Last year Alton Brown, the popular Food Network personality brought his culinary skill, scientific knowledge and sense of humor live to people across the country with his tour Edible Inevitable.The tour was both successful and fun for the audiences and the host. With that experience under his belt, Brown is bringing an even bigger and more challenging tour called Alton Brown Live: Eat Your Scienceto fans across the nation. The show makes a stop in Fayetteville on April 7.

Brown is well known for his work as a host on many Food Network programs like Iron Chef Americaand Cutthroat Kitchen. He is also an acclaimed author winning a James Beard Award for I’m Just Here for the Food. He may be most strongly associated with his 13 years spent on the show Good Eats,however. 

“My live shows are not Good Eats Live. However, the DNA is there. If you are a fan of Good Eats, then you will probably enjoy this, but I do things that I would never be able to do on TV. I write food songs and play and sing. I do demonstrations that are so much larger and theatrical on Good Eats — at the end of the day I did things you could do at home. In my live shows I do demonstrations that you could never do at home unless you have experience welding, a large workshop space and several advanced degrees in electrical engineering. Some people have described it as Good Eats on steroids. I don’t know that I see it quiet that way, but the DNA is there. They are related,” he explains. 

 For those that enjoyed Edible Inevitable this new performance is a must see; it’s going to be even bigger and better. “With the Edible Inevitabletour we learned the model and structure works. It is like a recipe, this much potato this much butter, this much milk. We are using the same structure but with all new songs and all new stuff. The guts are new,” Brown, explained, “This new show we required even more people to help with building and planning. We have brand new demonstrations … we are using technologies that no one has ever used on food before. It is exciting and a little bit terrifying because if things don’t work out the way I think they will, I will be in a little bit of trouble. “

Eat Your Scienceis full of grand demonstrations, jokes, live music and much more. Brown himself plays both the guitar and keyboard. Though not known as a musician now, he says that in his youth he often wrote and performed songs. For him relearning those skills was one of the most rewarding parts of preparing for these tours. “Everyone who grew up like me in ‘70s wanted to be a rock star. This has some of the same vibes so it’s a bit like a fantasy come true,” he says. 

Much of this tour is focused on fun and enjoyment for the audience naturally, but also for Brown. The best performances are ones that are as fresh and exciting for the performers as for the audience. “This is new and exciting and a wonderful antidote because it is the opposite of TV, in a good way,” Brown says “ When you spend a lot of time every day on a sound stage like a do for Cut Throat Kitchen making TV this sort of gives you the other side of life.”

Alton Brown Live: Eat Your Sciencewill be at the Crown Theatre on April 7 at 8 p.m. Tickets star at $39.75. For more information or to purchase tickets visit http://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/alton-brown or call 910.438.4100. The Crown Theatre is located at 1960 Coliseum Drive.

The City of Fayetteville and the North Carolina State Department of Transportation have agreed to construct nearly two miles of sidewalks along Owen Drive. Sidewalks will be built from Eastern Boulevard (US301) to the
All American Expressway at Old Owen Drive. 

The $549,000.00 project won’t get underway until the summer of 2017, according to the N.C. Department of Transportation, but it has been funded. Eighty percent of the funds are provided by the federal government. The city will pay the other 20 percent or $112,000.00. 

“This will be a great project to improve pedestrian connectivity along one of the highest travelled corridors in the city,” said Fayetteville Traffic Engineer Lee Jernigan. 

Construction is estimated to take from six to eight months.

The 1.8 miles of sidewalks will be constructed along the east side of Owen Drive. That’s the side the ABC Store and Briarwood Apartments are located on. Fayetteville Area System of Transit patrons will also benefit. 

Eight bus stop pads will be built along the route. Some of them will be mini-projects in and of themselves. Narrow berms along some portions of the shoulder of the highway in the vicinity of Briarwood have served as bus stops. They are extremely dangerous because the berms are adjacent to steep drainage ditches. Those areas will require a major buildup for the walkway. Some of the bus stops may have to be relocated in order to better accommodate patrons, Jernigan said. 

“This is part of the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s safety improvement project,” Jernigan noted.

In nearly 50 years, Fayetteville voters have never approved a parks and recreation bond referendum — until now. Similar bond proposals have failed on at least four other occasions, as far back as 1969 and most recently in 2012. Three and a half years ago, a $45 million bond proposal never got off the ground. City Council deadlocked 5-5 in efforts to put a vote to the people. Twice in the 1980s and in 1969, voters rejected parks and recreation referenda by 4-1 margins. This year, 60 percent of the electorate turned out in favor of a $35 million referendum.

The reason for success this time, many observers believe, is two-fold,. Primarily, opposition was impotent; and there were lessons learned from the most recent failure. 

As for the opposition, one school of thought is that the naysayers, notably former City Council members Juanita Gonzalez and Val Applewhite, actually gave supporters a boost in the final two weeks of the campaign. Gonzalez has had a long-time political reputation for naysaying, which backfired as fence sitters hopped off on the side of supporting the bond referendum.

Most importantly though, City Council reflected on the reasons why a proposed $45 million referendum failed to win majority council support three-and-a-half years ago. The centerpiece of the 2012 proposal was a multipurpose indoor pool, field house and senior center that carried a $45 million price tag. Ted Mohn, who had returned to City Council after a hiatus, along with several freshmen members, said that the cost and proposed location of the multipurpose facility were major obstacles then and should not be considered now. Last spring, Mohn broached the idea of another bond issue.

The council eliminated the costly joint-use building and reduced the referendum to no more than $35 million. That number, as it turns out, made the difference with voters. If passed, it would increase the property tax rate by only $.0135, or roughly less than $20 a year for the average home owner. 

Council did its due diligence over several months, decided on specific projects and locations for individual facilities and put together a well-thought out plan. Civic groups for and against the issue advertised their points of view. The city, by law, could not take a position. But it did launch a campaign urging people to vote. Local civic organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce, endorsed the issue the last few weeks before the March 15 primary date. The ballot also included a statewide capital projects bond issue. Both passed. 

Some local officials believe, and even fear, that Fort Bragg is growing too big, too fast from a business perspective. While officials welcome the military growth, there is some concern about the self-sufficiency Fort Bragg is building, from a new convention center to a huge entertainment complex. Add to that growth the 12,000 seat stadium being built by Major League Baseball on the post while Fayetteville is debating the construction of a minor league ballpark. 

Local government, some merchants and others are privately worried that the massive commercial development on post could eventually damage the civilian economy. 

“They’re building their own economy,” said Bill Crisp, a long-time member of Fayetteville’s City Council. 

Crisp recalls efforts five years ago to lure Embassy Suites to Fayetteville. The attraction for the hotel was its proximity to Fort Bragg. Five Points Hospitality, Inc., manages the property, which is owned by MBM Hospitality, LLC, of Fayetteville. The City of Fayetteville pulled out all the stops to make sure the owners chose a location off Yadkin Road, offering tax incentives, spending half a million dollars improving drainage issues, waiving building permit fees and providing a low-interest loan. Adequate conference space was an important element in order to meet the demand created by the relocation to Fort Bragg of the Army’s four-star Forces Command from Atlanta. 

The Army decided to build a convention center of its own on the site of the old Noncommissioned Officers Club. Military leaders called it their “crown jewel.” A new hotel is planned next door, all of which will duplicate Fayetteville’s Embassy Suites. The post also recently renovated the three-story Landmark Inn and military guest houses. Meanwhile, hotels in the civilian community are seeing a downturn in business. 

“It’s going to hurt Spring Lake and hotel occupancy overall,” said John Meroski, president and CEO of the Fayetteville Convention and Visitors Bureau. 

Meroski told Up & Coming Weeklythere has been a large growth spurt in hotels locally. According to Meroksi, two hotels are under construction and four more are planned. 

“In the last six months, for the first time in seven years, occupancy is trending stable,” added Meroski. Sixty-five to 70 percent occupancy is considered full, he explained. The market occupancy rate now is 60 percent. 

At Fort Bragg, a $20 million-plus entertainment center with a multiscreen movie theater, restaurants and specialty retailers is planned. Known as Freedom Crossing, it is under development by the Army & Air Force Exchange System. 

“Nothing like it quite exists in Fayetteville,” said AAFES Spokeswoman Julie Mitchell. Fort Bragg Spokeswoman Christina Douglas said the facility will open in 2018 on a site off Woodruff Street near the North Post Exchange. 

When the complex was announced, Mitchell said six to nine national restaurant chains will be part of it. Douglas indicated the exchange system has not made public the franchises likely to locate on post. But a similar development at Fort Bliss, Texas, has a Texas Roadhouse, Smashburger, Buffalo Wild Wings and other restaurants and retailers. The complex will fill gaps in entertainment and dining options for families at Fort Bragg, Mitchell said. 

The saving grace, Meroski notes, is that soldiers still enjoy leaving post when off duty for entertainment and shopping options and there are a number of military families that live off post and are integrated into the community. 

Where's Sheriff Butler?

Sheriff Earl “Moose” Butler is rarely seen in public these days and, except for a recent radio interview, hasn’t been heard from. For his more than 20 years in office, Butler has maintained a high profile presence, until recently. Sheriff’s Office Attorney Ronnie Mitchell has become his surrogate, leading many to wonder why Butler is no longer speaking for himself. When asked if Butler was ill, Sgt. Sean Swain, the office spokesman, said, “The Sheriff is just fine. He has been delegating a lot of events and engagements to others so he can focus on other more pressing issues.” Butler has indicated he’s serving his last four-year term. He was elected to a sixth term in 2014 which puts him about two years out from retirement. If he follows tradition, Butler may decide to step down early and ask county commissioners to appoint a successor. As a lifelong Democrat, he would likely recommend the person he would like to see succeed him.

Revised Congressional Districts

“There’s a lot of cynicism in the country because of the way we draw maps, where people feel their vote doesn’t count, and that the results are predetermined,” says Michael Li, senior counsel for the Brennan Center’s democracy program and a voting-rights expert. The North Carolina situation, in particular, “is a mess,” he added. As the result of a recent appellate court decision, North Carolina Congressional elections were postponed until June 7 because new maps had to be drawn to straighten out unlawful gerrymandering.

It has been alleged that the Republican legislature packed more black voters into districts where they already had a plurality, thus boosting Republican odds by “bleaching” surrounding districts. Eleven of the state’s 13 Congressional districts had to be redrawn. Fayetteville, Fort Bragg and Cumberland County are now in the new 8th and 9th districts. The new  Congressmen are Richard Hudson, Republican of Concord and Robert Pittenger, Republican of Charlotte. The districts are adjacent to one another. They stretch horizontally along south-central North Carolina from Rowan County in the west to Cumberland County in the east. Members of Congress David Price, Renee Ellmers and David Rouser no longer represent the Fayetteville area. 

Medal of Honor Recipient Honored

Fayetteville’s Airborne & Special Operations Museum will host a Medal of Honor Day Ceremony March 25 at 10 a.m.  The late Staff Sgt. Felix M. Conde-Falcon, Company D, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division is the highlighted recipient. Staff Sgt. Conde is the only the 82nd Airborne Division Medal of Honor recipient during the Vietnam War. The 3rd Brigade deployed to Vietnam in 1968 answering the nation’s call in response to the Tet Offensive. President Lyndon Johnson came to Pope Field to see the paratroopers off. Guest speakers for the upcoming event are Col. (Retired) Stan Dodson and Lesley Hayes. Dodson was Conde’s platoon leader and Hayes was the radio operator the day of the action. Some of the platoon members present that day will attend. Immediately after the ceremony, all Vietnam veterans present will be honored and presented with lapel pins thanking them for their service during the war.    

Red Cross Dedication

American Red Cross workers are on the ground, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, helping those who need it most. Whether they’re providing essentials to a family impacted by a home fire in the middle of the night, or supporting affected communities after a severe storm, they’re there nearly every 8 minutes across the country. The Red Cross provides impacted families with essentials like warm meals, a place to stay, and clean-up kits , as well as guidance on how to take the next steps to recover from tragedy. Here in Fayetteville, it’s not unusual for volunteers with the Highlands Chapter of the American Red Cross to get phone calls day and night from the fire department. Families who are burned out of their homes are given temporary lodging in local motels and other necessities as they struggle to get back on their feet.  Right now, the Red Cross is hard at work delivering hope and help for people impacted by flooding along the Gulf Coast.  Record flooding is occurring along a stretch of the Sabine River, and will result in long-lasting after effects along the Texas and Louisiana border. One night more than 380 people found safe places to stay in 31 Red Cross and community shelters outside flooded communities in Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana. It’s the fifth major disaster this year alone. Families face a long road to recovery as they wait for the water to recede.

I am approaching being fully convinced that treating all people fairly is not the strong-suit of most politicians, the media or a good many American citizens. This fact is demonstrated in the responses to conflicts between supporters and protesters at Donald Trump rallies. Media reports are replete with charges that Trump creates an atmosphere where violence is encouraged and found acceptable. 

I am not a Trump supporter. However, I do believe totally in treating all people fairly. Idisagree with his tactics and what appears to be his overall strategy in this Presidential quest. The bothersome tactics include, but are not limited to, his foul language, verbal personal attacks on others and speaking in generalities. The overall strategy seems to be one of addressing the public’s anger in ways that excites and attracts loyalty but demonstrates no likelihood of productivity. In spite of these objections, I stand solidly in support of fair treatment for Trump. Without reservation, I hold that he is not being treated fairly.

As a starting point, consider what happened at Trump’s rally in Fayetteville on March 9. Various media reports indicate that Rakeem Jones, a 26-year-old black male, was protesting inside the venue. His conduct led to sheriff’s deputies leading him out of the coliseum. As they were escorting Jones up the inside steps, John Franklin McGraw, a 78-year-old white male, walked from his seat and hit Jones in the face. Media reports abound that focus on the conduct of the deputies in that they did not immediately arrest McGraw. Even more widespread from media, all 2016 Presidential candidates (Republicans and Democrats), political leaders and many citizens is the absolute contention that Trump is responsible for this incident and similar ones at some of his other rallies. The case is made that he creates an atmosphere that invites this kind of behavior. I have not seen that any responsibility is placed on Rakeem Jones, the protester.

A Trump rally scheduled for March 11 in Chicago was cancelled due to public safety concerns but drew Fayetteville-type responses. That is, claims that people were prepared for violence and disorder because Trump inspires this behavior. Even though the rally was cancelled, there were still scuffles between protesters and Trump supporters. 

That is some of the background. Now on to why I hold that Donald Trump is being treated unfairly when he is held almost solely responsible for the clashes at his rallies. Start with the matter of free speech. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. “

Addressing the freedom of speech portion of the First Amendment, writer and speaker Chad Kent says, “Most of the examples that people like to use to justify limits on free speech — yelling ‘fire’ in a crowded theater, libel laws, slander — have nothing to do with limiting your ability to speak your mind. Those laws don’t put limits on your rights. They prevent you from violating the rights of others. There is a big difference.”

The First Amendment looked at, in light of what Kent writes, leads me to conclude Trump is not limiting the rights of others to speak, but his right to free speech is being limited. Those who want to hear him are also having their free speech rights limited and in Chicago totally denied. 

Michael Futch, reporter with the Fayetteville Observer, wrote about the incident at Trump’s rally in our city. The title was “Protester punched while being escorted from Trump rally.” Futch attributes the following to Rakeem Jones:

He said he didn’t go to the rally to protest but as a “social experiment” with a diverse group of four friends. Jones said the woman who was with the group started getting loud once Trump began to address the audience. “Our friend was talking along the lines of, ‘Trump is disgusting.’ That was her opinion, and she was saying it out loud,” he said. “People around us were like, ‘Ya’ll need to shut up.’ Then it got to the point where the police were called in and escorted us out. 

That was Fayetteville. Now to Chicago. Jeremy Diamond and Theodore Schleifer write about what happened after cancellation of the Chicago rally was announced. The article is “In Depth: Trump supporters, protesters clash.” 

Several fist fights between Trump supporters and protesters could be seen after the announcement, as a large contingent of Chicago police officers moved in to restore order. Supporters of Trump still inside chanted “We want Trump” after the event was canceled. Protesters, meanwhile, shouted “We shut s*** down” and “We stumped Trump.” 

Beyond all that is said above about limiting or denying free speech, reporting from many sources indicate there is an organized effort to prevent Donald Trump from speaking at rallies. The effort to shut him down is real and I hold it is unfair, maybe illegal.

The conduct of protesters also endangers Trump and his supporters. Given that there is legal provision for not allowing protesters into a Trump rally, an appropriate official should explain why that authority is not being used. The applicable act is summarized below:

Federal Restricted Buildings and Grounds Improvement Act of 2011 [sic] - Amends the federal criminal code to revise the prohibition against entering restricted federal buildings or grounds to impose criminal penalties on anyone who knowingly enters any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority. Defines “restricted buildings or grounds” as a posted, cordoned off, or otherwise restricted area of: (1) the White House or its grounds or the Vice President’s official residence or its grounds, (2) a building or grounds where the President or other person protected by the Secret Service is or will be temporarily visiting, or (3) a building or grounds so restricted due to a special event of national significance.

Since Donald Trump has Secret Service protection, not using this provision seems unfair, even unsafe, to Trump and his supporters.

Futch’s article noted that the Fayetteville protester says he didn’t go to the rally to protest but as a “social experiment” with a diverse group of four friends. I have seen nothing in any reporting where Jones was asked to explain his “social experiment.” Given that his experiment ended as it did, he should have to explain the goal and make-up of this exercise. People who want to prevent recurrence of this kind of incident would be helped by the information. Is anybody asking? No! Just blame Trump. Fair to Trump? No!

And how about the 78-year-old man who hit Jones. Is anybody seriously working to understand why he did it? Two statements are repeatedly attributed to McGraw: (1) Liked “clocking the hell out of that big mouth;” (2) “Next time, we might have to kill him.” In Ferguson and Baltimore, when people roamed the streets burning and looting, there was tremendous effort to understand why. I see absolutely no effort to determine why a 78-year-old man would do what this man did. The immediate conclusion is that he was just caught up in this violence-producing atmosphere created by Donald Trump. Fair to Trump? No!

Dealing fairly with Donald Trump in this matter of physical confrontations at his rallies requires identification of causes and forthright actions to address those causes. This will not happen because American society dispenses fairness according to an unfair formula. In short, that formula requires conduct that Donald Trump seems to have no intention of delivering. High on the listing of conduct “do nots” is not challenging the political status quo so rigorously maintained by career politicians. Republicans and this nation are going to pay a very costly price if this unfair treatment of Donald Trump continues. Don’t believe it … check the primary results from March 15. 

There was an air of excitement, confidence and achievement at the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Gala last Friday night. And why not? It was the perfect end to a week celebrating what appears to be a brand new beginning for Fayetteville. 

On Tuesday, March 15, to the surprise of many Fayetteville residents, the local $35 million parks and recreation bond was approved by Fayetteville residents. Maybe I should say “overwhelmingly” approved. Not only did it earn nearly 60 percent of the votes; almost every voting precinct in the city gave it an enthusiastic thumb’s up. This was a huge win for our community. Now, we can begin enhancing our community with amenities and quality-of-life venues that will allow us to catch up with neighboring North Carolina communities. Senior Centers, splash pads, skateboard parks and a riverside park are not the ultimate solutions for a community suffering from decades of neglect, but it is a good start. 

The outcome could have been different, but I think we have learned some major lessons here.

First, the bond opposition that was organized and characterized as the Hate Eight, failed to effectively articulate their number one objection to the bond proposal: Property tax increases. The opposition adamantly declared they were not against parks and recreation but rather against increased taxes. Their words rang hollow when you look at the miniscule tax rate increase. The mere fact that they organized against the bond, regardless of reason, was enough to rally, activate and mobilize pro-bond people, businesses and organizations. This force was partially responsible for one of the largest voter turnouts we have seen in Fayetteville for a very long time. Without this surge of support the outcome could have been very different.

Second, the City of Fayetteville initiated one of the most impressive educational media/marketing campaigns we have ever seen in this community. Kevin Arata, the new city director of corporate communications, executed the nearly perfect multimedia program needed to guarantee success. He reached out to every resident and touched every neighborhood, using buses, radio, social media, daily and community newspapers and an effective speakers bureau. In other words, they got the message out. The city educated the public on what the parks and recreation bond represented, what it would do and how much it would cost. There is no substitute for good communication. In this case, the city gets an A plus rating and should adopt these techniques to better serve and communicate with citizens on an ongoing basis.

Third, the Mayor and the City Council worked together with other pro-bond advocates who got out and worked hard and diligently to educate the public on the need for and importance of the bond and the impact it will have on Fayetteville’s future. To this end, no one worked harder promoting the bond than District 2 City Councilman Kirk deViere, who literally spent hours upon hours nurturing this project as if it was his and his alone. His efforts serve as the perfect example of the type of energy, enthusiasm, dedication and leadership we need in all of our city and county leaders. No longer should we tolerate “placeholders” whose main objectives are to occupy an elected seat and contribute nothing to our community. 

We need people with ideas and ideals. 

We need people who are willing to speak out and execute those innovative ideas. 

This kind of leadership is extremely lacking at all levels of our local government. I overheard someone assess our local elected leadership as follows:

Cumberland County School Board - incompetent

Fayetteville City Council - arrogant

Cumberland County Board of Commissioners - complacent

That’s pretty sad. 

Don’t shoot the messenger. Perception is reality, and we all are responsible and need to work on this. 

Stay in touch and thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

Dear Up & Coming WeeklyReaders:

Super Tuesdays have come and gone in North Carolina and other states, and even though the fields have narrowed to a handful of candidates still standing and time is growing increasingly short, we do not yet know who will bear our parties’ standards as we choose a Ppresident in November.

At the risk of sounding like a grouchy old lady, this entire, remarkable, and in my lifetime, unprecedented election season strikes me as heading down at least two tracks. We Americans — party affiliation notwithstanding — are behaving in two ways. We have either suspended our disbelief about what our wannabe officeholders tell us or we have thrown all reason to the wind and allow nothing to offend us. Stunningly, some of us are doing both.

Let’s talk about suspending rational thought.

I know Ted Cruz cannot singlehandedly do away with the Internal Revenue Service, because American presidents have no magic wands. In fact, they have Congress just down the street. Our Constitution created balances of power — thank you, thank you, Founding Fathers! 

I also know the United States cannot afford to provide universal healthcare and free college educations to everyone who might seek them, no matter what Bernie Sanders says on television. We simply do not have enough money. And, goodness gracious, The Donald cannot build a fortress wall along our nation’s southern border, nor can he bus or fly everyone in our nation illegally home to Mommy. Here again, there is not enough money — unless, of course, the Donald wants to spring for all this himself, and, of course, there is that pesky Congress again to manage.

Worth mentioning as well is the U. S. Supreme Court, which can smack down both president and Congress, at which point the cycleof figuring out new plans kicks in, and we are off again. Ours is far from a perfect governmental design, but I agree with Winston Churchill who famously observed about our messy system, “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others.”

Hear! Hear! Anyone up for another system?

On the other front, American presidential politics have historically been rough and tumble from our earliest elections.  Even so, I am hardly the first person to fret about civility and decorum in this year’s campaigns. Our candidates have called names, accused entire groups of people of crimes, joked about the disabled, impugned a former prisoner of war’s courage, made negative remarks about each other’s physical appearances and commented on their own
and others’ body parts and bodily functions. 

Many Americans would not allow this kind of talk at the family dinner table, but we are not only tolerating it from our candidates, we are embracing it. 

It is as if we are having a collective temper tantrum.

Turn on your TV most any time, and the talking heads are chatting about anger in America, much of it centered on economic insecurity and inequality felt acutely by our nation’s shrinking middle class. I get that. I feel it, too, and worry about the Precious Jewels’ generation of young adults whom economists and sociologists say may not attain their parents’ level of physical or financial health. Our nation
 is in a period of transition, and change makes people uncomfortable and anxious.

I have to wonder, though, whether we are doing ourselves any favors by accepting candidate promises that simply cannot be true and by cheering on candidate words and behaviors that we would spurn in our own lives. Is choosing our leader and our face to the rest of the world out of anger and anxiety our best decision?

Elections almost always generate strong opinions and sometimes the passion we are seeing in the 2016 cycle, but I struggle to imagine that decisions based on emotion instead of rational thought will take us where we want to go. That has rarely worked in my personal life, and I do not think it will work in our collective public life. 

Having a temper tantrum in the voting booth is not rational decision making.

Thank you for letting me vent.

Fondly,

Margaret

Dear Up & Coming WeeklyReaders:

Super Tuesdays have come and gone in North Carolina and other states, and even though the fields have narrowed to a handful of candidates still standing and time is growing increasingly short, we do not yet know who will bear our parties’ standards as we choose a Ppresident in November.

At the risk of sounding like a grouchy old lady, this entire, remarkable, and in my lifetime, unprecedented election season strikes me as heading down at least two tracks. We Americans — party affiliation notwithstanding — are behaving in two ways. We have either suspended our disbelief about what our wannabe officeholders tell us or we have thrown all reason to the wind and allow nothing to offend us. Stunningly, some of us are doing both.

Let’s talk about suspending rational thought.

I know Ted Cruz cannot singlehandedly do away with the Internal Revenue Service, because American presidents have no magic wands. In fact, they have Congress just down the street. Our Constitution created balances of power — thank you, thank you, Founding Fathers! 

I also know the United States cannot afford to provide universal healthcare and free college educations to everyone who might seek them, no matter what Bernie Sanders says on television. We simply do not have enough money. And, goodness gracious, The Donald cannot build a fortress wall along our nation’s southern border, nor can he bus or fly everyone in our nation illegally home to Mommy. Here again, there is not enough money — unless, of course, the Donald wants to spring for all this himself, and, of course, there is that pesky Congress again to manage.

Worth mentioning as well is the U. S. Supreme Court, which can smack down both president and Congress, at which point the cycleof figuring out new plans kicks in, and we are off again. Ours is far from a perfect governmental design, but I agree with Winston Churchill who famously observed about our messy system, “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others.”

Hear! Hear! Anyone up for another system?

On the other front, American presidential politics have historically been rough and tumble from our earliest elections.  Even so, I am hardly the first person to fret about civility and decorum in this year’s campaigns. Our candidates have called names, accused entire groups of people of crimes, joked about the disabled, impugned a former prisoner of war’s courage, made negative remarks about each other’s physical appearances and commented on their own
and others’ body parts and bodily functions. 

Many Americans would not allow this kind of talk at the family dinner table, but we are not only tolerating it from our candidates, we are embracing it. 

It is as if we are having a collective temper tantrum.

Turn on your TV most any time, and the talking heads are chatting about anger in America, much of it centered on economic insecurity and inequality felt acutely by our nation’s shrinking middle class. I get that. I feel it, too, and worry about the Precious Jewels’ generation of young adults whom economists and sociologists say may not attain their parents’ level of physical or financial health. Our nation
 is in a period of transition, and change makes people uncomfortable and anxious.

I have to wonder, though, whether we are doing ourselves any favors by accepting candidate promises that simply cannot be true and by cheering on candidate words and behaviors that we would spurn in our own lives. Is choosing our leader and our face to the rest of the world out of anger and anxiety our best decision?

Elections almost always generate strong opinions and sometimes the passion we are seeing in the 2016 cycle, but I struggle to imagine that decisions based on emotion instead of rational thought will take us where we want to go. That has rarely worked in my personal life, and I do not think it will work in our collective public life. 

Having a temper tantrum in the voting booth is not rational decision making.

Thank you for letting me vent.

Fondly,

Margaret

As the 2015-2016 performance season draws to a close, the Cumberland Oratorio Singers prepare for Ola Gjeilo’s “Sunrise Mass” on May 13. Dr. Michael Martin, the COS artistic director and conductor sees this as a good choice for ending the season on a high note. 

“What’s interesting about the ‘Sunrise Mass’ is that it is not full of conflict and discord. Not that there is anything wrong with dissonance: It’s part of everything and certainly, part of music. Sometimes, we even use the term ‘ear candy’ to describe singers’ ‘giddiness’ to explore the richness associated with that kind of resolution of musical conflict,” he said.  

“While it is great fun to perform that kind of music, it is also nice to enjoy the ease of simple, yet beautiful chords. It’s almost as if Gjeilo wanted to compose something is directly pleasing to sing and easy to hear. It’s quite refreshing!”

According to Martin, the text comes from the Ordinary of the Mass. While Gjeilo set the meaning of the Latin text respectfully and observes the traditions that masses are expected to exhibit, his overall vision for the piece lies within the titles of the work, i.e., “The Spheres” for the “Kyrie,”  are only loosely related to the meaning of the Latin. In so doing, he reveals a metaphysical journey from the heavens to Earth. The Cross Creek Chorale will couple this with pieces by Eric Whitacre, Z. Randall Stroope and Morton Lauridsen. 

Although this is the last official performance of the season, Martin’s love for the community is strong and he is always looking for ways to engage the singers with audiences. Later this summer, they will sing, once again, for the outdoor concert at Festival Park near the July 4 holiday. Martin is also hopeful that there will be more joint ventures with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra.

Next year marks the 25th season for the oratorio singers and Martin is planning with that in mind. “Our first concert will be a nod to the very first piece performed by the COS back in 1991: Mozart’s Requiem,” he said. “We hope to feature area high school choir members as part of this performance and bring back charter members of the organization. Of course, we will perform “Messiah” at the holidays and have pieces featuring organ and brass, as well as feature an area high school choir. For our 25th year, it will be a wonderful celebration of choral music!”

COS continues to grow and prosper, and the group is always looking for new members. Interested singers can contact Martin through the website, www.singwithcos.org. 

The “Sunrise Mass” takes place at 7:30 p.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church on May 13. 

The Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority holds the distinction of being the first Greek letter organization established by African-American women. That was in 1908. The local chapter, Upsilon Kappa Omega was started on Dec. 1, 1996. In the 20 years since its inception, Upsilon Kappa Omega has worked tirelessly to make a difference in the community. On Saturday, April 16, the group is set to host An Evening at the Oscars. It is the group’s main fundraiser.

“The theme for the night is Evening at the Oscars, and we really want people to come out and enjoy the event. Our VIP sponsors can look forward to an area dedicated to them with hors d’oeuvres and drinks along with a private session with our featured musician, Marcus Anderson,” said Tracy Allen, UKO publicity and marketing representative. 

“In true Oscar night fashion, we will have gift bags and other Oscar-related things. We will also have a DJ to play between band sets. There will be dancing and networking. And of course, everyone will be dressed in their finest, which always makes for a fun evening.”

A night of lively jazz music and dancing, An Evening at the Oscars features the music of Marcus Anderson. A South Carolina native, Anderson has toured with Prince as a saxophonist for New Power Generation. He’s played prominent festivals including the Essence Music Festival, Monteux Jazz Festival and the Curacao North Seas Jazz Festival.  He’s known for great music, of course, but his stage presence and showmanship are what make his performances so special. Influenced by great musicians like Michael Jackson, James Brown and, of course, Prince, Anderson’s music is relatable and catchy.

Anderson’s repertoire includes R&B, pop, rock and funky grooves. His latest release, Style Meets Substance is his fifth solo effort. The 13-track album showcases his talent on the saxophone with sax melodies, jazz, funk and Latin sounds. The album also features collaborations with Morris Hayes and Nicholas Cole.

Guests at the event are in for a night of great music and fun, and while that is exactly what Upsilon Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated wants for the event, the proceeds go toward making a difference locally – all year long. 

With the motto “Service to All Mankind” serving as inspiration, the ladies of UKO are constantly seeking ways to make Fayetteville better. The group’s programs include areas like health, educational enrichment, strengthening the family, environmental ownership and global impact and are a direct result of the AKA’s focus on launching new dimensions of service. Because the UKO members believe so strongly in their vision to empower lives by acts of community through service, they work tirelessly to find ways to make a difference. And with nearly 100 members, the reach is significant and vast.

The group sponsors asthma camp and participates in Reading Rocks. The members collect back packs to give away to school students each year. UKO sponsors the Bicycle Man Giveaway, Shop with the Sheriff and the Lupus Walk. The members hold workshops to educate the public about human trafficking and ways to keep kids safe. They hold financial workshops on everything from how to bounce back from a bankruptcy to how to save money to how to purchase a home. They offer classes about mental health related issues like PTSD, depression and anxiety. They routinely team up with other organizations to feed and clothe the homeless, give them personal hygiene items, haircuts and more. The most recent event touched the lives of about 1,000 local homeless.

As the designated Fort Bragg Chapter, while UKO cares deeply for the community and everyone in it, Fort Bragg holds a special place in the group’s heart. “We go visit the VA home. A lot of the people there are  forgotten by their families,” said Allen. “We buy them games and hygiene items and spend time with them. We offer service to all, but without the military and vets we would not have our freedom. So it is important to us that we help military as much as we can - including spouses and families when their soldier is deployed.”

It is no secret that education is a great equalizer and with that in mind, UKO awards scholarships to students each year. The sorority recognizes “outstanding high-school seniors, already accepted by an accredited four-year college or university, who demonstrates high scholastic achievement; proven leadership; and, have
actively participated in community service.” 

Students from Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke and or Sampson counties are eligible to apply. This is a topic that is dear to many, including some sorority members. “I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth but I knew I wanted to be successful. I ended up going in the military. I made a career of it and used my benefits to go college,” said Allen. “We want students to be successful. That is part of what this scholarship is about. We would love to eventually fund an entire year or even all 4 years of college for someone.” 

UKO goes beyond scholarships when it comes to working with youth and preparing them for the future. The sorority sponsors teacher-led workshops to help students with study skills, career options, how to prepare for the SAT/ACT, how to apply for college and financial aid and more. 

The Evening at the Oscars is on April 16 at the Crown Expo Center, Hall C. at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35 and are available at www.ukoaka-2nd-Evening-at-the-Oscars.eventbrite.com. For information, call 663.1527 or visit www.ukoaka1908.com. 

Do you remember where your keys are? What about what you had for breakfast? What year you graduated from high school? What about your son’s name? Yes, Alzheimer’s is a progressive loss of memory and it does not stop there. This is one of the deadliest diseases not to have declined in the last several years. It cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed. Pat and Julie McKee started the first Fayetteville Walk to End Alzheimer’s in 2011 and formed their company, McKee Homes, in his father’s honor by creating the Joe McKee Memorial Alzheimer’s Fund. A portion of every home sold goes to this fund, and it is used to support the Alzheimer’s Association in its mission. The company has been the main sponsor of the walk since its inception. 

“We have been very fortunate to have started this walk in Fayetteville because the community as a whole has embraced the cause,” said Julie McKee, “Our partners in the homebuilding industry were some of our earliest supporters. Over the years, several different industries have joined the cause from Rhudy’s Jewelry to Team Elite, Coldwell Baker.”

Sponsors are the heartbeat of the walk including local media outlets getting out the word and other in-kind sponsorships, which have reduced overhead allowing for more funds to go directly to care and research. 

This is a personal story for the McKees, with his father Joe being diagnosed and his mother, a primary caregiver for 10 years, watching his cognitive abilities slowly deteriorate over time. Julie McKee has been motivated to help others currently affected by the disease connect with the Alzheimer’s Association. She is a major sponsor, a member of the Eastern N.C. Alzheimer’s Association board of directors and co-chair of the Fayetteville Walk to End Alzheimer’s. 

 “Anyone with a brain can get Alzheimer’s. Every individual in this country, whether they have a direct connection to the disease or not, will be affected by it,” said McKee, “The only way to stop people from dying from this disease is to fund research.”

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and as many as 16 million will have the disease in 2050. Nearly one in every three seniors who dies each year has Alzheimer’s or another dementia. It is an unforgiving, expensive disease to fight. Indeed, the McKees have been affected and now work diligently to help others and the growing need.

The 5th Annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s this year will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 9 a.m. beginning at the SwampDogs Stadium (2823 Legion Road, Fayetteville). There are other events coming up through the Fayetteville chapter including a corporate breakfast at the Hutchens Law Firm on March 24, booths at the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival and 4th Friday, a Team Captain Workshop on May 25 and a Swampdogs Alzheimer’s Association Night on Aug. 4. To learn more about the walk, to donate or find out how to get involved, visit www.alz.org/walk or find them on Facebook at fayettevillewalktoendalz.

There are 10 early warning signs for
Alzheimer’s including:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life

• Challenges in planning or solving problems.

• Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home,            at work or at leisure.

• Confusion with time or place.

• Trouble understanding visual images and        spatial relationships.

• New problems with words in speaking or           writing.

• Misplacing things and losing the ability to        retrace steps.

• Decreased or poor judgment.

• Withdrawal from work or social activities.

• Changes in mood and personality.

For more information on these signs, promising research or other facts, visit www.alz.org.

In case it blew by you, the world celebrated the 107th International Women’s Day last week. I will be honest. The festivities paled in comparison to, say, the Carolina Panthers playing in the Super Bowl with nearly nude cheerleaders and a dancing Beyonce.

That being said, it remains instructive to take an annual look at the state of women on our planet — the good, the bad and the truly ugly. As Ann Simmons reports in the Los Angles Times, no nation has achieved gender equality. Of 145 nations, Iceland comes the closest in terms of economic participation and opportunity, health and survival and political empowerment. At the other end of the spectrum, Yemen prohibits women leaving home without their husbands’ permission, and a Yemeni woman is counted as half a witness in court proceedings. Not much ahead are Tanzania and Lesotho, where women may not inherit land.

Areas of continuing concern in most nations include education. About two-thirds of girls in developing nations receive the same education as boys in primary schools, but boys are almost twice as likely to complete secondary school in Africa and South Asia. Sadly in 2016, education does not translate into employment for many women who are disproportionately responsible for family and household obligations, almost always — unpaid labor. Not only is this problematic for women, it hurts the global economy — translation you and me. The McKinsey Global Institute says that $28 trillion dollars — yes, with a “T” — or 26 percent could be added to the world economy if women played the same roles in labor markets as do men.

It is painful to think about some of the legal, social and cultural barriers women face in nations and cultures outside our own. Here is a sampling. Saudi Arabian women can neither drive cars nor open bank accounts without spousal permission. Ugandan women who divorce cannot have permanent custody of their children. Women in Vatican City are the only women in the world who cannot vote. About 1,000 women die every year in honor killings, a punishment for having brought dishonor upon one’s family. In some cultures, young girls can be “gifted” to men for various reasons, and in others women can be “inherited” by their husband’s brother. In some places, women can be forced to marry their rapists. Early marriage continues to be an issue, with 250 million women alive today wed before their 15th birthdays.

Harder still is to realize how little control many women have over their bodies and health. In El Salvador, a miscarriage or stillbirth can send a woman to jail. Genital mutilation continues in Africa and southern Asia, and simply being pregnant remains high-risk in developing nations. 

These women are mothers, daughters, sisters, grandmothers, cousins and best friends — just like us. We may have come a long way, baby, but many of us still have a long way to go.

Syndicated columnist Froma Harrop recently penned her support for high school dress codes. While acknowledging that women have a right to wear what they please, she slams the current fashion of serious newswomen pouring themselves into tight, short, sleeveless dresses and stiletto heels no matter the weather. Harrop correctly notes that the “fact remains that in most professions, the fully clothed man projects more authority than the woman flashing her flesh. It’s sad to see smart women on serious news shows exposing their arms, their lower thighs and often their cleavage while the men’s dignity and paunch are protected in tailoring.”

Well said, and I hope parents of girls and some boys are paying attention.

Lastly, a friend recently shared a little book with me — Porn for Women of a Certain Age. Not to worry — no inappropriate photographs or words you cannot use at the dinner table. What there is are pictures of good-looking men — clothed, of course — saying things women can only dream about. 

I loved the one with a fellow adjusting bathroom scales with a screwdriver whose caption reads, “As I suspected, it’s reading 10 pounds high.” The same delightful man says in another photo, “Explain it to me again. Why did all your friends at the reunion look so much older than you?” He appears again surrounded by a mountain of drab luggage and holding a golden pocketbook. That caption reads, “You take the yellow one. I’ll get the rest.” 

My fave, though — probably because the three most important men in my life have each at some point literally lived to fish —  is of a handsome young man perusing a flower book and saying into the phone, “Well, fishing sounds nice, but we never miss the flower show.”

Neither my friend nor I can understand why none of her four young adult daughters found any of these even remotely funny while we were laughing our heads off. 

That must be what “a certain age” means.

No means no, but sometimes it is ignored and sexual assault occurs.  In fact, 1 in 5 women will be sexually assaulted at some point in their lives. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The goal is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it. 

One event that brings the issue front and center locally is the Rape Crisis Volunteers of Cumberland County’s participation in the international event Walk A Mile in Her Shoes, which is planned for Friday, March 25 at 7 p.m. at the Capital Encore Academy in downtown Fayetteville. It not only raises awareness, it is a lot of fun and also helps local victims of sexual assault. 

“This is our one big fundraiser of the year and we have the event right before the month of April starts as a kick-off for sexual assault awareness month,” said Marilyn Brooks, president of the board of directors of Rape Crisis Volunteers of Cumberland County. “The men will wear red high heels and walk to support the victims of sexual violence.” 

Brooks added that men and boys of all socio-economic levels and ethnicities are making a very powerful statement about women because women are the most frequent victims of sexual assault.           

The walk begins at the Capital Encore Academy and continues straight down Hay Street. It ends at the AIT building. 

“We will have a reception at the AIT building after the walk,” said Brooks. “Awards will be presented in various comical categories such as the man who showed his most inner-woman award.” 

The goal of the event is to raise $30,000. Charlie Baxley is a member of the committee and he is challenging his friends to sponsor him if they want to see him walk in red high heels. 

“We would love to have a couple of really prominent men in the area do the same thing,” said Brooks. “We have not found anyone with that kind of courage yet.”   

The Fayetteville Police Department will come in their uniforms and red high heels being led by Chief Harold Medlock. 

“It is really a strong statement when you see a group of uniformed law enforcement folks making the statement that they support the victims of sexual violence,” said Brooks. “Deanne Gerdes, Gloria Medlock and I have worked very hard to make sure this event is a huge success.” 

Last year Bethel AME Zion Church in Spring Lake brought a group of men to walk in support of the event and a group of women that cheered for them as they walked. “We are encouraging more people to come with their groups and bring their banners,” said Brooks. “We want everyone to come out and support the men as they walk.”   

Sponsorships are needed for the event. Sponsorship  starts at $500. The cost is $20 for the event and $25 if you need red high heels to wear for the walk. Registration begins at 6 a.m. For more information, call 485.7273.

Cumberland County Commissioners and all but one member of the local legislative delegation came together Friday to talk over issues of joint concern, ranging from unfunded mandates to loss of revenues. Sen. Ben Clark (D-Cumberland/Hoke) was absent. Commissioner Ken Edge recited three concerns of special interest.

The county is asking the legislature to authorize local option revenue sources available to some, but not all, of the state’s 100 counties. Edge pointed out that counties are in the best position to understand local needs and should have the flexibility to direct sales tax revenues to local programs without strings attached. Commissioners encouraged the delegation to support Senate Bill 605 which gives local counties flexibility to enact a mix of sales taxes and use the receipts for general purposes.

On the subject of the North Carolina Education Lottery, Edge said Cumberland County is losing $5 million a year because of legislative action that changed the appropriation for school construction. 

The original law dedicated 40 percent of lottery proceeds for building schools. Changes since then have reduced lottery proceeds to about 20 percent. This comes at a time when “the school board has asked for a new school in the Ramsey Street/Andrews Road area,” according to Edge. Those changes had been made “before the GOP took over,” said Rep. John Szoka (R-Cumberland). Szoka told county commissioners that he isn’t encouraged that the law is likely to be changed. 

The third item of concern to commissioners is another source of lost revenue. Cumberland County Tax Administrator Joseph Utley told legislators that a new law enacted by the general assembly had exempted builders from property taxes on homes and commercial buildings not yet sold. Utley told the delegation that’s already costing the county more than $100 thousand in previously available revenue. Legislators had little sympathy for the county on this one. 

“It’s a hard hit for anyone trying to grow a business,” said Rep. Billy Richardson (D-Cumberland), of home builders having to pay a tax on property that’s sitting dormant.

Commissioners also spoke of their disappointment in the recent legislative redistricting of the state’s congressional districts. 

“We’ve lost effectiveness because Cumberland County is on the far edge of both the 8th and 9th congressional districts,” said County Commission Vice Chairman Glenn Adams. 

Also discussed was greater demands being placed on administering services for the poor. Social Services Director Brenda Jackson noted that Cumberland County’s 30 percent population of poor residents is the highest in the state. She asked that the state consider providing resources to support programs that assist welfare recipients in finding work.

Counties need to be more aggressive in making their needs known to the legislature, according to Rep. Szoka, who is serving as chairman of the six-member legislative delegation. He urges county commissioners to strengthen their support for legislation in the form of resolutions and detailed reports.

The Fayetteville Public Works Commission has decided to treat Town of Hope Mills utility customers the same way it does City of Fayetteville customers. Hope Mills residents will enjoy so-called ‘in city’ water and sewer rates thanks to a decision last week by the PWC Board. 

PWC purchased the Hope Mills water and sewer system 18 years ago. Officials recently determined that language in the purchase agreement was ambiguous. PWC spokesperson Carolyn Justice-Hinson said the discrepancy had just recently come to the utility’s attention. 

“A couple of neighbors were comparing their bills and wondered why they were different,” said PWC Chairman Darsweil Rogers. 

Public Works Commissioners decided language regarding rates had been interpreted in different ways resulting in rates for Hope Mills residents that were not being applied consistently. 

“The PWC Board wanted to resolve the confusion related to this agreement and ensure rates are applied in a fair and consistent manner,” said Rogers. “We value our customers and are happy that we have been able to work with Mayor (Jackie) Warner and other Hope Mills officials to work out a resolution for our customers,” he concluded.

From now on, customers located inside the town limits who have been billed outside-the-city rates will be changed over to the lower in-city rates. Not only that, they’ll be refunded the difference they have paid for water and sewer services, presumably retroactively to 1998. 

“PWC is very responsive to Hope Mills, and I appreciate the cooperation and concern they have shown by looking into this matter and making this decision that benefits our citizens,” said Mayor Warner. 

PWC officials say they will work with Hope Mills town officials to identify customers affected by the change who are eligible for refunds. 

 A joint committee will identify current and past Hope Mills residents who will receive in-city utility rates. Those customers will be individually notified about pending changes and the refunds to which they’re entitled. Because the Hope Mills town limits have changed over time the review is expected to take several months to identify the customers who will receive refunds. 

Army Spec. Nicholas D. Roberts, a native of Longwood, Florida, and a resident of Spring Lake, died in a parachute training accident at Fort Bragg’s Sicily Drop Zone, April 28, 2015. Roberts joined the 82nd Airborne Division following a stint in the U.S. Army Reserve. The Army Times this month revealed previously unreleased details of an investigation into the accident by the XVIII Airborne Corps. A Freedom of Information Act request forced the disclosure. 

Roberts wore a loaded rucksack and a modular weapons case during his first night-training jump. He had jumped six times before but never after dark. The weapon case struck the door of the plane as he jumped, causing him to spin during his exit. He died instantly when the static line struck his neck, according to the report. His inexperience was cited as a contributing factor to his death. His passing came 12 days after the death of another 82nd paratrooper, Pvt. Josh Phillips. His death also came during a night jump at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Coincidentally, it too was Phillips seventh jump.

Sgt. Richard Wheeler was one of Roberts’ friends. They served together, but lost touch when they went separate ways during deployments. 

“He enjoyed the Army, he enjoyed what he did” Wheeler told Up & Coming Weekly. “He always found a way to stay motivated,” Wheeler added.

In Roberts’ death, video and eyewitness accounts confirmed that because his weapon case was rigged too loosely, it was nearly horizontal. The Army Times quoted the next in line soldier whose name was redacted as saying “I observed Roberts rotating on the jump platform to his left. He ended up exiting backwards, facing toward me.” 

Roberts’ parachute opened normally, as his lifeless body descended to the ground. No one knew he had been killed until a search party found him about 20 minutes after he was determined to be missing.

The report said the rigging on the paratroopers’ weapon case was improper in that it had too much slack. The leg strap had not been tightened before the jump, which is standard procedure, The Army Times reported. (The investigation noted it’s common for soldiers to keep their leg straps loose for comfort, but that they’re supposed to be tightened when they stand in the door.)

The XVIII Airborne Corps investigative report cited the failure of jumpmasters to attend a mandatory pre-jump training session. The investigation found that the assigned team of jumpmasters had been told instead to meet with their commander, which is why they missed the required pre-jump briefing. The Deputy Commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, Brig. Gen. Brian Winski, “formally admonished” the jumpmaster team. The report did not indicate whether the commander was also admonished. An airfield control officer conducted the meeting in the jumpmasters’ absence. 

After the deaths of Roberts and Phillips, the XVIII Airborne Corps temporarily suspended all airborne operations. It adopted 15 directives including changes to the training progression of new airborne soldiers. 

The new directive states, “Paratroopers should not move on to subsequent stages of training unless their leaders deem them ready.” 

Army Spec. Nicholas D. Roberts, a native of Longwood, Florida, and a resident of Spring Lake, died in a parachute training accident at Fort Bragg’s Sicily Drop Zone, April 28, 2015. Roberts joined the 82nd Airborne Division following a stint in the U.S. Army Reserve. The Army Times this month revealed previously unreleased details of an investigation into the accident by the XVIII Airborne Corps. A Freedom of Information Act request forced the disclosure. 

Roberts wore a loaded rucksack and a modular weapons case during his first night-training jump. He had jumped six times before but never after dark. The weapon case struck the door of the plane as he jumped, causing him to spin during his exit. He died instantly when the static line struck his neck, according to the report. His inexperience was cited as a contributing factor to his death. His passing came 12 days after the death of another 82nd paratrooper, Pvt. Josh Phillips. His death also came during a night jump at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Coincidentally, it too was Phillips seventh jump.

Sgt. Richard Wheeler was one of Roberts’ friends. They served together, but lost touch when they went separate ways during deployments. 

“He enjoyed the Army, he enjoyed what he did” Wheeler told Up & Coming Weekly. “He always found a way to stay motivated,” Wheeler added.

In Roberts’ death, video and eyewitness accounts confirmed that because his weapon case was rigged too loosely, it was nearly horizontal. The Army Times quoted the next in line soldier whose name was redacted as saying “I observed Roberts rotating on the jump platform to his left. He ended up exiting backwards, facing toward me.” 

Roberts’ parachute opened normally, as his lifeless body descended to the ground. No one knew he had been killed until a search party found him about 20 minutes after he was determined to be missing.

The report said the rigging on the paratroopers’ weapon case was improper in that it had too much slack. The leg strap had not been tightened before the jump, which is standard procedure, The Army Times reported. (The investigation noted it’s common for soldiers to keep their leg straps loose for comfort, but that they’re supposed to be tightened when they stand in the door.)

The XVIII Airborne Corps investigative report cited the failure of jumpmasters to attend a mandatory pre-jump training session. The investigation found that the assigned team of jumpmasters had been told instead to meet with their commander, which is why they missed the required pre-jump briefing. The Deputy Commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, Brig. Gen. Brian Winski, “formally admonished” the jumpmaster team. The report did not indicate whether the commander was also admonished. An airfield control officer conducted the meeting in the jumpmasters’ absence. 

After the deaths of Roberts and Phillips, the XVIII Airborne Corps temporarily suspended all airborne operations. It adopted 15 directives including changes to the training progression of new airborne soldiers. 

The new directive states, “Paratroopers should not move on to subsequent stages of training unless their leaders deem them ready.” 

New Four Star in Command at Kabul         

Yet another former 82nd Airborne Division commander received his fourth star. America’s Guard of Honor is on the career fast track of assignments for general officers. Gen. John Nicholson took command this month of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, beginning a tour that will require big decisions about future force levels for a mission that’s now in its 15th year. Nicholson got his second star in the fall of 2012 when he became commanding general of the All American Division. He served the traditional two years at Fort Bragg before getting his third star and moving on to NATO’s Allied Land Command in Turkey. Then in February of this year, “Mick” Nicholson received his fourth star and took command of American forces in the war in Afghanistan. Nicholson will lead a force of about 10,000 American troops at a time of mounting violence in some parts of the country. It’s a much different situation than the one predicted several years ago by top Pentagon and White House officials who vowed that the military mission would end in 2017. 

“I think that Gen. Nicholson has certainly inherited a mission that has sadly gone wildly off course,” said Michael Kugelman, an Afghanistan expert with the Wilson Center, a think tank in Washington.

New Congressman for Our Area           

Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC) represents the state’s reconfigured 8th Congressional District. The newly designed district includes all or parts of seven counties along the N.C. Highway 24/27 corridor from Fayetteville to Concord. Hudson is new to congress but not to the 8th district. He was district director for former Congressman Robin Hayes for six years. The revised district includes the northern half of Cumberland County including Fort Bragg. The balance of the county is now in the 9th district which parallels the 8th along the South Carolina border.           

Hudson introduced himself last week to interested Fayetteville residents during a visit with Mayor Nat Robertson. The pair held a question and answer forum at city hall. Hudson was elected to Congress in 2012 and noted that 40 percent of the members of the house have been elected since 2010. He conceded it’s been frustrating adjusting to the Washington, D.C., way of governing.
“I come home every weekend to get a fresh dose of common sense,” Hudson said.

All American Marathon                                                                           

The City of Fayetteville and Fort Bragg will hold the second annual All American Marathon on Sunday, April 3. The race will begin at 7 a.m. at Festival Park in downtown Fayetteville and finish at Fort Bragg’s Main Post Parade Field. Registration is open. Racers will run up Ray Avenue to Hay Street where they will run through the heart of downtown Fayetteville, past the Market House. The route will then take runners past Veterans Park and the Airborne and Special Operations Museum, which is the home of the historic Iron Mike Statue. Runners will continue to Morganton Road and through Haymount. Runners will dash to the All-American Freeway where for half-marathoners, the course will extend approximately two miles on Fort Bragg. Half-Marathoners will exit the All-American onto Normandy and finish the race at the Main Post Parade Field at the replica Iron Mike Statue. Full marathon racers will enter the installation on Gruber road. The race course will then lead runners past the home of the 82nd Airborne Division and Pope Field. Marathoners will finish their course after passing FORSCOM headquarters to the finish line at the Main Post Parade Field.

Golf is Therapeutic

Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, has announced the Department of Veterans Affairs’ new partnership with the PGA of America in support of PGA HOPE. It’s a project designed to assist with the physical, social and mental rehabilitation of disabled military veterans. The VA will help the PGA identify disabled veterans who are candidates to participate in PGA HOPE.  Tillis and Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) say the idea is to assist vets with the social interaction golf provides. PGA professionals certified in instruction for golfers with disabilities will assist veterans to refine their skills. “An important part of truly transforming the VA and doing the right thing for veterans are the kinds of things we will do with PGA HOPE,” said Tillis. “The therapeutic value of veterans sharing their stories, and making friendships among themselves cannot be overstated,” Tillis added.

Do you remember where your keys are? What about what you had for breakfast? What year you graduated from high school? What about your son’s name? Yes, Alzheimer’s is a progressive loss of memory and it does not stop there. This is one of the deadliest diseases not to have declined in the last several years. It cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed. Pat and Julie McKee started the first Fayetteville Walk to End Alzheimer’s in 2011 and formed their company, McKee Homes, in his father’s honor by creating the Joe McKee Memorial Alzheimer’s Fund. A portion of every home sold goes to this fund, and it is used to support the Alzheimer’s Association in its mission. The company has been the main sponsor of the walk since its inception. 

“We have been very fortunate to have started this walk in Fayetteville because the community as a whole has embraced the cause,” said Julie McKee, “Our partners in the homebuilding industry were some of our earliest supporters. Over the years, several different industries have joined the cause from Rhudy’s Jewelry to Team Elite, Coldwell Baker.”

Sponsors are the heartbeat of the walk including local media outlets getting out the word and other in-kind sponsorships, which have reduced overhead allowing for more funds to go directly to care and research. 

This is a personal story for the McKees, with his father Joe being diagnosed and his mother, a primary caregiver for 10 years, watching his cognitive abilities slowly deteriorate over time. Julie McKee has been motivated to help others currently affected by the disease connect with the Alzheimer’s Association. She is a major sponsor, a member of the Eastern N.C. Alzheimer’s Association board of directors and co-chair of the Fayetteville Walk to End Alzheimer’s. 

 “Anyone with a brain can get Alzheimer’s. Every individual in this country, whether they have a direct connection to the disease or not, will be affected by it,” said McKee, “The only way to stop people from dying from this disease is to fund research.”

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and as many as 16 million will have the disease in 2050. Nearly one in every three seniors who dies each year has Alzheimer’s or another dementia. It is an unforgiving, expensive disease to fight. Indeed, the McKees have been affected and now work diligently to help others and the growing need.

The 5th Annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s this year will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 9 a.m. beginning at the SwampDogs Stadium (2823 Legion Road, Fayetteville). There are other events coming up through the Fayetteville chapter including a corporate breakfast at the Hutchens Law Firm on March 24, booths at the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival and 4th Friday, a Team Captain Workshop on May 25 and a Swampdogs Alzheimer’s Association Night on Aug. 4. To learn more about the walk, to donate or find out how to get involved, visit www.alz.org/walk or find them on Facebook at fayettevillewalktoendalz.

There are 10 early warning signs for
Alzheimer’s including:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life

• Challenges in planning or solving problems.

• Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home,            at work or at leisure.

• Confusion with time or place.

• Trouble understanding visual images and        spatial relationships.

• New problems with words in speaking or           writing.

• Misplacing things and losing the ability to        retrace steps.

• Decreased or poor judgment.

• Withdrawal from work or social activities.

• Changes in mood and personality.

For more information on these signs, promising research or other facts, visit www.alz.org.

In case it blew by you, the world celebrated the 107th International Women’s Day last week. I will be honest. The festivities paled in comparison to, say, the Carolina Panthers playing in the Super Bowl with nearly nude cheerleaders and a dancing Beyonce.

That being said, it remains instructive to take an annual look at the state of women on our planet — the good, the bad and the truly ugly. As Ann Simmons reports in the Los Angles Times, no nation has achieved gender equality. Of 145 nations, Iceland comes the closest in terms of economic participation and opportunity, health and survival and political empowerment. At the other end of the spectrum, Yemen prohibits women leaving home without their husbands’ permission, and a Yemeni woman is counted as half a witness in court proceedings. Not much ahead are Tanzania and Lesotho, where women may not inherit land.

Areas of continuing concern in most nations include education. About two-thirds of girls in developing nations receive the same education as boys in primary schools, but boys are almost twice as likely to complete secondary school in Africa and South Asia. Sadly in 2016, education does not translate into employment for many women who are disproportionately responsible for family and household obligations, almost always — unpaid labor. Not only is this problematic for women, it hurts the global economy — translation you and me. The McKinsey Global Institute says that $28 trillion dollars — yes, with a “T” — or 26 percent could be added to the world economy if women played the same roles in labor markets as do men.

It is painful to think about some of the legal, social and cultural barriers women face in nations and cultures outside our own. Here is a sampling. Saudi Arabian women can neither drive cars nor open bank accounts without spousal permission. Ugandan women who divorce cannot have permanent custody of their children. Women in Vatican City are the only women in the world who cannot vote. About 1,000 women die every year in honor killings, a punishment for having brought dishonor upon one’s family. In some cultures, young girls can be “gifted” to men for various reasons, and in others women can be “inherited” by their husband’s brother. In some places, women can be forced to marry their rapists. Early marriage continues to be an issue, with 250 million women alive today wed before their 15th birthdays.

Harder still is to realize how little control many women have over their bodies and health. In El Salvador, a miscarriage or stillbirth can send a woman to jail. Genital mutilation continues in Africa and southern Asia, and simply being pregnant remains high-risk in developing nations. 

These women are mothers, daughters, sisters, grandmothers, cousins and best friends — just like us. We may have come a long way, baby, but many of us still have a long way to go.

Syndicated columnist Froma Harrop recently penned her support for high school dress codes. While acknowledging that women have a right to wear what they please, she slams the current fashion of serious newswomen pouring themselves into tight, short, sleeveless dresses and stiletto heels no matter the weather. Harrop correctly notes that the “fact remains that in most professions, the fully clothed man projects more authority than the woman flashing her flesh. It’s sad to see smart women on serious news shows exposing their arms, their lower thighs and often their cleavage while the men’s dignity and paunch are protected in tailoring.”

Well said, and I hope parents of girls and some boys are paying attention.

Lastly, a friend recently shared a little book with me — Porn for Women of a Certain Age. Not to worry — no inappropriate photographs or words you cannot use at the dinner table. What there is are pictures of good-looking men — clothed, of course — saying things women can only dream about. 

I loved the one with a fellow adjusting bathroom scales with a screwdriver whose caption reads, “As I suspected, it’s reading 10 pounds high.” The same delightful man says in another photo, “Explain it to me again. Why did all your friends at the reunion look so much older than you?” He appears again surrounded by a mountain of drab luggage and holding a golden pocketbook. That caption reads, “You take the yellow one. I’ll get the rest.” 

My fave, though — probably because the three most important men in my life have each at some point literally lived to fish —  is of a handsome young man perusing a flower book and saying into the phone, “Well, fishing sounds nice, but we never miss the flower show.”

Neither my friend nor I can understand why none of her four young adult daughters found any of these even remotely funny while we were laughing our heads off. 

That must be what “a certain age” means.

Time is short. It’s fleeting. In a blink of an eye, things change, times change, people change. If we are lucky, we grow and become better in those moments. Over the past weekend, I’ve thought a lot about time and how quickly it goes. The catalyst for my pondering on time was an unlikely source – a Garth Brooks concert.

With a large cohort of North Carolinians, I made the trek to Raleigh to see Brooks in one of his three shows in our capital. Oddly enough, my 15-year-old son is what took me to the concert. He is what some would call an “old soul.” He loves music – all kinds – from Johnny Cash to The Knack to Bad Company to Garth Brooks. So, it was at his urging that I purchased tickets to the show as his Christmas present. 

Listening to Brooks sing his hit list, I was carried back to different times in my life and what those songs meant to me then and what they mean to me now. It’s amazing how their meaning has changed in my current stage of life. And, on Saturday night, it hit me that my little boy is now a young man. It also hit me that this young man will truly only be mine for two more years, and then, he will spread his wings and move on to college and what I believe will be a successful life.

That’s a hard realization for a mother – but not a scary one.

I believe that with the help of a loving community of teachers, mentors and friends who are family, we have given our boy the tools that he needs to succeed in this crazy thing called life. I see this in the way he deals with conflict, in the way he steps up to be a leader, in the way that although he is big, he always takes care of the littles. Even knowing that he is more than ready to take on what life throws at him, I am saddened that my generation and the previous generations have failed his generation in so many ways.

We have left our world a pretty chaotic mess. Common decency and respect for human life seem to be at an all-time low; of course, countless other generations have probably felt the same. But I haven’t lived them or watched the decay of all that I believe is good about America. This past week has made that abundantly clear.

Demonstrations, protests, fights – all over the election – have dominated the news cycle. It is beyond comprehension that freedom-loving people cannot have an intelligent debate and agree to disagree without becoming violent. But that comes down to the hard truth that we have so devalued life and freedom that a majority of Americans do not exercise their greatest freedom: their right to vote. And a vocal few shout down the voices of reason and feed the fire of chaos. This has to stop. Time passes quickly. Words said can’t get unsaid and a gun can’t be unfired.

America is hard work. It is a struggle. But it’s one that is worth it. Freedom has a price, and for many in our nation, that ideal is coming home to roost. Time passes quickly. We need to stop the political gamesmanship and hate-filled dialogue that is tearing down this great nation. And we have to do it one person at a time. It’s up to you. It’s up to me and it’s up to young men like my son who are coming of age to recognize that the greatness of America is worth saving – even if it is one word at a time.

Spring is returning and 4th Friday is set to welcome the warmer weather with fresh new examples of all that downtown Fayetteville has to offer. In addition to 4th Friday events, the weekend calendar is full of Easter-centered celebrations including Easter egg hunts, breakfasts and of course appearances by the Easter Bunny himself. 

The Arts Council is located at 301 Hay St. On March At this month’s 4th Friday, the Arts Council opens the exhibit Once Upon a Time: Fairy Tales, Fables and Myths. This exhibit is presented by Ellington-White Community Development Corporation. It is on display through April 26. On 4th Friday’s the Arts Council will stay open late. It is a great opportunity to stop by, see new exhibits and find out about upcoming events.

Fascinate-U is the perfect place for families and kids to enjoy an evening in downtown Fayetteville. Every 4th Friday, Fascinate-U stays open late from 7 until 9 p.m., and offers free admission into the museum. Unlike traditional museums, the exhibits here are designed specifically for young children to touch and explore. It is through interacting with these miniature versions of real life that kids can learn about it. It is a fun, engaging and safe way to learn. In addition to the exhibits Fascinate-U also has a free craft for kids to enjoy. This month the theme is Easter Eggs. Fascinate-U is located at 116 Green St. For more information, visit www.fascinate-u.com.

The Airborne and Special Operations Museum celebrates Easter with a delicious breakfast and pictures with the Easter Bunny on March 26. The breakfast features eggs, pancakes and sausage. Reservations are required for breakfast and can be made by calling 643.2778 or by stopping by the ASOM Gift Shop. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for 12 and under. Ages 2 and under are free with a paying adult. Pictures with the Easter Bunny are from 9:30 a.m. until noon and are $5 each.

An Easter Scramble (egg hunt) is planned in the Reflection Garden from 9:30 until 11 a.m. Children must pick up their own eggs and bring their own baskets. Parents may accompany children under 2 onto the field. Participants are separated into age groups, with two egg scrambles per age group during the morning. The Egg Scramble is fee to the public thanks to the generosity of First Citizens Bank. For more information, visit www.asomf.org/event-calendar. The Airborne and Special Operations Museum is located at 100 Bragg Boulevard in historic Downtown Fayetteville. 

Epicenter Church is once again hosting its annual Hop in the Park at Festival Park on March 25 from 6 until 10 p.m.  This is a giant family-friendly event with all sorts of entertainment options. Plans include a giant Easter egg hunt, inflatables, carnival rides, face painting, live music, food and a special guest skydiving into the event. Be sure to register at www.hopinthepark.com/i-wanna-hop/! Everyone is invited to attend regardless of religious affiliation. The goal of this event is to provide a safe place for children to celebrate and have fun. 

Find out more about 4th Friday and other downtown events at www.theartscouncil.com

The Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority holds the distinction of being the first Greek letter organization established by African-American women. That was in 1908. The local chapter, Upsilon Kappa Omega was started on Dec. 1, 1996. In the 20 years since its inception, Upsilon Kappa Omega has worked tirelessly to make a difference in the community. On Saturday, April 16, the group is set to host An Evening at the Oscars. It is the group’s main fundraiser.

“The theme for the night is Evening at the Oscars, and we really want people to come out and enjoy the event. Our VIP sponsors can look forward to an area dedicated to them with hors d’oeuvres and drinks along with a private session with our featured musician, Marcus Anderson,” said Tracy Allen, UKO publicity and marketing representative. 

“In true Oscar night fashion, we will have gift bags and other Oscar-related things. We will also have a DJ to play between band sets. There will be dancing and networking. And of course, everyone will be dressed in their finest, which always makes for a fun evening.”

A night of lively jazz music and dancing, An Evening at the Oscarsfeatures the music of Marcus Anderson. A South Carolina native, Anderson has toured with Prince as a saxophonist for New Power Generation. He’s played prominent festivals including the Essence Music Festival, Monteux Jazz Festival and the Curacao North Seas Jazz Festival.  He’s known for great music, of course, but his stage presence and showmanship are what make his performances so special. Influenced by great musicians like Michael Jackson, James Brown and, of course, Prince, Anderson’s music is relatable and catchy.

Anderson’s repertoire includes R&B, pop, rock and funky grooves. His latest release, Style Meets Substance is his fifth solo effort. The 13-track album showcases his talent on the saxophone with sax melodies, jazz, funk and Latin sounds. The album also features collaborations with Morris Hayes and Nicholas Cole.

Guests at the event are in for a night of great music and fun, and while that is exactly what Upsilon Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated wants for the event, the proceeds go toward making a difference locally – all year long. 

With the motto “Service to All Mankind” serving as inspiration, the ladies of UKO are constantly seeking ways to make Fayetteville better. The group’s programs include areas like health, educational enrichment, strengthening the family, environmental ownership and global impact and are a direct result of the AKA’s focus on launching new dimensions of service. Because the UKO members believe so strongly in their vision to empower lives by acts of community through service, they work tirelessly to find ways to make a difference. And with nearly 100 members, the reach is significant and vast.

The group sponsors asthma camp and participates in Reading Rocks. The members collect back packs to give away to school students each year. UKO sponsors the Bicycle Man Giveaway, Shop with the Sheriff and the Lupus Walk. The members hold workshops to educate the public about human trafficking and ways to keep kids safe. They hold financial workshops on everything from how to bounce back from a bankruptcy to how to save money to how to purchase a home. They offer classes about mental health related issues like PTSD, depression and anxiety. They routinely team up with other organizations to feed and clothe the homeless, give them personal hygiene items, haircuts and more. The most recent event touched the lives of about 1,000 local homeless.

As the designated Fort Bragg Chapter, while UKO cares deeply for the community and everyone in it, Fort Bragg holds a special place in the group’s heart. “We go visit the VA home. A lot of the people there are  forgotten by their families,” said Allen. “We buy them games and hygiene items and spend time with them. We offer service to all, but without the military and vets we would not have our freedom. So it is important to us that we help military as much as we can - including spouses and families when their soldier is deployed.”

It is no secret that education is a great equalizer and with that in mind, UKO awards scholarships to students each year. The sorority recognizes “outstanding high-school seniors, already accepted by an accredited four-year college or university, who demonstrates high scholastic achievement; proven leadership; and, have
actively participated in community service.” 

Students from Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke and or Sampson counties are eligible to apply. This is a topic that is dear to many, including some sorority members. “I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth but I knew I wanted to be successful. I ended up going in the military. I made a career of it and used my benefits to go college,” said Allen. “We want students to be successful. That is part of what this scholarship is about. We would love to eventually fund an entire year or even all 4 years of college for someone.” 

UKO goes beyond scholarships when it comes to working with youth and preparing them for the future. The sorority sponsors teacher-led workshops to help students with study skills, career options, how to prepare for the SAT/ACT, how to apply for college and financial aid and more. 

The Evening at the Oscars is on April 16 at the Crown Expo Center, Hall C. at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35 and are available at www.ukoaka-2nd-Evening-at-the-Oscars.eventbrite.com. For information, call 663.1527 or visit www.ukoaka1908.com.