. Another God gave her a garland crown. Like Congressmen cozying up to Trump, they poured on the goodies. Everyone on Olympus chipped in with a gift to be “a plague to men who eat bread.” The coolest gift was a jar which Pandora was told she could never open. Somehow over the last thousands of years, the jar became described as Pandora’s Box.
Unlike Pam Bondi’s empty Epstein files, Pandora’s box was filled to the brim with stuff. Unlike Pam, Pandora opened that sucker up to see what was inside. When she opened the box, all the evils in the world flew out to plague humanity. The only thing that did not escape the box was Hope. The lid got jammed back on the box before Hope could escape. Having Hope stuck in a box while the evils of the world fly around causing havoc does not end this column on a happy note.
Is there a moral we can unearth in the equally sad stories of Pam Bondi and Pandora? Pam is probably not happy with the way things turned out for her non-story. Pandora is probably quite happy with evils flitting about in the world. As Sly Stone once sang: “Different strokes for different folks.” Consider the immortal words of the easy to please Bessie Smith: “Check your razors and your guns/ We gonna be rasslin’ when the wagon comes/ I want a pig’s foot and a bottle of beer/ Send me ‘cause I don’t care/ Blame me cause I don’t care.” Gentle Reader:
Have a pork trotter, a Bud Light and put the blame on Mame. 

(Illustration by Pitt Dickey)

The ancient Greek thinker Heraclitus observed that one cannot step in the same river twice. In the interval between the first and second step — be it a moment or a year — the water keeps flowing, the current shifts at least slightly, sediments in the riverbed move or erode or dissolve. Some reword his insight as “the only constant is change.”
Speaking of change, longtime readers of mine in this publication and others will have noticed a gradual but unmistakable shift in focus. While I still write about current events — recently praising North Carolina politicians for enacting health reforms and castigating them for blowing tax money on sports arenas — historical subjects now claim more of my attention.
You can credit (or blame) the calendar only in part. We are in the midst of our country’s semiquincentennial, and I have indeed been chronicling North Carolina’s many contributions to the origin story of America. But I’ve also written about other historical eras and personalities.
Nor is it just that I have my own anniversary approaching. You see, it was in July 1986 that I wrote my first bylined column for a commercial newspaper. A year from now, then, as everyone is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a somewhat-smaller crowd will also commemorate my 40 years as a regular columnist for North Carolina media outlets. (I expect fewer fireworks.)
Over the years, I’ve assessed mayors, county commissioners, state lawmakers, federal lawmakers, governors, and presidents. I’ve covered elections, legislative debates, business openings, and natural disasters. I’ve discussed taxes, education, regulation, transportation, health care, housing, and other policy issues. I’ve described past events and predicted future ones. I’ve repeated tall tales and told small jokes.
Many readers appear to have enjoyed the ride. Others tell me otherwise, often with blunt language and colorful metaphors. For those who opine for a living, it has ever been thus.
It has ever been thus. Sounds inconsistent with that constant-change bit from Heraclitus, doesn’t it? Other thinkers have emphasized historical continuity, the persistence of humanity’s fallen state, and the recurrent patterns of behavior it produces. “What is government itself,” asked James Madison, “but the greatest of all reflections on human nature?”
A careful study of history, I have come to believe, reveals the crucial interaction of possibility and constraint. Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr, one of the first editors of France’s oldest national newspaper, Le Figaro, put it well in 1849: “The more things change, the more they stay the same.”
Human beings are capable of great good and monstrous evil. We always have been and always will be. Still, the conditions of our birth, the substance of our intellectual and moral education, and the institutions and incentive structures within which we live our lives can all influence the choices we make — and their consequences for ourselves and others.
Our political arrangements, in particular, can help align our common interests with the individual pursuit of happiness. History shows, I would submit, that free societies do it better than autocracies. Free economies combat poverty and promote abundance more effectively than command economies.
When I write about the history of North Carolina politics and government, then, I aspire not just to inform or entertain but to help readers see recurring patterns and how our institutions have evolved in response to them. At the national level, the Freedom Conservatism project I co-founded seeks to apply the timeless principles of the American Founding to current controversies. FreeCons reject the platforms of both the progressive Left and populist Right because their supposedly “new” ideas are merely iterations of old collectivist ideas that time has already tested — and found wanting.
History isn’t a handcuff. It’s a compass. To quote one more sage, the British thinker Edmund Burke, “a disposition to preserve and an ability to improve, taken together, would be my standard of a statesman.” By shining a light on North Carolina’s past, I hope to brighten North Carolina’s future.

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

A new show at the Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County is offering a deeply personal reflection on vulnerability, strength, and transformation.
Artist Natalia Perez-Lozano created Where the Wild Becomes Divine, a body of work that explores the emotional complexities of the human experience. Feminine figures, symbolic elements, and bold compositions speak to themes of instinct, identity, and inner transformation.
The gallery invites visitors not just to view the art, but to feel it, question it, and reflect on their own stories in response.
“When people visit my show, I hope they see more than just the technical skill,” Perez-Lozano explains. “I want them to feel the meaning behind each painting. I hope they notice the composition, the symbolism, and begin to question the creative process behind the work.”
The gallery series is deeply personal to Perez-Lozano. She knows that art often reflects something unconscious that comes through her brush, but she hopes the themes are universal. She hopes to express clearly what she is thinking and feeling through her visual medium, but hopes visitors can bring in their own experiences.
The exhibition is a result of the Southeastern Artist in Residence program’s mission: to support mid-career artists by giving them time, space, and resources to focus on their craft. Perez-Lozano reflects on her six-month tenure at the Arts Council while preparing the final showcase.
“This experience taught me the value of consistency, talent, and staying curious. I gained confidence—not just in my themes, but in my ability to focus. That directly improved my technique. I feel like this exhibition reflects my growth as an artist in every way.”
In many ways, the gallery became a space for mutual discovery. Perez-Lozano found that the workshops and open studio hours she led as part of her residency shaped her work.
“Being able to talk about art with other artists and visitors, especially when kids came through on tours or when someone was genuinely interested in my painting and asked questions, was such a meaningful experience. Just being there, having those conversations, and seeing people connect with the work made the whole process feel alive and reciprocal. It wasn’t just about showing my art, it was about sharing something that sparked reflection and inspiration.”
It’s this engagement with the community that invigorated her process and shows in the gallery show.
The Arts Council’s SEAR program provided the framework for success culminating in the gallery show that brings the work to life. “I’d love for people to reflect on the complexity of human emotion, instinct, and transformation. I hope viewers see a part of themselves in the work, while also connecting to something bigger and more human.”
Where the Wild Things Become Divine will be on display Aug. 1 through 29. The opening reception will be held Aug. 1, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Arts Council building, 301 Hay Street.

(Photo: Lady Natalia Perez-Lozano works on a piece at the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County. Photo courtesy of the Arts Council)

“In the middle of a dark September night in 1711 in Carolina, John Lawson found himself captive, tied up and flung in the center of the council ring of the Tuscarora Indian town of Catechna,” writes Scott Huler on the opening page of his book, A Delicious Country: Rediscovering the Carolinas along the Route of John Lawson’s 1700 Expedition, published by UNC Press.
Lawson did not survive. Tradition says he was tortured to death, with wooden splinters pushed into his skin and set afire. On earlier visits to Tuscarora villages, Lawson had witnessed and described this type of torture.
Who was this Lawson, and why did the Tuscarora put him to death?
In 1700, English-born John Lawson was a newcomer to North America. Almost immediately upon arriving, he set out on foot from Charleston to explore the endless forests of backcountry Carolinas. The notes he took became the basis of a book, A New Voyage to Carolina, first published in 1709 and still a classic for its rich descriptions of flora and fauna and the conditions of the native peoples.
Like most other readers of Lawson, Huler is impressed with his descriptions and attitudes about the native populations. Lawson visited the Sewee, Santee, Sugeree, Wateree, Catawba, Waxhaw, Occaneechi, and Tuscarora. Huler writes, “He stayed in their wigwams, ate their food, trusted their guides. And he emerged with their stories, for some of which he is the only source in the world.”
Lawson, Huler continues, “documented native communities, buildings, agriculture, hunting, dance, trade, and culture through eyes clear, thorough, and respectful. Lawson depicts the natives as fully human—not some subspecies perceived only in comparison to European settlers.”
Lawson’s words were, “They are really better to us than we are to them.”
But Lawson found the native populations to be in a precarious situation.
“The Small-Pox and Rum have made such a Destruction amongst them, that, on good grounds, I do believe, there is not the sixth Savage living within two hundred Miles of all our Settlements, as there were fifty Years ago.”
For Lawson, his explorations and the reports about them opened the door to prominence and high positions in the young colony. That success came to a sudden end in 1711 when he was captured and executed by the Tuscarora whom he had so greatly admired and praised.
Why did they kill him?
UNC-Wilmington professor David La Vere’s The Tuscarora War: Indians, Settlers, and the Fight for the Carolina Colonies sets out in detail the background. The Tuscarora War began in 1711 with Lawson’s execution and a series of attacks by the Tuscarora on the thinly populated and mostly recently arrived settlers in the New Bern area.
Earlier, in the late 1600s and early 1700s, North Carolina was only sparsely settled, mainly by Virginians moving south into the lands around the Albemarle Sound. They encountered small groups of Native Americans and were generally able to subdue them.
However, to the south and west, the mighty Tuscarora strongholds stood as a barrier.
Meanwhile, Lawson’s glowing descriptions about his travels in the colony sparked the interest of the Lords Proprietors, who were looking for ways to encourage settlement. Lawson met a minor Swiss noble, Christopher de Graffenried, who worked out a plan with the Lords Proprietors to transport groups of German refugees and Swiss paupers to lands along the Neuse River near today’s New Bern.
These lands overlapped with the territories of the Tuscarora, who became increasingly threatened by the growing European presence.
La Vere writes that after overcoming odds, “De Graffenried’s colony of Swiss and German Palatines at the mouth of the Neuse River was thriving.” Therefore, he continues, “expansion up the Neuse seemed a real possibility.”
Lawson and Graffenried made a trip up the Neuse through Tuscarora lands to scout sites for future settlements.
“All the while, the Indians grew more worried and angrier as the abuses against them escalated and their complaints fell on deaf ears. The spark for the war came in mid-September 1711,” according to La Vere, with this trip up the Neuse.
The local Tuscarora king or chief, offended and threatened that his territory had been invaded, captured Lawson and Graffenried, and put them on trial for their lives. When one of the more radical leaders berated him, Lawson lost his temper.
“He argued back, his anger and sarcasm apparent to all.”
Lawson, of course, was doomed and was shortly executed. Graffenried remained in custody while the Tuscarora planned and carried out their first attacks on Sept. 22, 1711, appearing at first as friendly visitors to the settlers’ farms and then striking suddenly from ambush when the defenses were down.
North Carolina’s efforts to beat back the Tuscarora were unsuccessful. The colony did not have enough manpower, firepower, or money. Help finally came from the wealthy sister colony to the south.
South Carolina sent two expeditions (including hundreds of Native Americans in their forces) to relieve its northern neighbor. South Carolina’s involvement wiped out the Tuscarora at their stronghold at Neoheroka, near present-day Snow Hill in Greene County, opening the door to settlement in the interior of North Carolina.
What explains why South Carolina so enthusiastically aided its neighbor and how the South Carolina Native Americans were persuaded to provide the critical manpower?
“Above all,” La Vere wrote, “it was a chance to enrich oneself by looting the Tuscarora towns and taking slaves, which they could sell to waiting South Carolina traders for guns and merchandise.”
This sad footnote to North Carolina’s early history shows that the colonists secured their victory in the Tuscarora War only by facilitating and participating in the enslavement and sale of captured Tuscarora.

For it is giving that we receive.
—St. Francis of Assisi

The Sons of the Savior Motorcycle Ministry of Fayetteville is hosting the Christmas in July Toy Run to benefit the Salvation Army of Fayetteville Angel Tree Program and Fayetteville Urban Ministries on Aug. 2, 2025. The event will be held at Fort Bragg Harley-Davidson from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Coffee and donuts will be available upon registration at 9:30 a.m. At 11 a.m., it will be time for “kickstands up;” an escorted ride to the Salvation Army of Fayetteville will commence, ending with hamburgers and hot dogs. The registration fee is $10, and a new, unwrapped toy is required for all riders. The sponsors for this event are Sons of the Savior MM Exodus Chapter, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and Fort Bragg Harley-Davidson. For more information, contact email sonsofthesavior.fayetteville.nc@gmail.com
Scott Justus, Robert House, Gary Benfield and Roy Shelson founded the Sons of the Savior MM in March 2014. The gentlemen knew the need for a brotherhood and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but more importantly, put their faith into action.
“We like to say we are a ministry with a riding habit. We thank the Salvation Army for their leadership and shared vision,” they said.
The founders have diverse backgrounds ranging from drug abuse to being a first responder, a business owner and a professional wrestler. The Sons of the Savior MM has various chapters of the motorcycle ministries, such as Genesis, Exodus, Dauntless, Legacy, and Agape. Two new motorcycle ministries are opening in Topeka, Kansas, and Austin, Texas.
The statement of purpose of the Sons of the Savior MM Exodus Chapter is to go into the world and preach the gospel.
“I have experienced a lifelong association with the Salvation Army, beginning at birth as the child of officers, who served as ordained ministers. I have consistently attended the Salvation Army church and supported its mission throughout my life. My life-long commitment is serving individuals in need without discrimination,” said Norman Zanders, president, Sons of the Savior MM Exodus Chapter. “I have served in the capacity of Emergency Disaster and Volunteer Coordinator at the Salvation Army for the past five years. One of my responsibilities consisted of participating in the Angel Tree program during Christmas time. It is vital to ensure that children in need receive gifts through the generosity of community donors and volunteers.”
The group aims to offer companionship and assistance to bikers as well as others encountered during the rides and gatherings, regardless of individual backgrounds or beliefs. The focus seeks to share encouragement, support during times of need, difficulty, bereavement, happiness, and celebration. Membership is open to motorcycle riders and people who drive automobiles.
“Every year, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office conducts 'Shop with A Sheriff' Christmas in July toy drive. The Toy Drive is usually the last week in July at the various Walmart stores in Cumberland County. The donations are divided between the Salvation Army and Fayetteville Urban Ministries,” Zanders said. “This year, Sons of the Savior asked if we could partner with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office to conduct a Christmas in July Toy Run to wrap up their ‘Shop with the Sheriff’ event. The answer was a resounding yes. The event on Aug. 2, will feature coffee, donuts, Christmas music, and Salvation Army mascot, Captain Kettle. The community style picnic serving hamburgers and hot dogs will be located at the Salvation Army Shelter, 245 Alexander Street.”
Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day, states Sally Koch. Share a small opportunity and purchase a new, unwrapped toy for the Christmas in July Toy Run.

Fayetteville is about to experience a whole new level of fun with the arrival of Group Therapy Pub & Playground. Known for transforming ordinary days into extraordinary adventures, this eatertainment venue is set to become the go-to spot for social games, creative cocktails, and unforgettable memories.
Located at 1906 Skibo Rd, the grand opening on July 12 was a smashing success, featuring games, drinks, karaoke, and live music from Rivermist. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as Fayetteville welcomed this unique blend of entertainment.
Attendees can look to sink putts with friends, throw axes with coworkers, or sip cocktails during karaoke. Group Therapy offers a variety of activities to suit every taste. Each visit promises a new adventure, making it the perfect destination for both casual outings and special occasions.
Guests can look forward to signature weekly events, wild parties, and private event options that cater to everything from birthdays to corporate outings. Group Therapy is designed to bring people together in a playful, welcoming, and fun environment.
The Fayetteville location boasts a plethora of exciting features, including:
•18 holes of nostalgic over-the-top mini golf
• Digital darts, axe throwing, and duckpin bowling
• An interactive multi-sports simulator
• A 36-tap self-serve beer wall
• A covered outdoor playground for kids
• A massive LED screen for game days, outdoor events, watch parties, and more
• Party & event spaces for birthdays, team building, and all your favorite celebrations
They are open Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. After 8 p.m. is for 18 years and older only.
Group Therapy is more than just a bar or a typical arcade. It’s an experience. The venue combines a variety of social games, a full food and cocktail menu, and a high-energy atmosphere to create a place where fun is the primary focus.
Founded in 2022 in Greenville, SC, the brand has quickly become known for making fun more social. The Fayetteville location is the first step in an exciting expansion across the Southeast, bringing the same community energy that made the flagship location in Greenville a hit.
Group Therapy Pub & Playground is all set to redefine entertainment in Fayetteville. With its unique blend of games, drinks, and good times, it promises to be the ultimate spot for play, connection, and creating great memories.
Gather friends, family, or coworkers and get ready to experience a new way to play, party, and repeat. Group Therapy is here to make every visit an adventure you won’t forget.
For more information on Group Therapy, visit their website at https://www.grouptherapy.fun/

(Photo courtesy of Group Therapy Pub & Playground's Facebook page)

Flooding can result in extensive and expensive damage. The Pew Charitable Trusts indicate that at least one flood event has occurred on nearly 300 days per year each year since 2000 in the United States.
That's almost a flood a day. Statista reports there were 170 flood disaster events recorded worldwide in 2023. The Center for Disaster Philanthropy indicates there have been 44 floods in the U.S. between 1980 to October 2024, with each resulting in more than a billion dollars in damage.
Considering how catastrophic floods can be, people may wonder what contributes to these events and if there is anything they can do to prevent them. An understanding of flooding can help anyone respond more effectively should a flood occur.
What is a flood?
Flooding occurs when an overflow of water finds its way onto land that is normally dry, says the National Severe Storms Laboratory of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Damaging floods may occur with only a few inches of water, or flooding may be so severe, it can cover a house to the rooftop.
The NOAA says floods are the most common and widespread of all weather-related natural disasters.
What causes floods?
Many different situations can cause flooding. The main types are:
• Melting snow and ice
• Dams or levees breaking
• Storm surges, resulting in ocean waves coming ashore
• Heavy rainfall
• Geography, such as locations that are near rivers
How does urbanization impact flooding?
As land is increasingly converted from fields and woodlands to developed areas, it loses the ability to absorb rainfall, according to officials with the city of Brownsville, Texas. Urbanization can increase runoff two to six times over what would occur on natural terrain.
Urban areas are at higher risk for floods because rooftops divert rain to the ground below, which is comprised of cement and paved surfaces that prevent the ground from absorbing rain.
What is a flash flood?
Some flooding can be anticipated, but flash floods often happen with little to no warning, says the NOAA. They occur when there is more rain than the soil can absorb. This extra water quickly flows into rivers and creeks and can overwhelm storm drains.
Flash floods can be the most dangerous kind of floods because they feature fast-moving flood waters. Flash flooding can affect an area within minutes. Densely populated areas are often at the highest risk for flash floods because these urban areas cannot absorb the rain and water runoff effectively.
What can I do in the event of a flood?
People can take certain precautions if flood conditions are anticipated.
• Listen to local media for flood watches and warnings.
• Know the evacuation zone and route, and evacuate if prompted.
• Have a 'grab bag' ready with essential items.
• Seek higher ground, which could be the highest floor of the home.
• Do not drive, walk or try to swim through floodwaters. Even shallow moving water can sweep a person away.
• Water can conduct electricity, so stay away from downed electrical wires.
• Use a stick to check the depth first if you must walk in flood water.
• Turn off and disconnect appliances and utilities, if advised.
• Remain away from damaged areas until officials have officially cleared them for return.
• Consider purchasing flood insurance as homeowner's insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage.
Staying alert, prepared and safe during floods is vital.

(Photo: Spectators watch as Cross Creek floods in Fayetteville in 2018. Photo courtesy of Flickr)

On a quiet corner of South Blount Street in Fayetteville, a house whispers stories of elegance and resilience. Built in 1902, the E.E. Smith House captures the beauty of the Queen Anne architectural style and sits proudly in a historically Black neighborhood, a community that carries a unique and rich history.
The house began its journey with a modest investment—just $100. Dr. Ezekiel Ezra Smith and his wife bought the lots, unknowingly laying the foundation for a building that would one day become a historical icon. Its walls and structure don’t just embody artistic grace but are steeped in history, holding memories of times both challenging and triumphant.
Dr. Ezekiel Ezra Smith is a name synonymous with transformation in North Carolina. He didn’t just live; he led. For over forty years, he worked as principal and eventually president of the North Carolina State Colored Normal School, which would evolve into Fayetteville State University. His leadership, vision, and unrelenting commitment to education profoundly shaped the opportunities for African Americans in the region, giving hope and direction to countless lives.
But Dr. Smith’s impact didn’t stop at education. Representing his country on an international stage, he became the U.S. Ambassador to Liberia, embodying grace and diplomacy in his global contributions. Back home, he also participated in the Spanish-American War, further showcasing his extraordinary breadth of service and dedication to his nation.
Though the E.E. Smith House was only his family's home for a brief period, it remained a part of their legacy for decades as a rental property, still radiating the values of the man whose name it bears. Today, the residence stands as a preserved historical landmark on the National Register of Historic Places, telling stories of Dr. Smith's unwavering dedication to his community, country, and beyond.
The Fayetteville History Museum is offering a rare chance to connect with this extraordinary legacy. On Aug. 2, from noon to 2 p.m., come to Blount St. for an open house at the E.E. Smith House. Learn about the life and enduring impact of this visionary leader while exploring the home that stands as a testament to his contributions. The event is free, but space is limited. Secure a spot today by calling 910-433-1457. Let history come alive in a setting that truly inspires.

(Photo by Aly Hansen)

Experience the magic of live music this season with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra's exciting lineup of community concerts for 2025-2026.
Kick Off the Season with Nosferatu Movie Night
The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra is set to kick off the new season of Community Concerts with its annual Nosferatu Movie Night at Dirtbag Ales on Saturday, Oct. 25. This unique event combines the eerie charm of the silent 1922 classic, Nosferatu, with a live performance by a small ensemble from the orchestra.
Enjoy a spooky evening with friends and family as you experience the haunting music that brings this silent film to life. It’s an event that promises chills, thrills, and a memorable night under the stars.
Celebrate the Holidays with Handel’s Messiah
Ring in the holiday season with the timeless tradition of Handel's Messiah, performed in collaboration with Cumberland Choral Arts. This highly anticipated concert is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 13, at Huff Concert Hall at Methodist University. The event is generously supported by the Ralph and Linda Huff Endowment for Messiah.
This free concert has become a beloved holiday tradition, offering a magnificent blend of voices and orchestral music that celebrates the spirit of the season. Due to its popularity, reservations are required.
Side by Side Concert: A Unique Musical Collaboration
Sunday, March 15, 2026, the Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra performs alongside the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra’s world-class musicians at Huff Concert Hall at Methodist University. This Side by Side Concert is a unique opportunity for young musicians to gain invaluable experience and for audiences to witness the next generation of musical talent.
To attend the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra's community concerts, make sure to check their website for ticketing information and reservation details at https://www.fayettevillesymphony.org/2025-2026-family-community-concerts/.
Symphony on Tap
Experience classical music like never before with Symphony on Tap, transforming Fayetteville's local hangouts into vibrant concert venues.
Symphony on Tap is revolutionizing the way the community experiences classical music. By moving performances out of traditional concert halls and into bars, restaurants, and other event venues, this innovative series offers a fresh and contemporary twist on classical music. The program aims to break the conventional boundaries and make classical music accessible to a wider audience.
This approach creates a unique atmosphere where attendees can enjoy high-quality music in a relaxed and familiar setting. The combination of classical music with modern venues helps to demystify the genre and attract a diverse crowd of music lovers.
Symphony on Tap events are more than just concerts; they are social experiences that blend the beauty of classical music with the casual vibe of local hangouts. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or someone looking for a unique night out, these events are designed to be welcoming to all.
Attendees can expect an evening filled with exceptional music, good company, and the comfort of their favorite local spots. The informal setting encourages socializing and creates an inviting atmosphere, making it a perfect opportunity to discover or rediscover the magic of classical music.
Kickstarting the Season: Jazz Quartet at James Creek Cider House
The Symphony on Tap season kicks off with an exciting performance by the Jazz Quartet at James Creek Cider House on Sept. 13. This event promises to be an unforgettable evening, blending the smooth sounds of jazz with the cozy ambiance of the cider house.
Enjoy a refreshing drink, soak in the melodies and let the music transport you to a world of relaxation and enjoyment. This event sets the tone for the season, offering a taste of what Symphony on Tap has in store.
Socialize with fellow music lovers or simply sit back and let the tunes wash over you. These events are designed to be flexible and enjoyable. The combination of great music and a laid-back environment makes for a memorable evening out.
To keep up with the latest updates on the Symphony on Tap series, be sure to follow the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FaySymphony/#. Their page provides the most current information on event dates, times, and any new additions.

(Photo: FSO Jazz Quartet at a Fayetteville on Tap event. Photo courtesy of Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra)

The Gilbert Theater is a downtown staple that has brought the community together to laugh, cry, and think, performing everything from Broadway hits to talent not yet to reach its fullest potential. Every season is an experience curated by the theater's artistic director.
The 2025-2026 season is packed with familiar favorites and lesser-known gems. Matt Lamb, the newly appointed AD of the Gilbert, has meticulously chosen a lineup of shows that will bring the best and brightest onto the stage and the community and beyond to the seats.
“When choosing this Mainstage Season, I wanted to bring a wide variety of shows that will bring out the best the Gilbert Theater can offer. Each show brings its own challenges and topics of discussion. I want to bring our community together to experience these stories in this beautiful, intimate space,” Lamb said.
Cabaret(Sept. 12-28)
Watch the lives of locals and expats of Berlin unfold on stage as the Third Reich slowly takes hold of the country and city. Offering an escape from the ever-growing spread of fascist ideology, the Cabaret promises they’ll forget their troubles.
A Christmas Story (Nov. 21- Dec. 7)
Hitting the stage for another round during the holiday season, this fan favorite and always entertaining and nostalgic stage play is based on the 1983 film that still hits the airwaves every Christmas. Follow Ralphie, a 9-year-old growing up in the 1940s, as he attempts to acquire the coveted Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas.
The Revolutionists (Jan. 30- Feb. 15)
Jump back in time and across the sea for a fantastical comedic tale that hits close to home. It’s a true story. Or total fiction. Or a play about a play. Or a raucous resurrection…that ends in a song and a scaffold.
Join four diverse and extraordinarily powerful women: playwright Olympe de Gouges, assassin Charlotte Corday, former queen Marie Antoinette, and Haitian rebel Marianne Angelle as they hang out, murder Marat, and try to beat back the extremist insanity in 1793 Paris.
On Golden Pond(March 20- April 5)
A feel-good multigenerational tale of a retired couple, who have found their rhythm in their differences, are thrust into the roles of new “grandparents” to an already-teenager. Laugh, cry, and learn a little teenage slang in this stageplay about love and embracing the time that we have together.
Rent (May 15-31)
For twenty-eight years, this beloved musical has been produced all over the country, and this year it’s coming to the Gilbert. A timeless tale about falling in love, finding your voice, and living for today, Rent is a year-long glimpse into the lives of the impoverished residents of an East Village building.
The young artists and musicians are navigating life and fighting for survival in the Lower East Side under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. Explore the complex emotions and actions that make us the humans we are, the ones we strive to be, even in the face of adversity.
The Gilbert Theater provides an intimate experience for patrons. Every performance is the culmination of hard work and passion for creating the best show for audiences, from the directors and actors to the lighting and sound staff.
Tickets for individual shows can be purchased at https://www.gilberttheater.com/our-2025-2026-season/. Season tickets can be purchased at https://www.gilberttheater.com/season-tickets/ and start at $120.

(Actors perform on the Gilbert Stage. Photo courtesy of Gilbert Theater's Facebook Page)

Get ready for a musical journey like no other with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra's thrilling 2025-2026 season!
A Blast from the Past: Total Eclipse of the Chart: Music of the '80s
The season kicks off with Total Eclipse of the Chart: Music of the '80s on Saturday, Sept. 20. This concert promises to be a nostalgic journey back to the '80s, featuring music from icons like Lionel Richie, Tina Turner, and the Eurythmics. Held at Seabrook Auditorium at FSU, this event will be a collaboration with the world-class vocalists who brought the community 'Music of the Knights!' It's a must-see for fans of entertaining presenters and popular tunes.
Global Harmonies: Jubilate Deo
Next up is Jubilate Deo on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the First Presbyterian Church. This concert will take attendees on a global journey through Dan Forrest’s beloved work, Jubilate Deo. Partnering with the First Presbyterian Church Choir, the FSO will explore joy and praise in a unique musical style influenced by multicultural music practices. This performance is perfect for those who appreciate powerful voices and energetic orchestras.
Sip and Savor: Bach's Coffee Cantata
On Saturday, Nov. 22, the FSO presents Coffee Cantata, a chamber concert featuring Bach’s comedic piece for voice and strings. This performance, held at Arts XL at 214 Burgess St., tells the humorous story of a girl and her father arguing over love, life, and caffeine. Enjoy the immersive environment with coffee and pastries. Fans of small ensembles and musical storytelling will especially love this program.
Celebrating American Music: The Road to America 250
Celebrate the rich musical history of the U.S. with The Road to America 250 on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. In anticipation of the 250th anniversary of our country’s founding, this chamber concert at St. John’s Episcopal Church will feature music by American composers. It’s an ideal concert for those who enjoy small ensembles, intimate venues, and music history.
A Night on the Town
Experience the rush of city life with A Night on the Town on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at Seabrook Auditorium at FSU. Award-winning bassist Kebra-Seyoun Charles will perform their original bass concerto, Night Life, alongside a gospel choir. Fans of genre-blending music will love this unique performance.
John Williams' Legacy
The season concludes with John Williams and His Influences on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Huff Concert Hall at Methodist University. This concert will feature music from John Williams’s iconic film scores alongside classical pieces that inspired them. It’s a perfect event for those who love music that evokes character and tells a story.
Season tickets or Compose Your Own subscriptions are available to purchase, as well as single show tickets. Purchase online at https://www.fayettevillesymphony.org/2025-2026-season/ For more information about FSO's Community Concerts and Symphony on Tap, read more on page 14.

(Photo: The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra reflects after a concert. Photo courtesy of FSO's Facebook page)

The 2025-26 Season at Cape Fear Regional Theatre is sure to be exciting, filled with shows that will be familiar to some audience members and new to others. The theatre will continue to welcome audiences to the temporary location at 1707 Owen Drive as their home on Hay Street undergoes major renovation.
No matter where they are, artistic director Mary Catherine Burke and the team at CFRT work to present high-quality productions, featuring a combination of local and “out-of-town” talent.
The theatre is kicking off its 2025-26 season with the Up & Coming Weekly sponsored musical 9 to 5 The Musical. This live musical reimagining of the 1980 film features music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, who starred in the original movie. The show tells the story of three women who have had enough of their boss’s bad behavior and plot to get revenge and change the culture of their office in the process. The show is high-energy, funny, and relatable.
Following the season opener, the CFRT stage will transform into Skid Row with the show Little Shop of Horrors. Audiences may be familiar with the film from 1986, but even if they’ve never seen it, all are sure to love the story of Seymour, Audrey, and Audrey II, the giant carnivorous plant who arrives after a “total eclipse of the sun.”
As the title implies, the musical is a unique mix of horror story and musical comedy, with funny, high-energy musical numbers.
The holiday season in Fayetteville would not be complete without the Herdman kids terrorizing the town and almost ruining the local church’s annual Christmas pageant in the 35th annual production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
Showcasing some of our community’s younger performers, the production features four different casts of kids, totaling over 100 school-aged actors. It’s not just a kids’ show, though; the funny, tender story is sure to be a blast for kids of all ages, the young and the young-at-heart.
The new year will have us “All in this Together” as CFRT presents the Disney classic High School Musical. The stage adaptation of the beloved 2006 film includes all the favorite songs and characters from the film, telling the story of Troy and Gabriella as they navigate the complex social structure and pressures of high school, all while putting together the annual high school musical.
Fun for all ages, this show will be sure to fill the seats at CFRT!
In March, the theatre will travel a bit farther back in time to tell the story of Driving Miss Daisy. Another adaptation of a beloved film, the play tells the story of Daisy Werthan, an elderly lady who is loath to give up her freedom when her son insists she stop driving and employ a chauffeur. An unlikely friendship blossoms between Daisy and Hoke Coleburn over a span of 25 years.
The final show in the line-up is Crowns, a gospel musical. The show is described as “a moving and celebratory musical play in which hats become a springboard for an exploration of Black history and identity” (broadwaylicensing.com). The show tells the story of Yolanda, a young black woman who moves from Brooklyn to South Carolina and discovers the social and historical significance of hats. While there is some rap included, the show largely uses Gospel music to explore this unique but significant aspect of the culture.
Season tickets are available for purchase by going to cfrt.org or calling the box office at 910-323-4233.

(Photo: CFRT's production of Once on This Island closes out the 2024-25 season. Photo courtesy of CFRT Facebook page)

A pedal-powered pub experience is making its way from larger cities like Wilmington, Raleigh and Charlotte, to Fayetteville. Business partners Darnisha James and Kevin Walker are set on “giving the community something unique to do,” and say that a trolley pub is just the kind of "exhilarating" evening downtown that Fayetteville residents need.
James first experienced a trolley pub in her hometown of Detroit, and after returning to Fayetteville, pitched the idea to her nephew, Walker. She and Walker have been business partners for 10 years, operating both RDL Therapeutic Adult Day Center and RDL Therapeutic Outpatient Therapy together. Walker says they share an entrepreneurial spirit, making a third business venture a natural fit. They researched options and landed on the Trolley Pub franchise headquartered in Raleigh.
Their Trolley Pub Fayetteville trial run on June 28 proved that the concept turned heads and even had community members chasing the trolley down the street, recording videos and asking if they could board. Walker says the percentage of people who are already familiar with the concept versus those unfamiliar is approximately 50/50, but the responses are unanimously excited and enthusiastic.
“It’s just a lot of fun,” Walker shared, “by the end of the evening, everyone is best friends.”
With 14 cycle stations and a driver, the trolley is powered 100% by its passengers, who start the evening with a complimentary drink and pedal their way through downtown, intermittently stopping at the area's best pubs and then rolling on.
It’s a combination of sensory experiences that Walker says are “totally unfamiliar to your psyche.” Music blaring, the open-air feel, and the physical activity required to propel the trolley forward make the experience unlike any other. For those concerned about the physical exertion, trollypub.com replies that they’ve seen senior groups take on the trolley with no trouble.
While a public tour offers a new way to experience downtown Fayetteville, the Trolley Pub can also be booked for private tours ranging from casual to formal events. From birthdays to graduations and bachelor/bachelorette parties to corporate team building, the pub promises an “unforgettable” way to celebrate or connect with friends old and new.
With the built-in Bluetooth sound system, private groups can set the tone by curating their own playlists, making the experience uniquely customizable. The minimum age for a private tour is 15, and the minimum age for public tours is 21.
Trolley Pub drivers are trained to “read the vibe” of the group, determining which and how many stops to make throughout the evening. Most groups opt for 2 stops, staying 15-20 min at each location, according to trolleypub.com/fayetteville/. They don’t require choices to be locked in before the tour, saying that “flexibility is part of the fun!” Route maps and potential destinations can be explored on their website.
Walker says they’re “looking forward to connecting” with the community as the Trolley Pub moves towards its grand opening. Stay informed by following Trolley Pub Fayetteville’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

(The Trolley Pub in Fayetteville offers a new experience for those looking to bar hop in a different way. Photo by Khalleef Harewood)

On Thursday, Aug. 14, hundreds of volunteers will gather at 1960 Coliseum Drive, Suite 107 for one of Cumberland County’s most impactful community service initiatives: the Annual Meal Packing Event presented by Cape Fear Valley Health, in collaboration with United Way of Cumberland County. Running from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., this massive two-hour push is designed to provide 70,000 shelf-stable meals to local food pantries and organizations that support families struggling with food insecurity. Doors open at 10:30 a.m., and by the time noon strikes, lives will already be touched by the thousands of meal packets prepared during what’s become a signature community moment.
“This event stays 100% local,” said Toni Wildhaber, director of development at United Way of Cumberland County. “Every meal packed goes to our Cumberland County partners, which include organizations like Alms House, Fayetteville Urban Ministry, Catholic Charities, Operation Blessing, and more.”
Last year, 400 volunteers packed 70,000 meals in just over 30 minutes. That momentum is expected to carry forward in 2025 with volunteers from every corner of the city, including business leaders, civic groups, school teams, and individual residents who want to make a difference during their lunch break.
“Our volunteer count is already over 500 this year,” Wildhaber said. “We originally capped registration at 400, but we’ve had such an outpouring of support that we’ve expanded our slots. It’s a testament to how deeply this community cares.”
Planning an event of this scale doesn’t happen overnight. According to Wildhaber, logistical planning begins immediately after United Way wraps its April ‘Over the Edge’ fundraiser. The Crown Complex is reserved a year in advance as the official site of the packing day, offering space, parking, and accessibility for the hundreds expected to attend. An events committee, comprised of representatives from local businesses and organizations, meets monthly starting in May to coordinate sponsorships, logistics, volunteer assignments, and food distribution plans.
On Aug. 13, the day before the event, a crew of over 70 volunteers, including the FTCC softball and baseball teams, American Legion, Dirtbag Ales, and Cumberland County’s Aging for Older Adults Program, will assemble tables and organize supplies for the next day’s effort. The packing process itself is a well-oiled machine. Runners, approximately 68 strong, will transport packed meals to distribution areas where representatives from food pantries will collect them.
“There’s something powerful about watching those trucks roll out full of meals you just helped pack,” Wildhaber said. “It brings the impact full circle.”
The event runs entirely on community support and sponsorships.
“We receive no federal funding,” Wildhaber explained. “Everything we do is made possible by our incredible local donors and businesses who believe in our mission to improve the quality of life in Cumberland County.”
The 2025 event boasts a strong lineup of partners:
• Cape Fear Valley Health – Presenting Sponsor
• Yellow Crayons – In-kind T-shirt Sponsor
• Crown Complex – Venue Sponsor
• Don Chase from KML Radio – Emcee
Additional sponsors include Fleet Feet, Omni Military Loans, Southern Carpet Sales, Home Security, Piedmont Natural Gas, Dogwood Bank, Metronet, and I Know A Guy Contracting, among others.
Volunteers will represent over 40 businesses and organizations, such as Fayetteville Technical Community College, Bank of America, Walmart Distribution Center, Eaton, the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, the City of Fayetteville, Delta Sigma Phi, and Greater Life of Fayetteville.
While the event centers on packing food, it’s also about building community.
“It’s an opportunity for volunteers to physically do something that leaves an immediate and tangible impact,” Wildhaber said. “And it’s a lot of fun.”
United Way’s broader mission to improve lives by addressing critical human needs is at the heart of this initiative.
“We want volunteers to walk away knowing they’re helping their neighbors,” she said. “They’re supporting single parents, seniors, veterans, real people living right here in Cumberland County.”
In addition to meal packing, attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable canned goods to contribute to a food drive benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank. Collection bins will be available on site. The Annual Meal Packing Event is a chance to give back in a big way through volunteering, sponsoring, or simply cheering from the sidelines.
“This is what community looks like,” Wildhaber said. “It’s people coming together to lift each other up, and that’s something we can all be proud of.”
For more information, contact Toni Wildhaber at 910-483-1179 ext. 225 or ToniWildhaber@unitedway-cc.org.

(Photo: A team member with PWC participates in a meal packing event with United Way. This year, Cape Fear Valley Health is partnering with United Way of Cumberland County to help pack 70,000 meals for those who may need them in the community. Photo courtesy of United Way of Cumberland County)

Fayetteville and other municipalities within Cumberland County will have some competition this upcoming election season with numerous candidates for mayor and board seats and we will be watching these races carefully including hosting a Candidates Forum on Oct. 14 for the Fayetteville Mayor and City Council. Keep an eye out too for a Greater Fayetteville Chamber candidates guide coming soon!
The Fayetteville Primary election will be held on Oct. 7 and the full election including all municipalities and the Cumberland-Eastern Sanitation District will be Nov. 4.
Cumberland County Board of Elections Candidates
For City of Fayetteville Mayor, there are ten candidates including:
John Ashford, Courtney Banks-McLaughlin, Mario (Be) Benavente, Mitch Colvin, Freddie de la Cruz, Kathy Keefe Jensen, Clifton L. Johnson, Nahlee Iris Smith, Tisha S. Waddell and Paul A. Williams.
Colvin, who is serving his fourth term, announced in June that he was stepping down from public office. However, he signed up to run again for mayor on the last day of candidate filing at the Cumberland County Board of Elections.
Banks-McLaughlin, Benavente and Jensen are all currently serving on the City Council. Waddell and Williams have served on the City Council previously.
The following candidates are running for the individual City of Fayetteville districts:
• District 1 - Jamie Davis, Stephon Ferguson, James L. Thomas III and Theodore Melkoumov
• District 2 - Malik Davis (i), Gail Morfesis and Joseph (Joey) Thames
• District 3 - Antonio Jones, Jeremy Wright
• District 4 - Stuart A. Collick, D.J. Haire (i)
District 5 - Lynne Bissette Greene (i), Rick Murillo
• District 6 - Derrick Thompson (i), Kenneth E. Odegard II
• District 7 - Dwight France, J’Kwan Fulmore, Kathy A. Greggs, Brenda McNair (i) and Khalil Younger
• District 8 - Rodney E. Garvin, Mahmoud A. (Travis) Hamed, Shaun McMillan and Robbie Poole
• District 9 - Deno Hondros (i), Gary A. Hunt, Joe McGee
In Hope Mills, there are two mayoral candidates including Jessie Bellflowers (i) and Todd Henderson and ten candidates running for five commissioner seats: Elyse Craver (i), Cynthia Hamilton, Mark Hess, Bryan A. Marley (i), Grilley J. Mitchell, Hope Page, Karen Smith Saracen, Joanne Scarola (i), Ronald Sterling and Lisa F. Tremmel.
In Spring Lake, there are two mayoral candidates including Kia Anthony and Robyn Chadwick. Anthony is seeking her third term and Chadwick, who has also served as Mayor Pro Tem, is seeking her third term on the board, her first as Mayor. There are also 11 candidates running for five commissioner seats: Ryan C. Anderson, Stachia Arnold, Katrina Bell Bratcher, Tony Burgess, Sona Cooper (i), Jackie Lee Jackson, Mary C. Jackson, Dedra Parker, Tyrone Short, Fredericka Sutherland and Adrian Jones Thompson (i). Jackson and Sutherland have served previously on the board.
Hope Mills voted to implement four-year staggered terms this year and Spring Lake approved four year terms in 2024.
For the Cumberland-Eastover Sanitary District, Liz Reeser, who is currently serving as Chair, and Helen Crumpler, who is currently serving as Vice Chair, are running for another term. This board is separate from the Town of Eastover and provides water and sewer to residents.
In Eastover, Mayor Charles G. McLaurin is running for his 10th term. Bruce Sykes (i), Kimberly F. McPhail (i) and Wayne Beard, Jr. are running for three seats on the town council. Eastover has staggered terms for six seats overall on the town council.
There are two mayoral candidates in Falcon including Clifton L. Turpin, Jr. and James Danny Nelson, Jr. Running for four seats as Town of Falcon Commissioner are Sue Brigman, R. Dwayne Dunning (i), Dylan H. Ivey, Chip Lucas, Chris Stone and Philip J. Walters.
In Godwin, Willie Burnette is running unopposed for his 12th term. Four incumbents are seeking another term as Godwin Commissioners including George Cooper, Jr., Scarlet McIntyre Hall, Joseph Smith and Ronald McNeal. Newcomer Dennis C. Smith Sr. is also running for commissioner. There are four seats.
In Linden, Frances Collier is running for mayor for a fourth term. Jonathan Collier (i), Barbara C. Denning (i), Michael Hough and Ronnie S. Maness (i) are running for five commissioner seats.
In Stedman, Mayor Martin (Mardy) Jones is running for his third term as mayor. He has served as a town commissioner from 1998 to 2017. Louis Wood (i) is running for the Board of Commissioners. There are two seats available.
In Wade, Johnny Lanthorn is running for Mayor and Kevin Herring (i), Beth Ritchie (i), Johnny B. Sawyer (i), George E. Strater and Jennifer Dixon Weaver (i) are running for five commissioner seats.
To help candidates running for Fayetteville City Council prepare for office, the Greater Fayetteville Chamber will be hosting a Candidates Academy on Friday, Aug. 1. This all-day event will bring many local subject matter experts to share their knowledge on the workings of our community and government and outline what elected officials need to know about policy making in our All-America City. Topics will include writing press releases, public body protocols, differences between our government’s jurisdictional boundaries and identifying needs vs. wants as well as overviews on the downtown business district, the City’s economic outlook, crime and safety, the arts and our public utilities.
The Greater Fayetteville Chamber will also host a Candidates Forum on Tuesday, Oct. 14, which will be held at Fayetteville Technical Community College in Cumberland Hall starting at 5:30 p.m. This event offers a unique opportunity for the public to hear directly from those seeking to represent them and gain a deeper understanding of each candidate's vision and policies. It is open to the community and free of charge. Find out more at www.faybiz.com.
Cumberland County
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners has officially opened the application process to fill the Sheriff’s seat following the retirement of Ennis W. Wright, who concluded nearly three decades of distinguished public service on June 30, 2025.
In accordance with North Carolina General Statutes 162-2 and 162-5, the Board of Commissioners will appoint a qualified resident to serve the remainder of the term. Qualifications include:
• The applicant is at least 21 years of age.
• The applicant has not been convicted of a felony in any state.
• The applicant is a qualified voter in Cumberland County.
Residents who meet the legal qualifications to serve as Sheriff under NC General Statute 162-2 are invited to submit seven copies of the required application materials to the Board of Commissioners at the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse by COB August 4, 2025. The list of required materials can be found at www.cumberlandcountync.gov.
City of Fayetteville
The city's Economic and Community Development Department (ECD) has awarded $1,683,509 in competitive grants to local nonprofits as part of its 2025–26 Annual Funding Cycle. Each program year, starting in July and ending in June, focuses on priorities identified by ECD and city council. Recent priorities included homelessness, mental health, gun violence interruption and youth development.
For a full list of recipients addressing needs such as youth mentoring, homelessness prevention and opioid response, visit www.fayettevillenc.gov.
About the Greater Fayetteville Chamber
Advocacy is a cornerstone of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. Every week, the Chamber dedicates staff to attend City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County meetings as well as monitoring updates on the state and federal levels. We monitor legislation locally, statewide and federally to protect our community’s business interests. With 91% of U.S. adults recognizing a Chamber of Commerce's impact on growth, membership ensures a strong voice shaping policies, driving economic success, and building a thriving business community—together. To learn more, visit www.faybiz.com or email jmclaughlin@faybiz.com.

On July 3, United Way of Cumberland County publicized their annual Community Impact Partners for the 2025–2026 funding cycle. The announcement marked not only United Way’s $450,000 in funding allocations to 20 nonprofit programs, but long-standing and newly-budding partnerships between United Way and a host of individuals and organizations who are intent on improving the quality of life for residents of Cumberland County.
This year saw a new partner added to the list as well as a returning partner that has been with the organization 86 years. Long before such partners receive funding allocations, UWCC expends significant effort identifying needs within the community, raising funds, and educating nonprofits about the application process.
It starts with UWCC’s mission to “Improve quality of life by addressing critical human needs,” according to executive director Scott Embry. He says they envision a diverse, dynamic community where everyone shares in opportunity and responsibility—a community where neighbors help neighbors.
By functioning as an independent fundraising arm for nonprofits in the area, Embry says UWCC hopes to reach those neighbors in a meaningful way. UWCC receives donations, identifies core needs in the community through regular community needs assessments, and then receives applications from nonprofits that believe they align with UWCC’s three pillars. If the nonprofit’s applications are accepted, they receive funding from UWCC, enabling them to spend less time doing their own fundraising and more time serving in their area of expertise.
Embry says they conduct community needs assessments every five years to help them hone their pillars, which have largely remained constant through UWCC’s history: Education, Health, and Basic Critical Needs & Financial Stability.
As part of their community needs assessment, they host public surveys, both digital and on-location, for a six-week period.
“In every zip code, we partner with either a library or community center to set up these conversations, and we ask questions,” Embry explained.
He says the goal is to identify, first-hand, where the community’s greatest needs lie.
“It really is a collaboration across this whole community to determine what needs need to be addressed, and then how we are going to address it.”
The digital surveys are advertised on mailers sent out through a partnership with Fayetteville State University—a partnership that Embry says gives them “a lot of confidence” in the quality of the research they’re conducting. Once collected, the data is made available to local government agencies, nonprofits, and businesses in addition to being used by UWCC as they decide which nonprofits to partner with.
The most basic criteria mean that nonprofit applicants must be offering services that fall under one of the three pillars as defined by UWCC:
Education: Programs that strengthen children’s ability to succeed in school from kindergarten to college and programs that build successful youth, families and Cumberland County adults.
Health: Programs that provide access to health care and wellness education programs that provide access to health care and wellness education to help people manage and prevent chronic physical and mental illnesses.
Basic Critical Needs & Financial Stability: Programs that provide access to emergency food, safe shelter, rental, utility, and medical assistance, as well as programs that provide employment preparation and financial self-sufficiency.
In addition to aligning with the three pillars, nonprofits must be at least 2 years old and must meet criteria for financial transparency and effective internal governance.
“They're not incredibly difficult criteria. But unfortunately, some nonprofits won't have the structure in place to get the funding,” Embry shared. “But going through the process of applying will absolutely make every nonprofit better. Because what we require, most organizations that are granting any type of funds are going to require too.”
He said their goal is to add value to the nonprofit community, whether or not they end up funding them. They do that by hosting workshops throughout the year on topics such as sales and marketing.
“We're never going to be able to fund everything, but we're here to help and support nonprofits,” Embry explained. “If I can add to what you're doing just by standing next to you, United Way is interested in that as well, because we know it takes the whole community for the community to be the best version of itself.”
Embry says that while the criteria ultimately exclude certain nonprofits, it means that donors can be confident about where their donations are going.
The 2025-26 funding cycle recipients include the following nonprofits:
Education
• Adult Literacy & Education Center – Fayetteville Urban Ministry
• Community Engagement Program – Girl Scouts, NC Coastal Pines Council
• Find A Friend Mentoring Program – Fayetteville Urban Ministry
• Garden Field Trip & Classroom Program – Cape Fear Botanical Garden
• Intervention & Prevention After School Programs – Greater Life of Fayetteville
• Youth Scouting Programs – Scouting America, Occoneechee Council
Health
• Community Caregiving Circle – Cumberland County Council on Older Adults
• Diabetes Self-Management Program – Better Health of Cumberland County
• Medical Emergency Direct Aid Program – Better Health of Cumberland County
• Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Services – Cumberland County CommuniCare Preparedness, Health & Safety Programs – American Red Cross, Sandhills Chapter
• VRC on the Move for the Visually Impaired – Vision Resource Center
Basic Critical Needs & Financial Stability
• Day Resource Center for Women & Children – Connections of Cumberland County
• Disaster Services – American Red Cross, Sandhills Chapter
• Emergency Assistance Program – Fayetteville Urban Ministry
• Food Pantry Services – Catholic Charities of the Raleigh Diocese
• Home Improvement Program – Cumberland County Council on Older Adults
• Nehemiah Emergency Home Repair Program – Fayetteville Urban Ministry
• Senior Nutrition Services (Meals on Wheels) – Cumberland County Council on Older Adults Services to the Armed Forces – American Red Cross, Sandhills Chapter
This year’s newest addition is Cape Fear Botanical Garden’s Garden Field Trip & Classroom Program.
“They have an incredible garden and classroom education program that they open up to Title 1 schools to bring buses in so kids can experience something really remarkable locally,” Embry shared. “We were just really excited, because we hate to think that that's not available to people. And if the United Way can help pay for their admission, we think that when we can expose our kids to the best parts of our community, we're going to have a better community.”
Vision Resource Center, an organization that helps the visually impaired of the Cape Fear Region live more independently and socially, is the longest-standing community impact partner, boasting an 86-year partnership with UWCC. This year, they received funding for their program “VRC on the Move for the Visually Impaired.”
Embry says that during a time when many organizations face uncertain government funding and technology that allows donors to send their donations across the world, UWCC is more committed than ever to staying local.
“100% of our focus is on Cumberland County. 100% of the funds we raise stay in Cumberland County,” he shared. “We need people to join us in doing this good work. I promise, at the end of the day, they’re going to find that what we do is exceptional.”

(Photo: Cape Fear Botanical Garden is the newest community impact partner with United Way of Cumberland County. Photo courtesy of United Way of Cumberland County)

Hope Mills Town Commissioners tiptoed way out on a limb earlier this month. They voted 3 to 2 to establish staggered 4-year-terms for board members, beginning with this fall’s election cycle. The vote came despite the fact that town voters turned down the same proposal 7 years ago. To no one’s great surprise, some angry constituents are threatening a petition drive to put the issue to the voters yet again on the November ballot, citing a need to keep the elected officials more immediately responsive to public pressures.
That is an understandable sentiment, but it may not be the most thoughtful and productive one. The School of Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has this to say about how most municipalities and counties in our state handle member terms.
“All terms, both for county commissioners and for city council members, are for two years or four, with the larger number of governing boards having four year terms. Most boards with four year terms stagger elections so that about half the members are elected every two years; of all the changes made to governing boards in recent years, initiating a staggered four-year term has been the most prevalent. This staggering ensures a degree of continuity in county and municipal affairs and a constant level of experience.”
Government at every level is complicated, convoluted, contradictory, and just plain difficult. It takes time to learn the ins and outs, if that is even possible. Issues and projects can take years to settle and complete. It makes little sense to risk the possibility of electing a totally novice board, whose members are more likely to be swayed by the loudest, least thoughtful constituents and the professional, though unelected, governmental staff.
That said, the 3 town commissioners who voted for longer, staggered terms care enough about Hope Mills to put their political futures in significant jeopardy.
Another related issue is term limits, especially at the Congressional level. We have all seen elderly electeds who freeze mid-sentence, cannot remember what was just said in a committee meeting, and are guided from place to place by hale and hearty junior staffers. Some states have indeed enacted term limits for legislators, though doing so for members of Congress would require a Constitutional amendment, a much higher bar than a legislative vote.
That said, support for term limits is also understandable, though it comes with even more complicated governmental issues than those facing a town of 18-thousand residents. Former electeds, particularly those who have served in Congress, readily admit that it takes a term or two to learn the ropes, make allies, and to begin being effective.
I once met a man, the leader of his party in the Arizona House of Representatives, a term-limited body. He was in his second elected term and readily admitted that he had little idea what he was doing, and that he would be “retiring” shortly when his term ended. He made the point that his legislature, and I suspect all those that have term limits, are actually controlled not by the electeds but by the professional staff for whom there are no term limits.
Americans live, at least for the moment, in a representative democracy, one in which the people elected to public office do what they believe is best for the community, whether that is Hope Mills, North Carolina, or the United States. Their decisions may or may not be exactly what the loudest among us are shouting at them.
That is why we should elect thoughtful and compassionate representatives, not people who merely spout the partisan positions of whatever party they might be.

Up & Coming Weekly has a long tradition of winning awards for story writing, graphic design, and photography, and we are excited to continue that tradition through 2025.
UCW writer Anna White has been announced as the third place winner in the Lifestyle Reporting category in the 2025 Green Eyeshade Awards. The journalism contest has been open to journalists and publications across the southeastern United States since 1950. Awards are given for print, digital, radio and television media.
Known as one of the oldest regional journalism contests in the nation, the Green Eyeshades are managed by the Society of Professional Journalists.
The awards are open to journalists from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Articles for submission are judged by professional journalists, both active and retired.
White's winning article, Dorothy Gilmore Adaptive Recreation Center, Where Abilities and dis-Abilities become POSS-Abilities, was a feature article in our Sept. 4, 2024 edition. Readers can find the article online at https://bit.ly/4lFA7Du
White has been writing for Up & Coming Weekly for a year and a half, and it has been my pleasure to edit her articles each week. Her ability to interview people in the community and get to the heart of the subject come through with every article she writes. From articles about the trails at Carvers Creek to features detailing the latest events at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, White's UCW resume covers a lot of ground in Cumberland County.
On behalf of the entire Up & Coming Weekly team, congratulations, Anna White!

On Friday, July 18, many voters in Fayetteville were shocked and some very agitated to learn that Mayor Mitch Colvin, who had previously announced on June 12 that he would not seek reelection, filed to run for mayor again just minutes before the deadline.
This decision marked his attempt to secure a fifth term in office. Politicians frequently change their minds, but this feels like betrayal, motivated by a desire for power for reasons that remain unclear.
The dynamics of potential candidates waiting for or responding to an incumbent's decision are a key factor in candidate entry into political races. Candidates often assess the likelihood of defeating an incumbent when determining whether to run for office. Mayor Colvin's "flip-flop" is not only unfair to the other mayoral candidates, but it's also unfair to the community.
Should Colvin's flip-flop come with reputational costs that prevent his reelection? It's difficult to determine, but timing matters, and Colvin's actions may be viewed with suspicion due to how he orchestrated the outcome.
Voters ultimately hold the power, and they may reflect on this: Political responsibility is essential to democratic behavior. When politicians often shift their positions, it erodes accountability and weakens political responsibility.
Which mayoral candidate is most affected by Colvin's change of position? District 3 Councilmember Mario Benavente announced his candidacy months ago, expecting Colvin to be his opponent.
Colvin's decision to run could prove to be a significant advantage for Benevante's overall campaign strategy. However, Colvin's presence is likely to be very damaging to Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Jensen's campaign. Understandably, she wouldn't have entered the race if she had known he would be her opponent. I
n the grand scheme of things, this may mark the end of Jensen's political career.
Candidates Freddie del la Cruz and Paul Williams both have unsuccessful runs for the mayor’s office on their resumes. Before the Mayor's surprise visit to the Board of Elections on Friday, there was high drama as District 8 Councilmember Courtney Banks-McLaughlin and former Councilmember Tisha Waddle entered the race for Mayor.
Ten candidates are vying for the mayor’s office at City Hall, and it is likely to be a slugfest until the polls close on election day.
This election is likely to be one of the most closely watched in Fayetteville. I encourage all voters to participate.

Leadership and integrity are two of the most essential qualities needed to move Fayetteville forward in the 21st century. Unfortunately, they are also two qualities our community continues to lack. This became abundantly clear when Mayor Mitch Colvin reversed his public decision not to seek reelection, filing for another term in the final minutes before the candidate registration deadline.
This last-minute reversal calls his integrity into question, and for many, confirms its absence. It leaves residents wondering about his true motivations and how his leadership will shape our city’s future. That concern cannot be overstated.
Mayor Colvin’s credibility has eroded. That’s precisely why a record-breaking nine candidates have stepped forward to run for mayor, each hoping to lead Fayetteville in a more positive direction after four terms under Colvin’s divisive leadership.
His deception speaks volumes. Trust and confidence are foundational qualities we expect from public servants entrusted with our community’s well-being and resources. Without integrity, trust deteriorates—and with it, the public’s confidence in ethical decision-making. This is where Mayor Colvin stands on the leadership spectrum. His tenure has made it increasingly difficult for civic leaders, businesses, and organizations to collaborate effectively. That breakdown in communication breeds apathy and resistance to public initiatives, making good governance nearly impossible.
The mayor’s decisions directly impact the daily lives of Fayetteville’s citizens. Integrity ensures those decisions are made in the public’s best interest, not for personal gain, political favors, or external pressure.
Mayor Colvin has consistently demonstrated a lack of these guiding principles. Integrity also fosters accountability. A trustworthy mayor is transparent, willing to admit mistakes, and accepts responsibility for their actions. Such openness is vital to democratic governance. Sadly, Fayetteville has not seen it.
Our elected officials must be held to the highest legal and ethical standards. Mayor Colvin’s leadership has undermined the rule of law, suggesting that ordinances can be bent or ignored for political convenience. No one understands this better than mayoral candidate and former City Councilwoman Tisha Waddell. In 2021, she resigned from the council, citing serious concerns she and her constituents had regarding Mayor Colvin’s conduct. She pulled no punches in her resignation letter, raising several red flags about alleged unethical behavior, including undisclosed negotiations (PWC), conflicts of interest, and irregular permitting practices involving his downtown property (Kress Building). She called for an independent investigation and urged the community to demand accountability.
Up & Coming Weekly published an article covering Waddell’s resignation by reporter Jeff Thompson on November 10, 2021. (https://www.upandcomingweekly.com/local-news-briefs/8123-tisha-waddell-resigns-from-city-council-seat) Thompson outlined Waddell’s specific allegations and published her resignation letter in full. Without a doubt, these issues will resurface. In fact, some election observers speculate Colvin’s reentry was a last-minute maneuver to defend himself against a challenger who has already gone on record advocating for trust, integrity, and transparency in city government.
We agree. When trust in leadership erodes, so does the ability to govern effectively. Trust, integrity, and transparency aren’t optional—they’re essential. As we enter the 2025 election season, every resident of Fayetteville must take responsibility for vetting the candidates.
Read local news publications, tune in to radio interviews on WFNC and WIDU, and attend candidate rallies and fundraisers to hear their platforms and motivations for leading our city. And, by all means, put no stock in what you see and read on social media. We all have a choice.
This writer hopes that we elect leaders who reflect our values and vision for the future—and above all—respect the citizens’ voice.
Our mayor and city officials should be visible, engaged, and principled figures in the community. Their actions—both in and out of office—shape public perception and influence Fayetteville’s brand and reputation. This election cycle offers a slate of promising, trustworthy candidates. We do not need to recycle the ones who’ve failed us. Choose wisely. Fayetteville’s future depends on it.
Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly, your community newspaper.

(Top Photo: Mayor Mitch Colvin. Photo courtesy of the City of Fayetteville. Bottom Photo: Mayoral Candidate and former City Council member Tisha Waddel. [File photo] )

The Greater Life of Fayetteville Inc. and I AM YOU-nique Summer Academy present the Through My Eyes Celebration youth art exhibit. The theme is a personalized artistic expression of the historical sites in Fayetteville and Cumberland County. The youth creatively reflect on local history through their own eyes, connecting culture, heritage, and community pride, according to the Greater Life of Fayetteville Inc. press release.
The community exhibit takes place on Saturday, July 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Greater Life of Fayetteville is located at 600 Orange Street. Public voting is encouraged for the best in show. General admission is free. A reception to meet the artists and an award ceremony will be held at the Taste of West Africa, 116 Person Street, on July 27 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. General admission is free.
For more information, contact Georgeanna Pinckney, MPA, director of Greater Life of Fayetteville, via email director@glofnc or call 910-364-9531.
The mission of the Greater Life of Fayetteville is to assist by providing a community that counsels and assesses the needs of the program participants, to foster and encourage positive interactions with school officials, teachers, adult volunteers, and staff through youth mentoring programs.
Through My Eyes Celebration youth art exhibit is reflective of the standpoint theory and artistic self-expression. The standpoint theory emphasizes that understanding of society and community is based on factors such as social group membership, experiences, and location. An example of this would be the Market House. Perspective and self-expression are influenced by the social markers of age, experience and education. The perspective of the college instructor versus a fourteen-year-old youth may have a different historical and cultural understanding of the Market House. The exhibit provides the context of youth in the 21st century and their place in society and history.
“The preparation for youth has changed dramatically in the 21st century. Today’s young people face a fast-paced, technology-driven world with challenges and opportunities that previous generations never encountered. In addition to academic skills, youth need social-emotional skills, cultural awareness, financial literacy, conflict resolution and mental health support to thrive,” Pinckney said. “Many face new realities like financial hardship and food insecurity within their families. At Greater Life of Fayetteville, our programs are intentionally designed to address the whole child and the whole family, equipping them not only for classroom success, but for life beyond school, promoting resilience, literacy leadership, healthy habits and civic engagement. The I AM YOU-nique Academy is a faith-based prevention program providing academic tutoring, mentoring, social skills, behavior support, social skills development, and enrichment activities in a safe, nurturing environment.”
Pinckney spoke about the different programs I AM YOU-nique offers families in the area.
“Roots and Resilience Gardening program is a community-based therapeutic gardening initiative for youth and families focusing on emotional wellness, nutrition education, environmental responsibility and STEAM skills. Families facing financial and food insecurity are welcome to harvest produce and learn gardening techniques to promote good, healthy habits, while supporting emotional and mental well-being,” she said. “One of my five-year goals is the launch of a youth-run produce market connected to the garden. Literacy skills are also incorporated in the gardening program. The garden setting creates a nurturing, outdoor space for learning and healing. Cooking demonstrations encourage the incorporation of fresh foods into daily life. Teamwork is established by hands-on gardening. Natasha Law of Carolina Foodscapes has been an influential resource for the gardening program.”
The SAP Abishai Shared Housing Program addresses young adults aging out of foster care and juvenile systems. Parent community workshops, such as Tight’N It Up, Men Parenting and Mentoring, Just Us, Mothers and Children, are also available. Out-of-School Short-term Suspension programs are also an option for youth suspended one to four days.
Ms. Pinckney shares her passion and future goals for the Greater Life of Fayetteville.
“The I AM YOU-nique Academy will expand to thirty-plus youth, reduce suspensions by twenty-five percent within two years. Within five years, we will create the integration of mental health services, licensed case management, and food security resources. The vision for 2035 is the operation of a licensed K-12 faith-based school. My passion is based on the commitment to create opportunities where children learn, grow, and lead and where families can find hope.”
See the Through My Eyes Celebration youth art exhibit on July 26, at the Greater Life of Fayetteville, or attend the meet the artist reception and award ceremony on July 27 at Taste of West Africa.