Pattern painting has a rich history in nonwestern and western cultures. The patterns of Islamic art, Chinese art and Medieval manuscript illuminations (to name only a few) range from the decorative to the sacred. Distinctive in this country was the Arts and Crafts movement in the late 1800s and the P&D (Pattern and Decoration) movement in the 1960s; both had their own stylistic approach to the revival of pattern and decorative painting that is still popular today.

Gallery 208 celebrates the pattern painting tradition, with an original approach, an exhibit titled Beyond Pattern: the Works of Rose-Ann San Martino Bryda. Bryda shares her personal vision, values and her interpretations of archetypes by exhibiting 12 paintings of various sizes. The opening reception is Tuesday, March 15, from 5:30 -7 p.m. at the Up & Coming Weekly office at 208 Rowan Street. 

It’s not necessary to know the history of pattern and decoration in art history before visiting Beyond Pattern: the Works of Rose-Ann San Martino Bryda; her paintings immediately speak to the uniqueness of rejecting the traditional figure-ground relationship or a window-to-another-world approach to painting. Bryda shares her intent when she noted her painting was about “archetypal images, symbols, universal patterns, intricate designs, the compulsive filling of the picture plane and a carefully chosen palette.”

Bryda does not clearly distinguish between background and foreground in her work, she is not interested in portraying traditional landscape or portrait compositions. Instead, the entire surface has a skeletal surface, a grid-like, organic lattice, restraining the movement and depth emerging from behind the grid. One can’t help but peer through the grid looking for the spatial clues of color and shapes that create a narrative. 

The artist commented how she is “drawn to contrasts and often uses a complementary palette.” She stated: “I like to experiment with depth and flatness in the two-dimensional plane and often achieve this by completing an under painting with depth and modeling and then draw patterns over it … My style has evolved through thought and instinct.” 

After reflecting on the body of work in the exhibit, visitors may leave the gallery sensing there are always small pools of concentric circles emerging throughout the works — thoughtful pools of balance and possibilities in the repeated patterns. The repeated textures, shapes, outlines and colors evoke the mandala — a generic identifier for charts or geometric patterns representing the metaphysical. If the historical significance of the true mandala is to focus on a sacred space and encourage meditation, Bryda creates her own universe of contemplative possibilities. 

Bryda confirmed she had “become enamored with the mandala” and said “I find it throughout nature: in flowers, snowflakes, spider webs, the cross section of a tree trunk or an orange since they have a mesmerizing structure of the center moving outward.” 

Whereas most of the works allude to the stylistic influence of the mandala, two works in the exhibit are intended to be a mandala. In the work titled “Faces Mandala,” a mixed media 24 inch square in size, colors vibrate from the surface pattern revealing three, stylized faces behind the concentric circles of the lattice. In this mixed media, as well as all the paintings in the exhibit, the whimsical nature of her work and her sense of humor is ever present.

Evoking the contemplative, you can see easily see how Bryda also interjects a sense of humor in many of her paintings. In the painting titled “Tic Tac Toe” nine pears are in a row; three pears in each of the three rows across the surface. A subtle patterned background has been carefully detailed with patterns to create a wallpaper effect in richly glazed browns and dark reds. The light values of the patterns in the pears reference the game when three of the pears of the same color create a subtle directional movement - similar to winning the Tic Tac Toe game! 

When asked about the humor in her work, Bryda quickly noted: “I prefer my work to be not merely a mirror, but transformative in some small way. I have no answers, but find it useful to ask questions. I strive to create work that promotes positive thought, is not merely beautiful, but beautiful all the same. If you smile when you look at my paintings, then they serve a purpose and are useful.”

Gallery 208 is pleased to exhibit the work of a regional artist who has been an advocate in the local arts community for many years. You will recognize the artist and her work since she has an extensively exhibited her work in the area, attends art openings regularly, and has worked for many years with the Fayetteville Art Guild and Ellington White CDC Discovering Art Program for at-risk students. 

A distinguished regional artist, she received the Regional Artists’ Grant in 2002/2003 from the Fayetteville and Cumberland County Arts Council. Her work is regularly exhibited at Ellington-White Contemporary Gallery, the Fayetteville Arts Council, the Cape Fear Studios and Bryda exhibits with the Fayetteville Art Guild. 

Her education includes the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, D.C.; a post graduate diploma in drama from University of Kent in Canterbury, England; and a B.S. degree in Special Education and Art form Keene Sate College in Keene, New Hampshire. 

The public is invited to attend the opening reception at Gallery 208, 208 Rowan Street, on March 15,  between 5:30 -7 p.m. Beyond Pattern: the Works of Rose-Ann San Martino Bryda will remain in the gallery through the end of April 2016, gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and free to the public. 

For more information, call
484-6200.

I first heard about the idea of Downrange: Voices From the Homefront  more than two years ago. Tom Quaintance, the Cape Fear Regional Theatre’s artistic director, had passed my name on to one of the volunteers who was working on setting up interviews to hear stories from military spouses. I was intrigued with the idea, but elected not to participate.

In my opinion, my story was not dynamic. It was simply the day-to-day life that military spouses live, punctuated with frequent deployments, long nights, upset children and walking around feeling like you are in this big thing all alone. What I missed is that is exactly what Quaintance and company were looking for. They were not looking for the Hollywood story — the happily ever after — but rather the true grit of day-to-day life when your spouse is on the frontline.

Fortunately, other military spouses took them up on the opportunity to tell their stories, and with more than two years poured into it, the CFRT has produced perhaps one of its best plays to date. 

Downrange: Voices from the Homefront is a real look into the lives of military families — warts and all. It cracks the code on the sister — and brother — hood of military spouses. We aren’t a hard club to join, but it is very hard to retain your membership. No whiners allowed.

My friends and I often joke that like the movie A League of Their Own, there is no crying in our military spouse club. Crying doesn’t get the yard mowed or the oil changed in both vehicles. Whining doesn’t keep the flu away or help us juggle work, kids, household chores and the various other commitments that keep military spouses jumping. At least that’s what we tell ourselves.

In Voices from the Homefront, the CFRT lays open the quirks of our secret club. It lets those who have never been a member see what true strength looks like. It gives them a glimpse of what it takes to break us — and how quickly we bounce back. It puts those things that we choose not to share front and center, and in doing so, brings understanding from a community that thought they knew what went on in our heads and homes, but really didn’t have a clue.

The play, which was compiled from the interviews with military spouses by playwright Mike Wylie, flows seamlessly. We watch from the sidelines initially, how a young couple becomes one and then how that couple becomes one person holding it together while their spouse is deployed. I have to admit, I was worried about this play before I saw it.

I was afraid that the play would take on a “poor, pitiful me” approach when it came to military spouses. And, that’s the last thing we want. We made our choices when we married soldiers. We knew what we signed up for, and I didn’t want anyone to cast us in the role of victim. And they didn’t. The play masterfully and with a great deal of compassion tells the story of four military spouses and how deployments, and ultimately death, affects them. It draws you in. You can see the humor, the strength, the fear that lies behind every laugh, every joke, every heartbreak.

Actress Nicky Hart has walked the boards at the CFRT for many years. She has made us laugh until we cried, but in this show, she makes us cry until we laugh. Those who know Hart will see a master craftsman telling the story she knows best; turning herself inside out to do so. This may be her finest hour on the stage.

 And, it might just possibly be one of the theatre’s finest hours. They took their time. They listened. They learned – and they produced a play that will make you laugh. It will make you uncomfortable. It will make you cry, and, just when you think you have nothing left, it will make you proud to live in a place like Fayetteville, North Carolina. A place peopled with  heroes — those who wear uniforms and their spouses who carry an invisible badge of courage. 

It’s been a long time coming, but one of Fayetteville’s more unusual landmarks will soon get a long overdue paint job. Call it a work of art. Call it a wireless cell tower because that’s what it is. What’s become known as the Sprint Voyager has been neglected for 14 years… not intentionally, but because of unforeseen changes in the communications industry. Sandy DeSosta, director of marketing and communications for Crown Castle of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, tells Up & Coming Weekly, “We have been in touch with code enforcement of Fayetteville with regard to the tower… and will move forward with painting the tower.”  

People new to the area have likely wondered about the unique aeronautical-looking structure that sits upon what used to be a colorful pole near the Rowan Street bridge near downtown. Art intersected with functionality when former Fayetteville artist Tom Grubb unveiled his sculpture that aided Sprint in achieving stronger wireless signals throughout the community. Grubb says he will happily assist in painting the Voyager. 

“The Fayetteville community holds many special memories for me,” said Grubb.

As for the City of Fayetteville, former City Manager Roger Stancil says, “It was the first tower with public art required as a condition” of its construction. “What Sprint is doing really is spectacular,” said Stancil at the unveiling in October, 2002. He was instrumental in bringing about this marriage of form and function. 

“We are delighted to be able to support the launch of the Voyager project,” said Jim Greene, director of site acquisition, Southeast Region for the PCS Division of Sprint. 

Grubb was director of the now defunct Fayetteville Museum of Art when the work was commissioned and said his inspiration for the piece was “the dynamic combination of technology and nature.” 

The result was the largest kinetic sculpture ever created in the United States at the time. For its dedication, Grubb himself sky walked to the tip of the 128-foot tower to affix the 1,000-pound sculpture while suspended from a hoisting device.

Why has it taken so long for the Voyager to get some attention? Up & Coming Weeklylooked into the history of the tower and found Sprint hasn’t owned it for many years, but its equipment is part of the apparatus. “Sprint’s obligation is to the communications equipment itself… the tower owners are responsible for its maintenance,” said Corporate Communications Spokeswoman Adrienne Norton. 

Sprint sold the tower to Global Signal, Inc., which declared bankruptcy many years ago. That’s when Crown Castle picked it up, and late last month Up & Coming Weekly reached out to the company. In a matter of days, Crown Castle confirmed its obligation and committed to paint the tower. To put the company in perspective, as a result of numerous acquisitions, including that of Global Signal in January 2007, Crown Castle owns more than 40,000 towers in the United States as well as 1,600 sites in Australia. It is the leader in the shared wireless infrastructure industry.

 

The Army is bolstering housing opportunities for more military families at Fort Bragg. Corvias Military Living says that national Guardsmen and Reservists and their families are now eligible to live on post in certain areas. Until now, these service members could live on post only when on active duty. “The Reservists are already a vital part of the Fort Bragg community,” said Col. Karl Schmitkons, Commander of the 440th Airlift Wing. “Affording them the opportunity to live on post helps strengthen and diversify our community and supports those serving our nation,” he added. Schmitkons serving as Fort Bragg’s spokesman is ironic since his airmen are leaving the area over the next six months because the Air Force reserve unit is being deactivated. 

Eligible residents are being encouraged to contact the Corvias leasing center as soon as possible because of limited availability in Bragg’s housing communities. Several home types are available to reservists and guardsmen. They include two-, three- and four-bedroom floor plans. Rents will be established at competitive market rates and include utilities, lawn care, 24-hour maintenance, access to Corvias’ community centers and pools as well as all other on-post amenities.

“More than 21,144 military members and their families currently live on Fort Bragg in a blend of homes, many of which are new or recently renovated,” according to Brandon Masters, Regional Public Affairs Manager for Corvias Military Living. He went on to say “Our top priority is to serve active duty service members with families.  When we face challenges in occupying certain homes with active duty service members, we expand our eligibility and fill those homes with other tenants, such as military reservists.”  Masters went on to say the decision to open eligibility to the additional groups was made to ensure the Army has the ability to reinvest in future home construction, modernization, upgrades and repairs on the installation. Corvias won a 50-year contract to provide Fort Bragg family housing, an agreement which began in 2003.

National Guard members and reservists interested in moving on post should request information from the Corvias leasing center. Applicants from the newly eligible categories will be required to pass credit checks and income requirements. Children of National Guard members and reservists who live on post are not able to attend the installation’s Department of Defense Schools, adds Masters.

 

Harold Medlock has been Fayetteville’s Chief of Police for more than three years. His idea of community policing is in sharp contrast to many other urban police executives. 

“I just think the police department needs to be engaged in the community,” said Medlock when asked about the high profile he keeps. “It’s more about the police department being part of the community rather than an occupying force.” 

Medlock granted Up & Coming Weekly an interview in the wake of a young black man being shot by police in Raleigh. He believes investigations of officer-involved shootings must be completed quickly. 

“I will put out all relevant information, good, bad or indifferent,” said the chief. “We owe it to our citizens to share as much information as we can as soon as we can rather than to allow rumors and anger to fester. If, God forbid, we have an officer-involved shooting, you can expect me to release all that I can before the evening news.” 

An internal investigation shouldn’t take more than 90 days, Medlock says. His decisions on police conduct would come immediately thereafter. Medlock said he would not wait for an SBI investigation to be completed, because the investigations can sometimes take up to a year. 

“Yes, I think I would,” was his response when asked if he would encourage city council to immediately release video camera footage of officer involved incidents. Council has that authority according to City Attorney Karen McDonald. 

“It would have no bearing on criminal or civil cases because it is what it is,” said Medlock. 

He says the state legislature should loosen privacy laws that prevent full disclosure of misconduct. The chief also believes videos of day-to-day situations faced by the police should be made public. 

The chief’s transparency policy requires that the names of officers involved in use-of-force situations be released as soon as their families are notified. “We just don’t believe in the Fayetteville Police Department that anything should be withheld,” he said.

 Medlock brought big city law enforcement philosophies to Fayetteville when he came here from Charlotte in 2013. 

As for appearances, he believes “cops ought to look like cops,” that they don’t need to be walking around in intimidating uniforms. He was quick to add that American police these days must be able to match the firepower of the bad guys. Semi-automatic high-velocity rifles are standard issue for most Fayetteville police officers, in addition to their side arms.

Medlock says communicating with the public in difficult circumstances is critical. He spoke of situations that result in tactical teams using armored vehicles. He recognizes the need to keep crowds that gather informed of what’s going on and why. The chief’s wish list includes a camera-equipped unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone, which could provide officers full view of certain settings. He says unconventional equipment has become mandatory in order to keep people safe. 

“The difference is when we use them we need to be able to tell the people who are watching us what we’re up to,” Medlock added. 

Fayetteville OutFront                       

The City of Fayetteville is holding another OutFront community meeting Tuesday, March 8 at 6 p.m. at Northwood Temple Church on Ramsey St.  Residents will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback about city services. The city’s senior management team led by Senior Deputy City Manager Kristoff Bauer will be there. He’ll be joined by Assistant City Manager Jay Reinstein, Police Chief Harold Medlock, Fire Chief Ben Major and other department directors.  And Fayetteville Public Works Commission General Manager David Trego will also be in attendance. The idea is to “provide residents an opportunity to talk directly with city leadership,” said spokesman Kevin Arata. 

For those who are unable to attend the meeting, they can log onto the city’s website and submit their questions online. 

PWC Water Treatment Begins

Beginning Tuesday, March 1, 2016, the Fayetteville Public Works Commission temporarily stopped adding ammonia to its water treatment disinfection process. The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources requires all water systems that add ammonia to their drinking water to discontinue its use for a one-month period annually.  PWC will resume adding ammonia to the water treatment disinfection process on Friday, April 1.

During March,  fire hydrants on the PWC water distribution system will be opened frequently to flush the water distribution system.  As a result of the change, chlorine may be more noticeable and some customers may  experience discolored water as a result of the system flushing. 

Water customers should be aware that during this time, traces of ammonia could remain in the water.  PWC recommends that water customers who pre-treat should continue to follow procedures to remove chloramines.

Information about the water treatment process is available at the PWC website, www.faypwc.com. 

He’s Going to Survive!

A couple of weeks ago a Cumberland County deputy sheriff shot a family pet after responding to a disturbance call at a home on Marsh Road off NC 87, south of Fayetteville. Since then, Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Ennis Wright and Legal Advisor Ronnie Mitchell issued a lengthy joint news release through Sheriff Moose Butler’s spokesman, Sgt. Sean Swain.

According to Swain, 911 call takers received a call from a woman who reported a disturbance on her property. Two officers were sent to the woman’s home. The deputies knocked several times and received no answer. The officers knocked twice more, and according to Swain, the woman reluctantly cracked the door open a few inches and then closed it. The deputies knocked again and Abraham opened the door narrowly again as the officers announced their presence. It was at that point, according to the news release, that the woman opened the door. And it was then that her German Shepard bolted out of the house and “advanced on one of the deputies. As the deputy was retreating, he discharged his firearm one time,” added the spokesman.

The bullet struck the dog on the bridge of his nose and exited behind an ear, according to County Animal Control Director Dr. John Lauby. The dog, Astro, was taken to an emergency veterinarian. Swain says he “was treated and is doing well.” Animal Control officers took the dog to the Cumberland County Animal Control facility and later to the Grays Creek Animal Hospital for follow-up treatment and recuperation. Dr. Lauby did not concur that Astro was “doing well” describing the exit wound as “horrible,” but saying that he will survive. 

Lauby indicated that if the woman is unable to pay for Astro’s care, the expense would be covered using funds from Animal Control’s Injured Animal Stabilization Fund. Swain said the Sheriff’s Office was informed that a non-profit organization had said it would pay for Astro’s emergency treatment. Animal Control records indicate Astro has a history of being dangerously aggressive. He once bit a little girl on the leg. The wound apparently was not serious. The dog was quarantined for 10 days. 

 

Tremendous concern for the country I love and appreciate weighs heavily on my mind. More and more, I fear maybe the Fat Lady is preparing to sing about America. The “fat lady singing” is based on a supposed tale about a child sitting through an opera who asks a parent when it will be over. “Not until the fat lady sings” is the answer. America has been a great country, but I fear the end of this greatness that has not only served Americans well, but has helped make the whole world a better place is coming to an end. 

All around us I see indications of this possible impending doom. It shows in the current Presidential election process. The two Democrat candidates, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, are promising what clearly cannot be delivered and would be disastrous for the country. They are also pandering to various groups, especially black and Hispanic voters. In addition, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton faces suspicion of questionable, if not criminal, actions.

Then there are five remaining Republican candidates whose debates, in part because of format, have become devoid of substance. Further, Donald Trump and Marco Rubio are (as of  Feb. 29) carrying on what I consider a disgusting display of meaningless verbal exchanges that are beneath the reasonably expected conduct of an American President. These men are talking about each other’s sweating, make-up, water-drinking, lying, poor spelling and so forth. Granted, Ted Cruz is in this fray, but with less of a school-yard brawl approach.

It is this brawling like kids and avoidance of serious issues that make citizens wonder what we have come to by way of electing a president. As though this is not enough, add to it an astronomical national debt, unfunded liabilities that make the national debt look miniscule, a Congress that is doing absolutely nothing, a President who conducts himself as a dictator determined to destroy all that made America great, courts that legislate, terrorism raging, immigration (illegal and legal) out of control and a deafening entitlement mentality across the nation. I could go on with issues not being addressed, but this is more than enough to show that the “fat lady” has to be warming up.

My frustration and disgust because of what is described in the preceding three paragraphs is made worse by the fact that this is nothing new. The anger level among citizens might be higher than usual, but everything else seems unchanged. With the exception of Ben Carson and, to a lesser extent, John Kasich, it is business as usual. That is, play to the crowd, do not inform and press to win. 

I spent about 18 months deeply involved in the political process leading up to the 2014 elections. I pushed for efforts that would educate citizens regarding issues. One man who was far more involved than me said, “We have to win in order to govern.” The problem with that approach is politicians do the kinds of actions described here and when they win cannot govern because divisions have been created and promises made that cannot be kept. For the most part, this result occurs because of uninformed voters who act on emotion and self-interest. 

In the midst of my lamenting all of this, a new friend told me about a book by John P. Kotter titled A Sense of Urgency.Kotter talks about why many businesses fail or do not perform anywhere near full potential. While focusing on businesses, he comments that what he presents as a danger to businesses can also “undermine a whole country.” As I started reading the book, I had that thought and then he said it.

So, let me share some of what Kotter writes and relate it to addressing the rapid decline of America. He opens by stating that what is needed is a “true sense of urgency. In this context, urgency means “of pressing importance.” When people have a true sense of urgency, they think that action on critical issues is needed now, not eventually... Now means making real progress every single day. Critically important means challenges that are central to success or survival, winning or losing.

 I see nothing happening at any level of government in this nation that indicates there is a true sense of urgency about anything. Look around. Show me one issue that is being addressed with urgency as Kotter defines it. Healthcare, the Veterans Admiration, terrorism, infrastructure maintenance, unemployment, economic development … give me one, just one. 

Then there is the danger in failing to recognize when change is needed. If people do not have a sufficient sense of urgency, very likely they will not look for changes that are happening externally that require internal change. For example, the world around us is changing. Nations that see the United States as their enemy are getting nuclear weapons, developing enhanced military capabilities and even funding terrorists who want to destroy America. I do not see that we are responding to these external changes with appropriate internal change. 

Kotter says, “The first step in creating a true sense of urgency is to deeply understand its opposites: “complacency and false urgency.” Of complacency he writes: “The dictionary says complacency is a feeling of contentment or self-satisfaction, especially when coupled with an unawareness of danger or trouble.”

I contend complacency is an issue in our nation. There is growing anger, but it is accompanied by tremendous unawareness of the danger and troubles facing us. For example, Ben Carson talks about unfunded liabilities. The Federal Government has a responsibility to pay benefits such as Social Security, military retirees and so forth into the future. In order to make those future payments, the government must have a certain amount of money invested in the present. The extent to which that current amount is not available for investment creates an unfunded liability. A February 2014 article by Gary North reports that Professor Lawrence Kotlikoff of Boston University says the Congressional Budget Office did two reports. One which Kotlikoff does not trust put unfunded liabilities at $47 trillion while the one he trusts showed $205 trillion. Either is an astounding figure. How many Americans are watching this kind of destructive situation and acting to correct it? I suggest not many and that is complacency.

Given the definition of complacency, I contend politicians in general are even more complacent than the general public. They maintain the status quo while giving no indication of a true sense of urgency.

Kotter continues, “Anxiety and anger drive behavior that can be highly energetic, which is why people mistake false for true urgency. But the energy from anger and anxiety can easily create activity, not productivity, and sometimes very destructive activity.” I say we are surrounded by what he describes here. People get angry about some situation and politicians respond with activity. That is happening in this Presidential election. There is a lot of activity in response to citizens’ anger, but no productive addressing of the critical issues facing us. Now the process is turning destructive. 

All of this reveals a picture of a great nation in serious trouble as reflected in: 1) a failing presidential election process; 2) the multitude of critical issues not being addressed with true urgency; 3) almost non-existent recognition of threatening changes happening around us; 4) complacency among citizens and far too many politicians in a debilitating state of complacency; 5) anger running rampant and generating activity, but no productivity … only movement toward destruction. 

I pray there is still time to prevent the Fat Lady from singing. If we are to do so, we must look for critical opportunities and hazards now... then address them with true urgency. This is serious. 

I’ve been off the grid for the past three weeks and have counted myself lucky not to have the daily influx of political emails, telephone solicitors, news stories, sound bites and outlandish headlines beating me down. Coming back home, my reprieve from death by politics was rescinded and I find myself quickly becoming overwhelmed.

I am a political person by my nature. When most second- graders were worried about recess, I was worried about the electoral college and what would happen if they all suddenly went rogue. Yes, this is a conversation I had with my parents. In fourth grade, when girls were worried about whose leather bracelet they would wear, I was worried about Jimmy Carter seeming like a yahoo living in the White House. History has proven that I was right to worry about that.

All that being said, most of the shine of the political process has worn off for me. I now no longer yearn to watch the political conventions (and, yes, even as a child, I watched every minute.) I purposefully make plans so that I won’t have to watch the debates. Why? Because I want someone who knows what they are talking about to make a substantive point, not just heckle their opponents. If our political process is going to continue to sink into these low depths, then let’s do it right. If we want a political process that is fraught with name-calling and potential fisticuffs, then let’s take a page from the English and Irish parliaments.

Instead of our current crop of presidential hopefuls throwing weak insults at each other, let’s let them go at it old school like they do in England. You insult my party, you will pay. You insult my platform, prepare to be taken down. If candidates see that there is a real consequence to their petulance, perhaps they won’t be so quick to act like fourth graders, and maybe they will up their game and talk about real issues, offer real solutions and seek to find a middle ground that we can all live with.

I don’t know that a battle royal, with the last man (or woman) standing is the answer to our political problems, but I do know that the childish, juvenile campaigns that are in full swing are not the answer. I do know that simply belittling another candidate’s suggestions without offering your own is not the answer. To quote the movie the The American President: “For the last couple of months, it has been suggested that being President of this country was, to a certain extent, about character. I can tell you without hesitation: Being President of this country is entirely about character… America isn’t easy. America is advanced citizenship. You gotta want it bad, ‘cause it’s gonna put up a fight. It’s gonna say ‘You want free speech? Let’s see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil, who’s standing center stage and advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours. We have serious problems to solve, and we need serious people to solve them. And whatever your particular problem is, I promise you, (fill in the name of any candidate currently running) is not the least bit interested in solving it. He is interested in two things and two things only: making you afraid of it and telling you who’s to blame for it.’”

The world is scary enough. I don’t need a President who makes me fearful, I need a President who has answers. One who can clearly articulate the problems facing our country, give me his solutions and then stand by what he says.

Again from The American President, “People want leadership, Mr. President, and in the absence of genuine leadership, they’ll listen to anyone who steps up to the microphone. They want leadership. They’re so thirsty for it they’ll crawl through the desert toward a mirage, and when they discover there’s no water, they’ll drink the sand.”

I think we are all tired of drinking sand. Which candidate will step up to the plate with a tall drink of water? I’m waiting.

For more than 40 years the federal government’s Community Development Block Grant program has provided communities across America with funds to address a wide range of community development needs. Since 1974, the CDBG program has become one of the longest, continuously run programs of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The CDBG program provides annual grants to more than 1200 cities and counties. 

HUD believes community development activities build stronger and more resilient communities through an ongoing process of identifying and addressing needs and priority investments. Community development activities are designed to support infrastructure, economic development projects, installation of public facilities, community centers, housing rehabilitation, code enforcement, homeowner assistance and other identified needs. 

“Federal support of community development encourages systematic and sustained action by State, and local governments,” according to HUD. The CDBG program works to ensure decent, affordable 

housing, to provide services to the most vulnerable and to create jobs through the expansion and retention of local businesses. CDBG is an important tool for helping local governments tackle serious challenges facing their communities. HUD says “the CDBG program has made a difference in the lives

of millions of people and their communities across the nation.”

Annual grants are made to larger cities identified as Metropolitan Statistical Areas. HUD determines the amount of each grant by using a formula comprised of several measures of community need, including the extent of poverty, population, housing overcrowding and age of housing. Fayetteville is an SMA. The HUD grant application, or annual action plan, is a voluminous 78-page fill-in-the-blanks document which requires predictable responses. It outlines in exhaustive detail the federal government’s expectations of general program objectives with which Fayetteville Community Development Director Victor Sharp is intimately familiar. He has been with the city for 19 years. The city’s application will likely be automatically approved if the application is received by May 15. Available funds will total $3.2 million, some of which are unspent allocations from the current fiscal year. Cumberland County is not an ‘entitlement’ county but receives three quarters of a million dollars in CDBG funds from the state.

Ten days ago City Council tackled the local CDBG action plan for the coming year during a lengthy and sometimes testy exchange with Sharp. He noted in his action plan that “the City of Fayetteville has identified goals and objectives to address the City’s priority needs. Programs and projects have been designed to carry out the goals and objectives.” They are contained in a comprehensive five-year program which is consistent with HUD’s national objectives and outcomes. But the action plan includes only a few targeted areas of the city that are in need of housing rehabilitation or other economic development.

Council seemed frustrated that Sharp’s presentation did not provide a report of accomplishments this past year or detailed plans for the coming year. Council members Mitch Colvin, Kirk deViere and Ted Mohn appeared annoyed  that they were being asked to review a plan that had just been presented two weeks earlier. Sharp injected that council was initially given the plan in January. At Mohn’s suggestion council voted to require that annual CDBG action plans be presented in detail to council three months before they must be submitted to Washington. Sharp took a lot of heat April 25 as he attempted to defend the FY17 plan. He was quick to correct council objections, and at one point was gaveled out of order by Mayor Nat Robertson for not allowing members to complete their sometimes lengthy questions. Interim City Manager Doug Hewett intervened to tell council he had heard their concerns and would have some answers for them at their next work session. 

“This level of interest by Council is reflective of their desire in revitalization efforts across the city, and ensures that we are properly focused on their priorities during the process,” Hewett told Up & Coming Weekly. The money isn’t the issue. The action plan for the new fiscal year outlines how Community Development plans to spend the funds, but there are only those few specifics. Mayor Pro Tem Colvin has asked for details on areas targeted for revitalization and what they are. 

Kirk deViere wanted to know if funds could be moved around once the grant application is submitted. “City staff is aggressively working to address blight issues across the community. We constantly review buildings and properties to ensure they meet the high standards we expect, and when they don’t, we address them as quickly as possible,” said city spokesman Kevin Arata. His reference was to monthly targeted communities in the city where abandoned houses are being demolished with tax liens placed on the properties. He added that in addition to federal grants, the city has budgeted $100,000 for gateway improvements. 

The city recently created a Business and Economic Development Department with a staff of three to recognize that high quality city services are to a large extent dependent on a strong business community and local economy. The stated mission of the department “is to support existing and new high quality retail and commercial enterprises, redevelop under-performing corridors and catalyst sites, expand our local incentives portfolio, and to assist a diversity of business interests with a wide range of needs.

With spring creeping around the corner, it is time to prepare for the 70th annual Camellia Show hosted by the Fayetteville Camellia Club. The show is set for March 5-6 and promises to add some color to the weekend. Often the first question for those unacquainted with the flower is “why Camellias?” 

Diane R. Libecki-Long, the recording secretary and membership chairman for the Fayetteville Camellia Club, explains it by saying, “My personal opinion is that they defy winter and introduce spring. Camellias begin blooming in late October and various varieties bloom through March in this area. There are a number of varieties of camellias. They come in miniature, small, medium, large and huge. Their shapes are amazing. Once you walk through a show you see colors, variations and shapes that make you fall in love. While all flowers are wonderful, very few hold the same beauty as a red camellia defying the snow that may fall in January, February and March. Unless, of course, you live in the North, then the mighty crocus is a welcome sight popping through the snow.”

Thirty years ago, the Camellia Show was held at the Cross Creek Mall. Since then it has outgrown that space – and it is still free to attend. It is now held at the Ramada Plaza at the Bordeaux Convention Center at 1707-A Owen Dr. With this relatively new space, the Camellia Show has more freedom. As a result the show not only features beautiful flowers but also hosts events during the two-days run. From 1-4 p.m., Saturday, March 5, there will be an opening ceremony in memory of Martha Duell and an exhibit on the “History of Tea.”  On Sunday, March 6, there will be a Japanese Tea Ceremony and air layering demonstrations. Both days will also features artwork from about 250 students all from local schools working to capture the varied beauty of the Camellia. 

Of course, the highlight of the show is the flowers. Naturally, members of the local Camellia Club can’t judge their own show. Instead they invite judges from surrounding areas, as far away as Virginia. Each judging team is made of two American Camellia Society certified judges and one novice judge. Entering flowers to be judged can be stressful, but Libecki-Long has a suggestion, “For first-time growers, the best advice I can give is buy healthy plants, learn how to plant them – not too deep and not too wet – and just fall in love. We will be selling Camellia plants at our show and our sales people can assist in how to properly plant the Camellia. Membership in both our local club and the American Camellia Society is your best bet for education. Our members are knowledgeable in planting, caring for and showing Camellias and are always happy to assist anyone. We also offer members discounted prices on plants during the year and obtain plants from a variety of reputable growers.” For first time attendees she recommends bringing a pen and pencil to write down favorites to add to next year’s garden. 

Even after decades of working with the Camellia Club and attending the annual shows, Libecki-Long is still entranced by the many beautiful flowers. “I don’t know why I’m so captivated by them, but it is exciting just to see their beauty. The various shapes, colors, sizes are fascinating. When the weather is right and the varieties abundant, there is nothing like walking through the tables and spotting a bloom that captivates you,” she says.

For more information visit www.fayettevillecamelliaclub.org. 

After a two-year journey, Cape Fear Regional Theatre’s Artistic Director Tom Quaintance brings Downrange Voices from the Homefrontto the stage March 3 – 20. Downrange is one of the few original works CFRT has commissioned in its 53-year history.

The journey began for Quaintance when his wife, Wallis, brought home stories of military families she’d heard from other parents. Quaintance said he and Wallis were moved by the challenges, heartbreak, adventures and resilience of military families in their adopted community of Fayetteville. They both agreed these stories needed to be shared.

“There is something we can do here to be better neighbors to these people going through these deployments,” Wallis Quaintance, an actress in the production, recently told an audience at a preview performance. She said that the play allows for open communication that can be part of the healing process for some.

CFRT received a national grant to support the development of the project and enlisted North Carolina playwright Mike Wiley, who used interactive workshops to collect stories of military spouses from Fort Bragg. The voices heard in those workshops were transcribed and transformed into a staged reading in May 2015, before becoming the current version of the play.

Nicky Hart was one of the voices brought into the project. Involved since the beginning, Hart, a former military spouse, is also a well-known local actress. She plays a role in Downrange, and said seeing some of her own story played out on stage has been a positive experience.

“The rehearsal process for this show has been a lot of work,” Hart said. “I remember the years, so many things keep coming back.” Having good and bad memories triggered has also helped in her own healing process, Hart said. She believes seeing the play can help others who might be coming to terms with their own experience. Hart hopes that sharing so much of her personal story will help other military spouses feel validated.  

With Downrange Voices from the Homefront set for its world premiere, Quaintance said he is grateful for the production’s two-year journey.

“It was the most humbling and inspirational experience of my life,” Quaintance said. “A play that started out as an exploration of the impact of deployment on families became how 9/11 has redefined what it means to be a military spouse.”

Wiley, who also wrote The Parchman Hour,specializes in documentary theater, said Quaintance. For Downrange, Wiley delivers an accessible and funny play that is also gut-wrenching at times. The play follows couples from courtship to marriage and military life with deployments and struggles. Included are separations, reunions, heartbreak, mysteries of life in the military, and of course, love.

“We didn’t want to sugarcoat it… it gets difficult,” Quaintance said. “We deal with some difficult subject matter like loss and death. The range of things that families deal with is gigantic — we don’t deal with everything, but we deal with what we deal with in a way that is respectful and honest.”

“The heaviness of it comes from that feeling of responsibility to getting it right… telling it truthfully,” he said.

Leslie Flom, the marketing director for CFRT, said the play gives voice to military spouses and fills a void. “It’s so important for these stories to be told,” Flom said. “There are many stories told from the soldier’s perspective… few from the spouse’s perspective. It is a valuable and important experience to hear these stories.”

The voices included in the play may resonate with some military spouses more than others, Quaintance said. It shows some people’s experiences, not others. He said “if it is not about us, it allows us to feel emphathy. If it’s about us, it allows us to gain perspective.”

Quaintance is quick to dispel the notion that the play should be viewed as simply a show of support for military families that offers a hard dose of what military life and marriage is. 

“We didn’t want the play to be medicine,” Quaintance said. “Don’t come to the play because it’s good for you. Come to the play because it’s a good play.”

Downrange Voices from the Homefront will run March 3 - 20 with shows at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 2 p.m. shows on Saturday and Sunday. Fayetteville Technical Community College will sponsor a Military Spouse Night on March 11 and Fort Bragg Credit Union will sponsor one on March 18. Both nights will offer $15 discount tickets, a reception and free onsite childcare for military couples.

On display during the run of the play will be artwork by Trish Brownlee, a local mixed media artist with a background in documentary photography. Brownlee served in the Air Force and Army as a photographer, and is a military spouse. 

“The art is special not only because it is done by a former soldier,” Flom said. “But also, the material is made from military uniforms.” Part of Brownlee’s artwork is incorporated into the set for Downrange.

Brownlee’s technique of making paper from military uniforms is known as “Breaking Rag,” her initiative to use art as a tool for veteran advocacy in a community art project. A Breaking Rag demonstration/workshop with Brownlee is scheduled for March 12 at CFRT. The workshop is free and open to the public, but play tickets must be purchased through CFRT box office.

The Crown Coliseum presents Boyz II Men in concert on Friday, March 11 at 7:30 p.m. The trio holds the distinction of being the best-selling R & B group of all time with 60 million albums sold. The members consist of Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris and Shawn Stockman. 

During the 1990s, Boyz II Men gained international success. Their success began with “End of the Road” in 1992, which reached the top of the charts worldwide. The song also set a new record for longevity staying at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for thirteen weeks breaking the record held by Elvis Presley. Throughout their musical career, they have won four Grammy awards, nine American Music Awards, nine Soul Train Music Awards, three Billboard Awards and a 2011 MOBO Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. I recently reached out to the group for an interview: 

Shanessa Fenner, Up & Coming Weekly: What should the audience expect on March 11 at the Crown Complex in Fayetteville, North Carolina?

Shawn Stockman: Fans can expect to hear all of our old hits that everyone knows and can sing along to. We love North Carolina — we’ve played there a lot over the years — so we’re really looking forward to this show. 

UCW: Have you been working on some new projects? What kinds of projects are you working on? 

SS: Recently we performed on FOX’s Grease Live, which was an incredible experience and we also got to sing a parody of “End of the Road” on the Late Late Show with James Corden. We have been able to do some really cool things lately as we gear up for our 25th anniversary. Also, we are working on a Doo-Wop project that will be coming out within the next year. 

UCW: Have the dynamics of the group changed being that there are only three members now?

SS: We had to adjust in terms of the parts we used to sing, but otherwise we continue to have a smooth group dynamic. 

UCW: Who are your musical influences/favorites?

SS: As a collective, we all admire Prince! He’s a legend and definitely one of our favorite musicians of all time. 

UCW: What do you do in your down time?

SS: Lately I haven’t really had down time with all the projects we’ve been doing, but any chance I get I love to spend time with my wife and kids. 

UCW: What are future plans for the group? 

SS: Recently our residency at The Mirage Hotel and Casino has been extended through 2018 so we will continue to perform for our fans and create timeless hits! 

Ticket prices are $75.50, $65.50, $55.50 and $45.50. For more information call 438-4100.

The business people of Fayetteville’s Haymont, or is it Haymount, community are making another effort to organize themselves much like downtown merchants have.  “We all call it Haymont,” says Elle Williams, general manager of the Runner’s Spot at 1221 Hay Street. The epicenter of the business section is at the top of Haymont Hill where Hay Street, Highland Avenue, Oakridge Avenue, Fort Bragg Road and Morganton Road converge. 

Bobby Wiggs and his parents are natives of the community. The elder Mr. Wiggs is 87 now, and Bobby Jr. is pretty much the unofficial mayor of Haymont. He owns Haymont Auto Repair at the corner of Morganton Road and Broadfoot Avenue. The community is a cluster of “unique little family owned businesses,” Wiggs said. He and about 30 other business owners are trying to put together a small business alliance similar to the merchants group downtown. “They’ve got some traction,” he noted.

Williams described the area as “a hidden gem.” She says a main objective of an organization is to cross promote and raise public awareness. Parking is an issue everyone has to deal with, she added. Williams told Up & Coming Weekly that her business agreeably shares a small parking lot with Latitude 35 Bar & Grill. 

Haymont is loosely defined as the region of the city bounded by Bragg Boulevard, Woodrow Street, Glenville Avenue, Pinecrest Drive, McGilvary Street and Turnpike Road. It’s one of the oldest areas of Fayetteville marked by nearly four dozen antebellum houses, upper-middle class homes, an historic civil war arsenal site and state-owned museum and the Cape Fear Regional Theatre. The Haymont Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. (Portions of the content of this article were adapted from a copy of the original nomination documents. Adaptation copyright © 2011, The Gombach Group.)

A recent brouhaha over the future of the Fair Oaks mansion at the Fort Bragg Road crossover brought out Haymont’s wealthy home owners who persuaded the Fayetteville Zoning Commission not to allow a prospective owner to turn the mansion into a private school. They prevailed in a 4-0 vote of the commission.

When it was developing in the early nineteenth century, Haymont bordered but was situated outside of the city limits. It was not until approximately 1910 that lower Haymont residences on Hale Street, Brandt’s Lane, Hillside Avenue, Athens Avenue and Hay Street up to Fountainhead Lane were incorporated into the city. Haymont is one of Fayetteville’s oldest and most cohesive neighborhoods. 

 

But there is another side of Haymont. From Broadfoot Avenue, on the other side of Arsenal Avenue, over to Turnpike Road, are small, low income houses. It’s a very poor area separated from well kempt homes along Valley Road by a large privacy fence. It was once drug-infested, especially along Branson Street. But twenty years ago, Highland Presbyterian Church built a community center at the end of Davis Street. Local residents got involved and police cracked down. Today, while that area of Haymont remains impoverished, it’s safer than before. 

 (State) Governor Pat McCrory has urged North Carolina voters to approve $2 billion for public service investments such as building projects at state universities and technical institutes, new facilities for the National Guard, and sewage renovations in small towns. 

McCrory spent much of last year convincing state lawmakers to put the referendum on the ballot. He was joined at a kick-off event by a handful of key legislators. Organizers said Senate Leader Phil Berger, often considered the state’s most influential elected official, did not attend because he had a scheduling conflict. “North Carolina is the ninth most populous state,” McCrory said. “We have a choice. Do we prepare for the future, or do we want the leaders of the future to have to react to what we didn’t do?”

Organizers, led by former state Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr, solicited financial contributions for a multi-million-dollar advertising campaign to include social media, mailers and phone calls. The Connect NC bond referendum campaign went statewide and culminates in the vote on March 15.  It’s been 15 years since the last general obligation bond was approved by voters to upgrade the state’s infrastructure. McCrory points out that since then North Carolina has added 2 million people in population. 

The governor likes to say passage of $2 billion in bonds will connect North Carolina to the 21st century through statewide investments in education, parks, safety, recreation, and water and sewer infrastructure. The Connect NC bonds will allow the state to pay for 50-years’ worth of assets with 20-year financing. No tax increase is necessary because of the state’s strong revenue growth and ample debt service capacity. McCrory points out North Carolina is one of only 10 states that have earned coveted triple-A bond ratings from all three major ratings agencies.

The state university system would be the biggest beneficiary of passage with nearly half the amount designated for campus improvements. Fayetteville State University would receive only $10 million, for renovation of the Lyons Science Building. It’s the least amount designated for each of the 16 campuses in the UNC system. Community colleges would share $350 million. Fayetteville Technical Community College  is one of only two schools to receive 8-figure amounts, $10.66 million. FTCC is the 4th largest of the state’s 58 community colleges. 

(Local) A separate bond issue on the ballot is a $35 million proposal for City of Fayetteville park facilities and improvements to existing recreation centers. Passage of the referendum could result in an ad valorem tax rate increase of $.0135 per $100 dollars of property valuation. All facilities would be located within the Fayetteville city limits. The bond package includes two senior centers, a tennis center and sports field complex; also, two skateboard parks, a Cape Fear River Park, seven splash pads and improvements to seven existing parks. The tennis center would be built at Mazerick Park for players of all ages and ability levels. It would include four clay courts and thirteen hard courts, plus a tournament championship court with seats for 1,000 spectators. 

The sports complex for baseball, soccer and softball would be located on city-owned property off Field’s Road on the east side of town. One of the skateboard parks would be a large in-ground concrete facility to serve the entire Fayetteville-Cumberland County region. There would be two smaller parks. A river park is planned to provide recreational activities on the Cape Fear. 

Six more popular splash pads would be located at Cliffdale Recreation Center, E.E. Miller, Gilmore Therapeutic Center, Kiwanis, Massey Hill and Myers Park Recreation Centers as well as an additional location to be determined. Improvements would be made to seven existing parks to include the renovation of some existing buildings and various park grounds. The updates would be at Clark Park & Nature Center, the Dorothy Gilmore Therapeutic Park, Brentwood School Park, Massey Hill Recreation Center, Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Mazarick Park and Seabrook Park. 

The referendum will not allow voters to pick and choose selected projects. It’s an all or nothing proposition. The city says some of the facilities included in the bond proposal would be able to function with little or no additional operating funds. The city also says that membership costs and entrance fees would be required. Memberships would be offered at different levels (family, couple, senior, etc.) and daily passes would be available for those who go less often or could not afford yearly memberships.

Combatting Homelessness Dealt a Setback

Fayetteville City Council and Cumberland County Commissioners treated homelessness as a top priority last year. They met last spring to coordinate their efforts. The city earmarked $50,000 and the county set aside $100,000 for homeless initiatives. In the last two weeks, Fayetteville’s emphasis on ending homelessness has fallen from a top priority last year to number eight this year. Cumberland County is the lead agency under federal guidelines, and city council members have had a hard time adjusting to that. In November, commissioners approved a plan to fill two positions, a homeless coordinator and a data analyst, and to fund a federally mandated Homeless Management Information System for the county’s Continuum of Care on Homelessness. The remainder of the money would be used to fill gaps in services for rapid re-housing and preventing homelessness. City Council balked at the idea of funding a county employee, and tabled the issue until January. Then late last month, it discussed an approach offered by freshman Councilman Kirk deViere. Council discussed details of deViere’s plan out of sight of the public… during a dinner meeting held in a small room that cannot accommodate an audience. Council decided to spend its $50,000 on direct services for the homeless, as deViere suggested, rather than help fund the county employee. The city hopes to meet with the county to develop a plan that provides direct services to those in need.

 

 

Hiring Vets Remains a Priority for Governor

“One of my highest priorities is to connect veterans with jobs in North Carolina where they can put their military training and experience to use,” Governor McCrory said. “We must encourage North Carolina businesses to take advantage of our veterans’ skills and talents and realize the value they bring to the workplace.” This was a message Greensboro-area employers heard during a military employment summit aimed at promoting veterans. Senior industry, government and military leaders came together to share their knowledge and success stories in hiring ex-military candidates to drive bottom-line business results. McCrory has tried to make North Carolina the most military- and veteran-friendly state in the nation. The governor launched North Carolina for Military Employment in March 2015 to find jobs for the more than 20,000 service members transitioning into civilian life from North Carolina bases each year. Fort Bragg is the state’s largest military post.

Army Wellness Fair

Womack Army Medical Center will host a Health and Wellness Fair for active duty service members, retirees and their families on April 16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fair will feature a variety of health and fitness screenings; information booths on nutrition, diabetes, legal services and more. Yoga classes, blood donation, child safety seat checks, plus activities for children, will also be available. Admission is free. There will be booths and tables in the clinic mall area at the All American Expressway entrance to the hospital and Weaver Auditorium, as well as events outside in the parking lot near the All American Expressway entrance and in the traffic circle outside of the WAMC Orthopedic entrance.

Applications Available for Citizens Academy

Cumberland County government is accepting applications for its upcoming Citizens’ Academy weekly sessions to be held from Mar. 22 through Apr. 26. The academy is free and will be held on six consecutive Tuesdays from 6-9 p.m. at various locations. The Citizens’ Academy is designed to help residents learn more about county government and how it works. People interested in participating must be residents of Cumberland County. Class size is limited. Available slots are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. The academy application is available online at www.co.cumberland.nc.us/publicinfo/citizensacademy.aspx. 

A year or so ago, a cousin announced she had read a book that changed her life.   

Her overstocked closet was suddenly rehabbed to the point of minimalism, and out went extraneous sheets, towels, even furniture.  She began giving away her books, of which she had hundreds. Family and friends received tomes with her name penned on the flyleaves along with notes saying something like, “I loved this book so much, I wanted you to have it.”  

 The litmus test for all of her clearing out was this:  “Does whatever it is bring me joy?” If not, it was outta here.

 By now you have probably figured out that my cousin read and was overwhelmed by Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, which at this writing sits atop The New York Times’ bestseller list as it has for 68 weeks.  Kondo has more recently followed up with Spark Joy, an illustrated companion on the virtues of tidying up, also a bestseller.

Kondo’s “magic” requires some organizational work.

First, we must inventory our possessions.  

 For someone who lived for decades in a family of five, most of whom are now elsewhere but many of their possessions are still hanging around, the word “inventory” is daunting, perhaps even terrifying.  Kondo obviously understands this, because she suggests inventorying by category, not by room. I take this to mean starting with my clothes, which span all seasons and many sizes. If they were human beings, some have reached legal age to vote. The stern looking and joyless “go to work” suits will be no problem to let go.  As Kondo suggests, I will thank them for jobs well done all those years in long meetings, and off they will go to an organization that provides such clothes to women who need them. Ditto for the well-used towels I just took to the Fayetteville Animal Protection Society, our community’s no-kill shelter, for drying wet critters and bedding.  A family of five with years of summer camp and college generates a lot of towels.

 More problematic, I suspect, are the records of our lives — photographs, Mother’s Day cards, letters from camps and college — although emails can stay around forever, long-ago awards, sweet notes from Valentine’s Day bouquets, holey-but-much-loved yoga pants, and the like.  They carry no actual value but — oh, my! — do they bring joy!

 Unlike my more industrious cousin, I have not actually undertaken Kondo’s daunting process of tidying up, but I am thinking about it as downsizing becomes more appealing.  We Americans are so blessed in so many ways, but we do have too much stuff.  Way too much stuff.

 Kondo offers a tidying-up method in her chapter titles.

 “Why can’t I keep my house in order?” My excuses include the fact that the Precious Jewels — all grownup and long flown the coop, bless their hearts! — still have possessions at Mama’s and Lilly the Lab who is getting messier as she ages. I wonder whether that is true for human beings as well…

 “Finish discarding first.” Kondo recommends doing this “all at once, intensely and completely.” This is where the “sparking joy” standard comes in, and it has got to be harder than she makes it sound. 

In fact, I can hardly bear to think about it.

“Tidying by category works like magic.” This makes sense, but the sheer volume of stuff at chez Dickson makes this directive challenging. For example, Kondo says “place every item of clothing in the house on the floor.”  Since some of my clothes could vote, I am not sure there is enough open space to do this. She also counsels, “downgrading to ‘loungewear’ is taboo.”  In other words, yoga pants cannot be worn 24/7.

“Storing your things to make your life shine.” This seems to be the reward for getting rid of so many belongings. Her tips: “Make the top shelf of your bookcase your personal shrine” and “Decorate your closet with your secret delights.” We all know rewards work better than punishments, so Kondo is probably onto something here.

“The magic of tidying dramatically transforms your life.” After all the work of tidying and the trauma of letting go, Kondo assures us that “Being surrounded by things that spark joy makes you happy.”  She also asserts that “Your living space affects your body”— think detox and weight loss. She guards her clients’ privacy but writes that with post-magic tidying, her clients have been transformed. “Their figures are more streamlined, their skin is more radiant, and their eyes shine brighter.”

What’s not to love about that?

I think I am sold — at least on giving tidying up a try and hoping to find the magic.

I am a bit concerned, though, about keeping wine and chocolate in my closet.

“Oh, where have you been Billy Boy, Billy Boy? Oh, where have you been, charming Billy?” What happy childhood memories that little perky song conjures up for me. Actually, I have not given that song the first thought in over 60 years until I left humming it last week after an enjoyable afternoon lunch with District 44 State Representative Billy Richardson. A local Fayetteville attorney and longtime friend, Richardson was appointed to complete the term of Democrat Representative Rick Glazier,  who resigned in August 2015 to take the position as Executive Director of the N.C. Justice Center. 

Billy ran for the Senate 19 seat and lost to Wesley Meredith in an ugly, contentious and expensive race. Hmmmm. Ugly, contentious and expensive are words that pretty much describe the nature of 21st century politics these days at all levels of government. But, not on this day. Not at this luncheon. I really got the feeling that Richardson wants to do the best job he can for children, education and the citizens of District 44, as do his Republican rivals. Come November, Richardson will defend his seat from either District 9 Republican Fayetteville City Councilman Jim Arp or fellow Republican contender, retired engineer Richard Button. Button ran for the State House in 2014 and lost to Rick Glazier by a narrow four-point margin. Both are good men and all three, I believe, want to do their best for this community and our state. 

To me, this means keeping an open mind, eliminating barriers, cooperating with each other and working across the aisle for the betterment of all. Taxes, education, energy, economic development, health care, redistricting. Oh, so many important issues that can only be addressed successfully through empathy, honest leadership, hard work and cooperation. State Representative John Szoka of District 45 is of this ilk. Honest, hardworking, logical and extremely dedicated describes Szoka. He is definitely, not a “placeholder.” Szoka, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel whose campaign slogan is “Principles, not politics,” thrives on principle and logic while taking head on important, tough, complicated issues with the fortitude and tenacity of a combat-ready soldier. 

My point is this: maybe, just maybe, the tide is starting to turn in local and statewide politics where a person’s character is becoming more important than the political party they represent. Richardson himself told me that regardless of party affiliation, he would work with anyone if it meant the betterment of Fayetteville, Cumberland County and the state. I believe him and that is the way it should be. 

It’s sad that on the national scene, presidential candidates Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz are wrongly criticizing Donald Trump for wanting to make deals. The art of the compromise is compromise. Stubbornness and blind dedication to party affiliations get us nowhere. So, unless we support and elect people with character and cooperative attributes, we will never be able to achieve the goals needed to build sound, secure communities and a great state.

Vote, and make your vote count this year. Vote for honesty and integrity. Vote for people who take on responsibility. Vote for people with character. Those people are out there. All we have to do is find and encourage them. Agree? Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

Better Health has been taking care of Cumberland County citizens since 1958. The organization offers services like diabetes monitoring, education clinics and a menagerie of classes. In order to provide all of these vital services, the board hosts annual fundraisers like this year’s Evening at the Theater. “Better Health has hosted an Evening at the Theater event for 19 years and last year’s event was our most successful! Bringing the casino and live music back, we expect this year to be a huge success as well,” said Amy Navejas, the executive director of Better Health. So, save the date — March 5 — and come ready to have a great time.

A unique event that provides high-quality entertainment with a night of high-spirited fun, this year’s Evening at the Theater is set in a London casino. “Our theme is The Beatles LOVE Fay Vegas. Last year’s Viva Fay Vegas event was a huge success! Everyone raved about the casino and Vegas feel, so the committee decided to bring the casino back! Reminiscent of the Las Vegas Beatles LOVE show, we will have a live band, the British Invaders, here to provide musical entertainment. Much of the food will also follow along with the Beatles theme,” Navejas said. 

The British Invaders were formed in 2014 and have already made a name for themselves in the Triangle music scene. They specialize specifically in popular British music from the 1960s. 

In addition to the music, Britain is known for its hearty food. “Highland Country Club will be providing the food for the evening. The spread will include carving stations, fish and chips, Strawberry Fields salads, bangers and mash, Union Jack cake, Yellow Submarine martinis and more,” Navejas said. There will also be themed desserts and beverages.

This year the event organizers decided to add to the entertainment and include the infamous UNC/Duke game, which will be playing during the event, to the festivities. Not only will the game itself be interesting, the local rivalries always bring some excitement to the room. For Navejas there is no contest, “UNC hands down! I went to UNC for my undergraduate degree and support the Tar Heels all the way. You know where my chips will be! We will offer prize packages for the UNC/Duke game book half-time winners and final game winners. You don’t want to miss this!”

Along with the British theme, there is also a continuation of the successful casino theme. “The casino will include blackjack, roulette, craps, poker and a UNC/Duke wager board. All casino fun will use ‘fun money,’ which will be provided to each attendee at check-in. Additional casino fun money will be available for purchase from the casino show girls,” Navejas explained. Last year’s casino theme was fun for the guests and extremely successful. 

An Evening at the Theater is a much-anticipated event and one that Better Health loves to host each year. About 250 attendees are expected and Navejas advises people to purchase tickets early so as not to miss the exciting night.

As fun and exciting as this evening will be, the real joy is that the proceeds will benefit an organization that’s mission is to provide for the unmet healthcare needs of Cumberland County residents through assistance, referral and education. Sometimes that means offering classes for things like how to deal with diabetes or how to manage and prevent childhood obesity. Sometimes it means arranging for free eye exams and free glasses or loaning medical equipment to someone who can’t afford to purchase it. Maybe it is dental assistance or help purchasing medical supplies. It might mean financial assistance for people dealing with prolonged serious illnesses — or a host of other things. A healthy population translates in to a healthy and thriving community and that is what Better Health is about — providing the tools and education that the community needs to get and stay healthy.

“Proceeds from this fundraiser will go to Better Health’s programs, which include Diabetes Management, Emergency Direct Aid and Childhood Obesity Prevention,” Navejas says, “Because of generous operational support from the United Way, we are able to put fundraiser revenue back into our programs and to clients in need.”

If you’ve never been, don’t be afraid to roll the dice on this event. Better Health’s annual Evening at the Theater will be held on March 5 from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. The venue this year is the Highland Country Club located at 105 Fairway Drive. Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased at www.BetterHealthcc.org. For more information visit http://www.betterhealthcc.org or call 910.483.7534. 

One of the things that makes 4th Friday so special is the variety of things to see and do. Downtown offers a treasure trove of options on any given day, but the fourth Friday of the month is something special because this is when all the galleries and businesses roll out the red carpet for visitors. It is when new exhibits open, when performers pop up at venues throughout the downtown area and businesses and restaurants stay open late and routinely offer great deals and specials. This month 4th Friday falls on Feb. 26. 

If you haven’t been by the Arts Council lately, come check out the latest exhibit: Romare Bearden: Beat of a Different Drum. Bearden’s work includes collage, watercolor and ink pieces that are vibrant and colorful with a distinctive voice. Bearden’s children’s book, Li’l Dan the Drummer Boyis part of the display. The exhibit runs through March 5. Find out more at http://www.theartscouncil.com.

Cape Fear Studios, opens Chikyu No (of the Earth). This exhibit features the work of member ceramic artist Guy Jencks and oil paintings by member artist Annette Szczekutek. Works will include vibrant painting and garden lanterns, totems, various birdhouses and bird feeders. With Spring in mind, there will be plenty of art for sale just waiting to add a breath of fresh air to any home or garden. There is an opening reception at 6 p.m. http://www.capefearstudios.com.

Fascinate-U is a delightful place for youngsters on any day, but 4th Fridays are special. During this event, admission is free and children can enjoy free play from 7-9 p.m. Fascinate-U offers programs throughout the month  which include but are not limited to Super Science Saturdays, camps events and birthday party specials. Find out more about at Fascinate-u.com.

The Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum rolls out several new exhibits this month and 4th Friday visitors will get to see them all because the museum is open from 6-9 p.m. for this event. In conjunction with the museum the second floor of the Market House is open and features the educational exhibit “Dr. E. E. Smith”  from 6 to 10 p.m.  This exhibit is in addition to the permanent exhibit, A View from the Square: A History of Downtown Fayetteville. Call the museum at 433-1457 for more information.

The Ellington-White Contemporary Art Gallery at 113 Gillespie St. opens the Cumberland County Schools Art Teacher Exhibition at 4th Friday. The reception runs from 5-9 p.m. Find out more about the gallery at http://www.ellington-white.com.

Jazz fans won’t want to miss the Jazz Series at Marquis Market. Enjoy the ambiance of Downtown Fayetteville while listening to live jazz. It starts at 8 p.m. Find out more at the Marquis Market Facebook page.

Headquarters Library is set to host The Piney Woods Boys. The band plays traditional string band  Bluegrass music. They will be at the library from 7-9 p.m. Headquarters Library is located at 300 Maiden Lane.

Find out more about 4th Friday at www.theartscouncil.com or by calling 323-1776.

Fayetteville Developer D. Ralph Huff III has added his voice to those in support of Fayetteville’s $35 million Parks & Recreation Bond Referendum March 15. He’s imploring more than 200 friends and fellow business people to support and vote for the issue. The Greater Fayetteville Chamber is also on board. “This makes business sense,” Chamber Chairman Brian Kent says. The Fayetteville Regional Association of Realtors also endorses the referendum in a resolution “encouraging citizens of Fayetteville to support these investments in our community.” Local sources also indicated that the Fayetteville Home Builders Association would more than likely support the bond referendum. 

“This is a call to action from me to the people that I know and respect and I’m asking you to join me by coming out publicly for the local parks bond,” Huff said in a mass mailing. Ralph and Linda Huff are recognized in North Carolina as respected business and community leaders and philanthropists. They’ve built more than 4,000 homes as well as commercial and multi-family developments. In his letter, Huff notes that Fayetteville has fallen behind Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Asheville and Wilmington in the development of community amenities. 

Mayor Nat Robertson says he is grateful for Huff’s support. “Mr. Huff’s commitment to Fayetteville is evident by his investments here. He understands that for our community to grow, and for us to be competitive, our amenities also have to be equivalent to what our peer cities offer,” Robertson said. Huff contends the lack of amenities resulted in many military families who relocated from Atlanta following the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Act choosing not to live in Fayetteville. Huff knows the real estate market intimately and contends enlisted military families and officers “are choosing Whispering Pines, Aberdeen, Pinehurst, Carthage, and Seven Lakes,” to live rather than Fayetteville.

The letter also addresses objections some have raised. He cites an unnamed former city council member quoted as saying “Why build more parks and pools……?”  His response: “We need a better place to live for all of our citizens.”  He also notes that with the closure of Dark Branch Swim and Racquet Club there are 1,000 families which no longer have a convenient place to swim and play tennis.  

     Huff is not completely supportive of some of the projects in the bond issue. He favors a safer place in the old Fayetteville area for tennis courts and a pool. “I do not consider Mazerick Park to be that location.” He says he’s only heard objections from one respected business leader/friend who doesn’t agree with him because he thought it should be more specific. “I for one would have been more aggressive than the current council, but at least we have a good beginning,” Huff said. The N.C. Homeowners Alliance, the Fayetteville Regional Association of Realtors and the Home Builders Association of Fayetteville will conduct a forum on the referendum at a luncheon March 10 at the Kiwanis Recreation Center, 352 Devers St. 

    Fayetteville City Council voted unanimously in December to hold the referendum. Proposed projects include two senior centers, a tennis complex, a sports field complex, two skateboard parks, a Cape Fear River park, seven splash pads and several neighborhood park improvements. Passage of the referendum would result in a maximum ad valorem tax rate increase of $.135 per hundred dollars of property valuation.  Huff points out that’s $20 a year for the average home in Fayetteville. That’s the cost of attending a movie, or buying three packs of cigarettes. As for the cost of floating a bond, “Today’s interest rates are lower than they have been in my 40 years in the business,” he says.  Huff adds “My partners, my bankers and I own $145,000,000 worth of real estate in this country” and a tax increase affects few people more than me.

 If only Fort Bragg and Pope Army Airfield had the congressional influence that Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona has.  The latter is home to three squadrons of A-10 Thunderbolt jet fighters. The Air Force has been trying to replace the Warthogs, as they are affectionately known, with more modern aircraft. Budget documents from the fiscal 2017 request show the Air Force plans to begin moving out A-10 squadrons in increments between 2018 and 2022 to make room for F-35 squadrons. But Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) is Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a strong A-10 advocate. 

“When the Obama Administration submits its 2017 budget request in the coming weeks, I hope it will follow through on its plan to keep the A-10 flying so that it can continue to protect American troops, many still serving in harm’s way,” McCain said after it was announced the A-10 would survive its “premature” retirement. 

Meanwhile, it appears Pope Army Airfield’s C-130 Hercules troop carriers are doomed to relocation. North Carolina’s Congressional delegation has fought the Air Force over the planned deactivation of the 440th Airlift Wing for two years, unsuccessfully.  A letter, dated Feb. 4, outlines plans to dismantle the 440th, the Air Force Reserve unit at Pope.  Its 700 Reservists are being assigned to other duty stations. The Air Force says aircraft from other bases will be available for Fort Bragg airborne operations and training missions on request.

Army brass, local leaders and members of Congress contend the move will compromise troop readiness, but the news that trickled down this month was not good. Second District Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-NC) said the decision is “beyond disappointing” and “irresponsible to our paratroopers and their readiness.” “The Air Force has unapologetically marched forward with this misguided proposal and shown disdain at the concerns voiced by the N.C. delegation and the Fayetteville community,” she added. 

At the same time Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) said he found out about the move through third parties instead of the Air Force. “I am surprised and deeply disappointed with the Army’s decision to acquiesce to the Air Force’s strategy for how they will complete training at Fort Bragg,” Tillis said in a statement. In a sharp indictment of the Army’s decision, Tillis added “The burden is on Fort Bragg commanders to demonstrate to Congress and the Fayetteville community that they have not jeopardized the needs of the Global Response Force to placate the reckless desires of budget cutters in the Pentagon.”

     Tillis said in his discussions with the former commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps he was told the Air Force withdrawal “would negatively affect their flexibility, and will likely threaten their ability to provide the training needed to complete their mission.” There is no continuity of command at Fort Bragg because the three-star command turns over its leaders every two years. Tillis was clearly frustrated and angry. “For as long as I am a U.S. Senator, the Air Force can fully expect me to require that they demonstrate, on a monthly basis, how they are meeting their obligation to provide assets at Pope Airfield and fulfilling the training requirements of our brave men and women.”

     While Tillis and Ellmers have championed Pope Field’s cause by themselves, McCain has had the help of influential Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH). “If there were any lingering doubts about the continued value and effectiveness of the A-10, one only need to look to Syria where the A-10 is taking the fight to ISIS,” Sen. Ayotte said in October. 

     Pope Field’s fate was written in 2005 when the Congressional Base Realignment and Closure Act converted what was Pope Air Force Base to an Army airfield. At the time of the changeover, Col. John Stokes, 440th Airlift Wing Vice Commander said “Throughout all of the transition, the 440th Airlift Wing will continue to provide total force mission ready combat airlifters and equipment, anywhere and anytime.” “The transfer of Pope Field to Army control is certainly an emotional event for our Air Force brethren, but it would be hard to find a closer relationship between sister services than Fort Bragg has had with Pope Air Force Base,” said then Fort Bragg Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Sicinski. The changes that the Bragg-Pope community will notice will be minor, Sicinski insisted.

Local Government Terms Could Change

Fayetteville City Council has voted 8-2 to hold a referendum in November on whether its members should be elected to four-year terms of office. Councilmen Bobby Hurst and Kirk deViere voted against changing their two-year terms. Bill Crisp, Council’s longest serving member, is also opposed but he voted with the majority to put the matter to a vote of the people. 

Longer terms were Councilman Larry Wright’s idea. He also wanted term limits placed on members, but City Attorney Karen McDonald said that’s not allowed. State law permits cities, towns and villages to use either partisan elections or nonpartisan elections. Fayetteville and most other cities have nonpartisan elections, according to the N.C. Institute of Government. This form of local government emerged during the Progressive Era as a way of removing politics from city elections. 

A few cities including Albemarle, Charlotte, Kinston, Lincolnton, Winston-Salem and a handful of others have partisan elections. If four-year terms pass in the fall in Fayetteville, they would be staggered with some members elected in alternate two-year cycles. Council members also have the authority to change elections to partisan contests if they choose.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are Domestic Murders Preventable? 

Fayetteville’s third homicide of the new year was the outgrowth of a domestic dispute, according to police. Thomas McNair, 67, of 1018 Ellis Street, was found dead at his home last week. He was stabbed to death, said Police Lt. David McLaurin. Monaca Holt, 40, also of Fayetteville, was charged with second degree murder and jailed without bond. They were “involved in a verbal altercation which ended with Monaca Holt stabbing Thomas McNair,” according to McLaurin. 

Homicide is far and away the leading cause of death for black men, more than car accidents, suicide and diseases combined, according to Dr. Charles H. Hennekens, a professor at Florida Atlantic University. “Death is inevitable, but premature death is not. This is a devastating epidemic,” said Hennekens.  Minnesota Police Sgt. Randy McAlister wondered: Is it possible to proactively identify those most at risk of being killed by an intimate partner? He had just wrapped up a domestic homicide investigation. He studied the concept, and four years later his department introduced a domestic violence intervention program.

They call it the Lethality Assessment Program, which involves a structured 11-question interview of domestic violence complainants at the scenes of assaults. The questions are designed to elicit crucial information about the abusive partner, including previous incidents of violence. 

Supporters believe these assessments are critical preventive tools in addressing intimate partner violence, which results in nearly one out of every seven murders nationally, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Based on the interviews, if police identify a victim at apparent increased risk for murder, an officer makes an immediate phone call to a trained counselor who is able to discuss safety concerns with the victim. 

 

 

 

 

Real-Time Bus Arrivals

The Fayetteville Area System of Transit launched a new high tech customer service this month. It’s called Transloc, and is available on home computers and smart phones (fast.transloc.com). Bus riders can actually watch buses move along a map in real time. They’ll see bus locations, bus stops and accurate arrival times. “The state-of-the-art app allows patrons to not waste time waiting for the bus,” says Assistant FAST Director Kelly Blazey. Users can easily set favorite routes and stops and receive personalized alerts. Of course service outages, traffic and weather conditions can sometimes make times unpredictable. But being able to watch the progress of the buses live at home or on smart phones reduces wait times. “Riders can actually text inquiries to receive predicted arrival times for all routes serving the bus stops they’re interested in,” Blazey added. Patrons can also tailor their phones and computers with digital bus stops they use regularly. Multiple connection points are available for added customer convenience. 

Nextdoor Goes to the Country

Cumberland County Sheriff Earl “Moose” Butler has announced that the Sheriff’s Office is introducing the Nextdoor citizen crime prevention website for county residents. City Police initiated the Nextdoor concept locally several months ago. Now, the sheriff’s office is using the social medium so neighbors can communicate confidentially among themselves. Local Emergency notifications are also made available on Nextdoor. Because it’s a closed membership site, neither law enforcement nor non-members can eavesdrop on posts. For developments in your neighborhood or your community watch, the sheriff’s office can connect residents with one another to “build stronger, safer neighborhoods throughout Cumberland County,” said Butler. 

The Fayetteville City Council has agreed to place a parks and recreation bond referendum on the March 15 ballot. The $35 million made available by the bond would fund the following: two senior centers, tennis center, sports field complex, two skateboard parks, Cape Fear River park-downtown riverfront, improvements to seven existing parks, seven splash pads. Information is available that, I believe, explains why passage of this bond referendum is essential to the economic development and general progress of Fayetteville and the surrounding area. My fear is that, in spite of an abundance of information, this referendum will go the way of similar past efforts… it will fail. 

By way of history, consider what Andrew Barksdale, The Fayetteville Observerstaff writer, wrote in an article titled “Fayetteville City Council revises bond package; senior centers approved, aquarium, multipurpose center axed:”

City voters since the 1980s have twice rejected parks and recreation bond issues. In 1986, they voted down an $8 million package by a margin of 51 percent to 49 percent. In 1990, city voters defeated three proposed bond issues totaling $11.55 million in parks and recreation improvements; each referendum was rejected by a more than 4 to 1 margin.

Barksdale gives more history in an article titled “Several former Fayetteville City Council members oppose parks bond.” Addressing a 5-5 Council vote in 2012 that ended efforts to put a $45 million parks referendum before citizens, Barksdale writes:

At the time, there was political infighting, questions about the scope and cost of the package, and worries the city didn’t have adequate policies to encourage local and minority-owned contractors to bid for the work. 

The critical question is “Why do parks and recreation bond initiatives not get to the ballot, or fail when they do?” I hold that a quote attributed to former Fayetteville Mayor Bill Hurley in Barksdale’s article regarding the council’s revised plan gives the primary answer to that question. Hurley said, “I really don’t think the majority of the voters really know what’s going on.” 

I totally agree with Bill Hurley. Consider the conversation going on in Fayetteville and Cumberland County. I constantly hear and read the outrage expressed by citizens who contend there should be more jobs in Fayetteville and the surrounding area. I saw it just a couple of weeks ago in a meeting of citizens to discuss removing the Market House from the Fayetteville City Seal. In a scolding tone, an attendee expressed his outrage to County Commissioner Charles Evans that jobs are not coming to our area. He asked, “Why is it all we can get is a chicken processing plant?” I was tempted to remind him we did not even get the chicken processing plant. I could not help but wonder what meaningful information has been provided to that gentleman regarding what attracts job-producing enterprises to an area.

As I have written before, we have become a society that, for the most part, only gives attention to sound-bites. That approach does not allow for gaining detailed information and processing it in a thoughtful manner. This condition is compounded by media, politicians and others who bow at the altar of sound-bites; thereby, reinforcing development of public opinion and decision-making in a low-information atmosphere. The result is a public that often makes progress-hindering, and even destructive, decisions.

The approach being used by the Fayetteville City Council to provide information to the public regarding the parks bond referendum is an example of what is described in the preceding paragraph. Consequently, many citizens do not understand the need for approving this bond package. In the “Former officials” article, Barksdale writes: “The city is spending $50,000 in tax money educating voters about the vote. The money includes $13,000 on radio spots; $4,000 on TV commercials; $9,000 on billboards; and $13,000 in various printed publications.” By my (Merritt’s) calculation, that total is $39 thousand. I do not know how the other $11 thousand will be spent. However, what I see here is attempting to pass information by sound-bites. Doing so does not prompt serious examination of the issue nor does it move a citizen toward thoughtful conclusions. The approach is used because this is what most citizens have been conditioned to employ in decision-making.

Interestingly, there is more detailed and persuasive information available. I stumbled onto some while working on an unrelated gardening project. That bond information appears on the city’s website. The link is http://fayettevillenc.gov/government/city-departments/parks-and-recreation/2016-parks-recreation-bond-referendum-copy. What is presented here covers: What, Why, Why Now, Cost, Funding Repayment, Referendum Process, Sustaining the Facilities, Property Tax Impact, and so on. Another helpful link is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeXbIrIiQAo. This link accesses a very informative video that gives even more detail than the link above. 

Further, there is informative public discussion of this bond referendum. For instance, Russ Rogerson, executive director of the newly formed Fayetteville-Cumberland Development Corporation, was recently interviewed by Jeff “Goldy” Goldberg on WFNC Radio. Corporation Board Chair Jack Rostetter and Vice Chair Andrew Pennick also participated. The discussion focused on what conditions make a city or area attractive to job-producing companies. The amenities that answer the question “what is there to do?” were very high on the listing of necessary conditions. There was full agreement that approval of the bond referendum would definitely make Fayetteville and our area far more competitive by way of amenities.

On the competitive front, every citizen of Fayetteville should look at the amenities offered by Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Go to www.cityofws.org and click on “Residents” then “Recreation.” Look at the offerings and compare them with Fayetteville. More importantly, on the homepage are three rotating banners. One says, “Track Progress of the 2014 Bonds.” Click on that banner and read about what is being done. Here is the opening paragraph:

 In November 2014 city voters approved $139.2 million in general obligation bonds to finance unmet capital needs in the areas of public safety, recreation and parks, streets and sidewalks, economic development and housing.

In 2014, Fayetteville had an estimated population of 200,582 while Winston-Salem was at 229,634. Fayetteville has $8.6 million in outstanding general obligation debt while Winston-Salem, in 2014, took on $139.2 million. Many Fayetteville citizens are opposing $35 million in spending while Winston-Salem is well on the way to completing $139.2 million in job-attracting actions. This is the competition and we better “wake-up” to what is required for economic development. Forming economic development entities and then tying their hands gets zero return or very near it.

The primary reason Fayetteville, Cumberland County, and the eight other municipalities in the county keep failing to attract quality jobs is obvious even to my untrained eye. There is a climate in which decisions are made solely on whether tax rates will increase. Limited focus is extremely dangerous in any decision-making process. On the bond matter, all the rest of what is discussed above is thrown to the wind. To see this point, one only has to read letters to the editor in The Fayetteville Observer. Couple this with the opposition raised by eight former Fayetteville City Council members as reported in Barksdale’s “Former Officials” article. As follows, he reports comments by Curtis Worthy who is chairman of the Vote No Bond Tax referendum committee:

Worthy said he and other committee members don’t oppose new parks and recreational amenities. Rather, he said, they oppose the estimated city tax increase of 1.35 cents per $100 for each $100 in tax value that would be needed to retire the general-obligation bond debt. “I think we can pay as we can,” Worthy said. “It creates a better method of accomplishing the same thing instead of borrowing a bunch of money.”

The fact of life is sound-bites and limited focus do not inform. They only stir emotions and almost always lead to wrong and costly decisions. I beg the leaders of this city and area to move beyond sound-bites and limited focus regarding this bond referendum and other important issues of our time. On the other hand, citizens must invest the time and effort required to get informed. Please, decide this matter based on thorough and thoughtful examination of the facts. 

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words, and this is one of them.

It has been floating around the Internet for a while, and I fall in love all over again every time I see it.  It reminds me of my first ballet recital when the 4-year-old class dressed as rosebuds in pink tutus with green overlays to represent the leaves.  We had worked hard for the big event, but as we raised our little arms and twirled on tippy toe, I apparently twirled in the wrong direction.  Another rosebud loudly and publicly pointed my error out onstage, which stopped our performance in its tracks.  I chose to deal with my embarrassment by decking the other little rosebud, and our very annoyed instructor promptly escorted our 4-year-old selves off stage mid-performance.

My ballet career ended shortly thereafter.

The photograph also reminds me of some of my dearest friends, the Dames You Thought You Knew.  Two years ago, Cape Fear Regional Theatre’s Founding Artistic Director Bo Thorp put together the stories of five local women of a certain age who then presented them on stage, for better or worse.  If we look at the little girls in this photograph and imagine those performing women as little girls from long ago, from left to right they might be former CEO of a national company Terri Union, former Fayetteville City Council member and Cumberland County Commissioner Rollin Shaw, and former rosebud Margaret Dickson.  I leave you to decide which of the other two little girls is former North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Patricia Timmons-Goodson and which is real estate magnate Suzanne Pennink.

One of the Precious Jewels asked why this photograph draws me in so thoroughly, and I think it is because the girl on the right looks so happy.  She is clearly doing her own thing, marching to the beat of her private drummer, living life on her own terms, or whatever cliché we might use for people who make their own fun. The girl on the right exudes joie de vivre and is self-possessed and totally comfortable in her own skin.  Not all women want to hang upside down from a ballet barre, of course, but most of us do want to be ourselves even if we are a bit different from other folks.  

So how do we raise our daughters to be the girl on the right? 

In no particular order are some of my own thoughts and some from other sources.  

Erin Dullea is a coach, a writer and the mother of three little ones.  Her thoughts…

“It is important to be kind, but nice is not always necessary.”   Nice can mean pretending something we are not.

“Beauty is an inside job.”  My mother expressed this sentiment as “pretty is as pretty does.”   As Jill Conner Browne, mother of the Sweet Potato Queens, put it, “Pretty will last a short time… but stupid can last forever.  Fortunately, so can smart.”

“You are what you say to yourself.”  This is harder than it sounds, but if you don’t like you and value your accomplishments, why should others?

Nancy Lundgreen of familyshare.com offers these thoughts among others.

“Teach her to find genuine people… ”  Find people who have more purpose than drama in their lives.

“Teach her to make learning a lifetime gift to herself.”  This can and should be formal education, but it always means having a mind open to new information and ideas.

“Teach her to never settle for “ just any” partner.  I married for the first and only time five days shy of my 30th birthday.  My mother always told me that anyone could get married.  The trick is finding the right person.

“Teach her that the girlfriends she accumulates…will always play a big part in her life, and will sometimes be even more valued than family…  so advise her to make very good friends.”  Amen.

 Forbes magazine weighs in on what not to do.

Do not buy gender specific toys.  Many girl toys address appearance while boy toys address invention, exploration, competition and problem solving.  ‘Nuff said in our cutthroat economy.

Compliment her on her accomplishments more than her looks, even though she is the loveliest person you have ever seen.

She is not a princess.  We do not have princesses in America, so do not fool her into thinking she is one.  She will pay a high price for this later.

Author Brene Brown weighs in with this:  “We have to be the women we want our daughters to be.”

Finally, from me.  Teach her to love herself and to enjoy her own company.  Parents, siblings, friends and spouses, even children aside, the only person who will take every step of life with you is you.  We come into life alone and leave the same way, and we are happier if we are our own best friend.

The upside down girl on the right may already know all of this.

 In the aftermath of the South Carolina and Nevada primary elections, it looks like what our nation prefers is exactly what Fayetteville and Cumberland County need: bold, unadulterated, unfiltered leadership! We need community and political leaders who are not afraid to jump in, take charge, tell it like it is and get the job done for the betterment of the community, the state and the nation. That’s Donald Trump’s style of leadership. Hey, don’t shoot the messenger. This undeniable public sentiment has overwhelmingly indicated that people are fed up with the slick maneuverings of career politicians and the politics as usual attitudes coming out of Washington D.C. Hence, the derogatory term “Washington establishment.” The same goes for unscrupulous business as usual.

This style of leadership is killing America from the inside out, and it is trickling down from Washington D.C. to our capital in Raleigh and to the local confines of Fayetteville and Cumberland County. We are a nation, state, city and county all choking and suffocating growth, prosperity and progress because of their inability to resist the partisan pressures of status quo party-line politics. Current doctrine dictates that politicians say anything and do anything, but always put party politics first, win the election and, by all means, be a good “placeholder.” This means, specifically, after elected, you don’t do anything, say anything or recommend anything that you could be held accountable for or cannot responsibly deny.  Also, you must stay out of the community and public limelight (constituents ask too many questions). Always try to stay “off the record.” Avoid the media. Attend as few committee meetings as possible, and, by all means, go on every elaborate retreat and conference the taxpayers are willing to pay for.

Yes, what we need locally is a little Trump Trickle Down. Taxpayers at all levels  are tired of being treated like mushrooms, tired of being ignored and tired of being the ones who have to ultimately pay for this kind of political “party first” non- leadership. The outspoken and non-beholden Donald Trump, for better or worse, serves as a fresh and welcomed alternative.

Like it or not, regardless of nationality, political affiliation (Democrat, Republican, Independent) or socioeconomic status, when you look at the facts, the hard facts, we are far worse off now as a nation in every measurable category than we were eight years ago. Worldwide prestige, health care, immigration, violent crime, economic growth and national debt, just to name a few. Yet, the reality of this deplorable state is ignored in lieu of loyalties to established political hierarchies. Say what???? Yes, it is my prediction that Donald Trump will be our next President. After all we have been through as a nation since 2008... how bad could “The Donald” be? At least you will always know where he stands. 

The question locally is: Who will be our Donald Trump? Who in Fayetteville and Cumberland County will be dynamic? Who will step up and speak out? Who will take a positive and aggressive leadership position? Who will stop being a placeholder and start being a policy maker? Stay tuned. We are about to find out. Our future depends on it. Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.