Cape Fear Regional Theatre’s second production in the 2015-2016 season, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, is an adaptation of the well-known movie starring Spencer Tracy, Sidney Poitier and Katharine Hepburn. Set in the late 1960s, a young, white Joanna Drayton (played by Lauren Mae Shafer) brings home her beau, successful, charming and black Dr. John Prentice (played by Dwain A. Perry). Personal beliefs are tested as the play pits long-held family values against a changing culture.

CFRT’s Artistic Director Tom Quaintance is always looking for ways to engage the community in meaningful conversation. Last season’s The Bluest Eye boldly shone a light on race and the many perspectives and cultural differences that communities, families and neighbors often grapple with. Director Kanisha Foster did such a great job with that production that Quaintance brought her back to direct Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. 

Foster brings a keen understanding of racial differences to the table. “My dad is black and my mom is white,” said Foster. “When my dad met my grandmother, she had never seen a black person before. So this is my family’s story. As an artist, so much of what I do is telling multicultural stories in an honest way.”

 In a production with so much complexity, getting the right cast was important. With no shortage of talent in the Fayetteville theatre community, Foster is beyond pleased with the group dynamic and where the play is headed. Casting Perry in the role of Dr. John Prentice was an easy call. Foster worked with him before and knew he would be great for the part. “He is smart tenderhearted and can hold his own ground. We are thrilled to have him,” she said. “It is a bit of a difficult part to cast. There are so many overlapping parts of the personality of this character. It is not just a love story. The character lost his wife and child eight years ago and was set on never loving again. It is hard to find someone who can do that role successfully but Dwain is perfect for it.”

Lauren Mae Shafer plays the part of Joanna Drayton. Shafer is new to Fayetteville and is quickly finding a home onstage at CFRT. The connection between Joanna’s and her mother Christina Drayton (played by Raleigh native Linda Clark) is palpable and brings just the right intensity to the story. “Lauren and Lynda are perfect in these roles,” said Foster. “That is one of my favorite things to watch in the show — their connection.”

Steven Minow is cast as Matt Drayton. James Dean plays the part of Monsignor Ryan with Ricardo Morgan as John Prentice Sr. Michelle Walker is Mary Prentice. Matilda Banks plays Sharon McNair and Libby Seymour is Hilary St. George. 

Backed by a solid cast, Foster is excited to tell this story and hopefully spark meaningful conversation about a topic that is just as relevant today as it was in the 1960s. To Foster this is not a play about horrible people who don’t accept a man into their home. It is more about two families who love their children and really want the best for them and are living in a world where they haven’t experienced anything like this before. “To me it is about change and how it happens,” said Foster. “And how people love their children. It is also about first times — first times meeting people and first times having experiences.”

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinneropens Oct. 29 and runs through Nov. 15. Information and tickets are available 

at http://www.cfrt.org.

 

Jean Stultz has been a pillar in the Fayetteville community for years. As the president and chief executive officer of Bragg Mutual Credit Union she gave a personal caring touch to an increasingly impersonal business. For her, the work at the credit union was much more than spreadsheets and account numbers, it was about helping real people make the best decisions for their future. She has done this work for over 40 years with a welcoming smile on her face. After so many years of tireless service, Stultz has decided to retire and enjoy some time with her family. “I am going to do a little traveling and probably spend some more time in Charlotte with my daughter and granddaughter there,” she said. 

Stultz started working at Bragg Mutual Credit Union when it had only three employees. When the manager retired, she jumped at the opportunity becoming the President/CEO in 1980. Under her leadership, the credit union has grown tremendously — despite the added challenge of breaking into a male-dominated industry. In an age where women business leaders were hard to find, Stultz stood up to a system designed for good ole boys and climbed the corporate ladder, beating many of them to the top. Stultz attributes her success to her work ethic. “When it comes to being successful, you do a good job — and you become noticed when you are doing a good job. If you are honest with yourself and honest with people you are working with, it helps you get ahead, too,” she said. 

While breaking through the glass ceiling Stultz also kept her priorities in line having a tremendous positive influence through community service. With a heart for the community, and love for people, it was just natural for her to reach out to the causes she holds dear. And she brought her passion for helping people and making change to every corner of the community. Her magnanimous personality and incredible drive make Stultz a boon to any organization. She’s served on countless boards, organized events and supported many causes over the years. Some of the organizations she is most passionate about are the Professional Women of Fayetteville, the Cumberland County Business Network, which she helped found and the Association of the United States Army. Despite her decision to retire, she has no intention of slowing down. “I intend to stay on some of the boards I am serving on because I enjoy that and I look forward to continuing my activity in the community as much as possible,” she explained. 

Perhaps one of the most important lessons to take away from Stultz’s fantastic career and admirable contributions to the community is the importance of passion in every day life. Looking at her list of accomplishments, it seems impossible that a single person could do so much for the community, but when fueled by passion it all hardly seems like work, “You must love what you are doing. You are being unfair to yourself if you aren’t doing what you love, said Stultz. I love the Credit Union and I love people. I had the opportunity to meet all kinds of people from all walks of life and I loved that. And I got to help people and I loved that, too.”

Jean Stultz plays such an important role in the community. Through her tireless work both at the credit union and in her various positions in community organizations she has positively touched the lives of many. It is exciting to see her transition into her next adventure and to speculate about the next great impact she will make. She shows no signs of slowing down, “I have enjoyed every phase of my career from working at the Credit Union to working with the community and I am looking forward to retirement but don’t intend to stop doing things in community,” Stultz said. And while no one would blame her after everything she has given, why would we want her to? Stultz is the epitome of the very best in 

this community.

Veterans Day has always had a very special place on the Fayetteville calendar. Fayetteville is intertwined with Fort Bragg and so the military plays a huge role in the community. To honor and thank these valiant community members, friends and family, as well as all vetertans, there is the annual Veteran’s Day Parade. This year it is on Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. along Hay Street, kicking off with a C-130 flyover. It is an exciting and lively parade, but more importantly the Chair Kirk deViere noted, “This is an opportunity to honor those who made sacrifices and served our nation over the years.”

This year the parade will be bigger and better than ever, deViere said. “We will have over 100 participants and we are very excited. It is one of the larger parades. We have a lot of military service organizations like the VFW and high school ROTC units from all over Cumberland County. I believe it is the first time Fayetteville State University has participated in the parade. We will have choruses. The 18th Airborne chorus will be there. We will have vehicles and marching units. The 82nd Airborne band will be there so will USASOC. Of course 440th as near and dear to us as they are, will be participating. Methodist University will have their band and we will also have several high school bands.” Truly, the whole community is coming together to create a fantastic parade this year. 

DeViere has worked with the Veteran’s Day Parade for three years now, officially taking over this year. Organizing so many moving parts is challenging, but with experience and passion deViere continues to help the program grow each year. “It is our 16th year of doing and it gets bigger every year. The support this community has for military is great. There is always a great opportunity to come support the military,” he said. 

Each year the parade has a theme. Previously it focused on specific conflicts, but this year the organizers had a different idea. “The theme this year is women in the military. We are focusing on honoring women who have served the military, which we are really excited about it,” deViere said, “We have a lot of women’s auxiliary groups and vets who are participating in the parade. Our Grand Marshall is Maj. Gen. Marcia Anderson. She is the first African American female to get to major general in the Army Reserves. Command Sgt. Maj. Yolanda Tate, the Fort Bragg Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. will host the parade with her.”

Another exciting addition to this year’s Veterans Day Parade is Air Force participation and official recognition. Every year thousands of people come to see the parade and hundreds participate. This is a huge undertaking, and this year the parade is officially recognized by the Veterans Administration, leading to even further growth. “There are Air Force veterans groups participating this year, which we are very happy to see. There will be a C-130 flyover to start. They only do about six across the nation on Veterans Day and we are one of them. We have been designated as an official VA regional site, which means our parade is the official VA admin regional site. They only do that for a few parades across nation. It is a designation that your parade is important,” deViere explained. 

Fayetteville Mayor Nat Robertson

Mayoral Candidate

It was just over 27 years ago that I served as an intern for our late Mayor, J.L. Dawkins. I watched him transform his love and commitment to Fayetteville into public service for our community. I soon discovered that my interest and love for Fayetteville were deeper than just a summer internship.

Soon after graduating from Elon with a degree in public administration, I tested my skills in public policy, and my desire to serve our community, by running for a seat on the Fayetteville City Council. I was humbled at the support I received to become the youngest ever elected to a council seat.

My interest in government stems from my interest in policy, not politics. I am motivated by a desire to do the right things for the right reasons. I believe that all of our residents deserve to be heard and have a place at the table. That is how I governed before, and that is the way I will continue to govern as Mayor.

I am a proven leader with integrity and a track record that backs it up. I tell it like it is and have nothing to hide. I don’t owe any political favors, and I don’t play politics with special interests or taxpayer dollars.

That kind of leadership is not traditional; in fact it’s rare anymore. Over the past two years, we have been able to accomplish so many positive things because my leadership style allows everyone to have ownership of the issues. Under my leadership as Mayor, we have broken a decade-long trend of rising crime statistics. We have given Chief Medlock the tools and resources he needs to reduce the crime rate by double digits for two years in a row. We have dedicated the first swimming pool this community has seen since 1948. We have embraced technology like never before and brought real changes to several departments in City Hall. And, we continue to sharpen our customer service skills when dealing with our residents. Under my leadership, we are moving Fayetteville forward and making our city more competitive with other larger North Carolina cities.

My passion is to help others succeed. I want our city to be recognized by other communities in NC as a safe, progressive city with fascinating people from all walks of life, who contribute to our success.

J.L. used to say that our Mayor and City Council have a more direct impact on our daily lives than any other government body. He was right, and we as residents should give great consideration to whom we elect to lead our city government. Saying that, I am truly honored that you have chosen me to represent Fayetteville as your Mayor!

I respectfully ask for your vote again on November 3rd. Thank you in advance for your consideration, and don’t forget to visit my website, natrobertson.com, to learn more about our campaign and plans. My contact information is listed there, and I welcome hearing from you.

Nat Robertson is the incumbent Mayor of the City of Fayetteville.

Len Brown

District 2 Candidate

The recent passage of The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement is the final nail in the coffin for the American worker in manufacturing, intellectual property and copyright regulation. The NAFTA and GATT agreements were devastating enough in transferring jobs overseas but this policy will set the stage for America’s rapid decline. In the next “little while” the American dollar will not be the only reserve currency. The Chinese Yuan will be the new alternative. It is much stronger and more reliable, given America’s huge debt ratio.

So, what does that have to do with Fayetteville, North Carolina? You are not in competition with adjoining counties or states but, with the whole world. The internet and the computer have reduced distance and space. Fayetteville will have to step up its game, simply to survive. Short-sighted politicians and uninformed leaders are a luxury we can no longer afford. Those who major in minors must be dumped and replaced with intelligent statesmen and practical visionaries. The controversy with PWC should be quickly resolved by negotiation. Then we can focus on relevant problems like economic and public safety issues.

I bring a special skill-set to the table and at the risk of appearing immodest, I am best able to guide District 2 through the maze we will soon encounter. Our future lies in production of wealth through manufacture not in service-oriented industries. Where computer assisted design is used, production capacity is greatly enhanced. Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville Technical Community College and Methodist University will have to step up their game as well. They will need to get on the cutting edge of technology and strive to stay ahead of the pack. Antiquated skills and poorly prepared students will be frustrated by the lack of opportunity and be burdened by student loan debt. The future belongs to the prepared exclusively.

As your Council Representative I will diligently work to bring quality jobs to Fayetteville and District 2, work with the Council, Mayor and Police Dept. to reduce crime and the underlying economic and social reasons for it. Be assured that every child will have access to a quality education. Rebranding is not needed for a competent leadership team and a well prepared enthusiastic work force. People exiting the armed forces here at Fort Bragg will be delighted to find the environment already in place to speed their transition into financially rewarding civilian jobs.

I am Len Brown, and let me Thank You in advance for your vote on Nov. 3.

Kirk deViere

District 2 Candidate

The upcoming municipal election is about Fayetteville’s future. This election is about electing leaders who want the same things that you want for our City like a stronger economy with job opportunities, peaceful and revitalized neighborhoods and a place where our children and grandchildren come home to stay. 

I believe in Fayetteville’s future and will take responsibility to help make our city stronger and more peaceful. Ten years in the Army taught me the values and leadership that I will bring to our City Council. My perspective as a small business owner provides me the foundation for economic development and a unique perspective as to how we can create job opportunities. Growing up in a low-income household with parents who worked in a textile factory, I learned the value of hard work that has kept me grounded and acts as a constant reminder that I will always serve as a voice of the people. My wife, Jenny Beaver deViere, and our families inspire me daily to create a better tomorrow for future generations, a future that will encourage our children to stay here and raise their families. Over the last 15 years, I have worked alongside many of you to make our city better and this shared service provides me the optimism that we all really want the same things for Fayetteville.

Our biggest asset is the people of our city – people who are willing to work together to strengthen our neighborhoods, care for those who are less fortunate, and get involved in changing our city for the better. 

District 2 can lead the transformation our city needs. We have several unique opportunities within our district: higher than average unemployment; the need for development along our riverfront, Murchison Road and across the river in Cedar Creek; better solutions for our homeless; improving recreational centers for our youth and seniors; investment in revitalizing our neighborhoods; and most importantly, prioritizing resources to make our neighborhoods and business districts safer. 

We need people on City Council that can lead this transformation by working alongside the other elected officials and building bridges with key stakeholders in the community who share our vision. We need leaders who will roll up our sleeves, work hard and stand committed to changing the future of Fayetteville. Your decision to support a local candidate shouldn’t be based on your political party affiliation, what neighborhood you live in, or the color of your skin. Your decision should come down to electing the best person that can best serve you and shares your vision for a stronger city. 

As your councilman, no one will work harder than I to earn and keep your trust and lead the transformation of our city. I will not fail you. I ask for your prayers, your support and your vote for me, Kirk deViere, Candidate for District 2 City Council. 

 

That whooshing sound you may have heard recently was your columnist checking a big item off her bucket list. I have now been down the Cape Fear River from Fayetteville to Wilmington, all 125 miles of flowing water. If seeing the Cape Fear up close and personal is on your bucket list, the trip was wonderful!

Our little band, organized by the North Carolina Civil War History Center Foundation, met on a cool Friday before 8 a.m. at Campbellton Landing in downtown Fayetteville to begin our roughly 11-hour journey. What appealed to me about this trip was Philip Gerard, a professor at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington who has not only traveled on the Cape Fear himself but has written an excellent book about his river adventures, Down the Wild Cape Fear. Philip is not only knowledgeable about the river but is a historian to boot. His series about the Civil War in North Carolina published over four years in Our Statemagazine focused on issues and individuals involved in our nation’s deadliest conflict, highlighted the diversity of opinion about the war within our state at the time, and reminded North Carolinians that many of the issues involved in the conflict are still issues in 2015. He also wrote the narrative that undergirds the proposed Civil War History Center.

In other words, Philip was a two-fer.

Our captain was Freddie Mims, a Fayetteville character who takes interested folks down the Cape Fear for two or four hour (and longer) cruises. Three or four times a year he goes all the way to Wilmington as we did on his large, comfy pontoon boat. Freddie is a wealth of information about the river and the history of who, what and which boats travelled it during its heyday as a commercial waterway. He also knows a thing or two about the more colorful aspects of the Cape Fear, such as sandy beach areas known as Sugar Loaf, where, Freddie declares, just as much fun has been had as at the long-gone Fox Drive-In Theater.

So off we shoved into the calm Cape Fear at Fayetteville, below two bridges and a railroad trestle crossing the water and where the banks are steep, wooded cliffs. Mist floated above the water, and I was not alone in wishing I had worn a heavier coat even though I had dressed in layers. The air warmed as the sun rose, and by the time we floated into Bladen County, we were more comfortable and a few snacks appeared. Apparently, not everyone had breakfast. 

I and most others had never been through a lock, so when the first one, the William O. Huske Lock and Dam just inside Bladen County, came into view, it got our attention. Phil Edge, the longtime lockmaster who once taught me about the difficulties of fish trying to swim upstream when there is a dam, appeared to turn the wheels that operate the lock. No complicated electronics here. Basically, a lock operates like an elevator. A boat enters at one water level, gates close behind it, and Phil lets water out at the opposite end, dropping the water level to what it is below the dam, about an eight-foot drop. This is not as fast as an elevator, but it is not slow either, and we were soon back in the middle of the Cape Fear and on our way again.

Phil, who is just weeks away from retirement, met us at locks 2 and 1, in that order. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which operates the locks, has cut resources significantly since commercial traffic ended on the Cape Fear in the late 1980s. As we continued toward Wilmington, the landscape changed. Gone were the cliffs at Fayetteville. The rivers banks are flatter, though still wooded, and the river widens as it became clear that we were in North Carolina’s flat coastal plain, with all traces of the hillier piedmont far behind. Remarkably, outside the lock rest areas — yes, they have clean bathrooms, my travelling buddy and I saw only one other human during our daylong journey. A teenaged boy rested his arms on the porch railing of a house. We suspect he might have been skipping school, or perhaps he is a cousin of the terrifying hillbillies in Deliverance. Our Cape Fear has its wild and woolly aspects for sure.

By the time we reached Wilmington we had all slathered on sunscreen and were down to our shirtsleeves in the waning of a perfect October day. 

If this opportunity knocks on your door, go. Philip and Freddie enriched our trip immeasurably, but it is a great ride under any circumstances. And we had one last surprise---a poet in our midst and we did not even know it! Here is her rendition of our day.

“We left from the dock in Campbellton / 10 hours (125 miles) later arrived in Wilmington / Sugar Loaf and Spanish moss / Rockfish Creek — can’t get lost / Bathing turtles on cypress trees / River locks — they came in threes / Thick rich mud for beauty masks / Could make an old gator — a young lass / UNC-W professor told interesting lore / But wait — I can tell you more / A two-car ferry run by a cable / We must try it when we are able / Water, herons, sky — all blue / But oh my goodness who knew / A cruise so exotic could occur / Down the Cape Fear River

We want to welcome our newest contributing writer, Karl Merritt, to our community newspaper. His conservative and inspirational insights adds another enjoyable and intriguing dimension to our community newspaper. In the weeks to come you will see even more changes in the Up & Coming Weekly as we strive to stay relevant and influential in a dynamic community struggling to take ownership of its own identity. As electronic social media conveniently connects us to the world the unintended consequence is that it strips away a community’s personality, uniqueness and charm while masking its local amenities.  Thank you for allowing us to fill this void. Enjoy.

Bill Bowman

Dr. Ben Carson, How Dare you Escape

the Plantation?

There is surely a large group of Americans wondering how it can be that Dr. Ben Carson escaped the 21st century plantation. This is not supposed to happen.

For many years I have held that there is an ongoing effort to perpetuate among black Americans a condition similar to that experienced by slaves on the plantations of this country. That condition is one where people do not think for themselves and are so dependent on their masters that they dare not free themselves from the plantation. The following statement in an article on the Public Broadcasting Service website under The Slave Experience: Education, Arts, & Culture regarding preventing slaves from learning to read and write speaks to this process of controlling slaves:

“Fearing that black literacy would prove a threat to the slave system — which relied on slaves’ dependence on masters — whites in many colonies instituted laws forbidding slaves to learn to read or write and making it a crime for others to teach them.”

Although the tactics have changed, efforts to control black Americans with regard to thinking for ourselves and being free of exploitation continue without serious opposition. The tactics have shifted from beatings and lynching to suppressive entitlement programs, condoning violence by black Americans when in response to alleged discrimination, promising government sponsored “goodies” while doing little or nothing to provide real opportunity for individual responsibility and allowing tremendous black-on-black crime to go unchecked and barely noticed. The listing seems endless. The tactic that is proving extremely effective is for the controllers to, through character assassination, destroy anybody who threatens to disrupt this winning strategy. In our time, the aim has nothing to do with keeping crops profitable. It is all about controlling the black vote. All that is described above explains the overwhelming, and otherwise inexplicable, faithfulness of so many black Americans to the Democrat Party.

The sad fact of life is that black citizens who recognize this control strategy and leave the plantation, refusing to be controlled, do so at great cost. It is not simply a matter of safely and without opposition starting to think for one’s self and expounding positions that threaten the plantation arrangement. No, leaving the plantation requires escape with all the attendant threats, pain and other unbridled costs.

So, it is against this backdrop, in this context, that Carson chose to escape the plantation. He did not recently escape. Carson figured the current plantation system out a long time ago. His whole life reflects early escape. Second child of a mother who could not read, he grew up in poverty without a father in the home, but went on to become a world-renowned pediatric neurosurgeon. Not until his 2013 National Prayer Breakfast speech in which he spoke clearly and powerfully opposing several policies of President Barack Obama did his escape from the plantation show itself on the world-stage. He followed that event by choosing to seek the presidency of the United States of America. His total escape from the plantation is reflected in Carson running as a Republican who stands unflinching by conservative values.

In his presidential campaign, Carson is demonstrating that he stands a strong chance of winning. Consider that in national polling he is on the heels of Donald Trump, the front-runner for the Republican nomination, and ahead of Hillary Clinton for the general election. In the latest reporting period, Carson raised $20 million,  which was highest among all Republican candidates. His level of trust among Americans is in the 80 percent range, which is much higher than all other candidates, Republican or Democrat. Add to this Carson’s non-politician approach which shows through in his answering questions honestly and directly. This is a man who threatens the 21st century American plantation strategy and is now in the fire that comes with that status.

To see that fire, one only has to look at what mainstream media is throwing at Carson. From twisting and misrepresenting his statements on opposing a Muslim president faithful to Sharia Law to if Jews owned guns the Holocaust would have been different to how he would respond if confronted by a mass shooter, mainstream media is obviously committed to discrediting Carson and driving him from the race. They are even pointing to the seven malpractice suits filed against him over the course of a 35-year career. This is a man who performed over 15,000 surgeries. He averaged some 400 surgeries per year until near retirement. He took on many cases that were extremely complex. In each of the two lengthy articles I read regarding the malpractice matter, both admitted Carson’s malpractice suit situation is not out of the ordinary. This from an article titled “Uh-Oh: Presidential Hopeful Ben Carson Accused of Medical Malpractice” by Royce Christyn. I wonder how many people will look at the headline and read to this statement:

“That is a high caseload for neurosurgeons, experts say, but the seven known malpractice claims against Carson in Maryland – an average of one every five years throughout his 35-year career at Johns Hopkins — are consistent with a 2011 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, which found roughly 20 percent of neurosurgeons face a malpractice claim annually.”

My research shows that every charge against Carson by media is rebutted by reason and the facts. Consequently, we are watching yet another case of a plantation escapee being put through the flames intended to totally discredit him and scare potential escapees into continued submission.

Downtown Fayetteville is full of exciting opportunities. There is something for every member of the family from art to history to great food. And on 4th Friday, it is all on display. Live performances in the streets keep things interactive. Restaurants, shops and galleries stay open late to offer up their finest selections to the crowds. Enjoy the cool evenings of the coming fall in the cultural epicenter and heart of the city, Downtown Fayetteville. This month, the event falls on Oct. 23. There are plenty of spooktacular events to make the evening unforgettable.

For families with children, Fascinate-U Children’s Museum is a can’t miss. The museum is specifically designed to teach children about the world through fun and engaging exhibits that mimic real life situations. These exhibits are interactive, designed to be touched and played with making learning a fun and natural process. For 4th Friday’s the museum is open late and admission is free. There is also a free craft for kids to take home. Fascinate-U is located at 116 Green St. and will be open from 7-9 p.m.  For more information, visit www.theartscouncil.com/fourthmain/. 

The Arts Council’s new exhibit, Recycle: The Art of Transformationopens Oct. 23 during  4th Friday. The exhibit is composed of pieces created by local artists from recycled and reused materials. It highlights the large amounts of waste carelessly produced and demonstrates how, with a little creativity, waste can transform into new and beautiful things. The exhibit runs until Dec. 12. The Arts Council is located at 301 Hay St. and will be open on 4th Friday from 7-9 p.m.  Admission is free. For more information, visit www.theartscoucil.com.

This 4th Friday, downtown falls in step with the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival’s Fall Festival. From 6:30-10 p.m., Bands and Brews takes place in Festival Park, located at 225 Ray Ave. For $5 a pint, sample the10 craft beers and two domestic beers offered at the event. In addition to the cold beer, don’t miss the live music from performers such as Radio Box and Beat Your Boots.  For more information, visit www.faydogwoodfestival.com. 

Braver souls will want to check out the annual Lafayette Insane Asylum outdoor haunted maze, which runs from 6:30–11p.m. The haunted maze is located on the back side of Festival Park located at 225 Ray Ave. Tickets are $8 or $7 with a canned good donation to benefit the Dream Center. Proceeds of this maze benefit Fishing to Fight Cancer hosted by Swampboys. The canned goods received will benefit a local food bank. 

From 6:30–10 p.m., narrated hayrides through downtown Fayetteville and Cross Creek Cemetery offer a peek into Fayetteville’s unique history. Other than the ride through the cemetery the hayride is not intended to be scary. Tickets are $5 and pick up is at Festival Park. Tickets and more information are available at www.faydogwoodfestival. The rest of the weekend will be full of Dogwood Festival activities as well. 

From 7-9 p.m., Headquarters Library presents: How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse and Other Disasters featuring The Zombie Squad of Southeast North Carolina. Learn how to survive natural disasters and zombies, too!  Staff will be on hand to help Zombie Walk participants with makeup and costumes. The Zombie Walk is from Headquarters Library to the Rock Shop.

Fans of Aerial Acrobatics won’t want to miss the Air Born Aerials Zombie Aerial Circus at 8 p.m. at Crossfit 910, 116 E Russell St.

A spine-tingling favorite among the area’s haunted trails, the Stoney Point Fire Department’s Trail of Terror is bigger and better than ever this year. Those who think there is nothing more to add to the horror of the haunted trail are in for a surprise with the all new Zombie Rampage. There is still plenty of time to experience the sheer terror of it. The trail runs Oct. 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31. 

Encompassing three-quarters of an acre and manned by a cast of 81 and a staff of 42, terror reigns. The adventure begins with a stage show. Then, a haunted mansion and trek down a terror-filled wooded trail where monsters, clowns and other terrifying creatures straight from your worst nightmare await. Every year there is something new and different. 

“We try to add two new scenes every year, and so far we have been successful in doing that,” said Fire Department Captain Brandon Hanzal. “I am amazed and humbled every year by the amount of people who support this — patrons and volunteers alike.”

A new event this year is the Zombie Rampage — an interactive paint ball experience. 

“This is in the same location as the Trail of Terror, but it is a separate event,” said Hanzal. “The patrons are the only ones shooting here. This is set up like an old-time shooting gallery. The guns are mounted, so it isn’t like a game of laser tag. Once the guns are hot, the zombies are moving forward attempting to get to the patrons.” 

The Zombie Rampage costs $10 for 40 rounds. 

While the Stoney Point Trail of Terror is thrilling and entertaining for the participants, it takes countless hours to set up and run each year.  According to Hanzal, the planning starts in January and gains momentum — after the event planners attend a national Halloween convention. 

“Halloween is the second biggest money-making holiday in our country, right behind Christmas,” said Hanzal. “It is a huge industry. We get a lot of ideas from other people at the convention and we start the building process between May and June.”

 It is a lot of work, but  worth it because the funds from the event are used to purchase fire fighting and life-saving equipment for the fire department. 

“We clear about $100,000 every year,” said Hanzal. “The only reason we can do that is because we have such great support from the community. Everyone involved in this is a volunteer.” 

This year, the money is going to help pay to replace air packs for the firefighters. Replacing this vital equipment will cost $301,000. Air packs consist of a face mask connected to a portable air tank that can be strapped to a firefighter’s back. They are useful in areas that have a lot of smoke, poisonous fumes or intense heat. Because these are dated items, they need to be replaced periodically.

 “This all started when Tera Whitman and Angela Peralt looked around the station one day and said, ‘You know, with some strobe lights in here and some costumes, we could have a successful haunt,’” said Hanzal. “That’s how it all started and we’ve grown every year since then.”

For Hanzal, seeing the community come together year after year is humbling. From the volunteers that started working the event as high school students and come back year after year to the patrons that come with high expectations for a top-notch thrill, it all adds up to a great time for a worthy cause. 

“You can see the benefit of this and it is humbling to see everyone pulling together for the community,” he said. “It is huge. Everyone who comes either as a volunteer or as a patron gets something different out of it, but it is a great time and all the money we raise goes right back into keeping the community safe.”

The trail is open from 8-11 p.m. Admission is $15 per person, or skip the line and purchase a VIP Admission for $25. The trail is located behind the Stoney Point Fire Department, Station #13 at 7221 Stoney Point Road, Fayetteville. For more information,  check out the  website: www.undeadfd.com,  Facebook page (stoney point trail of terror) or  call 424-0694.

Fayetteville State University presents the Baltimore Consort Nov. 1 at 2 p.m. in the Pate Room at the Headquarters Library in downtown Fayetteville.  

“The Baltimore Consort is an early music group that specializes in music of the 16th century and before,” said Dr. Earnest Lamb, chair of the Department of Performing and Fine Arts at Fayetteville State University. “This particular program features music from Shakespeare’s time.”     

Fayetteville State University has a partnership with the library in which they bring chamber music to the community. This particular performance dovetails perfectly with the upcoming production at FSU. 

“I was interested in bringing the Baltimore Consort here because Fayetteville State University is doing a production of Shakespeare’s Hamletlater on this month on campus,” said Lamb. “I thought this would be a good way to publicize our event on campus but give people an opportunity to hear music from these early instruments that they played during this period of time.” 

Lamb added that some of the actors from Fayetteville State University will perform scenes or monologues from Shakespeare. 

The Baltimore Consort’s arrangement of early music from England, Scotland, France, Italy and Spain speaks to the heart as well as the mind. The group has recorded 14 CDs that have earned them a place on Billboard Magazine’sTop Ten List. The Consort tours all regions of the U.S. Now in its 34th season, the group garners rave reviews across the globe.

FSU offers a Bachelor of Arts in music with a teaching and non-teaching option. The university also has the FSU University Concert Choir that sings all types of music.  

“We do more than just sing spirituals,” said Lamb.  “We have an upcoming concert in December and the choir will sing a piece by Bach in German.” 

Lamb added that their fine arts series is the only comprehensive performing and fine arts program in the city. The fine art series art events, gallery events, national dance artists and nationally acclaimed musical events.     

The goal of the event is to give people an opportunity to hear music from Shakespeare’s time. 

“The library is an intimate space and a good way to extend our fine arts series that we have mainly on campus at Seabrook Auditorium and to bring it out into the community,” said Lamb. “We want people to experience different types of music, make the arts more accessible to people and to learn about what is happening at Fayetteville State University.”    

 The event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited so arrive early. For more information call 672-2143.   

 

“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.” 

    – General George Washington, 1781

The Fort Bragg Garrison Command will host its Annual Retiree Appreciation event Oct. 22-24 to celebrate the service and commitment of retired service members and their families.  

“The three-day event includes the Retiree Golf Tournament, the Retiree Luncheon and the Retiree Appreciation Day at Womack Army Medical Center,” said Donnell Edwards, the Fort Bragg and State of North Carolina Retirement Services Officer. 

“This is Fort Bragg’s way of communicating back to our retirees thanking them for services rendered over the years, to keep them engaged with current soldiers, and to remind them we consider them Soldiers for Life,” Edwards said echoing the RSO motto of “Soldier for Life.  Once a Soldier, Always a Soldier... A Soldier for Life.”

The Retiree Golf Tournament is at Stryker Golf Course Oct. 22. The Opening Ceremony begins at 8 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9 a.m.  

The Retiree Luncheon on Oct. 23 is from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Fort Bragg Conference & Catering Center with entertainment provided by the All American Chorus.  

“We get a lot of positive feedback for the annual event,” Edwards said.  The most popular is the Retiree Appreciation Day at Womack, he said.

The Appreciation Day at Womack Army Medical Center will kick-off with a welcome in the hospital’s Weaver Auditorium at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 24. The day will feature numerous medical and dental services, classes and giveaways from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pre-registration is not required.

Services offered include assistance preparing wills, living wills and advanced directives; mammography; pharmacy counseling; vision, dental and hearing screenings; flu shots and other vaccines; diabetes information; TRICARE; physical therapy information; mobile blood drive; nutrition information; blood pressure screening; yoga and more. 

In addition to services, classes will be held throughout the day:

Time Class Location

           9 and 11 a.m.                          TRICARE Brief                         Weaver Auditorium

9:30, 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m.           Advance Directives     Family Medicine Conference Room

                 10 a.m.                     Healthy Meals in Minutes            Weaver Auditorium

                 10 a.m.              “Ready to Quit” tobacco info session   Internal Medicine 

   10:30 and 11:30 a.m.                             Yoga                        General Surgery Waiting Room

                 Noon                   Dealing with Life Changing Events    Weaver Auditorium

   12:30 and 1:30 p.m.           Meditation and Relaxation               Internal Medicine

                1 p.m.                         Healthy Sleep Habits                          Weaver Auditorium

For more information about medical services or classes offered, call the WAMC Public Affairs Office at 907-7247.

On Oct. 24, the ID Card Facility will provide services to retirees and family members at the Soldier Support Center from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.  No appointments needed on this day, but two forms of identification are required to issue new cards. For more information or to make an appointment for a future day, call 396-9339.

For general information, contact the Fort Bragg Retiree Services Office.  The RSO is located on the first floor of the Soldier Support Center in Building 4-2843 on Normandy Drive, Fort Bragg.  Hours are Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.  To make an appointment or get more information about services provided, call 396-5304 or 800-535-6067.    

This week, Publisher Bill Bowman yields this space to 

Jeff Thompson.

The people of Cumberland County and North Carolina lost a remarkable public servant with the untimely death this month of retired Fayetteville District Attorney Ed Grannis. I say untimely because by all accounts he should still be with us. As many of us had, Ed had what ordinarily is a routine medical procedure, an angioplasty. But, something happened and infection set in. His kidneys and liver shut down and he contracted pneumonia. 

Those of us who knew Grannis had high opinions of him. As a journalist, my impression was based not on his prowess as a lawyer, but on his qualities as a public servant. I will not use the word politician to describe him even though he served in elective office for 35 years.  Grannis was an example to others in public life.  He was not politically ambitious. He truly possessed a rare sense of duty.

Edward W. Grannis Jr. was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Army after successfully completing ROTC at Wake Forest. He served for two years in Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, and then at Fort Bragg as a basic training company commander. Upon completion of his service obligation Grannis decided to go to work in the District Attorney’s office. He hadn’t planned on being a prosecutor. He told the State Bar Journal in 2014 that he didn’t go to law school to become an attorney. He said he spent seven years at Wake Forest University to get a good education.

Grannis was a part of Cumberland County’s modern evolution. He fought for and about the law. He did battle with county commissioners in a fight to get a new and larger jail built to house inmates local lawmen were arresting in a determined fight against crime. He modernized the administration of the local court system. He fought in Raleigh for increased funding for our courts. In his three and a half decades as district attorney of the 12th prosecutorial district, the office grew from a handful of lawyers to one of the largest and most respected in the state with more than two dozen assistant district attorneys, many of whom went on to have distinguished careers as judges and state legislators. 

I knew Ed from the day he took office but got to know him better during one of the highest profile crimes he prosecuted — that of mass murderer Kenneth French. On Ed’s birthday, August 6, of 1993, the soldier fired a barrage of bullets into Luigi’s Italian Restaurant and then entered the busy eatery continuing to fire. Before he was shot and wounded by police, French shot twelve people, killing four of them including Pete and Ethel Parrous, Luigi’s owners. 

French’s trial was held six months later in Superior Court in Wilmington. Then-Judge Coy Brewer presided and Grannis took the lead in prosecuting French. I learned then that he was not a zealot, but a pragmatist. He sought the death penalty but after a month of testimony, the jury convicted French and decided on life in prison without parole. North Carolina law provides that the judge must sentence a convicted murderer in accordance with the decision of the jury. Ed said he was disillusioned early in his career that the death penalty is what he called an “inexact system.”  In that interview with the State Bar Journal, Grannis noted that by the 1990s our state had moved beyond capital punishment, although it’s still on the books.

Theodore Roosevelt said “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly.”  I’ll bet I speak for many when I extend prayers to Grannis’ family and express the thanks of a grateful community for 

his service.

Former Cumberland County District Attorney Ed Grannis, who prosecuted people charged with everything from speeding to first-degree murder for nearly four decades, died last week after a brief illness. Many are still reeling from the news. 

The Grannises and the Dicksons have been friends for all of that and before. I grew up in Fayetteville with both Ed and his wife, Winnie McBryde Grannis, the sister of former Fayetteville Mayor Milo McBryde. In 1976, Ed Grannis hired my then beau and eventual husband, John Dickson, as an assistant DA, and John and Ed prosecuted major felonies together for more than 20 years. The Dickson Precious Jewels and the Grannis’ boys grew up together, and our families had many happy occasions in each other’s company in Fayetteville and along the North Carolina coast. A practical joker, Ed once released two bantam chickens into our front yard at a time when I was home with a newborn baby and had no way to catch those little critters. Our new rooster said howdy from a magnolia tree every morning at dawn, and our neighbors were vocally underemployed, which was the point, of course.

My family is hardly alone in recognizing the contributions Ed Grannis made not only to our community and our state as a person of intellect, ethics and common sense who sought not conviction above all, but justice in each situation. He did it day-in-and-day-out and is widely recognized as one of North Carolina’s most effective and longest serving district attorneys. Very few of us stay in one job for all our working lives, much less one in the public service sector. Fewer still achieve the long and profound positive impact on our community and our state that Ed Grannis did for several generations of North Carolinians, from 1972 until 2010.

With that in mind, defense attorney Harold “Butch” Pope of Whiteville and I sat down with Ed last year after he was well into his retirement to talk about his extraordinary career and the meaning and impact of the law. Our interview was published earlier this year in the State Bar Journal, a publication that goes to attorneys throughout North Carolina. It reveals a man who has seen and been part of major legal events of the last quarter century and who has reflected deeply on our criminal justice and judicial systems, how they have evolved and how they affect us today.

Here are excerpts from what Ed had to say:

On the positive aspects of elective service.

Ed Grannis: “I think those of us who have been fortunate enough to have been elected and to serve in some capacity whether it is on the town council or statewide all understand what a challenging experience it is to go through a campaign. No one can understand that unless you are the candidate…when you wake up trying to decide whether or not to spend money on TV, whether you are going have to pay for all this or raise money…I think the honor, the privilege, the responsibility is really one of the neat things in a democracy… it is such a unique part of being an American and part of a democratic society.”

On the death penalty in North Carolina.

Ed Grannis: “One of the disillusioning things, when I started in the game of justice, bad cases were supposed to get the death penalty. After a while it becomes very clear that it is a very inexact system. While the death penalty needs to remain and be a viable possibility in the worst of situations, for the most part society has moved way on beyond the death penalty. The fact that last year (2013) there was (only) one in North Carolina tells you all you need to know about it. We as a corporate community no longer really use that tool anymore…the best thing I can do for most of these people is give them life without parole as quickly as I can and avoid these lengthy delays...from the point at which the event occurs until the trial occurs. I think the one thing North Carolina should try to do is figure out how to expedite the process.”

On the increasing numbers of lawyers in North Carolina.

Ed Grannis: “There are way too many lawyers out there for the economic opportunities…I’ve had kids who come to me owing more than $100,000, and I am giving them a $40,000 job. There is no way those numbers are going to work. Now it has become a business…We are no longer dealing with ‘Does society need this many lawyers?’ I think it is a recipe for a bad situation.”

On retiring from his long career and whether he missed it.

Ed Grannis: “It’s really interesting. You miss people some, but when you are finally able to get away from it, it’s like that old Martin Luther King Jr. line, ‘Free at last, free at last.’ It was something.”

Storytelling is a way to enjoy imagination beyond words. It is a way to entertain, share history and build community. Telling stories was popular before television and even books. Before anyone could read, stories were passed down through generations. It’s how family histories were preserved; how older generations taught the younger members of tribes and villages. Even though it may not seem as common, storytelling is still a big part of our world. From dinner tables to playgrounds, stories connect people to each other and to significant events and ideas. The Storytelling and Arts Center celebrates its 10th anniversary Oct. 16 -18.

Story telling is not just for children. It is  for adults as well, and the Storytelling and Arts Center has rounded up some of the best for the weekend. Entertainers include Bil Lepp, Bill Harley, Sheila Arnold Jones and Diane Ferlatte. Regional teller Martha Johnson and the winner and People’s Choice of the Bold-Faced Liars’ Showdown winners  Pamela Alberda and Jadie Fuson are in attendance, as well.

Bil Lepp, storyteller and comedian, is known for his tall tales and clever stories that people of all ages can appreciate. Lepp has received many awards and is the author of three books of tall tales, 10 audio collections, a non-fiction book and a novel.

Martha Reed Johnson, a well-traveled storyteller, uses her own experiences to connect with her audiences. Since traveling across three continents, Reed can relate to any audience through her storytelling.

Diane Ferlatte, a natural born nurturer, has spoken to audiences across the globe.  Her listeners can be from all walks of life. After performing internationally many times over, anyone can relate to her words.

Bill Harley, is also known as a children’s entertainer with many witty ways of connecting with children. Also awarded a Grammy for Best Spoken Word album
for Children.

Sheila Arnold Jones, has used her talent to perform during historic character presentations, Christian monologues, motivational speaking for schools, churches and organizations throughout the U. S. Jones tells original, folktales, tall tales, African-American, multicultural, historical and personal stories.

Participants can choose the teller they would like attend by the schedule provided on the SACs website.

SACs invites students, both public and homeschooled, to join during the student sessions on Oct. 16 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The student sessions will include special storytelling segments for youth. 

Look for craft vendors, a children’s play area and five storytelling workshops.  

The festival takes place at the John Blue House Complex in Laurinburg, North Carolina, tickets are available online at www.storyartscenter.org.

Hope Mills is gearing up for its biggest fundraiser of the year — Ole Mill Days — on Friday, Oct. 16 and Saturday, Oct. 17. It’s a time to celebrate the town’s heritage, make some new memories with friends and family and, for some, to relive some old memories about a time when Hope Mills was not so busy and bustling. A simpler time when the local mills drove not just the economy, but the ebb and flow of life in the area.  

“Ole Mills Days is a celebration of Hope Mills and our history,” said Dee Callahan, executive director of the Hope Mills Chamber. “It is a time for the families to get together and there are all sorts of events for the kids.” 

Callahan added that she was born and raised in Hope Mills and looks forward to the annual event.

There is plenty to see and do — and much to learn, as well. The event begins on Friday with the first street dance at 6 p.m. While the dance lasts till 11 p.m., it is the perfect opportunity to check out historic downtown’s Trade Street.

On Saturday at 7 a.m. the Run for Pink Race takes place. It’s the third year for the run and it has grown substantially every year. The event organizers are hoping for a turn out of 750 or more. It is a 5K route and walkers are welcome, as well. Proceeds benefit the Cape Fear  Valley Health Foundation Friends of Cancer. Find out more about this organization at www.capefearvalley.com/foundation/index.html. Visit www.active.com to register for the race.

The opening activities begin at 10 a.m. and include a variety of activities. The tractor pull, is a local favorite and always keeps the crowd riveted. Families won’t want to miss the Kid’s Corner and games. It is the perfect place to relax and let the little ones join the festivities. Car buffs of every stripe will have something to talk about at the car show. Other activities include a haunted house, cheerleading competition, pony rides, bouncy houses, food and craft vendors and demonstrations by dance troupes, karate studios and local musicians.

The corn hole tournament is a lot of fun, even for those who choose not to play. It’s competitive and lively and all in good fun. Registration for the corn-hole tournament is by noon and the games start at 1 p.m. Prizes will be given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. The cost is $25 to participate in the tournament.

The Ole Mill Days reunion has been a highlight of this event in years past. It’s a place where previous generations gather to share stories and memories about Hope Mills and what it was like as a mill town. It is a chance to reconnect with the town’s past and learn a bit of local history first hand.

One especially popular event at Ole Mills Days is the Hope Mills Chamber’s Chili Cook Off. For years, local chefs have brought forth offerings of their favorite chili recipes to the delight of the attendees and judges. The chili cook off
 is Oct. 17 and it is sponsored by the Hope Mills Chamber. 

“We have the chili cook off every year and it is our only fundraiser because the Hope Mills Chamber is a nonprofit,” said Callahan. “We have WKML 95.7 as our sponsor for the chili cook off and a corn-hole tournament that is sponsored by Up & Coming Weekly.” 

Contestants can enter their chili in the competition for $15. Cash prizes and plaques will be given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. Chili can be dropped off at 10 a.m. and the announcement of the winners is at 3:30 p.m. There is a People’s Choice Awards in which the public can purchase small containers of all the chili to sample. They will have the opportunity to vote for the chili that they like the best. A $100 cash prize will be awarded.   

The evening concludes with a movie night in Municipal Park.  

Even though it is right around the corner, there is still time for vendors and sponsors
to participate. 

“We are selling tents that you can purchase for $250,” said Callahan. “It comes with a sign, one table and eight chairs.” Callahan added that you can advertise your business underneath the tent and give away items but you are not allowed to sell anything under your tent.   

Admission is free. For more information, call 424-4555. If you are interested in performing at the street dance, call 426-4109.

HEADLINES: 

Providence, Rhode Island: “Dunkin’ Donuts Employee Writes ‘Black Lives Matter’ on Cop’s Cup”

Hartford, Connecticut: “Dunkin’ Donuts CEO apologizes over incident involving West Hartford Cop”

Dade County, Florida:  “Arby’s Fires Manager After Alleged Refusal to Serve Police Officer”

Newton, Kansas: “Taco Bell Worker Writes ‘Pig’ on Cop’s Order”

Lewisville, Texas:“Whataburger Employee Fired for Refusing Service to Texas Cops”

See a pattern here? Well, I see several–and in only a few short months. The most concerning is the bold and growing national trend of disrespect toward police and law enforcement officers. We also see a scary proliferation of national absentee owner franchise stores that appear to serve as a breeding ground for such hostile, outrageous and un-American behavior toward law enforcement.  

Let’s look at the latest incident that made national news in Providence, Rhode Island, when a Dunkin’ Donuts employee wrote “Black Lives Matter” on a police officer’s coffee cup. This hostile act came on the heels of another similar and pathetic incident of  hate in West Hartford, Connecticut, when a munchkin-minded employee shouted at a uniformed West Hartford police officer, “We don’t serve cops here!” in front of a store full of customers. Really?

This prompted Dunkin’ Donuts Chairman and CEO Nigel Travis of Dunkin’ Brands to apologize for the incident  with a letter to the editor in the local newspaper. He cited poor judgement on behalf of the  young crew member. Again, really?

Nationally, there is a pattern beginning to develop. Maybe, just maybe, instead of honoring and respecting the law-enforcement community and projecting a common sense commitment to treating all customers with dignity and respect as Travis proclaims, Dunkin’ Donuts may be vying to become the lead despot in a conspiracy to spark a franchise revolution for anarchy in America. 

No? Well, there are literally tens of thousands of fast food franchises in America (many foreign-owned) employing hundreds of thousands of young, mostly poor, uneducated, impressionable people surviving on minimum wage. This makes them the perfect conduit to spew such hatred, hostility and disrespect for law enforcement and humanity under the guise of familiar and respected community brands such as Dunkin’ Donuts, Arby’s, Whataburger and Taco Bell.  

Here is another thought and coincidence: All these outrageous incidents have taken place in franchise chains that are listed in the top 50 in the nation. Three, Dunkin’ Donuts, Arby’s and Taco Bell, are in the top 18. Whataburger is 40th.  It is much too easy for CEOs and local franchise owners to brush these off as isolated instances by wayward employees – especially when the safety and security of our towns, cities and nation are at stake. We are a country of laws. We must enforce them and abide by them. Lawlessness results in anarchy.  

My  message to Dunkin’ Donuts (and others) is keep your free coffee and donuts and invest that money in training your employees so they can start serving up courtesy, respect and love of country. Otherwise, get comfortable in making negative national headlines. 

Here’s another thought: In the Florida Arby’s incident, John Rivera, Dade County President of the Police Benevolent Association, called for a nationwide boycott of Arby’s unless corrective action was taken against the  perpetrators of the incident. Boycotts of a franchised restaurant are a viable option for all communities that feel their laws and law-enforcement officers are being abused or under assault. And, no offense to  Arby’s CEO Paul Brown but, giving our police officers and first responders a free Happy Meal combo is of no real consequence.

As a result of this rash of incidents, a line of pro-police billboards reading “Blue Lives Matter” are springing up all over the country.  Lamar Billboard Advertising is fostering the theme by donating 150 billboards around the country to the campaign.  They’ll run through the end of the month. I hope several are scheduled for Fayetteville. 

According to an online source, the signs sport the hashtag #thankublu. It is also the name of an Instagram account that features several photos of the signs. The bio reads: “Our only purpose is to thank and support the men and women in law enforcement who put their lives on the line for our safety every day.” 

Hey, that’s another great point! Police officers put their lives on the line for citizens’ safety every day. Compare that to these franchise restaurants that have a policy where they can refuse service to anyone. Well, law enforcement and first responders do not have that option.

I’ll close with this: Every person in America has a responsibility to conduct themselves in a humane, civilized and responsible manner. In America, a land of laws, everyone is obliged to comply or accept the consequences of his or her actions.  If this is not done there is absolutely no pretense, justification or absolution that will undo such consequences. Yes, black lives matter, blue lives matter and yes, yes, yes, all lives matter. And, that is what matters most. Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly. 

“Someone’s opinion of you does not have to become your reality.” These words changed Les Brown’s life. He failed the fifth grade and was held back again in eighth grade. By that time, he believed what everyone was saying about him. Even the school system had labeled him as “Educable mentally retarded.” This sentence spoken to Brown by a teacher was a turning point. He’s living his dream, and works every day to help others learn how they can live their dream, too. On Oct. 8, Brown will host the WIDU Business Empowerment Breakfast as part of the WIDU Anniversary celebration. 

The WIDU Anniversary 2015 kicks off Oct. 3 and runs through Oct. 10. It is a week filled with praise, worship, entertainment, empowerment and more. Each year, Wes and Sandy Cookman, owners of WIDU radio station, pull out all of the stops for the radio’s anniversary celebration. The event list includes a Jesus Rocks youth event, We Shall Overcomeon stage, WIDU Carolina’s Best Finale concert, Together as One — a midweek service, a women’s empowerment luncheon, a unity service, a prayer breakfast, Quartet Night, the Festival of Praise and  the WIDU Business Empowerment Breakfast featuring Les Brown. 

At 70, Brown is no stranger to Fayetteville or the WIDU family. 

“It is a pleasure to come back,” said Brown. “This will be like a homecoming. I am pleased to share strategies and techniques for what people need to do to take their lives to the next level.”

While many refer to Brown as a motivational speaker, that isn’t how he sees himself. “I see myself as a person who talks about things people need to do to move their lives from right now to where they want to go. For instance, in less than 10 years, one third of the jobs that exist today will be replaced. That means that the people working those jobs will be replaced by mechanized intelligence. I talk about how you handle that,” he said.

Brown has distilled his philosophy for success down to three keys to success:

Mindset – the resilience to handle rapid changes taking place in the world. 

Expanded skill sets — Brown noted that the skills most people have now will not carry over to the domestic economy and will not help them survive in the global economy. 

Staying relevant and successful by creating collaborative achievement-driven supportive relationships. 

“You can’t make it on your own. Seventy-two percent of corporations are striking partnerships,” said Brown. “If you want to make it today, you’ve got to find some people who have some knowledge and resources that you don’t have, to help you begin to move your life forward.”

Brown’s philosophy dovetails with the work of management consultant, the late Peter Drucker, who believed this era to be characterized by what he called the three Cs: accelerated change, overwhelming complexity and tremendous competition. 

“A lot of people are outside the job market and don’t know that they can’t even get in because it is an entrepreneur’s era,” said Brown. “At the beginning of the year 2000, 5 million jobs evaporated and there were 3 million permanent part-time jobs with no health benefits or security. People need to shift their thinking and what they are looking for and expand their capacity to navigate this economy.”

This news could sound dismal to some, but to Brown, it sounds like opportunity. Staying current in your professional field, continuously upgrading your skill set and improving yourself will lead to new opportunities and new experiences. 

“All of us have the opportunity to create a dynasty, a legacy,” said Brown. “The reason many don’t is because of our entertainment-driven culture. The average immigrant coming to this country has a four times greater chance of becoming a millionaire than the average American because they come from achievement-driven cultures. And when we change our culture from being victims of mass distraction and use our genius and talents in other areas, the possibilities are unlimited as to what we can create.”

The WIDU Business Empowerment Breakfast is on Thursday, Oct. 8 from 8-10 a.m. at the Crown Expo Center. Tickets cost between $15 and $50. Find out more about the WIDU Anniversary celebration and purchase tickets at www.widuanniversary.com.

Cape Fear Studios is a haven for local artists. It provides a place for member artists to create and sell their works. It also hosts exhibits that bring works from national and international artists to the area. To support this enclave for the arts in downtown Fayetteville, Cape Fear Studios is set to host the Celebration of the Arts on Oct. 11. 

“This is our second year hosting the event, so we don’t have a large history to go on, yet. However, last year was tremendously successful even though it was a small start. We’re looking for an even larger turnout this year,” said Ann Griffin, executive director. “No matter what, the people who attend will have a fun time while they’re here and maybe even learn a thing or two as they talk to our artists.” 

Celebration of the Arts features multiple demonstrations from member artists, activities and games that the whole family can enjoy. There is often a disconnect between appreciation of art and understanding how it is actually created. Understanding the work and expertise required to create these beautiful pieces of art adds another level of appreciation and beauty. Celebrate the Arts offers a fun window into creation. 

“The whole idea is to give the public a taste of fine art and in many cases to introduce artistic production methods to people who have never experienced some of the procedures. For instance, most people are familiar with pottery, but have little knowledge of certain methods that can go into special pieces such as Raku. The pottery demonstrations is outdoors, while demonstrations of 2-D painting, in various styles, are happening indoors. Demonstrations of jewelry making and stained glass productions are also planned. And, for the children we’ll have finger painting, spoon decorating and several other hands-on activities,” Griffin said. 

In addition to these demonstrations, a lunch of homemade soup, served in handmade bowls, is planned.

“Well, the soup is nicknamed stone soup, but stones are about the only thing we don’t put into it. It’s a wonderful combination of vegetables with chicken stock. Delicious!  The handmade bowls are created right here in our studios by our member potters. Each bowl is unique and can be enjoyed as functional dinnerware or as decorative pieces,” Griffin explained. 

This year Celebration of the Arts, a relatively new tradition, is seamlessly combined with an older, though lesser known Cape Fear Studios tradition, the silent auction. 

“All of our exhibiting members donate an original piece to the auction, which means we’ll have around 30 pieces. You can go online at www.capefearstudios.com to peruse some of the collection of fine art up for auction, “Griffin said. “This is a great opportunity to purchase fine art.” 

Celebration of the Arts is both within Cape Fear Studios, located at 148 Maxwell St., and in the surrounding parking lots. It is scheduled for Oct. 11 from noon until 5 p.m. “This is a fun afternoon for the whole family. It’s a combination of hands-on activities, plus many opportunities to watch and learn from our professional artists. Most of all it’s a fun way to help support the arts in Fayetteville and keep our arts organization active and viable.” 

For more information visit www.capefearstudios.com or call 433-2986. 

 

The Turtle Island Quartet and Cyrus Chestnut will entertain the community on Oct. 4 as part of the Fayetteville State University Fine Arts Series. 

“The Turtle Island Quartet is not your typical string quartet. That is, they perform jazz standards rather than standards from classical composers like Mozart, Haydn or Beethoven. This performance is actually a collaboration between the quartet and jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut. The program they will bring to Fayetteville is called Jelly, Rags & Monk. It  will feature music by Jelly Roll Morton, ragtime and Thelonius Monk. Interestingly, Monk was born in Rocky Mount in 1917,” explained Dr. Earnest Lamb, chair of the Fine Arts Series . 

The Turtle Island Quartet began in 1985, and has been innovating ever since. They bring old European traditions and modern American music together in seamless and unique performances that anyone can enjoy. They’ve also revived the century old, but lost tradition, of string improvisation, normally associated with Jazz music and musicians rather than string instruments. String improvisation is often  identified with more classical tunes. 

Joining the Turtle Island Quartet is Chestnut an acclaimed jazz pianist whose talent, passion, drive and creativity echoes the quartet’s. Their creativity and innovative nature lends itself well to incredible Jazz, a classic American genre still much loved today. 

“It is an art form that keeps evolving and renewing itself. This program is a perfect example — the quintet will create fresh interpretations of early jazz great Jelly Roll Morton’s and bebop giant Monk’s music for a contemporary audience. It’s like everything old is new again,” Lamb says, “I recommend just coming to the concert with an open mind and be prepared to be amazed.”

Adding another dimension to the excitement of the concert, Turtle Island Quartet and Cyrus Chestnut will also contribute to the inspiration and education of other musicians. 

“Cyrus Chestnut and the Turtle Island Quartet will offer master classes for area musicians as part of their appearance in Fayetteville,” says Dr. Lamb. 

This workshop illustrates how the FSU Fine Arts Series is such a great asset to the community. It brings high caliber artists not only for the enjoyment, but also the betterment of the community as a whole. 

This performance is just the beginning of what the Fine Arts Series has to offer this year. Dr. Lamb says, “This fall semester I’m excited about exhibition of works by Latino visual artists that will open in October in Rosenthal Gallery and the appearance of The Baltimore Consort in November.  he Baltimore Consort performs music from the 16th century and earlier. Their appearance in Fayetteville will feature music from Shakespeare’s time and will include excerpts from FSU Theater’s upcoming production of Hamlet, which opens in November. This is an exciting collaboration.”

Turtle Island Quartet and Cyrus Chestnut perform on Oct. 4 at 4 p.m. in Seabrook Auditorium, which is located on the FSU campus at 1200 Murchison Road. Tickets are $10. For more information, visit www.uncfsu.edu/arts or call 672-1571. 

The 2015 Scotland County Highland Games take place on Friday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 4, on the grounds of the John Blue Home and Historical Complex in Laurinburg. The event provides an immersion into the Scottish-American historical experience of this region. There will be plenty to see and do all weekend long.

The schedule of events includes a visit to historic Laurinburg and Scotland County on Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A Whisky Tasting and Gathering takes place at 3 p.m. at the Storytelling Arts Center in downtown Laurinburg. There is a reception for the sponsors and honored clan at 6 p.m. The evening concludes with a concert featuring Piper Willie McCallum at the Avenger Auditorium at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door only. 

On Saturday, Oct. 3 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the lineup includes the piping, drumming and athletic competition, Highland dancing competition, sheep dog demonstrations, opening ceremony demonstrations, Scottish athletic events, pipe bands, entertainment, clan tents, awards presentations, closing ceremonies and “Live after Five” performances by Rathkelter and Seven Nations at 6 p.m. 

Colin Grant-Adams is a performer on the entertainment stage. Food, beer and vendors are available on site. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids after 5 p.m. It is free for those in attendance at the games field.  

One of the most popular events is the Whisky Tasting. The single malts and food pairings this year are Aaran’s Robert Burns of the Isle of Aaran paired with goat cheese and mushroom on toast points; Talisker’s 10 year-old Isle of Skye paired with smoked salmon; Jura’s superstition of the Isle of Jura paired with smoked scallops and orange marmalade; Highland Park’s warrior series of the Isle of Orkney paired with salted toffee; and Ledaig 10-year-old Isle of Mull with their very own Jack’s family recipe for shortbread cookies.    

The EUSPBA Premier Piping Competition will begin at 9 a.m. and admission is free.   

The Kirkin’ of the Tartans Worship Service begins at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4 at Old Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church.   

There is a custom-made kilt raffle and the drawing is on Saturday, Oct. 3. Tickets for the raffle are $10 and only 300 tickets will be sold. Raffle tickets can be purchased via mail at SCHG, 1615 Dial Road, Red Springs, N.C. 28377.  Corporate sponsorships are available. No pets, firearms or outside alcohol are permitted. 

For more information, visit www.schgnc.org. 

I wrote my first column about the popularity of tattoos more than a decade ago after I found myself touring the Airborne and Special Operations Museum downtown with a woman of my vintage who sported a bright yellow Tweety Bird tattoo on the outside of her calf. 

Flabbergasted as I was, I noticed that Tweety — he of “I taught I saw a puddy tat” fame — looked a bit startled to find himself permanently perched on someone’s leg. Since then, of course, I have observed thousands of other tattoos, mostly on younger people, including a recently spotted one splayed across the collar bones of young mother doing her grocery shopping. In very curly script the word “Beloved” I am still trying to figure out whether she is beloved of someone else or whether she is especially fond of herself.

In the years since I first realized the United States is in the grip of tattoo mania, I have visited two tattoo parlors where a “self-medicating” soldier was having a $1,000-plus multi colored Asian dragon inked around his left calf and where the proprietors of another establishment actually asked for more regulation from the state since they were sticking needles into folks. A country musician who asked what my “problem” is with tattoos has called me out from the stage. Two of the Precious Jewels got tattoos reading “Mom.” Blessedly, they were henna and are now long gone. I have also written about tattoo removal, a bit of a growth industry, which can be both expensive and painful and which does not always work.

After my visit to the first tattoo parlor, I asked Up & Coming Weeklyreaders whether you have tattoos and, if so, where and why. You responded in spades, starting with a good friend. She confided that she has three tattoos, each associated with a man, none of whom play
any role in her life today. She is also sorry she tattoos and tries to
cover them in certain circumstances, sometimes using strategically placed bandages.

On reader described all four of her tattoos, each of which has enduring meaning to her, even though she says she will not be tattooed again after experiencing a religious revelation.

“1) My name and a star on each side…(not the brightest idea I’ve ever had…but at least it’s not someone else’s name!)

2) Since I wasn’t satisfied with the way it looked I had some clouds and a hummingbird added around it.

3) On my ankle I have an emblem of wings, designed by myself and the tattoo artist, in honor of my brother-in-law (now deceased), because he was paralyzed after being hit head on by a drunk driver….

4) The one closest to my heart is a purple, filled in, tear drop under my eye. I lost a child years ago, no children since. It expresses my continual sorrow over that loss, which I am still here in the flesh, til I am with my precious child again.

Personally, I like certain tattoos (obviously) as a form of self-expression. But God’s word plainly speaks against it so no more for me.”

A 46-year-old librarian shared that she has two Mandarin tattoos and is at peace with them. She is also thoughtful about her decision. “…the reasons why people get tattoos are as varied and personal as the type of toothpaste they select... I thought about what it would mean to me and what it would signify to those who had their own opiniona... I think with anything considered permanent and outside the norm of society, one must think long and hard and know that just as you can’t change any part of painting by one of the master painters, you can’t frivolously decide to have your body tattooed, it’s a life altering act and should be viewed
as such.”

The tattoo rationale that makes the most sense to me came from a diabetic woman who was badly injured and unconscious. Hospital personnel treated her with glucose that nearly killed her. She has since had “I am a diabetic” tattooed on her forearm, although she does note that it does not look great “with dress up clothes.” It occurred to me that “If found, please return to…” might be helpful for wandering
senior citizens.

I have long since sworn off writing about tattoos at the behests of a friend and the Precious Jewels, but another friend tipped me back over the edge by his observation after he saw a photograph of me wearing an ornate and detailed Venetian mask.

Said friend wondered whether I had submitted to an extensive
facial tattoo.

That’ll be the day!

Ten years after those first tattoo columns and millions of tatts later, I would love to know what you are thinking now. Do you have any tattoos? Do you still love them? Have you had any removed? Why? Why? And why?

My inbox is open.

Well, you can talk until you are blue in the face about escalating Fayetteville and Cumberland County’s image and quality of life by increasing local amenities like parks, swimming pools, a river walk, a downtown performing arts center and baseball stadiums; however, the reality is that the absence of honest, local leadership coupled with an overabundance of political shenanigans, seems to be imbedded in Cumberland County. 

While local politicians (note politicians, not leaders) remain silent, local residents scratch their heads and shout out loud, “Are you kidding me?” Such was the reaction of residents last week as our local county commissioners clandestinely agreed to enlist our local legislative delegation in a plot to hijack the $5.6 million hotel occupancy tax, which is collected annually. Currently, the money is split between the Arts Council, Crown Coliseum and the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitor Bureau. No more, if the county commissions get their way. Why? They won’t say. No transparency and even less explanation. 

The commissioners, without explanation, except to say they are not pleased with the way the money is being spent, want to take the money away from the Tourism Development Authority, a board appointed by the commissioners. Hmmmm? That’s interesting. They are not pleased with the board that they appointed and are unable to deal with the situation to the point that they enlisted the legislature to change the law. That kind of judgment raises eyebrows and fosters distrust in our political leadership. It’s the near perfect example of the self-serving, backdoor politics that has stymied development in Fayetteville for decades in both our county and city. 

 Fayetteville activist Sharon Valentine wrote a great opinion piece in last Sunday’s Fayetteville Observer. She expressed her displeasure over the way the Fayetteville City Council disrespected her friend, Councilman Bobby Hurst. Hurst serves as the chair of the appointment committee, whose task was to screen applicants and make a recommendation to the city council on someone to fill the expired PWC term of businesswoman Lynne Greene. I’m not sure what the qualifications are to oversee PWC’s $500+ million annual budget, but Hurst wanted to appoint Juanita Gonzalez, who many perceive as Hurst’s unqualified plant to undermine and dilute PWC’s authority. An action, I might add, that the disputed 100-year PWC Charter was designed to prevent.  However, in a brilliant and unprecedented maneuver by the majority of city council members, local resident Evelyn Shaw was nominated for the position from the floor. Checkmate! Consequently, Shaw was voted in, Gonzalez out and Hurst was outraged.

Why?  Because the process was violated? No. Because his misuse and abuse of his political office was trumped by his political peers. He was outmaneuvered. Yet, in life two wrongs do not make a right. Nonetheless, this is bad news for the “good guys” or in this case, a community, like ours, with awesome potential and a desperate need for 21st century leadership. 

It’s not at all surprising that the three 2016 Presidential front runners are Trump, Carson and Fiorina–all notable Washington outsiders. Why? Because career politicians are more and more being perceived by the American electorate as untrustworthy, self-serving, unreliable and unaccountable. The old saying all politics are local, leaves us hoping that the citizens of Fayetteville and Cumberland County will pay attention to these recent abuses of trust and authority and encourage good people to seek leadership positions. This is the only way we can restore faith and trust in government and successfully move our community forward. Stay tuned and thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

Givens Performing Arts Center is a mainstay in quality entertainment bringing international acts as well as regional and local talent to the stage. While GPAC has a strong connection to Fayetteville, that bond just got stronger.  In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in conjunction with the Visual Arts Alliance, GPAC is proud to sponsor the latest Gallery 208 exhibit, Bras for the Cause: Artful Bras. The exhibit is free and open to the public at 208 Rowan Street. The exhibit speaks to the fierce and tenacious spirit of women who combat breast cancer every day. It celebrates the triumphs of those who fought and won, while honoring the struggle of those who did not.

The timing of the Bras for the Cause exhibit dovetails perfectly with the timing of the next GPAC performance, which celebrates another uniquely feminine quandary: menopause. This particular show includes three breast cancer survivors.  Menopause the Musical is a tribute to womanhood and all the mysterious hormones that come with it. It is on stage at GPAC on Oct. 9. This humorous interpretation of the trying adventure that is menopause is an exciting, musical and hilarious for everyone. 

“It is a party, an absolute party. It is such a fun event. Everyone comes over and over — and that’s fun, too. There are women who come to multiple shows and bring their friends and their daughters. We have multiple generations of women come to the show, it is great to share. Some bring their husbands, unsuspecting men. The last show, not four minutes in, we heard a man guffawing. There is no men bashing, it’s just so charming. And they can appreciate it because they experience it, too. Not to give them credit for going through menopause, rather they go through our menopause,” saidJudy Blue who plays the “Soap Star” in the show. 

This is a musical production. The show features familiar songs from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, but rewritten as parodies to fit the struggles of menopause. Blue says that everyone has their own favorite symptom. Sharing these symptoms — like hot flashes or uncontrollable crying —however miserable they me be, serves as a bridge between otherwise radically different people both on and off stage. 

“We learn to embrace and start to understand each other. We don’t like each other at first, but not two songs in, we start to understand each other with the symptoms that we share,” Blue explains. 

In addition to candid conversation about menopause, this tour also focuses on how important an honest and supportive discussion about breast cancer is. 

“This Menopause the Musical Tour is the survivor show. The musical is the same, for those who have seen it before, but we have three breast cancer survivors. So part of the proceeds of the show go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation,” Blue says. 

Two dollars of every ticket sold will benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

“It was just a natural fit for us, especially with what we have faced in our pasts. I had a lumpectomy and some radiation, and it was small. I am grateful for that. Another woman in the show had massive amounts of chemotherapy and was in it for the long haul. But she came back strong. We are living full lives. We dance around on stage for hours every night! It’s a hope, too. That’s what we want to share. You can get through it and that’s what we are here to represent.” 

Blue encourages women to become educated about preventative measures like a healthy diet and exercise and regular mammograms. There is no telling what life may throw at you. But the women of Menopause the Musical take on the challenges of life with passion, hope, understanding and sisterhood. She says that she feels most rewarded when she can share that hopefulness with the audience.

“We meet people afterwards that say that this is the most they have laughed in months and they go out after the show and keep that upbeat I can conquer anything mood going,” she said.

Menopause the Musical is on stage at the Givens Performing Arts Center on Oct. 9 at 8 p.m. The Givens Performing Arts Center is located at 1 University Dr. in Pembroke. To purchase tickets. call (910) 521-6361 or visit tickets.com. For more information visit www.uncp.edu/giving/advancement/givens-performing-arts-center. 

When it comes to fall fun, there is no shortage of corn mazes, haunted trails and pumpkin patches. As this season gets underway, here are several must-do activities!

Anyone looking for a frightful adventure won’t want to miss the Stoney Point Trail of Terror. Not for the faint of heart, this Halloween tradition features a stage show followed by a trek through a haunted mansion and a spooky wooded trail. Monsters, clowns, creepy creatures and more greet visitors in animated and 3-D scenes. This year, don’t miss the newest addition to the event — a chance to hunt the undead in the Zombie Rampage interactive paintball experience. The Trail of Terror is a fundraiser for the Stoney Point Fire Department. Funds are used to purchase firefighting and lifesaving equipment.

The trail runs Oct.9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31 and due to bad weather is extened into November. Trail hours are 8 until 11 p.m. Admission is $15 per person (adults and children). Special VIP admissions are available for $25. The Trail is located behind the Stoney Point Fire Department, Station #13 at 7221 Stoney Point Road. For more information, please check out the website: www.undeadfd.com, our Facebook page (stoney point trail of terror), or give call at  424-0694.

Hubb’s Farm located in Clinton, hosts eastern Carolina’s largest fall festival. This year there are three mazes from which to choose: a shorter game maze for beginners and two longer mazes for the more experienced navigator. If a maze doesn’t suit you, check out the haunted trail that leads through the woods and into a sorghum field. Other activities at Hubb’s Farm include outdoor laser tag, human foosball, a pumpkin patch, a play house, a game area, a train, a sandbox, toddler town, fire pits, hay rides, concessions and more. Find out more at www.hubbscornmaze.com.

Just outside of Sanford, Gross Farms hosts 15-acres of corn mazes. There are three puzzles that include more than five miles of pathways. Each puzzle has checkpoints. Hayrides around the farm add a great twist to the outdoor adventure, as do the play area and concessions. Starting the second week in October, Gross Farms hosts a pumpkin patch where guests can pick and purchase their own pumpkins. Check out www.grossfarms.com for more information.

West Produce is located in Spring Lake. A visit to this establishment includes fresh fruits and vegetables for sale as well as hayrides and pumpkin picking. Call 497-7443 for more information.

A visit to Gillis Hill Farm features an educational corn maze where kids can learn a thing or two while having a great time. Wagon rides, pumpkins and more. Find out more about them at www.gillishillfarm.com. Fans of the Gillis Hill Farms Field of Screams will be pleased to know that this event is back, but at a different location. This year it is at the Hoke County Wagon Train (1239 Alex Baker Road, in Raeford). Message the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Fieldofscreams13/posts/911372942276697 to find out more.

Canady Farm Corn Maze and Wagon Ride offers a maze, an educational nature trail as well as hayrides. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the farm animals and shop the fresh produce. Call  624-2959 for more information.

The Gallberry Corn Maze features a maze, duck races, a train ride, bouncy houses and many more fun activities. Call at  309-7582 for hours of operation and information.

The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival hosts the Dogwood Fall Festival featuring three days of events. Historic Hauntings includes hayrides through downtown Fayetteville exploring the spookier side of Fayetteville’s history. The Haunted Asylum includes an outdoor haunted maze that promises to leave even the bravest thrill seekers shaking with fear. The Boo and Brew Beer Garden includes domestic and craft beers sold by the pint. Don’t miss the Food Truck Festival featuring a variety of food trucks offering up everything from familiar comfort food to one-of-a-kind sensations. Find out more at www.faydogwoodfestival.com/events.

Cumberland County Schools and Communities in Schools puts the spotlight on literacy at the 12th Annual Reading Rocks! Walk-a-thon on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 8:30 a.m. at Festival Park in Downtown Fayetteville.  

“We hope to have a large turnout like we have in previous years,” said Jody Hawley, chairperson of Reading Rocks. “We need thousands of walkers to join us to celebrate literacy in Cumberland County Schools.”  

The goal of the event is to raise money for schools to purchase books and other learning resources for the students. 

“We would like to top last year. Our schools raised more than $240,000,” said Hawley. Our total last year including our in-kind donations for the whole district was more than $257,000.”  

The walk begins at 9 a.m. and the route winds past historic downtown sites. High school bands are stationed along the route to perform as walkers pass by.  The schools designated as the most improved and the schools raising the most in donations will also receive recognition. The high school band that raised the greatest amount of money will lead the walk with Mayor Nat Robertson and other special guests.  Costume characters are also on site. 

“This year the spirit award has been revamped in order to get schools more involved while they are walking and showing their school spirit,” said Hawley.  

All donations are tax deductible. The countywide fund is distributed equitably among all schools to purchase books and learning tools that benefit Cumberland County students. Schools are allowed to continue to raise money through Dec. 4 in the name of Reading Rocks! 

“We are very excited about the walk this year,” said Hawley. “We know that this is the largest fundraiser for Cumberland County Schools and it is the largest event that gets so much of our community involved.”    

Sponsorship levels are available. T-shirts are $5 for youth and $10 for adults. Donations should be mailed to CCS Information Technology and Media Services, 2465 Gillespie Street, Fayetteville, N.C. 28306. 

Gates open at 8 a.m. Pets are not allowed. For more information, call 678-2613

The Child Advocacy Center’s Pinwheel Masquerade Ball and Auction is set for Saturday, Oct. 17. Don your best party mask and come ready to have some fun. The evening includes mask contests, a deejay, dance demonstrations, a live auction, refreshments and more. 

Emily Cross is doing a lot of the planning and she is excited about the auction items this year. 

“This year the packages are bigger and we added a lot of  travel packages,” she said. “We have trips to Costa Rica, Hawaii, New York and we even have a Sonoma Wine Tour package. We already have a group of eight coming just to bid on the trip to Costa Rica. We’ve invited Fayetteville’s best chefs to participate so the food will be fantastic, too.”

Funds from the Pinwheel Masquerade Ball and Auction benefit the Child Advocacy Center, which works to alleviate the trauma children experience once a disclosure of sexual abuse or serious physical abuse occurs by creating a community of collaborating advocates. The organization’s vision is a community where children live in a safe and nurturing environment free from sexual and physical abuse. By working with partners throughout the community, the CAC provides a safe and child-friendly center that supports the prevention, investigation and prosecution of child abuse.

Last year the Pinwheel Masquerade Ball brought in $29,600. This year, the planning committee is hoping for $40,000. 

“There are so many expenses that grants don’t cover for nonprofits,” said Tim Edwards, chairman of the CAC Board. “You have to pay the staff and the rent and things like that. We are also working hard to increase education in the community because that helps stop and prevent abuse. Last year, more than 2,500 people received training in abuse prevention for children through CAC. We are trying to decrease the number of cases of abuse. Last year 661 children received services at CAC. We would love to see that go down, but that was an increase of 50 from the year before. That should not be happening.”

Founded in 1993, the CAC is instrumental in creating an environment where kids feel safe. Having one location where professionals from 19 community agencies work to interview, investigate and provide support for abused children and their families helps make an already complicated situation less frightening. It means fewer interviews, which means that victims don’t have to keep retelling their traumatic story to different people. Having all the information and resources in one place means that professionals can share information and details that help determine what is in the best interest of the children and families that come through the CAC. These agencies include law enforcement, medical care, mental health, military family services, social work, child protective services, the Cumberland County District Attorney’s office, victim advocates, education and Guardian ad Litem. This not only helps victims heal and gives advocates critical information and tools, it saves the community roughly $500,000 a year. 

“Before the Child Advocacy Center was established, children would have to go from agency to agency and retell their story every time. They were revictimized  every time they had to retell their experiences,” said Edwards. “These kids go through so much … things we can’t even fathom. If we can help them at all, we should and that is what we are trying to do here.”

The event takes place at the Metropolitan Room in Downtown Fayetteville. Tickets and tables are on sale at the Child Advocacy Center’s website, www.childadvocacycenter.com, or by calling the center at (910) 486-9700.