On April 16, Cumberland Oratorio Singers, in collaboration with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, presents Carmina Burana at Fayetteville State University’s Seabrook Auditorium. It’s the third of four concerts for the Cumberland Oratorio Singers this year. 

Collaborating is nothing new for the oratorio or for the symphony, in fact, concerts like this are a long-time goal for both organizations. 

“It was an agreed goal of Dr. Fakhouri and I that we would one day have our respectful community organizations provide concert experiences at this level,” said COS Artistic Director Dr. Michael Martin. “In 2008, we set out on building both of our organizations so that these partnerships would be possible. Our first collaboration was Vaughn Williams Serenade to Music. This was followed by Beethoven’s Symphony #9 with a collaboration including area colleges and the Cumberland Oratorio Singers, and it has grown since then.” 

While events like this bring an added dimension to Fayetteville’s music scene, there are some challenges. One of them is a lot of people on the stage. Martin noted that it is unique to much larger metropolitan areas to have such concert experiences available. 

“It says a lot about the dedication and commitment of artists, musicians and the philanthropy of area Fayetteville foundations to sponsor such strong musical organizations to perform these large works,” said Martin. 

Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana is a setting of 24 songs from a much larger collection of texts dating mostly from the 11th or 12th century, including some from the 13th century. In 1934, Orff encountered the 1847 edition of the Carmina Burana, compiled by Johann Andreas Schmeller.The songs in this work were selected from that edition. 

“The songs cover a wide range of topics, as familiar in the 13th century as they are in the 21st century: the fickleness of fortune and wealth, the nature of life, the joy of the return of spring and the pleasures and perils of drinking, gluttony, gambling and love,” said Martin. “They are also mixture of languages from Medieval Latin, to German and French, making the performance of the texts pretty tricky! Interestingly, this is a work known by most people, even though it is not always heard in its entirety. The first movement, “O Fortuna,” has appeared in many media over the years from sporting events to beer commercials, as well as been the focus of many parodies.”

People who regularly attend COS performances will notice a few differences from previous performances. The concert features COS and Methodist University Chorale appearing with the FSO in this final concert. 

“So, this is not a typical concert of ours which would feature only choral music. However, the COS does bring regular choral/orchestral works to their seasons,” said Martin. 

He added that the newly formed youth chorus will join the event as well. 

The final Cumberland Oratorio Singers concert of the season is on May 13 at St. Ann Catholic Church. It will be a performance of new work by Ola Gjeillo. After that, the choral group is set to prepare for next season. Planning is already underway because next year is the 25th season for the Cumberland Oratorio Singers. Martin invites anyone who is interested to contact COS at www.singwithcos.org. 

“I always want to reach out to Fayetteville to have people who like to sing come sing with us! I know we do not have the only 75 people that sing in Fayetteville! Come join us! We are your community choir,” he said.

Carmina Burana starts at 7:30 p.m. and takes place at Fayetteville State University’s Seabrook Auditorium. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.singwithcos.org.  

Hogs & Rags isn’t your typical motorcycle rally for many reasons. The main one being that it involves both motorcycles and cars (mostly convertibles). Some of the others include a stop for a hearty country breakfast at Rockin’-A-Ranch, a police-escorted ride the entire 118 miles and a huge lunch and entertainment at Barefood Landing in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It’s a day filled with excitement food, fun and camaraderie that benefits three great local organizations: the American Cancer Society, The Green Beret Foundation and the Kidsville News Literacy and Education Foundation. 

The Hogs & Rags Rally is a sanctioned Dogwood Festival event and will actually start April 22 with Fayetteville organizers hosting a welcome party at Mac’s Speed Shop on McPherson Church Road. Fayetteville’s Mayor Nat Robertson and his wife, Kim, will “meet & greet” local riders and greet out of town guests. The Robertson are motorcycle riders and will lead the ride the next day on April 23.

The Hogs & Rags rally started 11 years ago as a way for friends (not all of whom had motorcycles) to enjoy a day together on the road. Today, it has grown to be the largest area motorcycle event and one that is anticipated each and every year. Gardner Altman is one of the founders of Hogs & Rags and he’s looking forward to the ride. He’ll be there in his 1968 Cadillac convertible. 

“I’ve been really surprised by the support and reception this event receives from the community,” said Altman. “Not just the bikers and cars that participate every year, but the entire community — businesses, people who come out to watch the ride, volunteers and the wonderful hard working team members — the support is broad based. It’s been a tremendous success — more than I ever envisioned. The purpose is to have fun. Any time you bring people together and they have fun and they come back.”

Registration begins at 7 a.m. and runs through 9 a.m. at the Airborne & Special Operations Museum. It is recommended that riders don’t wait until the last minute to show up. There is plenty to do and see prior to the ride. Including the introductions of the Fayetteville Dogwood Queens. Wendy Rogers, one of the event organizers said, “We do a safety briefing before the ride so that everyone knows to obey the rules and stay safe along the way. Amazingly, we are escorted all the way by the dherriff’s departments from each county that we pass through.”

It’s kickstands up at 9 a.m. as the group departs from the ASOM for Rockin-A-Ranch in White Oak with the Robertson’s leading the way to the full country breakfast at the ranch. 

“I think the energy and enthusiasm is a lot of fun,” said Altman. “My favorite thing is when I am at my farm (Rockin’ - A- Ranch) and see all the motorcycles and cars come riding by. All that adrenaline and energy is exciting.”

The group is back on the road at 10:45 a.m heading to Wild Wings Café where they will arrive two hours later for lunch, entertainment, prize raffles to top off the day’s events. After the festivities and fellowship, Hogs & Rags adjourns for another year leaving everyone free to enjoy the afternoon in Myrtle Beach or have a casual ride back home to Fayetteville to enjoy the Dogwood Festival and the Saturday night concert at Festival Park. 

Traditionally, the Hog & Rags Rally welcomes bikes of all kinds as well as trikes, convertibles, muscle cars and street rods. The event has grown every year.  

“If you come one year, chances are you will be back,” said Rogers. “It only takes one time. It is so much fun that you just can’t stay away the next year.”

Last year the Hogs & Rags Rally raised and donated more than $15,000 to three local 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. 

The American Cancer Society helps “people stay well and get well, find cures and fight back against cancer.” It’s been the goal for more than 100 years and will continue to be a priority as the organization fights to save lives and create a world with less cancer.

About 2.5 million volunteers, along with professional staff work tirelessly each day to fight back and find cures for cancer. They do this by helping people stay well, which includes developing guidelines for screening tests, developing nutritional and physical activity guidelines, creating personal health action plans and more. Helping people get well is also a priority and the American Cancer Society plays a role in this with a hotline to answer questions and provide resources. The organization also has more than 120 sites at hospitals and treatment centers around the country. Finding cures plays a vital role in the fight against cancer. Find out more about the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.

The Green Beret Foundation provides immediate and long-term support to wounded Green Berets, their families and the families of the fallen. Specifically that means when a Green Beret is injured in the line of duty, the Green Beret Foundation sends him and his family a check for $1,000 and essentials needed for a hospital stay. Sometimes it takes more than a short hospital stay for a soldier and his family to recover. The Green Beret Foundation is there to support them during this time, too. The organization supplements care that the Veteran’s Administration offers by paying for treatments like hyperbaric oxygen therapy for traumatic brain injury and PTSD, laser nerve therapy and adaptive and recovery equipment. 

Gold Star families have a friend in the community in the Green Beret Foundation. The organization covers unfunded funeral expenses and long-term support to the families. It also hosts events like reconnect weekends to help foster closeness and build bonds that are critical to healthy families. The Steel Mags program offers support and provides access to resource, advocacy and guidance to help wives, widows and caregivers of Green Berets. Scholarships are another service provided by the foundation. 

Green Berets transitioning out of the military can also look to the foundation for tools, training and support to help them succeed in the civilian world. To date, the Green Beret Foundation has offered financial support to more than 500 Green Berets and assisted scores of families. This organization has given more than $4 million to support the Special Forces community. Find out more about the Green Beret Foundation at www.greenberetfoundation.org.

The Kidsville News! Literacy & Education Foundation seeks “to improve literacy, education and character development among America’s youth by providing support for various early learning and literacy-based initiatives nationwide.” The Kidsville News Literacy & Education Foundation will approve grants to qualified projects and institutions that endeavor to instill strong reading and education skills and good solid character development traits in America’s youth.”  The Kidsville News Literacy & Education Foundation awards grant to qualified organizations for the purpose of promoting education and improving literacy among America’s youth. Find out more about the foundation at www.kidsvillenewsfoundation.com.

Hogs & Rags registration is $50 per person and includes a collector’s T-shirt, breakfast, lunch, door prizes and a $2,500 cash raffle. Register early at http://hogsandrags.com/pdf/reg_form_2016.pdf. For more information, call 818.0458.

The city of Fayetteville will soon have a new sense of identity. The Fayetteville City Council has decided to do away with a logo it’s used for more than 20 years in favor of a more modern symbol. 

The old logo  was a likeness of the official city seal; a round emblem with the Market House as the centerpiece. It’s been associated with city government for decades. But it hasn’t had universal acceptance. 

Some African American leaders have been offended because the Market House was the site of occasional slave sales in antebellum Fayetteville. City Councilman Chalmers McDougald refused to wear a city lapel pin because it too contained a likeness of the Market House. But he acknowledged the historic significance of the building. The Council asked the Fayetteville/Cumberland Human Relations Commission to solicit thoughts and ideas from the general public with an eye toward changing the seal. And a private contractor was retained to solicit public dialogue. 

City Councilman Ted Mohn took it from there. He noted that the demographic makeup of Fayetteville has changed remarkably since the current Market House logo was adopted in 1993. Our city is one of the most diverse communities in the nation. Large-scale annexations of west side suburbs took in thousands of black families. 

“I must thank the entire council for their honest, thoughtful and respectful public conversation on the city seal and logo,” said Mohn. 

Members of the Human Relations Commission agreed with Mohn’s tact. He found, as Up & Coming Weekly reported earlier, that there are only a few official instances when the corporate seal must be used. Since the logo containing the Market House is just that — an unofficial logo — it could be disposed of. The official corporate seal won’t be changed. 

“The Market House is part of our city’s history and we must acknowledge and understand our fellow citizens have good and bad emotions associated with the building,” Mohn observed, agreeing with McDougald. Council intends to adopt a resolution declaring the modern script emblem as the city’s official logo. 

It will likely take a while for the city to rid itself of the emblem. It has been stamped everywhere over time, from official letterhead stationery to roll out trash containers. It’s all over the city’s website that will require some redesigning. Stationery won’t be updated until current supplies run out. Large sculpted logos hang on the wall in city council chambers and on an exterior wall at police headquarters.

For more years than I can remember, Friday morning 7 a.m. breakfast at the Haymont Grill and Steak House was pretty routine for me. After all, 40-year-old habits are hard to break. Hundreds, no thousands, of people are feeling the sadness at the loss of a business that became a stellar Fayetteville institution over the past 60 years. Now, it’s gone. 

The history, the tradition, the haven that became a beloved gathering place, political stronghold and neighborhood sanctuary providing a warm sense of home in a proud and unpretentious Greek-American tradition is no more. Pete Skenteris, now 79, has been the owner of the Haymont Grill since he purchased it from Steve Fermanides in the 1950s. Skenteris’ success is the epitome of the American dream. Pete, with his wife, Frederika, by his side, built his business and reputation on honesty, integrity and lots of hard work.

To me the loss of the Haymont Grill is personal - very personal. My first Fayetteville home was only blocks away. My best friend, Leonard McLeod, and I had breakfast at the grill almost every Sunday for nearly 25 years until his death in 2000. My son, Grady, and I also shared the tradition. Now living in New Jersey and working in New York, his visits home always included a visit to the grill. No doubt, fond memories are the ties that bind and I have hundreds of them. 

Matter of fact, when you entered the grill from the Morganton Road side, the second booth on the left against the wall is where I actually conceived and started Up & Coming Magazine (now Up & Coming Weekly) in November 1995. I actually ran the newspaper out of that booth for nearly four months until I could afford a real office.  Through the years, I have had countless business meetings with clients, brainstorming sessions with staff members and impromptu meetings with local leaders, business owners and educators in that booth. After we celebrated our 20th anniversary, Pete authorized a plaque designating that booth as the birthplace of Up & Coming Weekly, Fayetteville’s community newspaper. 

Unfortunately, we never got around to it. However, we did physically place that white Up & Coming Weekly newspaper box in front of his business 20 years ago. Today I picked up that very same box. While everything on the inside of this iconic restaurant may have been destroyed by the fire, I am happy to have one surviving memento that will serve as a reminder of the man, family and business that served this community loyally for nearly six decades.

The Haymont Grill was unique and endearing to our community.  It may be rebuilt but it will never be replaced. Thanks for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

A million years ago when the Precious Jewels were very young, I was like many other working mothers, stressed and exhausted most of the time. I recognized that our children were my main responsibility, but they were not my only responsibility, a reality that often left me overwhelmed. One afternoon when a shrieking toddler refused to go down for a nap he and I both desperately needed, I picked him up and plopped him into his crib with such force the child actually bounced!

I was so shocked at myself that I fled his room, shutting the door behind me while he wailed, no doubt flinging the toddler equivalent of curses in my direction. My first thought was how could I possibly have manhandled my precious child that way. My second was the realization is that this is how child abuse begins and too often escalates into something hideous.

How often have we heard a parent, or a parent’s significant other, say, “He was crying, and I just couldn’t stand it anymore?” Shaken Baby Syndrome, which often results in permanent brain damage, is associated with such statements. Sometimes the damage is not physical, but mental and emotional. Statements like, “I could not help it. She was flirting with me,” are associated with sexual abuse. Sometimes it is all of the above, and abusers either cannot or do not bother to justify their behaviors. However it occurs, abuse of a child is a crime that keeps on giving for decades, for a lifetime. A quick look at memoirs in any library will confirm that sad fact.

Nothing erases child abuse, but children can be helped to deal with what has occurred in their lives through competent, caring and trained intervention. Cumberland County and our surrounding neighbors are blessed with just such a place for children, the Child Advocacy Center. When child abuse is discovered, the CAC integrates services for that child — medical, psychological, legal and social so that the child, especially very young ones, do not have to relate their traumatic stories time and time again in all sorts of different environments. It coordinates continuing services, particularly important for children who have been removed from their families and for whom stability and continuity are critical issues. This coordinated approach saves our community about half a million dollars a year and saves children heartache.

All of that is the good news.

The bad news is that 661 children had need of CAC’s services last year, and there are surely others who could benefit from them but have not, because the abuse has yet to be detected by caring adults or reported by brave ones. 

I asked CAC staff to tell me about some of the children whom they have served. Obviously, privacy is paramount, but here are three real stories. 

“I (CAC staff) received a call one afternoon … She was in tears and shared with me that her mother got rid of her cat while she was at school. She was not sure what mother had done with her cat but said her mother hated the cat. I listened to her and tried to ease her pain but in the end had to say that the issue with the cat would need to be worked out with her mother. After the phone call I thought about how sad it was that a child would call me …”

A mother and child came to the CAC … They were here regarding sexual abuse. In talking with the Victim Advocate, the mother was sharing how thankful she was for our center and the treatment she and her daughter received. She stated she wished she could share with others about her experience but it would be too difficult. 

“We interviewed a 7-year-old-boy for abuse. He was very quiet most of the time … I finally engaged him with a board game and offered him a snack and something to drink. I was taken aback when he started to leave and asked if he had to return. I explained he did not … He looked at me and said, “Lady, all the people here have been so nice to me. If you want me to, I will come back.”

Heartstrings tugging?

So what can people like you and me do to help?

CAC and agency staff are professionals, so there is no need for volunteers in the traditional sense, but there is a huge need for advocates and support. The CAC offers Darkness to Light, a national training program to educate parents, grandparents and others who work with children to recognize and prevent child sexual abuse and how to react appropriately when it does occur.

And there is always money. The CAC has successfully met the Lily Endowment Challenge of the Cumberland Community Foundation (full disclosure — I co-chaired this effort with Joyce Loughlin), which is a great help in building and safeguarding CAC’s future. In CAC’s endowment building campaign, more really is, well, more.

Wouldn’t you want a child you love to have these services if he or she needed them?

City Council Structure Could Change

  Fayetteville City Council meets April 11 to hold a public hearing about a resolution to restructure the governing body for the first time in more than 15 years. The proposition is to change terms of office from two years to four years. The change would also provide for staggered terms, although council would remain a 10-member body with only the mayor elected at large. The nine council members would continue being elected from districts. Just how the staggered rotation would be accomplished hasn’t been determined. Nor has council decided whether elections would be partisan. Currently, they are not. Council has decided to hold a referendum of the city’s voters in November … a simple yea or nay on whether two-year terms of office should be converted to four-year staggered terms.

Rabies Is an Epidemic           

The State Public Health Lab in Raleigh has confirmed yet another case of rabies in Cumberland County. A positive result of rabies was found in a raccoon. Animal Control picked up the animal from a residence on Ingram Road in rural Roseboro in late March. The raccoon got into an alteration with a small dog on the pet owner’s property. After the raccoon tested positive, the dog was impounded at the Animal Control Shelter. State law requires that the dog be quarantined at a veterinary facility for six months or be euthanized because it does not have a current rabies vaccination. County officials said this is the third case of rabies in the county in 2016. “We are in an epidemic rabies area where we have one or two cases a month year in and out,” said Cumberland County Animal Control Director 

Rabies Vaccination Clinics             

Cumberland County will hold rabies vaccination clinics for dogs and cats on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons through April 21. The clinics operate from 4 to 6 p.m. There are 16 sites across the county. Rabies vaccinations are $10 per animal. Only cash is accepted (exact change). State law requires that “the owner of every dog and cat over four months of age shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies.” To remain properly immunized, juvenile dogs and cats must receive two rabies vaccinations, one year apart, then one vaccination every three years thereafter. In Cumberland County, the owners of dogs and cats that have not been vaccinated in accordance with the law are subject to civil penalties of $100. When you take your dog to a clinic, be sure it’s on a leash. Cats should be kept in carriers. A listing of the clinic sites is available at: co.cumberland.nc.us/health/healthytips/rabiesclinics.aspx.

Worthy to Lead Chamber             

Former Fayetteville City Councilman and Spring Lake native Curtis Worthy is the new President of the Spring Lake Chamber of Commerce. He served as the Fayetteville City Council’s District-7 representative for 10 years. Worthy most recently was chairman of the Vote No Bond Tax referendum committee. Despite his opposition, and that of several other former council members, the $35 million bond issue passed with 60 percent support of the voters. Worthy, 68, was an unsuccessful candidate for the state senate in 2012. He’s a retired IRS auditor and now has a tax preparation business in Spring Lake. “We’re trying to grow membership, get new business to move into Spring Lake, make sure everyone’s aware we have Fort Bragg as one of our greatest assets,” he said. The Spring Lake Chamber of Commerce has been without a director for several months following the resignation of Jeff Hunt on June 30.

PWC Installs Free Electric Car Charging Stations

The Fayetteville Public Works Commission has installed four electric vehicle charging stations throughout the Fayetteville area that can be used by the public at no cost. These charging stations are a part of PWC’s Clean Fuel Advanced Technology project. PWC received a $37,000 grant from the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center and is partnering with the Fayetteville/Cumberland Parks and Recreation Department to provide a charging station at three park locations: Honeycutt Park, Lake Rim Park and Clark Park. The fourth station is located at Marketfair Mall off Campground Road. Registration is needed to use the stations at no cost. PWC’s Clean Fuel Advanced Technology project focuses on improving community air quality and increasing the awareness of clean transportation technologies

PWC & CEED offer Free Classes

PWC and CEED are partnering together to offer free classes to locally-owned small businesses that are interested in learning more about local and federal contracting. Information will be provided on the many local resources, technical assistance providers, classes and workshops available to assist small business owners in learning the basics to start the process for more in-depth assistance and long term contracting success. The information provided will be helpful to businesses in regard to both local and federal contracting. This is a free series: Local Contracting/Hire Fayetteville First will be held May 17 and June 7 at 9 a.m. at CEED 230 Hay Street. Register at: www.wbcfay.org/calendar.

Mountain Hawks to Soar into the Swamp

The Fayetteville SwampDogs have added a big bat and bolstered their pitching staff with the addition of the Mountain Hawks from Lehigh University. Junior Patrick Donnelly will man the hot corner while sophomore Peter Moore and junior Matt Kozemchak will provide the SwampDogs with quality pitching from the left side — keys to any championship team.

Donnelly is a key cog in the Lehigh lineup coming off a first team All-Patriot League campaign as a sophomore in 2015. Coming off a six-home-run season with 32 RBIs, he figures to be a run producer and tough out in Fayetteville this summer. “Pat will bring a veteran presence to our team as a junior,” SwampDogs Manager Anthony Williams said. “He has started at third base since his freshman year, helping Lehigh to a Patriot League title in 2015. Pat has shown the ability to hit for power, and is showing that he has the ability to hit for average as well.”

Moore, who stands 6’3, 220 lbs., displayed his knack for striking opponents out in his freshman season at Lehigh, fanning 29 batters in 26.2 innings pitched. The Chester, New York, native looks to see an even greater role on the field this year for the Mountain Hawks, after making seven starts last year.

“Pete made seven starts in 2015 as a freshman and has shown the ability to miss some bats,” Williams commented. “We expect him to be a kid that continues to grow and gain command and as he does he will only get better and better.”

Kozemchak enters the 2016 season looking to bounce back after an injury cut short his 2015 season after just two appearances. As a freshman in 2014, Kozemchak posted a 2-0 record with a 2.53 ERA in 21.1 innings pitched.

“Pete and Matt should both be valuable left-handed arms for us in 2016. Both have the ability to start or relieve. Matt had an injury shortened 2015 campaign but is looking for a bounce back season as a starter for Lehigh this season. He has already made four starts in 2016 and is second on the team in innings pitched. Coach Leary really likes Matt’s makeup and feel for pitching and we expect that to mesh well with the SwampDogs in 2016.”

Losing a pet in a house fire can be a devastating experience. Many pets die each year of asphyxiation due to smoke inhalation. While firemen attempt to get pets safely out of burning structures, they are not always able to revive them unless they have the proper equipment — pet oxygen masks. These specially-designed animal masks can be used both on conscious pets that have suffered from smoke inhalation and those that need to be resuscitated after losing consciousness from exposure to dangerous toxic fumes. Unlike humans, who run out during fires, dogs and cats instinctively look for hiding places to protect themselves from fire.

Fayetteville Fire Captain Mike Reep is an engine company officer. But he’s also a pet lover. Recently, he had occasion to save a family pet from a house fire on Seabrook Road. As Reep’s Engine-3 crew made sure all the residents were safe during a primary search of the house, he heard a dog barking. 

“It was terrible,” he said in an interview with Up & Coming Weekly. 

Rescuers found the medium size dog hiding in a bedroom where firefighters had just knocked down flames. The animal was rescued from the burning house and resuscitated by Reep using a pet oxygen recovery mask easily attached to a standard oxygen tank. Depending on the size of the animal and the degree of distress it’s in, measured doses of ¼ liter to 15 liters per minute of oxygen are administered, he said.

Fayetteville Fire Chief Ben Major says five years ago the ASPCA donated enough pet masks to equip all 16 city fire engines. 

“We’re in the life saving business,” he observed. A pet had been rescued from a burning house on Amye Street in the Eccles Park area off Murchison Road. In that instance, firefighters had used a standard size oxygen mask designated for people. Publicity got the ASPCA’s attention and the organization almost immediately made the donation to the city fire department, according to Major. 

If purchased, the three-mask kits and hoses retail for about $90, according to Assistant Fire Chief Richard Bradshaw. He says each kit contains masks for use with small, medium and large animals. They’re so versatile they can be used on just about any air-breathing animal from
a bird to a St. Bernard. The masks are reusable, sturdy and
easily cleaned.  

Cumberland County District Attorney Billy West says local law enforcement agencies are not required to ask the State Bureau of Investigation to examine officer-involved shootings. In fact, West says Charlotte-Mecklenburg police do not depend on the SBI. 

“It’s totally up to the law enforcement agency to put the officer back on duty,” following internal investigations rather than wait on SBI findings, which can sometimes take up to a year, West said. Families of deceased victims in police use-of-force cases have statutory authority to request independent SBI investigations if the District Attorney does not, which is one reason the state probes have become common place. 

 “They’ve tried to make some improvements in the speed of these investigations,” West added. 

Some are now concluded in about 90 days, and that may be why Fayetteville Police Chief Harold Medlock has become more patient. Medlock recently told Up & Coming Weekly he would not necessarily wait for a state probe to be concluded if his own department found an officer not at fault in a use-of-force incident. Now though, Medlock says, “I will not return any officer to patrol duty until a decision is made regarding the criminal investigation which is conducted by the SBI.” 

The police department’s internal affairs bureau conducts parallel investigations primarily to determine if the law was broken or departmental policy violated. Medlock says those determinations are usually made in three months’ time.

The district attorney notes that SBI agents who probe use-of-force cases have specialized training and take great pains to get to the truth. West says he’s satisfied the State Bureau of Investigation would like to have more agents, but “from the director on down, they’ve put emphasis on making improvements in officer-involved investigations. The quality of their investigations is really good,” he said. One of the things that holds up completion of some investigations is getting autopsy reports in a timely manner, West added. 

“The medical examiner’s office is backed up, and I’ve told the SBI to get me their reports without the medical examiner’s findings,” added West. 

He notes that North Carolina’s criminal justice system, including the courts, receives about two percent of the state budget.

Once West receives investigative findings, he and his staff take a couple of weeks to review them before he decides whether to prosecute officers. Neither West nor his predecessor have ever brought charges against cops in officer-involved shootings in their 40 years on the job. Each has been exonerated and returned to duty. Chief Medlock says some cops have resigned and left the profession in the wake of their involvement in use-of-force cases. SBI records indicate there have been more such incidents in Fayetteville than any other city in the state, a dozen cases since 2011. 

The annual unemployment rate for the latest generation of veterans in 2015 was the lowest ever recorded, government statistics indicate. 

Post 9/11 veterans had an average unemployment rate of 5.8 percent for the year, according to a new Bureau of Labor Statistics report, down significantly from the 7.2 percent posted last year. Not only is the annual rate for 2015 significantly lower than any other annual rate in the group’s history, it’s also lower than all but a few of the pre-2015 monthly unemployment rates, which are volatile and prone to dramatic increases and decreases.

 “North Carolina is putting more veterans to work thanks to a rebounding economy and strong job growth across the state,” said Governor Pat McCrory. 

The governor’s office says the unemployment rate for veterans in North Carolina has fallen more than 3 percent in two years. In 2013, it was 6.2 percent. That number dropped to 3.1 percent in 2015 according to a recent Labor Department report. That’s two percentage points better than the national average. 

McCrory credits emphasis on connecting transitioning military personnel with businesses and state government agencies. 

“I understand that veterans are highly trained, highly disciplined and know how to get the job done,” said McCrory. “This is great news for our state and is a testament to our efforts to make North Carolina the most military and veteran friendly state in the nation.” 

One of the programs that has significantly contributed to veteran employment is the North Carolina for Military Employment initiative. “Employers are recognizing the valuable skill-sets and expertise veterans have to offer,” said Neal Alexander, director of the Office of State Human Resources. “Transitioning military personnel have the knowledge, skills, and abilities that employers are looking for… including state government.”  Since 2013, the state has added more than 260,000 private sector jobs and is currently ranked 6th in the nation in job creation.

Veteran employment experts have attributed the employment gains to an improving economy. They agree there has been a combined intense focus on the issue from public and private sectors alike. Still, they emphasized that there is work left to do. 

“That doesn’t mean it’s time for a victory lap or anything like that,” said Ryan Gallucci, Veterans of Foreign Wars deputy director for national veterans’ service. 

The unemployment rate for post-9/11 veterans has been on a wild ride since the Bureau of Labor Statistics began to track it in September 2008

Lecrae Devaughn Moore, more popularly known as Lecrae, is a man of many talents. He is most well known for being an American Christian hip-hop artist, and he will be at the Crown on April 10.

Lecrae’s early life was troubled. He was raised by his single mother and moved often. He quickly became involved with gangs, drugs and violence as a way to escape his personal demons. It was as difficult for him as it was for his family. At the age of 17, he decided to try and escape from the dead end road that he was travelling by going to church. This decision changed his life. At the age of 19, he dedicated himself and his life to God. He was inspired not only by his new faith but also by the artists that met within the church. This experience serves as a foundation for much of his work. On his website, Lecrae noted, “People struggle with categories. Categories make us feel comfortable because it’s how we make sense of things in our minds,” adding that it’s possible to rise above unfortunate circumstances. “Sometimes, there’s transcendence.”

In 2004, Lecrae joined Ben Washer to found Reach Records, an Indie label designed to give first-time artists an opportunity. The independent nature of the studio also allowed the artists to express themselves unapologetically. They were not confined by the politics of big business, and this openness and honesty was quick to gain national attention. It was here that he recorded and released his first album Real Talk. The setup was makeshift and distribution was often literally from the trunk of a car, but success came quickly. To date he has been nominated for five Grammy Awards. In 2013, he won for Best Gospel Album. In 2015, he won for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song. He has sold 1.7 million albums and has received many other awards such as a BET Hip-Hop Awards Nomination. His work transcends boundaries and has been recognized by mainstream and hip-hop oriented press. Currently he is travelling the nation on his Higher Learning Tour, which will stop in Fayetteville at the Crown Coliseum.

 After his conversion, Lecrae’s life changed, but it was not without challenges. As an artist he grapples with but does not deny his failings. It is this honesty that makes his music so relatable and compelling. He wrestles with his past and tells his story through a style often described as Southern hip-hop. In recent albums Lecrae has also incorporated inspiration from reggae, soul and gospel. That’s what his work revolves around: his story and his perspective. Though others have labeled his work as Christian, he rejects the title himself because of the implication that each song must have a sermon attached. He explores social and political issues that are not necessarily inherently Christian. The label of Christian can be limiting in some aspects, when it comes to creating music. 

Lecrae performs in the Crown Coliseum on April 10 at 7:30 p.m. DJs Promote and Swoope will be featured as supporting acts. The tour is presented by Spectra Presents. Ticket prices begin at $22. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 910.438.4100 or visit www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/lecrae-higher-learning-tour. The Crown Complex is located at 1960 Coliseum Dr. 

Escape Room Fayetteville is a live Escape Room Adventure. It is a “Real Life” interactive escape game where players determine the outcome. Participants work as a team to solve clues and puzzles to make the ultimate escape in 60 minutes. Up & Coming Weekly’s movie reviewer Heather Griffiths booked a tour. Here is her experience. 

The first rule of Escape Room: Fayetteville is you can’t talk about Escape Room: Fayetteville. For real. I signed a nondisclosure agreement and everything, so this review will not include a detailed walk through of the room my friends and I escaped. But I can tell you a little bit about the experience.

I wanted to do something for my husband’s birthday. Coincidentally, I saw the advertisement for Escape Room: Fayetteville around the same time I was looking for a good present. A few months back an Escape Room experience was featured on The Big Bang Theory, and it seemed like a good fit. The production values of Escape Room: Fayetteville were not as good as seen on The Big Bang Theory, but I wouldn’t expect them to be. The point is to solve the puzzles and escape. The rest is window dressing. As an occasional tabletop gamer married to a regular LARPer (Live Action Role Player), I know the fun is in agreeing on a shared reality, and all the props contribute to that. Your imagination supplies the rest. 

The first hurdle was getting a big enough group for a party to buy their tickets for the same day. The tickets are $26 Thursdays and $28 Friday through Sunday, and each room can accommodate up to eight people. The rooms book up quickly. Even booking three weeks ahead, the selection was limited.  

I opted for the R.I.P: Rest in Pieces room, and there was a 15-year-old in our group. She enjoyed it as much as the rest of us.

We arrived early, as recommended by the website (www.escaperoomfayettevillenc.com/). First, there was a video introduction featuring violence towards women that probably should not have made me giggle. Then, we were given goggles for blindfolds and lined up for a walk into the serial killer’s lair. Our host, Caroline, kept our cellphones and left, after telling us that communication is key to getting out of the room alive. Naturally, we immediately split off individually and in groups of two to touch everything and move stuff around while completely failing to communicate. We soon got ourselves sorted out, and with three minutes left on the clock, we found the key to escaping. We did have some trouble making the locks work, even with the right combinations, but our host told us to expect that. In fact, she was very helpful, chiming in with clues when we got too frustrated. 

Getting out alive made us feel smart, and we asked how many people solve the puzzle. Our host told us that about a third of the people make it out of the room before the timer dings, signaling the return of the killer. What is the record for quickest escape? About 49 minutes. 

I liked not knowing what was going to happen, and I liked that we worked together on some of the more difficult clues. I would love to go back and see if we could make it through the other rooms, which
are supposed to be harder
to solve. 

This year, Community Concerts celebrates 80 years of music, fun and entertainment. It’s been a stellar season thus far with performances by Daryl Hall and John Oates, Peter Cetera and Boyz II Men. On April 15, funnyman Jay Leno takes the stage at the Crown Theatre to close out
the season.

“He’s a legend,” said Community Concerts Attractions Director Michael Fleishman. “He puts on an excellent show.”

A longtime late night TV host, Leno has not slowed down a bit since leaving The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.In fact, he has an Emmy Award winning webshow called Jay Leno’s Garage. Here he shares his love of cars and gives reviews, compares cars
and more.

Never one to sit still, Leno stays busy traveling, writing children’s books, performing and supporting his favorite causes. He’s served as Master of Ceremonies for causes supporting those affected by 9/11, the Tsunami in Thailand, hurricanes in the Gulf and more. Every year, Leno leads the Love Ride in California, which benefits humanitarian organizations that serve people with autism and muscular dystrophy as well as athletes who compete in the Special Olympics.

While Community Concerts’ season performances don’t usually have an opening act, the audience is in for an extra treat at this show. “We added an opening act — Emily West. She’s from Nashville and was finalist on season 9 of America’s Got Talent,” said Fleishman. “She won the crowd over with covers she does, one of them is a song from The Wizard of Oz.”

Fleishman was looking to add a musical element to the show and knew he had the right act when he heard West. 

“She is great. She will do a show for about 30 minutes as an opener. She’s worked with Jay before and he loves her.” 

Community Concerts went all out this year choosing to bring fewer shows but bigger names to the community. It was a calculated move but one that the organization felt was right. “We had fewer shows this year, but actually spent more,” said Fleishman. “This has been a really good season.”

 While he wouldn’t commit to a specific number of performances for next season, Fleishman added, “We always want to keep it fresh and we are actively working on next year’s program. We want to bring the best artists we can to Fayetteville.”

Offering top-notch entertainment to the community is the Community Concerts mission — and it’s something the organization does exceedingly well. What drives this all-volunteer group is their love for the community. Since 2008, every season, Community Concerts inducts a person or group into the Fayetteville Music Hall of Fame. With such a talented and diverse community, it just made sense to honor those who make the Fayetteville music community stronger.

Previous Hall of Fame inductees include Charlotte Blume, owner of Charlotte Blume School of Dance; Laura Stevens, founder and director of Voices of the Heart; jazz educator and performer Malachi Sharpe; and the 82nd Airborne Division’s All-American Chorus.

This year Community Concerts chose to honor three people. The inductees were announced at the Boys II Men concert on March 11. Fouad Fakhouri is a composer and the conductor for the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. This is Fakhouri’s last season with the FSO. “He has done a lot for Fayetteville and the symphony,”
said Fleishman. 

Doyle Wood owns Daxwood Productions and joined Fakhouri as an inductee. “He’s a singer and a songwriter and a producer. He has produced more than 1,000 songs,”
said Fleishman. 

Lynne Robertson O’Quinn was the third inductee. 

“She has worked with Wood for almost 30 years,” said Fleishman. “She has helped him on lyrics for songs he’s done. They did a song called ‘Stand Proud,’ which is being used at military ceremonies and as a tribute to the armed forces. They also worked on ‘Our Hometown,’ which is played a lot locally and is an homage Fayetteville.”

Always looking to encourage new musicians, Community Concerts also awards college scholarships to local students. The program was founded in 2004. Since its inception, the organization has awarded 24 scholarships.

Another way that Community Concerts supports local musicians is through its local artist showcase. This program is designed to build community involvement and music awareness. In the past, local groups performed at shows during the Community Concerts Season. Voices of the Heart opened for Gladys Knight and students from Linda Kinlaw’s School of Dance performed during Martina McBride’s show. Local country music artist Trae Edwards performed at the Ricky Skaggs show.

Community Concerts believes in the power of music and strives to make music available to everyone. The organization provides free concert opportunities to different groups including children and seniors. The Vision Resource Center, Urban Ministry, The Sunshine Center, members of local fire and police departments, high school theater art classes, members of our military and many others have benefited from this program.

To find out more about Community Concerts or to purchase ticket to see Jay Leno at the Crown, visit www.community-concerts.com or call 888.267.6208.

Litter is a problem that plagues many cities around the world, and Fayetteville is included. Every piece of trash  tossed onto the ground has a huge impact on the city. First, and most obvious, it is ugly and devalues all of the amazing opportunities that Fayetteville has to offer. Second, it has a huge effect on the environment. Cigarette butts leak harmful chemicals into the water and soil. Large amounts of litter attract harmful vermin and bugs. Plastics are often eaten by local animals, which can eventually kill them. Litter is ugly and dangerous but cleaning it up is often a very expensive endeavor. The U.S. spends billions on it annually. On April 2, Fayetteville Beautiful hosts its annual citywide cleanup. It is a chance for the public to come out and make a difference in the local landscape.

“This is an opportunity for all the citizens of the city to participate in, as George Breece would say, ‘cleaning up their bedroom.’ We are giving the opportunity to citizens to feel good and to clean up their neighborhood, park or thoroughfare — or an area that they feel is blighted or ugly,” said Bobby Hurst, Fayetteville Beautiful spokesman. “Families, neighbors, organizations, youth groups are all encouraged to participate. The more people that help, the cleaner the city will be for ourselves and visitors who have first and lasting impressions of the city.”

Fayetteville Beautiful is a group of volunteers that has decided enough is enough. The organization has three core issues. Litter prevention, which goes along with the citywide clean up. Beautification, which goes along with planting. Third, is waste reduction. “The people and animals of the area deserve a beautiful and clean city to live and thrive,” said Hurst.

On the day of the  citywide cleanup, volunteers meet up and spend a day picking up all of the litter from various locations around the city. Fayetteville is a large city with a lot of areas that could benefit from a cleanup. Groups and individuals can pick a particular area of interest by “adopting” the street or park. This can be done by registering at http://fcpr.us/fayetteville_beautiful.aspx. The more people that participate, the  more Fayetteville will benefit. 

Participants should meet from 8 until 9:30 a.m. at the entrance to Cross Creek Park on Green Street. This is the distribution site where orange bags, gloves and bottled water are given out. Volunteers fill the orange bags with the collected litter and leave the full tied bags along the way. Organizers with Fayetteville Beautiful will then collect the full bags for disposal. It is for this reason that it is vital for volunteers to register and adopt their intended clean up sites. This also helps to prevent too many volunteers working on one area. 

“Seeing more people get involved and care about their city is the most exciting thing for me,” said Hurst. “Eighty-five percent of littering is individual attitudes and the key is to change individual’s behavior. This is the result from a 2009 survey done by Keep America Beautiful. Our goals for the future are for more people to get involved to be a cleaner city.”

In the past, these citywide cleanups have been an incredible success. Last year’s boasted 707 volunteers who picked up 14,531 pounds of litter. Over the past 11 years Fayetteville Beautiful has had 10,934 volunteers pick up over 132 tons of liter along 216 miles or roadside. These numbers show what a huge difference volunteering a few hours on a weekend can do. 

Besides volunteering with Fayetteville Beautiful there are other ways to reduce the litter around town. Recycle and use reusable containers whenever possible. Make sure trash containers have tightly fitted lids so that weather or animals don’t blow trash away. Adopt a street or area and dedicate time to keeping it clean. Report litter violations and discourage friends and family from littering. Make sure appropriate trash and recycling receptacles are available and emptied often. Fayetteville Beautiful also accepts donations and has volunteer opportunities beyond the annual citywide cleanup. For more information visit
www.fayettevillebeautiful.com. 

Team (noun) a group of players forming one side in a competitive game or sport.

Team (verb) come together as a team to achieve a common goal.

I’ve spent a lot of time the past couple of weeks hearing and talking about teams. All kinds of teams: work teams, athletic teams, couples who work as a team, even our political leaders. For the past couple of weeks, the conversation has not been about successful teams, but rather unsuccessful teams. Dysfunctional teams. 

These conversations have sent me into research mode. What happens between people that make them so unable to work together, so unable to find a common ground, so unable to put aside their anger to actually hear one another? How do you take people who are that far apart and get them to work together? How do you build a team when no one is listening? It’s a major problem in our schools, our communities, our country. So, in the hopes of building a bridge, I thought I would share some information that I found on building a strong team — whether it’s in your business, your school, your place of worship, your home or in our community.

The following are suggested as the building blocks of building an effective team:

Clear objectives: Understand that a team has mutually-agreed aims and objectives. It is imperative that everyone has a clear understanding of what they are.

Balanced roles: A good team knows how to balance the skills, abilities and aspirations of its members. On an effective team, every member has a clear understanding of each individual’s role in achieving the overall team objectives. 

Effective processes: Teams that work have developed
good processes for making, communicating, implementing and reviewing decisions. Effective information systems are
in place and coordination of resources is key to the team’s success.

Good communication: Meetings are the bane of most teams. Particularly when meetings don’t really serve a purpose other than checking a block or are battlegrounds where axes are ground between the members of the teams. Meetings must be productive and everyone involved has to have a voice. If that isn’t the case, then frustration builds and the team moves further apart instead of together..

Appropriate leadership: A successful team has a leader. If the leader fails, the team fails. If there is mistrust between the team and its leadership then nothing is going to be accomplished. 

Support and trust: Members of the team have to have respect and trust in their teammates. They  help each other by listening, evaluating, offering ideas, encouraging experimentation and giving support. 

Openness and conflict: People express themselves openly and honestly. That means people talk to one another in a civil manner. A differing opinion, is not a reason for name calling or abuse. True team members must be will to work through difficult situations or conflict constructively. 

Mutual cooperations:There is a readiness to be involved and committed. Individuals’ abilities, knowledge and experience are pooled and used by the team. There is acceptance of each others’ strengths and weaknesses. One team member does not use the other’s weakness against them, instead steps up to fill the gap.

Individual development:‘Mistakes’ are faced openly and used as a vehicle for learning. Individuals are given opportunities to develop new skills and experience. A coach who takes a player out of the game because they male a mistake isn’t teaching the player anything. A great coach knows that a player learns from his or her mistakes. They become better for the making of them. A good coach also knows not to let the mistakes go on for a long period of time, when that happens, instead of being a teaching tool, the mistake becomes a weapon.

Regular review:The team regularly reviews its performance and goals and alters its priorities and practices in the light of review. That means they make an honest assessment of what has happened and use the assessment not to place blame, but to move forward.

If you take a close look at where we are today, it would seem that these common sense approaches to teamwork could really help our city, our state and our country. 

A jolt akin to an electric shock shot through my body when I realized that I have been writing for Up & Coming Weekly for a full 15 years!

I have missed a few weeks for travel, family events and the occasional “mental health” break, but assuming about 45 columns each year, that comes to at least 675 columns — hence, the jolt. I had no idea!

Once my shock subsided, I started pondering some of those columns and responses that have come in over the years. What topics, I asked myself, generated the most response? Politics? Sex? I have addressed teenage pregnancy and single motherhood but not how they actually occur. Religion? Would not touch that with a 10-foot pole. The eternal quest for world peace? Zzzz

So what interested readers most? No contest. Up & Coming Weekly readers are fervently interested in tattoos and the English language, grammar included.

Tattoo responses generally addressed why the writer got tatts and how he or she feels about them. Most people feel just fine. I did get slightly uneasy one evening when I walked by a bandstand and a country musician with much colorful ink snarled at me, “What have you got against tattoos, lady?” though most folks are not quite that invested.

English grammar aficionados, on the other hand, are deadly serious about our language and its usage, as frankly, am I. The Precious Jewels suffered zillions of grammar corrections over the years — when to use “lay” and when to use “lie” along with why Mary did not go to the movie with “you and I.” Like art and pornography, I think they know correctly used English most of the time, which I consider one of my main legacies as a mother.

Imagine how delighted I am to meet, on paper and online, Mary Norris, who unapologetically refers to herself as the Comma Queen. Norris has worked for The New Yorker magazine, long known for being a total stickler when it comes to grammar and using exactly the right word, for nearly four decades. She has recently published and essay in The New Yorker— where else — about learning to love its iconic style, and she has a book coming out next month subtitled Confessions of a Comma Queen. Best of all are the Comma Queen’s charming videos on YouTube in which she tackles such burning topics as “Who/Whom for Dummies,” which is quite enlightening.

Norris knows a great deal about commas, of course, and offers examples of why proper placement of them is critical. Below we see what happens when they are in the wrong place or nowhere at all. 

“We invited the strippers, J.F.K and Stalin.” We would all have liked to have
 seen that.

“This book is dedicated to my parents, Ayn Rand and God.” Who knew?

“And there was the country-and-Western singer who was joined onstage by his two ex-wives, Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings.” Who knew that either?

Norris is also knowledgeable and concerned about words and how they are used. She frets, as do many other language lovers, over what she terms “vogue words.” Think “massive” and “awesome,” words that have been so overused that they are virtually meaningless. Can you really have a “massive” headache when an ache has no actual mass at all? If you have an “awesome” party, does that mean your hospitality inspired awe among your guests or did they merely have a fine time? 

What about the void — a real limitation — in English that Norris correctly points out and which sounds to me like a nail grating along a chalkboard every time I hear it. Unfortunately, that is daily. Unlike some other tongues, English does not have a gender neutral word to use when we do not know which gender a person is. For example, “A person stood in the doorway, but _____ did not come in the room.” A correct way to fill that blank would be “he or she,” but that sounds cumbersome. So, we often use the plural “they” when we are referring to a single individual, which is incorrect but so common now that the American Dialect Society has declared “they” the “word of the year” in 2015. Other winners include “bushlips” in 1990, referring to President George H. W. Bush’s “Read my lips. No new taxes” promise, “metrosexual” in 2003, and “truthiness” in 2005, made famous on The Colbert Report.

My takeaway from all this? 

Language is dynamic, always expanding and sometimes retiring words and uses, but at the end of the day we must have some rules or we will turn into a tower of Babel. 

I can hardly wait to hear from my fellow English lovers, so sock it to me.

Ummm…I wonder whether the Comma Queen would say that.

Among my many failings as a human being is the fact that I like beauty pageants. Growing up I always looked forward to watching the Miss America pageant. I particularly enjoyed watching the lovely ladies wearing their one piece bathing suits strutting their stuff around the stage in high heels. For a 13-year-old boy, it didn’t get any better than that. As a deeply shallow person, it didn’t take much to amuse me back then or now for that matter. Closely behind the bathing suit promenade, were the thought questions and the talent segments. It was truly touching how happy the first runner up was for the ultimate winner. It proved women are more evolved than men. Two guys up for the same prize, the second place guy is much more likely to punch the winner than hug him. Bert Parks singing, “There she is, Miss America,” was a celestial experience. I still tear up a little thinking about that.

The thought questions were always great. Bert: “Miss Iowa, if you could have two wishes, what would they be?” Miss Iowa: “I would wish for world peace and a hit record.” Cue the wild applause from the Iowa section of the audience. Little was more entertaining than listening to Bert plumbing the intellectual depths of the psyches of potential Miss Americas. Those gals were beautiful but tough. They had to answer deeply philosophical questions with their teeth covered in Vaseline to keep their lips from sticking to their teeth due to smiling for 72 hours straight. They also had to labor under the weight of 20 pounds of hair spray back in Bert’s day. The creation of the hole in the Ozone in the 1960s was a direct result of the hair spray dispersed during Miss America pageants. 

The talent portion was wonderful. My favorites were the baton twirlers. Baton twirling was really big in the ‘60s. There was always the hope that a twirler might drop her baton. In a really good year, a baton twirler would spin a flaming baton. A contestant might recite a love poem of her own composure. Each year several contestants would sing “Midnight” from Cats. If we got lucky, a contestant would do acrobatics and roll across the stage to a song by Herb Alpert. Those were the days, my friend. We thought they’d never end. 

Which brings us to a really great beauty pageant that is coming up locally. I speak of the Puttin’ on the Dog Pet Dog show that will occur on Sunday, April 24, from 1 to 3 p.m. This fine event will take place at Heritage Square, 224 Dick Street, in beautiful downtown Fayetteville. This is the classiest dog show in the history of the universe. You, gentle reader, can enter your own dog and win a fabulous prize. The dog show is put on by the Fayetteville Animal Protection Society to raise funds for homeless pets. The entry fee is a mere $5 per dog, which is less than a triple venti carmel coffee. Registration starts at noon. There is no entry fee to join the Parade of Rescue Dogs. Bring your rescued buddy. This is gonna be HUGE! There is no pedigree required for your dog to compete other than being your faithful canine companion. 

You and your dog can compete and win in the following categories: Gorgeous Gals; Handsome Guys; Owner-Dog Look-a-Likes, Best Dog Costume, with a grand prize for Best in Show. While not a year’s supply of Turtle Wax, magnificent ribbons will be awarded in each of these categories. Free admission for human and doggy spectators. If you just want to bring your dog to view this awesome extravaganza, kindly remained leashed to your puppy. While they last, free doggy treats in the shape of Dook basketball players, IRS agents and UPS delivery dudes are available. Just kidding about the shapes. For the human animal companions, food, drinks and desserts are available for purchase. 

On a personal note, we are entering our wonder dachshund, Molly the Warrior Princess, who is in fact truly gorgeous. Molly is enrolled in pageant school, where she has been diligently working with a pageant coach on how to answer thought questions while balancing on four high heel shoes wearing a one piece bathing suit. For her talent Molly is going to sing Captain and Tennille’s big hit, “Muskrat Love.” 

Bring your dog and family out for a beautiful afternoon on the town. We may have a four star general judging the contestants. Come and see the spectacle! A splendid time is guaranteed for all.

A near shootout among teens inside a fast food restaurant capped an unusually violent month in Fayetteville. The youth who was the target of a robbery at McDonalds on Raeford Road at Ireland Drive was not charged, although police say he did all of the shooting. The investigation is ongoing. 

It happened just before the dinner hour, when three teens entered the restaurant to sell a pair of cell phones to another youth. They decided to rob him instead. Darius Keyshawn Joyner, 19,  got the drop on the others and began shooting. Two of the would-be robbers were wounded. An elderly woman was knocked to the ground as the trio ran from the store. No one else was hit by gunfire. 

Police spokesman Lt. David McLaurin says two handguns were recovered. District Attorney Billy West appeared at the arraignment of the three young suspects and asked that their bail be increased to $250,000 each. District Court Judge Steven Stokes obliged West agreeing that people should be able to eat a meal in peace. The youngsters jailed in the case are Dustin Lane Tippet, 17, Delon Russell-Dyer, 18 and Jairron Harrington, 18, all of Fayetteville. They’re charged with armed robbery, conspiracy and possession of stolen property. 

Harnett County Sheriff Steps Down

Harnett County Sheriff Larry Rollins chose to resign one day after District Attorney Vernon Stewart indicated he would seek murder charges against one of Rollins’ deputies. 

WTVD11 reported Rollins had actually informed the Board of County Commissioners a month earlier that he was going to step down. That came during the height of a probe into an officer-involved shooting death. Rollins has not commented publically about resigning the post he held for
14 years. 

Stewart said he will seek a second-degree murder indictment against Deputy Sheriff Nicholas Kehagais, according to Lillington attorney Jesse Jones. It’s the first time the deputy has been publically identified since the shooting death last November of John Livingston, 33.  He was shot three times Nov. 15 at his home north of Spring Lake. An autopsy disclosed Livingston’s body had evidence of “cocaine and excessive alcohol consumption.” 

Two deputies responded to the residence before dawn to conduct an assault investigation, the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office said. Court records indicate that Deputy Kehagais contacted Livingston in front of his home while deputy John Werbelow went around back. Kehagais asked Livingston for permission to search the residence for suspects. An affidavit confirmed deputies did not have a search warrant.  Livingston eventually gave his consent. When Kehagais spotted a vehicle behind the home matching the description of one suspected in an assault investigation, he attempted to arrest Livingston, who resisted. The affidavit says Kehagais reported there were witnesses to the struggle that ensued. Kehagais shocked Livingston with his stun gun but it was ineffective. The other officer then pepper-sprayed Livingston, but he kept fighting. Court documents reveal that Kehagais drew his side arm while Livingston fought with him. He fired three times hitting Livingston in the “upper chest and possibly an arm.” EMS personnel pronounced Livingston dead at the scene. Until these disclosures over the past week, the Sheriff’s Office refused to release any information surrounding the confrontation and resulting death.

Each year more than 2,400 pedestrians are hit by vehicles in North Carolina, making our state among the least safe states in the United States for walking. On average, about 160 pedestrians are killed annually in North Carolina. 

In collisions with cars, pedestrians have a lot to lose. Those hit at 40 miles per hour have an 85 percent chance of dying according to the Governor’s Highway Safety Office. This is why the North Carolina Department of Transportation has undertaken a program designed to reduce walker fatalities.

“Pedestrian safety projects are being developed around the city especially along new or resurfaced roadways,” said David Thipps,
 North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Regional Traffic Engineer for Fayetteville. 

Glensford Drive between Raeford Road and Morganton Road has high visibility marked crosswalks and three roundabouts all of which are designed to protect pedestrians in their conflicts with motor vehicles. In one spot, a unique, fenced corral of sorts was installed on the center median at Berean Baptist Academy to harness children as they move across the busy road. 

“All major transportation improvement projects include improved accommodations for pedestrians,” says Thipps. 

These projects include the installation of a center median along Owen Drive that is now underway between U.S. 301 and the All American Expressway. Marked crosswalks are planned in areas where there has been a history of pedestrian fatalities in recent years. Coincidentally, as Up & Coming Weekly has reported, a sidewalk is set for construction along the entire east side of Owen Drive. Raeford Road will get similar center medians and will also include crosswalks with high visibility markings. Both are similar to the project undertaken a couple of years ago along Ramsey Street. When the median was installed along Ramsey Street, crosswalks were not included. But now, according to Thipps, they’ll be retrofitted at some of the major intersections. 

Thipps points out that smaller paving projects like the one along Eastern Boulevard and Grove Street downtown included pedestrian crosswalks at signalized intersections. Crosswalks are also going in along Eastern Boulevard at Russell Street, Pamalee Drive and Murchison Road as well as in-town sections of Bragg Boulevard. He says there are 14 funded safety projects earmarked for Fayetteville. Thipps says his office and Fayetteville City Traffic Engineer Lee Jernigan work closely together to improve pedestrian safety. Both say the heavily travelled cluster of hotel and hospitality outlets along N.C. 53 (Cedar Creek Road) at Exit 49 off I-95 has received significant safety upgrades with additional crosswalks. The area has become a major problem for travelling motorists, says Thipps. 

“We’re always looking for additional opportunities to improve pedestrian safety,” he said.

A combination of mild winter weather and an early March warm-up are resulting in an intense and early season for allergy sufferers. These conditions allowed trees to pollinate earlier than usual. In eastern North Carolina, pollen levels usually peak in early to mid-spring when most of our native trees such as pines and oaks are flowering. Some of the biggest spring allergy offenders also include grasses and weeds. The trees, many of which are widespread in Greater Fayetteville, also include birch, beech and cedar.  

This year, the pollen was noticeable a week before spring had sprung. Pollen levels are considered high when daily counts exceed 270 grains per cubic meter. Pollen counts at state environmental laboratories in Raleigh have already reached leveled of 428 and 450. They could get much higher, though. The good news? Seasonal peaks like this usually only occur within a one- or two-week span. 

With pollen on the rise, allergies won’t be far behind. People who are bothered by allergies may want to limit their time outdoors until pollen levels decline. State environmental experts say the worst times to be outdoors in the pollen are during early morning hours and when it is windy outside. Keeping doors and windows shut with air conditioners running helps to reduce pollen levels indoors. Rainy days, on the other hand, cause a drop in the pollen counts, because the rain washes away the allergens. And of course the rain washes away the residue on the roofs of our homes and cars…at least temporarily.

The immune system normally defends the body against harmful invaders, such as viruses and bacteria, to ward off illnesses. According to WebMD the immune system, mistakenly seeing the pollen as foreign invaders, releases antibodies — substances that normally identify and attack bacteria, viruses and other illness-causing organisms. The antibodies attack the allergens, which leads to the release of chemicals called histamines into the blood. It’s the histamines that trigger the runny nose, itchy eyes, and other symptoms of allergies. Allergic reactions result from specific types of pollen. The reaction leads to numerous irritating symptoms, such as sneezing, stuffy nose and watery eyes. 

Some people have pollen allergies year-round, while others only have them during certain times of the year. For example, people who are sensitive to birch pollen will usually have increased symptoms during the spring when birch trees are in bloom. Similarly, those with ragweed allergies will be most affected during the late spring and early fall. A pollen allergy is sometimes referred to as hay fever. 

If you’re one of the millions of Americans dealing with sinus problems, you know how miserable facial pain and clogged nasal passages can be. Allergies affect up to 30 percent of adults and 40 percent of children in the United States. Symptoms can be treated with medications and allergy shots. Many sinus sufferers have turned to nasal saline irrigation, a therapy that uses a salt and water solution to flush out the nasal passages. 

One of the most popular methods is use of the Neti pot — a ceramic or plastic pot that looks like a cross between a small teapot and Aladdin’s magic lamp. Although nasal irrigation using the Neti pot has been around for centuries, its use is on the rise in the United States. 

Cancer is a too common diagnosis that can uproot and create chaos within a family. Those at the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation’s Friends of the Cancer Center are there to help and raise needed funds to support local families. 

The 10th Annual Ribbon Walk and Run is slated for Sunday, April 10. The event begins at Festival Park, and is hosted by the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation’s Friends of the Cancer Center with presenting sponsors Stanley Steemer and Gill Security. New this year is the change from a Walk and Ride to a Walk and Run.

“We’ve had several requests from runners to include a race so new this year is a sanctioned 5K run. We are expecting 1,500 participants on that Sunday afternoon,” said Tara Hinton, development coordinator for the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation. “It means so much to our patients to see the community come together to help during these difficult times while we all have someone to remember and honor fighting this battle.”

Teams also include local dignitaries including Miss Fayetteville’s Crowns for Service and #teamdees, supporting former Hope Mills Mayor Eddie Dees who is battling pancreatic cancer. 

Runners and walkers can sign up until the day of registration at 1 p.m. Registration fees in advance are $25 for walkers, $30 for runners and $20 for all cancer survivors whether walking or running. Limited edition Survivor t-shirts are available on a first come, first served basis. Don’t wait until the day of the event, but if you do, it’s an extra $5. 

The opening ceremony will start on April 10 at 2 p.m. with the emcee Don Chase from WKML, Special Forces Association Parachute team jump, Miss Fort Bragg singing the National Anthem, survivor recognition with photo displays and a fun Zumba warmup by the HealthPlex.  The race will begin at 3 p.m. with runners starting first,  and walkers following. 

Also new to the event this year is a large jumbotron digital billboard, where friends and family can submit photos in memory or in honor of loved ones. The display photo forms are available on the website and the deadline for submission is April 4. 

The Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Cape Fear Valley Health and all funds donated the Health Foundation are directed to programs and services. The Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation’s Friends of the Cancer Center helps provide hundreds of cancer patients with emotional support, informational resources, free mammograms, food supplements, wigs and gas vouchers, free hats and turbans, massages and reflexology, Artful Reflections art therapy and emergency needs funding such as mortgage and utility payments. In addition, each year Friends of the Cancer Center sponsors Camp Rockfish, a camp to celebrate life for cancer patients and their families.

There are three signature fundraising events according to Hinton, including this race. The two other events include the Friends of Children Golf Classic, which will be held on Oct. 6 to benefit children at Cape Fear Valley including the NICU and the Cape Fear Valley Gala in January. Throughout the year, there are also 30+ third party events such as the Fort Bragg Federal Credit Union charity golf tournament, the Methodist University Play for Kay and the Fayetteville State University Ball in Pink. 

“Community support extends whether they know someone personally and are trying to raise needed funds, or our annual events,” said Hinton. “There are others throughout the year and they help support our mission.  The most important part is these funds being raised stay at home and go directly in the door of Cape Fear Valley. By supporting this event or the various ones during the year, you may be helping someone you know.”

For more information about the 2016 Run/Walk, to start a team or signup or to donate, visit www.ribbonwalkforcancer.org. 

Throw a stone into still water and the affect is far reaching. One ripple spawns the next for several iterations. Leadership is like that. A teachable moment with a mentor, a shared experience with a colleague, an “Aha!” moment when something clicks into place, these all cause ripples. They make us better. They empower us and the people around us. 

Brad Loase, owner of Express Employment Professionals, is in the business of empowering people (and businesses, because businesses are made up of people) to be and do their best. By matching the right people with the right jobs, Express changes businesses and lives, which in turn impacts the community. And that is where Loase’s passion lies — in doing what he can to help foster a thriving and prosperous community. For Loase, that comes in the form of the Refresh Leadership Live Simulcast, which Express Employment, the Greater Fayetteville Chamber and Holiday Inn I-95 host each year. This year’s event falls on April 13 and includes speakers, breakout sessions, a panel discussion and more.

“This is a really great opportunity to learn more about leadership on many levels,” said Loase. “We’ve got three internationally-
known leaders and a very highly regarded state-level speaker. This is the seventh year for Refresh Leadership Live, but it’s the second year we have partnered with the Chamber. It blew me away last year. We have incredible leaders here.” 

The simulcast portion of the day runs from 9 a.m. to noon and features Marshall Goldsmith, author, professor, and executive coach; Shaquille “Shaq” O’Neal, television sports analyst and 15-time NBA All-Star; and Kaplan Mobray, author, motivational speaker and career consultant. Phyllis Houston-Washington is the luncheon keynote speaker. After lunch, there will be breakout sessions and a panel discussion. The event concludes with Business After Hours. Throughout the day, tables are set up with local vendors sharing educational and business-related resources.

Loase sees this event as something unique that can make a difference locally. 

“Your community is only as successful as the people in the community make it. I always want to do things to help make the community stronger,” said Loase. “I would not do this if I felt like it was standard boxed messages that we were repeating. These are people speaking from the heart, sharing true experiences and giving honest insight about how they got to where they are.”

Marshall Goldsmith is the first speaker of the day. His talk is titled What Got You Here, Won’t Get You There. Goldsmith’s books include two New York Times best sellers: Mojo and What Got You Here, Won’t Get You There. He also teaches at Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business.

Shaquille O’Neal’s piece is in a question and answer format and is titled “Leadership Lessons from Inside the Paint.” He’ll share leadership lessons he’s learned on and off the court. A legendary NBA star, O’Neal is also ranked among the 100 Most Creative People in Business by Fast Company Magazine.

Mobray rounds out the simulcast portion of the event with a talk about “The 10 Ls of Leadership.” In it, he challenges listeners to understand their unique leadership qualities and how to best use them. He is the author of The 10 Ks of Personal Branding.

The keynote speaker Phyllis Houston-Washington currently lives in Charlotte, but she is no stranger to Fayetteville. She and her family lived here for several years, during which time she worked for WCLN and WFSS. 

“I still have friends in Fayetteville. Coming to Fayetteville is like coming home,” said Washington. “I am looking forward to coming back and sharing about how strong Fayetteville is and what they have that they don’t even realize.”

Washington promises a fresh perspective on leadership in her presentation. Don’t expect to hear the buzz words, key phrases and recycled steps to success and other clichés that are common at leadership conferences. In fact, Washington is planning “… something life-changing for leaders and those they lead.” She added, “Attendees can expect to walk away with something personal, practical and that they can apply to their lives. I will talk about the legacy of leadership. We don’t always recognize our own value.”

Taking the legacy concept a step further, there will be a workshop after lunch led by Washington. “We will talk about developing a leadership brand,” she said.

Loase noted that while the event is free, lunch is not. It costs $35. Chamber members; however, do receive a discounted price for the meal - $30. 

“My favorite part of the day is watching the people getting engaged and seeing reactions as they listen to the speakers,” he said. “They are movers and shakers in our world and they are sharing their experience. It is a way to give back to community. A lot of companies will do things like this and charge for it. We don’t want to charge — we want to make out community better.”

Register for the simulcast at https://www.expresspros.com/RefreshLeadershipLiveSimulcast/Registration.aspx. Register for the luncheon at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/refresh-leadership-live-simulcast-and-business-expo-ticckets23848549654?aff=ebrowse

For more information, call Loase at
910 437 5959.