Get ready for a three-day spectacular that offers free admission and a chance to immerse yourself in Greek culture. Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church hosts its 27th Annual Greek Festival at the Hellenic Center, 614 Oakridge Ave., Sept. 8-10.

This year’s festival is co-chaired by Steve Goodson, Alfred Barefoot and Katherine Faful. All three are longtime members of the church; Faful’s father was a founding member.

The Food and Community

The food is, of course, always a big draw for festival-goers. But it’s not just about the delicious assortment of gyros, lamb shank, Greek salads, “spanakopita” (spinach pie) “pastichio” (Greek lasagna), “souvlaki” (skewered meat and vegetables) and more. And no, it’s not just about the desserts — handmade baklava a perennial favorite — either. The food is important because it brings Fayetteville’s Greek community together in an astonishing way, and it’s an avenue for the church to invite others to share in and learn about Greek culture. Kelly Papagikos, who has helped with the festival for the past nine years and is married to the church’s pastor, shared her observations:

“(About) 90 percent of the restaurants (here in Fayetteville) are Greek-owned,” she said. “They all put aside their own businesses to cook for the festival. They are tireless in the kitchen. All of these guys have their own jobs and (they) come every year, putting everything else they have to do aside.”

The primary and long-serving leaders of festival kitchen operations are Greg Kalevas, owner of Chris’s Steak & Seafood House; Jimmy Hondras, who works with Kalevas; and Tony Kotsopoulos, head chef at Luigi’s. Kotsopoulos helped start the conversation about bringing the community together for a Greek festival in Fayetteville in 1988. All three men have helped in many capacities since the festival’s inception in 1991.

Papagikos said the made-from-scratch Greek pastries and desserts are prepared by an army of 15-20 dedicated ladies of the church. The women comprise two philanthropic groups: Philoptochos (Friends of the Poor) and Daughters of Penelope. “The baked goods sell so well; everybody in town loves the freshness,” she said. “They stock up for Christmas with the baklava!”

This year, the festival also debuts a drive-through to serve people who can’t stay but still want to grab the once-a-year specialty foods. Friday and Saturday afternoons, patrons can purchase gyros, ten-piece packages of pastries and a drink from the drive-through. For people who are able to come and stay, free cooking classes are offered so attendees can make some of the dishes at home.

Music, Dancing and Shopping

Paskali, a local band comprised of five musicians who play traditional and contemporary Greek music, has been delighting festival crowds for about 20 years. Papagikos said the group, new to this festival, is very engaging and knows how to make people want to get up and dance.

And that’s the goal. Greece is home to over 200 cultural dances, each representing a religion, village or island. The church’s Hellenic dance troupes will dance throughout the festival wearing traditional costumes, both in performances and in educational demonstrations with an emcee who will briefly explain the history of the dances.

Papagikos said the dance troupes range from kindergarten to high school students and that children of all backgrounds love joining in and learning the steps at the festival. “Greek dances are usually danced in a circle holding hands to represent life and eternity, togetherness and love,” she said. “These kids learn how to dance from the time they know how to walk; it’s embedded in them.” Dances will include “kalamatianos” (a popular folkdance), along with many other dances from across Greece’s regions and islands.

Vendors from all over the city come every year to set up an “agora,” modeled after a Greek marketplace. Browse through Greek jewelry, leather, knickknacks, videos, music, embroideries, rugs, clothing, folk art and icons. Also, pick up Greek cooking ingredients you can’t find at your local grocery store.

Field Trips, Church Tours and Raffle

Friday morning, after a church service, the festival will host field trips for students from local schools. There will be a tour of the church and four stations: tasting Greek foods, practicing Greek dances, learning Greek history and browsing Greek vendors’ items. “Usually we have about 100-150 kids,” said co-chair Steve Goodson. “Kids get a hands-on experience of what it’s like to experience another culture — from the faith to the food to how people interact with each other.”

Children’s activities will run all three days of the festival in the large field in front of the food tent. Historically, activities have included collaborations with the Fayetteville Police Department, the Cumberland County Sheriff, the State Patrol, Cumberland County Libraries and the Fayetteville Fire Department.

The church will be open for tours throughout the festival for those who want to learn more in-depth about the tie between faith and culture for the church. Tour times are 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, 2-5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, and at 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday. If you miss a tour, though, the church will be open all day for anyone to come in and explore.

Every year, one extremely lucky attendee wins either $2,000 cash or two round-trip airfares to Athens, Greece. Raffle tickets only cost $5 each or 5 for $20. Guests who purchase raffle tickets are also automatically entered into fun hourly drawings. Greek Fest raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. 

“Philoxenia”

The Greek word “philoxenia” translates literally to “love of strangers” or “friend to the stranger.” It is used in association with Greek hospitality. Goodson said he associates the word with a love for laughing, eating and dancing, too. “That’s probably the best way to explain it — why so many people come,” he said. “Every year, the circle of friends gets bigger and bigger because of the festival,” Papagikos said.

The festival runs 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Sept. 8-9 and noon – 6 p.m. on Sept. 10. If you have trouble finding the Hellenic Center at 614 Oakridge Ave., follow the blue signs that will point the way.

Parking is available in front of the church property and in the educational building parking lot. Street parking is on Woodland Drive and in the surrounding area. Free parking is also available at the St. John’s AME Zion church next door and at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church, with bus transportation to the festival Saturday. Find out more at www.stsch.nc.goarch.org/greek-festival.com.

Health care is expensive, and for many people that makes it unattainable. In 1958, registered nurse Ruth Peters saw this problem and founded Better Health. This nonprofit organization helps improve access to health care services for the underserved and low-income residents of Cumberland County.

To raise money for programs, Better Health hosts fundraisers every year. One of the most popular is a dodgeball tournament: Diabetes … Dodge It! This year, the event organizers expect 34 teams, bringing the participant total to 250 players. The tournament takes place Aug. 26.

“With the funding from this event, Better Health is able to enhance its emergency direct aid program for prescriptions and dental care for the uninsured, diabetes self-management clinics, childhood obesity prevention and medical equipment loans to those in need,” Executive Director of Better Health Amy Navejas said. “The tournament is a great way for everyone to be involved, whether through playing, volunteering, donating or spectating.”

The first Better Health dodgeball tournament took place in 2014. It was wildly successful, and the tournament has grown exponentially since then. “This event has really taken off,” Navejas said. “The first event began in 2014 and grossed $5,684. The 2017 tournament is on schedule to gross more than $17,000. This year, we had to cut off individual team registrations before the early-bird deadline. Not only does it help spread the word about our free services, but it gets people active. You don’t see many dodgeball tournaments, so this event is unique in asking people to think outside the box when it comes to exercise and activity.” She added that the committee behind the first Diabetes … Dodge It! wanted to create a fundraiser that involved physical activity and was different and new for the community.

To make the tournament as smooth and fun as possible, Navejas has some advice. “Sign your waivers in advance,” she said. “Due to the volume of attendees, you can expedite entry by printing your waivers in advance and having them ready to turn in Aug. 26. All attendees — both players and spectators — must have waivers on file to gain entry.

'The other advice is to have fun.  The event is hilarious to watch and all for a good cause. Make sure you stick around to see Judge Lou Olivera’s team face off with Judge Toni King’s Sour Patch Kids. It’s a showdown you don’t want  to miss.”

The dodgeball tournament is not the only big, fun event that Better Health hosts during the year. November marks Diabetes Awareness Month. “We are going to be hosting a free Diabetes Symposium in early November with breakout sessions on a variety of topics related to diabetes,” Navejas said. 

Nov. 12 there will be a Quarter Frenzy benefiting Better Health, hosted at the Ramada Inn. “Nov. 18 is our 5th annual Red Apple Run for Diabetes fundraiser,” Navejas added.  “This run goes through Haymount and features a 10K, 5K and one-miler. We are also marking Diabetes Awareness Month with a new Project Blue November initiative. Last but certainly not least, Better Health will host a fun evening of casino games, beverages, music and good food at our Evening of Prohibition on Feb. 22, 2018, at the Botanical Garden.”

For more information on all of the programs that Better Health offers, visit www.betterhealthcc.org.

Red-light cameras in Fayetteville generate a lot of money but little else. That’s what before-and-after comparative data indicates. American Traffic Solutions is under contract with the city of Fayetteville to enforce red-light cameras at more than 20 busy intersections. Nationally, from 2011-15, an average of 719 people died each year in red-light-running crashes, according to ATS. Fayetteville installed the initial 10 red-light traffic cameras in July 2015. There have been no fatal accidents at regulated intersections in those two years.

The city studied motor vehicle crashes at those red-light enforced intersections the year before the cameras were installed and the year after. Auto accidents were not reduced during those two years. Traffic engineer Lee Jernigan said the cameras caught about 36,000 violators. At $100 each, that comes to $3.6 million if everyone paid their citations, but they didn’t. About two-thirds of the citations are paid, Jernigan said.

“There has been no positive deterrence in traffic collisions at those intersections where a red-light camera exists,” Mayor Nat Robertson said. “If we continue to see no positive movement in that data, we should consider ending our contract with the vendor,” Robertson added. “Ninety-three percent of red-light runners have not been repeat violators, which is certainly one way of measuring success,” Jernigan said.

Cumberland County Schools will lose a lot of money if the program is discontinued. “Red-light camera funding provides approximately $800,000 a year to the district’s budget,” said Associate School Superintendent Clyde Locklear. “The district would be forced to make very difficult budget decisions, which would impact the quality of educational services offered in Cumberland County, if these funds were lost,” he said.

The North Carolina Constitution provides that traffic fines be budgeted in the local school district’s current expense fund.

“Red-light camera funds support maintenance and improvement projects in the district including building, electrical and HVAC projects,” Locklear said. “Eighteen thousand tickets are being issued each year,” Jernigan said. Sixtyfive dollars from each $100 citation goes to Cumberland County Schools. The remaining $35 goes to American Traffic Solutions, which earns about $630,000 annually. Red-light violation citations are civil summonses. The website Redlightrobber.com claims, “You do not have to pay any red-light camera ticket in North Carolina.” State Rep. Paul Stam, R-Wake, is lead counsel for the firm. Redlightrobber.com says the city cannot add insurance points to your driver’s license. It cannot prevent you from renewing your driver’s license. The city cannot prevent you from renewing your car registration and enforce the tickets.

City Council members would likely be more inclined not to discontinue the red-light camera program if the school board would be willing to consider Council’s suggestions for spending the money. “Some members had asked members of the school board to earmark the red-light money for public neighborhood enhancements such as sidewalks, where needed, to keep our school children safe among other things,” Mayor Robertson said. “I had thought we were on the same wavelength.”

It won’t be long before the new Freedom Town Center opens at Skibo and Cliffdale Roads. With it comes an expected increase in traffic congestion.

“We expect up to 50,000 cars per day on Skibo Road and 35,000 vehicles on Cliffdale,” said city traffic engineer Lee Jernigan. “We’ll be keeping a close eye on traffic in case signal lights need adjusting.”  Traffic signal changes have to be done manually because flooding destroyed the city’s traffic signal system located on Alexander Street near downtown during Hurricane Matthew. The state is paying for a $6 million replacement of the system and the control boxes at the city’s 229 signalized intersections, Jernigan said. City government is chipping in $190,000. It will take several months to complete the project.

A new road through the Freedom Town Center, which is being paid for by the developer, is expected to relieve some of the congestion at the Skibo/ Cliffdale intersection.

New Hockey Team Mascot

The Fayetteville Marksmen hockey team and Cross Creek Mall will unveil the new team mascot Aug. 26. “The mascot is our way to engage with the community,” Marksmen CEO and owner Chuck Norris said. “He is going to be actively involved with the community, in the schools and all around Fayetteville,” he added. “The red fox was an easy choice for us,” said team President and owner Jeff Longo. “It’s native to North Carolina... the fox is fierce, but also soft and cuddly.” Fans wishing to attend the event can arrive at Cross Creek Mall beginning at 2 p.m., with the unveiling taking place in the center area next to the food court. After the unveiling and name announcement, fans will have the opportunity to purchase Marksmen merchandise, take photos with the mascot and talk with Marksmen staff until 6 p.m.

Sunday Brunch Bill Passes

Fayetteville City Council voted 8-2 last week to adopt a local ordinance authorizing the sale of alcoholic beverages at 10 a.m. on Sundays. The general assembly gave cities and counties local authorization to change on-premises and carry-out sale of alcoholic beverages on Sundays. Not all members of Council were aware of the extent of the law only minutes before they voted on it. Mayor Pro Tem Mitch Colvin, who voted against the measure, asked the city attorney if the ordinance would also allow stores to sell beer and wine early. Karen McDonald said, “Yes.” Councilman Larry Wright also voted against passage. Two members of Council who said publically they were ethically opposed to the change, Bill Crisp and Bobby Hurst, voted in favor anyway. 

It’s Tax Time Again

The Cumberland County Tax Administration office mailed tax bills to property owners two weeks ago. Taxes are due Sept. 1, but a grace period gives taxpayers until Jan. 5 to pay with no penalties or interest. After that, unpaid tax bills will begin incurring interest. There are several ways property owners can pay their tax bills. Go to www.co.cumberland.nc.us/tax/payments and pay with an electronic check, major credit card or debit card. Convenience fees apply. Taxpayers can also set up online bill pay options with their banks. It is important that taxpayers using this method verify and update their tax bill number on file with their banks. Credit and debit card payments can be made by phone at 1-866-441-6614, but it includes a convenience fee.

Every year, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association inducts new members to the NCHSAA Hall of Fame. This year, a group of eight were chosen, including local sports writer Earl Vaughan Jr. The NCHSAA announced the inductees at a livestreaming news conference at the NCHSAA Headquarters in Chapel Hill Aug. 17.

This year’s class is comprised of: Coach James “Jim” Biggerstaff from Belmont, Coach Allen Brown from Thomasville, Coach Dave Elder from Hickory, Robert “Bob” McRae of Kings Mountain, Coach Donnie Simpson from Elizabeth City, Coach Dave Thomas from Goldsboro, Earl Vaughan Jr. from Fayetteville and Coach Herb Sampsel from Statesville (posthumously).

“We are so excited to recognize these eight individuals who have made a tremendous impact, not only on their students and communities but on the landscape of educationbased athletics in North Carolina,” said NCHSAA Commissioner Que Tucker. “This class represents many different areas of service over a vast number of years, and the members are to be commended for their outstanding careers and involvement in the NCHSAA.” 

With the addition of this year’s class, the total number of inductees is 188. The official induction at the annual NCHSAA Hall of Fame Banquet is scheduled for Saturday, April 14, 2018 at the Embassy Suites in Cary. Vaughan Jr. is a UNCWilmington graduate. He grew up in Fayetteville where he worked for The Fayetteville Observer for 44 years before joining the staff of Up & Coming Weekly. While working at the Observer, Vaughan Jr. was chairman of the NCHSAA’s Athlete of the Year Committee for over 30 years. Other accolades include being named a Distinguished Service Award Winner by the NCHSAA, once in 1995 and again in 2008.

Vaughan Jr. was also the first-ever two-time winner of the NCHSAA’s Tim Stevens Media Representative of the Year Award.

Vaughan Jr. also was inducted as a member of the Fayetteville Sports Club Hall of Fame. Vaughan Jr. will be the fifth person directly involved with media to be inducted into the NCHSAA Hall of Fame. Previous media inductees are Tom Northington of the Greensboro News and Record, Tim Stevens of the Raleigh News and Observer, Tom Suiter of WRAL-TV and Mary Garber of the Winston-Salem Journal.

Vaughan Jr. will be the first media person and the seventh person overall from Fayetteville and Cumberland County inducted into the NCHSAA Hall of Fame. Others were Cape Fear coach Doris Howard, Douglas Byrd and Seventy-First coach Bob Paroli, Fayetteville High coach R.E. “Buddy” Luper, E.E. Smith coach and Cumberland County administrator Bill Carver, former Cumberland County Schools superintendent Bill Harrison, Terry Sanford coach Gil Bowman and Harnett County coach Al Black, who lived in Spring Lake.

PHOTO: Earl Vaughan Jr. (front, left) will be inducted into the NCHSAA Hall of Fame April 14, 2018.

Problematic Internet Use exhibits symptoms and adverse effects similar to substance abuse disorders. It becomes an addiction when excessive internet use deeply impairs the user’s life functioning, i.e., resulting in truancy, work absences, isolation from real-world socializing, and impaired interpersonal and familial relationships.

In the October 2009 issue of “Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine,” researchers reported that although depression, ADHD, social phobia and hostility were found to predict the occurrence of internet addiction, depression and social phobia predicted internet addiction among only female adolescents. Additionally, the most significant predictors of internet addiction in male and female adolescents were hostility and ADHD, respectively.

The article further explained that addiction to the internet can negatively impact school performance, family relationships and adolescents’ emotional state. A plethora of research shows excessive use of internet and playing online games causes the release of dopamine neurotransmitters exacerbating the symptoms  of ADHD.

New York psychotherapist Nancy Colier observes in her enlightening new book, “The Power of Off,” that “we are spending far too much of our time doing things that don’t matter to us.” Collier urges her readers to start practicing mindfulness by simply noticing the impulse to get on technology and then pausing in the desire to use the technology. She suggests learning to tolerate your feelings of craving, staying conscious and still, allowing it without reacting and without giving in to what your mind is telling you to do to satisfy the craving.

Colier’s approach is akin to a modern psychotherapy mechanism known as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, which originated from Buddhist spiritual practices. In his transcendent state, Buddha  recognized that craving and clinging were temporary states that endlessly entail suffering. He taught his followers to attain true peace of mind, happiness and contentment by living a healthy lifestyle of moderation and balance. He taught this could only be achieved by taking the Middle Path or Middle Way; that is, avoiding two extremes — indulgence and self-deprivation — that lead to endless suffering. In addition to her 30-day digital detox guide, Colier outlines three small steps you can take now to curb your digital dependence.

1. Identify how much digital use  is necessary.

2. Make little changes. Add one thing a day that’s done without  the phone.

3. Devote more time and attention to things that nourish you.

Take the Middle Path to liberation, peace, power and confidence; to empower yourself to trust yourself, to control your behavior, and thus ultimately to take care of yourself and your relationships.

My sense of rejection was deepening. Another sculptor now had examined me (I’m just an old chunk of marble), and after he saw the telltale flaw, he walked on. It doesn’t take a good sculptor long to spot the big flaw in my body and find me therefore useless. They all go and pick another piece of stone that will become a beautiful statue somewhere.

But not me. I’ll never be of any real value. At first, I used to hope I could be a nice statue in some wealthy home. And then, one by one, as all the sculptors spotted this flaw in me, I resigned myself to being only adequate for a few figurines. Lately, I’ve begun to wonder if I’m fit for even that. Oh God, how I hate my flaw. But, I am what I am.

But then one day, this sculptor came to the marble quarry to look for a stone. I wanted him to be so new or so inexperienced that he might miss my flaw and choose me. Alas, I could tell as he carefully inspected each piece of marble that he knew exactly what to look for. He was good. Us rejects develop experienced eyes. I whispered to the small stone next to me, “Who is he? I haven’t seen him before.”

“Some guy named Michelangelo,” he answered.

When he stopped in front of me, I figured he’d glance and walk on by. But he stopped and began to walk around me and measure. He stared at my flaw until I was embarrassed. I almost felt like — like I was naked. He looked so long I was ashamed. I wanted to shout, “I can’t help it, — I was born this way!”

Finally, he left. I was both relieved and hurt. Relieved to no longer feel the pressure, hope, competition with the other stones — and hurt to be once again rejected.

In a little while, the horse and cart came by — I assumed to pick up that gorgeous new chunk down the way. But it stopped in front of me, and I was so carefully lifted into the cart. I was ecstatic. Somewhere, somehow, someone had found a use for an old flawed piece  of marble.

Michelangelo took me home and began to chip away, cut and sand until finally he was finished. He named me David.

That’s the story behind the most famous statue in all the world. A piece of marble was oft rejected by other sculptors because of a flaw in the stone. But a skilled artisan can make a beautiful work of art from even a flawed piece of stone. The key is not the flaw in the stone but the skill in the sculptor.

Our heavenly Father is an infinitely skilled craftsman. He looks at you and me and sees it all. In fact, we are naked before him. Every flaw exposed. And yet if we but yield ourselves to the workman’s chisel, he can produce in each one of us a masterful piece of art of incredible beauty.

God yearns to take that flawed piece of stone called you and transform it into a statue of impressive strength, beauty and grace. Those around you will be awed, even speechless, at the transformation. All he asks is that we yield to the chisel of his word... with you in the hands of the sculptor.

PHOTO: Michelangelo's "David"

Cumberland County is an amazing place to live, work and raise our families. This community embraced my father when he was first stationed here as a young soldier from Massachusetts. My mother, a proud Greek immigrant who came to this community at age 12, not being able to speak a word of English and graduated from Highsmith Nursing School in less than 10 years. A short time later, a Roman Catholic soldier from New England married a Greek Orthodox registered nurse who had just immigrated to the U.S. a decade before.

Together, even with their differences in culture, religious differences and their family expectations, they raised three children and made it work despite all of apprehension from both their families. They were stronger together because of their differences than they were as individuals. Their core strength was that they respected each other, had similar values and were very involved raising our family. This happened through conversation and compromise. Both had a strong commitment and record of service to their community, their church and their family.

I tell you this story because it is important. During this time of civil unrest, intolerance and instability, there seems to be a void of any respectful conversation and compromise. Since 1980, when I first registered to vote, I chose to be a Democrat. I have always been fiscally conservative, but more open-minded in supporting social issues. I remember early in my career a seasoned member of the local Democratic Party cautioned me, “If you do not vote for this, you are not a true Democrat.” It was an epiphany moment for as I thought, who gets to define a true Democrat?

I have struggled with our two-party system for many years. Like most Americans, I do not identify completely with either party. I agree with some things on both sides and am opposed to others. I do not identify myself by any other measure than being a good father, a trusted friend, respectful person, an ethical business person and a devoted citizen of this city, county, state and country.

Recently, I believe that many decisions by elected officials throughout government have been swayed by bias and self-serving members of their respective parties. The results of this legislation is not always in the best interest of the people we have sworn to defend by oath. For those that know me, they understand that I am a creative problem solver, who does his research and works toward solutions. I am always willing to compromise on issues, but never willing to compromise my values as an elected official or person.

After, 38 years of years in local politics, I have recently changed my party affiliation to the Republican Party. The only thing that is different is my party.

I will still fight of every citizen whom may have been treated unjustly. I will continue to fight to maintain a fiscal responsible government that provides quality services to their citizens. I will always an advocate for the Health, Education and Welfare of each and every citizen of Cumberland County. Because in the end, this is what I have done, will continue to do and what every each of us should do.

PHOTO: Cumberland County Commissioner Jimmy Keefe

What an honor it is to serve as the mayor of such a great and caring City. Fayetteville is truly one of greatest mid-sized cities in the Southeast. Our residents and our diverse culture make Fayetteville like no other city in the United States. We really are a city of History, Heroes and a Hometown Feeling.

I have been working hard to ensure our city operates as a reflection of your expectations. Creating or managing policy in conjunction with our strategic goals and within our scope is imperative to represent your expectations. Public Forums and Café Conversations insure full transparency in communications between our taxpayers and your City Council. 

I believe in leading through a committee process and have established several council committees for input and guidance to the council to better inform the group throughout the decision making process. The success of this type of leadership is evidenced by our outcomes. I believe that through simpler, more user-friendly policies, we can continue to build the economy and improve the quality of life for all of our residents. 

Since being sworn-in as mayor in December 2013 as Fayetteville’s 35th mayor, Fayetteville has become the envy of many Southern cities. In less than four years, our city has accomplished more than any other administration in recent history. The following are some of the highlights:

• Reduced our property crime by 24 percent .

• Set the environment for the addition of thousands of jobs in/around Fayetteville

• Residents approved a $35 million Parks Bond package for the first time ever

• Recognized by the White House for eradicating veteran homelessness

• Reestablishment of the Fayetteville/Cumberland Youth Council

• Signed with the Houston Astors to bring Minor League Baseball back to Fayetteville

• Co-Chaired the Opioid Addiction Task Force with VA Director Goolsby

• Established with the Chamber the Mayor’s Small Business Award

• Changed the zoning along the Cape Fear River to protect our natural resources

I will always remember that I was elected as a public servant, and more specifically to do a job. A job to improve our city and be a steward of the tax money we receive. Understanding this, my focus has been on policy and not politics or social programs. I pledged to you to do the right things, for the  right reasons.

I will continue to improve our business culture, enhance the quality of life for all of our residents and focus on keeping our City and residents safe. I know the initiatives we have supported and the projects we have worked on will continue to improve our city and make Fayetteville more competitive. We are becoming more attractive to outsiders who may want to invest in our community with jobs and businesses in the future. 

It is with great honor and humility that I again ask for your support to continue serving as Fayetteville’s mayor. We, as a community have come so far in the last four years. I know the next two will be even greater. Thank you for the opportunity to serve the community that Kim and I love so much! You have my commitment to continue on a path that will have a positive impact on our children and grandchildren for decades to come.

PHOTO: Mayor Nat Robertson

Time and time again in these columns, I lament that America is off-course. That is, we seem to be in decline as a nation. It is reflected in our strained relationships with so many other nations, but also in our inability, at the federal level, to do the routine business of governing. At that level, consider all the issues: lacking strong national security; unsuccessfully confronting threats, such as those from Russia, North Korea and Iran; faltering in building an economy that provides adequate jobs for most citizens; politically-based anger, racial and socioeconomic tensions that are downright scary; debilitating crime rates; fiscal mismanagement.

Even as the Trump administration appears poised to make progress on each of these and other similarly troubling issues, the focus of far too many people and organizations is totally on making his a presidency that fails.

Why are we in this condition as a nation? I think the answer is that there are many contributing factors. One is that we have a multitude of politicians who know far less than they think they know about doing what is right for this country. This is especially true of Congress. On the other hand, maybe the situation with some is that they are more concerned with gaining power and wealth than they are with doing what is good and right for the country.

Watching the House and Senate go about their business reminds me of three golfers I saw a few days ago. My 87-year-old golfing buddy and I were walking and playing our usual nine holes of golf. Out of nowhere, these three golfers drove past us. We told them we would wait and let them play the hole we were on. They said they preferred to skip that hole and go to the next. I understood that to mean that these were men who knew the game and would be out-of-sight quickly. No, they held us up hole after hole. The point is that they thought they had a good game, but their actions showed that was not the case. So it is with most members of Congress. They think they know how to do what is needed for the good of America; however, their actions say they are like those golfers.

Even further, we have come to a point where many politicians, and far too many Americans, think that our form of government is a democracy. This misconception leads people to believe that elected officials are supposed to automatically do what the majority of Americans want done in governing. We are a representative republic, not a democracy. Consider the following from www.diffen.com/difference/DemocracyvsRepublic:

Democracy. Rule by the omnipotent majority. In a democracy, an individual, and any group of individuals composing any minority, have no protection against the unlimited power of the majority. It is a case of Majority-over-Man. …the majority can impose its will on the minority. All eligible citizens get equal say in decisions.

Republic. A republic is similar to a representative democracy except it has a written constitution of basic rights that protect the minority from being completely unrepresented or overridden by the majority. …the majority cannot take away certain inalienable rights. All eligible citizens get equal say in decisions with the protection of unalienable rights to individuals.

Given this misunderstanding regarding the American form of government, many citizens, including politicians, act as though we are a democracy. This misunderstanding has resulted in a political atmosphere where decisions are driven by poll results, who has the loudest megaphone and who can bring enough factions together for an election win.

In this atmosphere, the Constitution is shredded, and unalienable rights are trampled. We then operate as a democracy. That’s where we are. Those who would unfairly take from the wealthy, neglect working people and appeal to those they have channeled into victimhood portray America as a democracy. Doing so allows them to abuse a minority (not racial). That abuse produced President Donald Trump, because the abused minority rose up. With his ascension came a dangerous divide, driven by his opponents in both political parties, that is contributing to our nation being off-course.

Then there is the media contribution to being off-course. In my estimation, what most media has become in this country is simply disgusting. I try hard not to use such strong words in my writing or speaking. In this case, I see “disgusting” as appropriate. I am comfortable adding repugnant, revolting and sickening. I find it unbelievable that most media organizations and individual so-called journalists are fixated on ensuring the failure of Donald Trump as president.

Consider just some of what his administration has accomplished: the lowest unemployment rate in 16 years; a record-breaking stock market; very impressive consumer confidence; a 70 percent decrease in illegal border-crossings as measured by apprehensions; roll-back of numerous regulations that adversely affected business growth; getting a United Nations vote for sanctions against North Korea; real progress toward defeating ISIS; the missile attack on a Syrian air base; and signing the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017, which makes it easier to fire VA employees.

In spite of all these positives, with very few exceptions, the media focus is on looking for collusion between the Trump team and Russia during the 2016 presidential campaign. The normal process is that a crime is committed and there is an investigation to bring guilty parties to justice. This is a case of an investigation looking for a crime. Months have passed without success, but the media keeps that issue front-and-center while hardly addressing  the positives.

This search for and focus on negatives, even if only in the tone of a report, is obvious. Byron York wrote the following in an article titled “Harvard Study: CNN, NBC Trump coverage 93 percent negative:” “… the coverage of some news organizations was so negative, according to the Harvard study, that it seems hard to argue that the coverage was anywhere near a neutral presentation of facts. Assessing the tone of news coverage, the Harvard researchers found that CNN’s Trump coverage was 93 percent negative, and seven percent positive. The researchers found the same numbers for NBC.”

Others were slightly less negative. The Harvard team found that CBS coverage was 91 percent negative and 9 percent positive. The New York Times coverage was 87 percent negative and 13 percent positive.

Maybe the most impactful of all the reasons for our being off-track is that far too many Americans decide issues based on sound bites and headlines. The negative impact is compounded because media, politicians and advocates for various issues/ causes use this condition to their advantage. A case-in-point is what happened with The Obamacare Repeal Reconciliation Act (ORRA) of 2017. A CBS News article titled “CBO: Latest health bill would leave 32M more uninsured in 2026” said the legislation “…would eliminate Obamacare’s individual and employer mandates and repeal the law’s Medicaid expansion at the end of 2019. It would also repeal Obamacare-related taxes over the next few years.”

That 32M figure has been endlessly repeated. With very few exceptions, the whole story is not told. Two statements from the CBO report are relevant to my point. First, “In 2018, by CBO and JCT’s estimates, about 17 million more people would be uninsured under this legislation than under current law.” Second, “Although most of those reductions in coverage would stem from repealing the penalty associated with the individual mandate, CBO and JCT also expect that insurers in some areas would leave the nongroup market in 2018.” Taken together, these statements say that many of the uninsured would be so because having health insurance would no longer be mandated. Instead of addressing a fact such as this, Obamacare advocates scream, “32 million will be uninsured.” Addicting the public to sound bites and headlines … a tactic that works, but helps keep us off-course.

Please, my fellow Americans, give thought to these, and other, conditions/tactics that are keeping our beloved nation off-course from greatness.

We are all heading in the same direction, and we likely share fantasies of writing our own obituaries and attending our own funerals. I have heard of people who did, in fact, write their obituaries before the fact, hoping those they left behind would choose to publish it instead of their assessments of the dearly departed. Attending one’s own funeral is obviously more problematic.

However they come to be, we Southerners have left behind some doozy obits, real laugh-out-loud creations that make us wish we had known the deceased ourselves — or maybe not. And while Southerners are champs at obituary writing, there are some outliers from elsewhere. Here are excerpts from several of my favorites.

William “Freddie” McCullough left us four years ago next month. His obit in the Savannah Morning News opened with these words. “The man. The myth. The legend. Men wanted to be him. Women
wanted to be with him.... Freddie loved deep-fried Southern food smothered in cane syrup … Little Debbie cakes, ‘Two and a Half Men’ and Jim Beam. Not necessarily in that order. He hated vegetables and hypocrites. … Freddie was killed when he rushed into a burning orphanage to save a group of adorable kids. Or maybe not. We all know he liked to tell stories.” Freddie’s obituary was accompanied by a photograph of him in a white cowboy hat and a shirt unbuttoned almost to his waist and 72 more photos available online.

According to her obituary in the Memphis Commercial Appeal, Ida Mae Russell Sills was born to unmarried parents. “In the 1930s, it was unthinkable for a child to be born to a single mother. … Her parents contracted (sic) Georgia Tann at the Tennessee Children’s Home. Georgia, now famous for selling babies, found a couple who was willing to purchase the child.” Ida’s first marriage “was a three-ring circus, engagement ring, wedding ring and suffering.” She married again. “Albert wanted a son, Ida wanted a dog.”

Albert prevailed, and Lee was born, followed by Denise. “As a professional armchair consultant to the NBA, Ida was nick named Hoop Mama Two. Ball handling and dribbling was (sic) Ida Mae (sic) biggest weakness.” Among her survivors is a grandson, Josh. “Ida regrets not being here to influence his future children, but she will be watching.”

Antonia W. “Toni” Larroux died in Missouri, and for reasons I do not know, her obituary appeared in The New York Times.

As a child, Toni contracted polio, “contributing to her unusually petite ankles and the nickname ‘polio legs’ given to her by her ex-husband.... It should not be difficult to imagine the multiple reasons for their divorce 35+ years ago. Two children resulted from that marriage.... Due to multiple, anonymous Mother’s Day cards, which arrived each May, the children suspect there were other siblings but that has never been verified.” Toni’s family requested, “Any gifts in her honor should be made to the Hancock County Library Foundation (to the overdue book fund). Toni’s obituary was accompanied by 28 online photographs.

A non-Southern obituary for Bill Eves from Kingston, Ontario, holds its own with almost any Southern obit I have ever read. It begins, “On Saturday … Molson’s stock price fell sharply on the news of Bill Eves’s passing.” My mother would have my hide for this, but it continues about the former school principal. “Perhaps most important to Bill was educating people on the dangers of holding your farts. Sadly, he was unable to attain his lifelong goal of catching his beloved wife Judy ‘cutting the cheese’ or ‘playing the bum trumpet’ — which he likened to a mythical rarity like spotting Bigfoot or a unicorn.” As per his wishes, a “Praise Bill Party” was held to celebrate his life.

And perhaps my all-time favorite was Harry Stamps’s obituary, which was written by his loving daughters and appeared in the Gulfport, Mississippi, Sun Herald. They described their father as “a ladies’ man, foodie, natty dresser and accomplished traveler. Harry was locally sourcing his food years before chefs in California starting using cilantro and arugula (both of which he hated).... He had a lifelong love affair with deviled eggs, Lane cakes, boiled peanuts, Vienna (Vi-e-na) sausages on saltines, … and buttermilk served in martini glasses garnished with cornbread.” Harry was a member of a bacon of the month club, and “… his signature look every day was this: a plain pocketed T-shirt designed by the fashion house Fruit of the Loom, his black-label elastic waist shorts worn above the navel and sold exclusively at Sam’s …”

Harry’s family asked “in honor of Harry that you write your congressman and ask for the repeal of Day Light Saving Time. Harry wanted everyone to get back on the Lord’s Time.”

Given all this, I may begin work on my obituary today. I am a tad nervous about what the Precious Jewels might say on their own.

PHOTO: A non-Southern obituary for Bill Eves (above) from Kingston, Ontario, holds its own with almost any Southern obit.

PHOTO CREDIT: www.Yourlifemoments.ca

What is happening to our nation? At all levels — national, state and even here in Fayetteville and Cumberland County — the undercurrents of discontent, anger, hate and mistrust are permeating everything we do. It’s hard to comprehend and even harder to articulate.

So first, I say to the cynics: If our nation is so broken, so unjust, so misdirected and unfair, how did we become the greatest nation on earth? How is it that we now enjoy, yet take for granted, all the virtues and benefits of living in a free, civilized and industrialized nation, yet we have factions within our population that refuse to recognize or appreciate how we got here?

We have a history of more than two centuries of strife, hard work, sacrifice, bloody wars, incredible innovation and amazing ingenuity, and here we are … uniquely America. The United States of America! I love the sound of those five words. America is the most envied country in the world, yet we are a nation that is quickly becoming cynical and unappreciated.

Perhaps too many of our citizens think we have reached the pinnacle of our civilization, leaving them nothing left to achieve, learn or accomplish. If this is the case, the only recourse they have to justify their existence is to find fault with our existing government, laws, institutions and way of life, leaving them no alternative but to engage themselves in dismantling it while, ironically, hoping to discover something better. Well, here’s a news flash for these discontents: We are a nation of self-made men and women. If you contribute nothing, in the end, you will gain nothing. Why? Because there will be nothing left. No values, history or traditions. 

Yes, people are upset and on-edge over the thoughts and actions of removing monuments and statues that depict American history that certain groups interpret as offensive. Really? So, at what point does this madness stop? Already, many age-old monuments have fallen victim to this craziness. Monuments that had nothing to do with this subjective historic controversy have been vandalized and damaged. This is craziness! What are these people thinking and when and where will it end? What’s next? Will we be forced to ban the term “Southern fried chicken” because some radical group has declared it an offensive racial term? Or, perhaps someone will insist on removing all images of Colonel Sanders because his Kentucky heritage makes him a hurtful symbol of southern hostility  and racism.

Fayetteville and Cumberland County need to pay attention to these sensitive and potentially explosive national phenomena. Case in point: We are not Durham; Greenville, South Carolina; or Ferguson, Missouri. We are Fayetteville, and such comparisons need to stop immediately. We need to focus on looking out for what is best for our citizens and community. And it is not comparing ourselves to other cities and communities that have few commonalities.

This is a critical time for us. The local elections in 2017 and 2018 will predict the true future of the Fayetteville/Cumberland County community. Why? Because by the 2018 elections, we will be “all in.” That’s a poker term meaning we have put up everything we have in hopes of a positive outcome. We will be right in the middle of our $80 – $100 million worth of city/county infrastructure investments — the point of no return. This infrastructure has the potential of generating another $65 million in local economic development in downtown Fayetteville.

So, what is the master plan for managing such an aggressive and muchneeded undertaking? This community will need to elect city and county leaders who are qualified to take on such a vitally important venture. These leaders need to be the best of the best. They need to be dedicated, business-savvy and intelligent — with excellent communication skills. They need to be personable and, most of all, have a positive strategic vision for the future of the Fayetteville/Cumberland County community and a plan on how to obtain it. They must have a clear understanding that very little will be accomplished, few goals and objectives will be met and our quality of life will continue to lag behind other communities as long as divisive egos and arrogance remain paramount between the city of Fayetteville and the county of Cumberland. Forget about attracting industry with lucrative incentives. Once the potential client senses this level of animosity, they’re gone.

They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting a different result. If we examine our past, it will help us define our future. If we ignore our history, we will undoubtedly pay the consequences. We are a great nation, and we have the potential for being a great community. However, we need our leaders to do the right things for the right reasons. That means electing leaders willing to do the right things for the citizens of the community and not what is selfishly and politically advantageous to them. Otherwise, we will continue to pay the consequences and forever be asking ourselves why we can’t be like Durham or Greenville, South Carolina. 

Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

2016 record: 7-5    |    Coach: Rodney Brewington

Top returners: Donovan Brewington, 5-10, 165, Sr., QB; Michael Edwards, 6-7, 250, Sr., OL; Jaylan Spellman, 6-3, 260, Sr., OL; Johnathan Gilmore, 6-4, 260, Sr., TE; Nyneem Williams, 6-2, 260, Sr., OL/DL; Joel Evans, 6-0, 330, So., OL/DL; Jaquan Span, 5-9, 165, Sr., Ath.; Jarieal Douglass, 5-10, 180, Jr., RB/LB; Steven Butler, 5-11, 195, Sr., FB/LB; Matthew Pemberton, 5-8, 175, So., WR/FS.

Top newcomers: Emery Simmons, 6-2, 180, Jr., ATH.

Team strengths: Senior leadership. Veteran quarterback. Team chemistry.

Team concerns: Depth at running back.

Coach’s comment: This year’s team is not as big and deep as in years past. Team speed and leadership will be the catalyst for a good season.

PHOTO: Jaquan Span

2016 record: 8-4    |    Coach: Craig Raye

Top returners: Damani Bowden, 6-1, 210, Sr., DE; Tim Houston, 6-3, 270, Sr., OL/ DL; Shakim Middleton, 6-2, 185, Sr., DL; Tyron George, 6-0, 175, Jr., WR; Te’Andre Walton, 5-11, 180, Jr, RB/LB; Darrolyn Shoulars, 5-11, 180, Sr., DB; Steven King, 6-1, 220, Sr., OL; Camari Williams, 6-1, 180, Jr., WR; Damarion Ford, 5-7, 170, Jr., RB; Jonathan Wright, 6-0, 175, Jr., WR.

Top newcomers: Travon Hart, 5-11, 210, Jr., LB; Xavier Marsh, 6-1, 170, Jr., WR; Da’niel King, 5-10, 175, Jr., RB; Keyshown Lindsey, 5-9, 175, So., RB/LB; Nahala Moore, 6-0, 180, Jr, OL; Jon Reid, 5-11, 212, So., DL; Pernell Shoulars, 6-3, 320, Jr., OL; Quevonte Hall-Bonaparte, 6-1, 230, OL.

Team strengths: Westover returns seven offensive starters and five defensive starters.

Team concerns: Kicking game.

Coach’s comment: We’re hoping we can find some senior leadership. We’re a real young team. We have about seven or eight returning seniors. We’re hoping those guys can step up and help us. They should be able to build on what they did last year. We’ve got a good nucleus returning. We’re looking forward to a good season.

PHOTO: Tyron George

2016 record: 9-3    |    Coach: Duran McLaurin 

Top returners: Reggie Bryant, 6-0, 170, Sr., WR; Kyler Davis, 6-1, 190, Jr., QB; Thomas Washington, 6-2, 265, Jr., DL; Jamarques Carr, 6-3, 190, Sr., DL; Greg Walker, 6-2, 280, Sr., OL; Aristolis Bennett, 6-2, 185, Sr., LB; Reuben Willis, 6-3, 260, Sr., OL; Benjamin Willis, 6-2, 250, Jr., OL; Bryson Hamilton, 6-2, 190, Sr., S; Jaylin Razor, 5-10, 250, Sr., FB.

Top newcomers: Cameron Townsend, 5-7, 150, Jr, WR; Kyle House, 6-2, 180, Jr., WR; Russel Hewett, -10, 250, So., DL; Devante Wedlock, 5-8, 220, Jr., LB; Nasir Merritt, 5-8, 165, Sr., DB.

Team strengths: The team will be experienced on the offensive and defensive line, returning many of the more productive components from last season. The team will also be returning the top receiver from last year who has been with the starting quarterback for the past three seasons. The team will also be returning some experience at the linebacker position from players who played a lot of meaningful snaps last season.

Team concerns: Inexperience in the secondary. Replacing two linebackers. Filling the quarterback spot as veteran Julian Hill recovers from a  knee injury.

Coach’s comment: The key to our success will be relying on talent in our returning offensive players and the quick maturity of our secondary (players).

PHOTO: Reggie Bryant

2016 record: 3-8    |    Coach: Deron Donald

Top returners: Xeaiver Bullock, 6-0, 175, Sr., QB; Rahsaan Young, 5-8, 165, Sr., RB/WR; Kyle Fennel, 6-1, 245, Sr., OL/DL; Khari Carrington, 6-0, 250, Sr., OL/DL; Ethan Bolger, 6-1, 270, Sr., OL; Ethan Bolger, 6-1, 270, Sr., OL; Jerry Davis, 5-11, 190, Sr., LB; Clifford Adamson, 5-9, 170, Sr., DB; Reginald Loyd, 5-8, 175, Sr., DB; Byron McNeil, 5-11, 185, Sr., DL/OLB; Tre’Marquis Patterson, 5-10, 175, Sr., OLB. 

Top newcomers: Andrew Whitaker, 6-1, 175, Jr., OLB; Vashawn Williams, 6-0, 180, Jr., OLB; Eric Burke, 6-0, 170, Jr., DB.

Team strengths: We have a lot of returners from last year’s team, which should provide experience. There’s only one thing that beats experience and that’s maturing with experience. 

Team concerns: Lack of depth.

Coach’s comment: We finished the season 3-8, and many of the games were close, but we could not finish. Our emphasis as a program has been to get stronger and learn how to finish.

PHOTO: Kyle Fennel

Judging by the number of motorcycles on the road, everyone is in full travel mode. I am in the middle of getting my bike, personal affairs and myself ready for a two-week ride out west. I wanted to pass along some of the things I do to get ready for a longer journey like this.

My first consideration is how long I am going to be away and how many miles I intend to ride. As of now, I am looking at a 5,000-mile trip. For this, I have to plan out my resources. I believe I need a budget of $250 a day for hotels, gas, food and a few things I may pick up along the way. I need to get cash, not a debit or credit card, for those possible situations that require you to buy your way out of trouble.

I do take two credit cards and keep them in separate wallets. One has just enough money to kick around town. That way if I lose my wallet or get robbed, I can still continue with my trip. I also keep some money in the bike in a waterproof bag just in case everything goes wrong.

You may need to contact your credit card company if you are bouncing around the country or especially if you’re crossing the border. They may think someone stole your credit card and not approve your purchases.

On to the bike. I know people who just jump on their bike and go and everything turns out great. I also know people who do that and never make it out of town. Getting ready for a trip this long requires my bike to be in tip-top shape. If all goes well, we will hit some roads with altitudes of 14,000 feet that will include some cold and some high- heat areas along the way. This will add stress to my bike, my body and my gear. My bike will need fresh tires and an oil change before I go. I also clean the bike by hand and make sure I touch and tighten any bolt or screw that may have worked its way loose.

A good checklist is like gold. It will save you time and money in the long run. It will also help you focus on the right things to take and should help prevent you from over packing.

My list is always being improved. I have an “oh crap” bag that holds odds and ends — not obvious necessities, but things I’ve needed over the years. In this bag, I have various zip-ties, fence wire, a hose in the event I have to siphon gas, an old prescription bottle with extra bolts, screws and fuses. I have duct and electrical tape wrapped around the bottle. I also have about a foot of electrical wire in the event a wire gets cut. I had a small set of jumper cables, but those are being replaced with a power pack that can jump a car and has a USB charger in the event my phone dies. This bag has saved me many times and has been handy in helping out a fellow motorcyclist who was stuck on the side of the road.

For a long trip, I also carry a spare set of old glasses. You never know when you will suddenly be rendered blind because you accidently stepped on your good glasses. My bike now requires an FOB. So I have an extra FOB in the event I lose my primary. This is a real show-stopper and is expensive. If you have a key bike, you still should carry a spare somewhere.

Carrying a garbage bag is a nice touch. Everyone who rides knows you will get wet sooner or later. When you stow away your rain gear, put it in the garbage bag. This is a simple way to keep your other gear or clothes dry and mildew-free. Remember to let your wet gear dry when you stop. It is hot this time of the year. Stay hydrated, take breaks often, stay alert and stay alive.

If there is a topic that you would like to discuss, you can contact me at  motorcycle4fun@aol.com. RIDE SAFE!

The Umoja Group, Inc. presents its 2017 Umoja Festival Saturday, Aug. 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Seabrook Park and Recreation Center. The festivities will begin with a health-focused morning.   

“This year we are really concerned about the health of our citizens in Broadell Homes (and the) community, and we are trying to get more men involved in taking care of their health,” said Dorothy Fielder, co-founder of the Umoja Group, Inc. “Men seem to need more encouragement to make changes that would benefit their health and well-being.... Our theme this year is ‘heritage, culture, family, community and well-being,’ and every year we seem to save the life of someone in the neighborhood that has never been screened.” Fielder added that almost every year there is a patient, homeless person or uninsured person who has never seen a doctor and has high blood pressure. Arrangements are made to immediately take the person to the hospital for treatment.

“We are going to start off with a tennis class at Fayetteville State around 8:30 a.m.,” Fielder said. “The community health fair will begin at 10 a.m.”

The health fair will last from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and prioritizes prevention and early detection screenings. Darvin Jones, a leader in Cape Fear Valley Health System’s “Take Charge of Your Health” initiative, will be in charge. “He has all kinds of screenings and testing that he brings, along with 25 social and health agencies to share their information with the people in the community,” Fielder said. She added that this is the largest health clinic and screening brought to any neighborhood and that Umoja Group, Inc. appreciates Cape Fear Valley Health for giving the group this opportunity. This is the seventh year the Umoja Festival has featured a health fair.

This year, Fielder reached out to local churches for support. Many offered the use of church vans to transport people to appointments at the health fair clinic. “Individuals will set up appointments to
meet with the doctor so the van can pick them up and take them to the appointment,” Fielder said. “The festival is so well-attended that sometimes it is difficult to get a parking space, so this is a way to relieve it.”     

After the health fair there will be entertainment and educational activities from 12 to 7 p.m. Activities include storytellers from the North Carolina Association of Black Storytellers; children’s art projects and children’s books; games; small giveaways; Tony McMillan’s Old School Band; Tokay Rockers; dancers; drummers; children’s performances; jewelry and food vendors; Stewardship Classical Car Club; Chrome Knights Motorcycle Group; E. E. Smith and FSU bands; E. E. Smith’s Smith 16; and a few politicians who will speak to the community.

“The NAACP will be there to sign up voters,” Fielder said.  “There will be ethnic food vendors and the famous collard green sandwich that every-body likes.”

The event is free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated.  For more information, call (910) 485-8035 or email umojagroupfay@gmail.com.

Each year, more than 600 communities nationwide participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s to help fund the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission to advance Alzheimer’s care, support and research across the world. On Sept. 9, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Fayetteville, NC, takes place at J.P. Riddle Stadium (home of the SwampDogs).

“Registration is from 9-10 a.m.,” Alzheimer’s Association Special Events Manager Jennifer Briand said. “Several things will be going on during that time: our sponsors will have tables set up for walkers to visit; we will have a clown; a magician; a bounce house; princesses and super heroes; and a local radio station broadcasting from the event.”

The Promise Garden Ceremony begins at 10 a.m., followed by the walk around the stadium. The walk is about a mile long. “It is not a race,” said Fayetteville Walk to End Alzheimer’s Planning Committee Chairperson and Regional Sponsor Julie Russo. “It is about coming together. We want everyone to be able to participate, so we keep it short. In the past, we have had people with Alzheimer’s walk with us and  caregivers and people in wheelchairs.” Russo added that it is free to participate and everyone is welcome.

The Promise Garden Ceremony preceeding the walk is a vital, heartfelt part of the morning. It brings together all the participants who commit to fulfilling their promise to remember, to honor, to care — and to fight Alzheimer’s disease. Using colored flowers, the ceremony also symbolizes and honors the four ways people are touched by the disease and the many reasons people come together to participate in the event. Blue flowers represent someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Purple flowers are for someone who has lost a loved one to Alzheimer’s. Yellow represents someone who is currently caring for or supporting someone with Alzheimer’s. Orange is for everyone who supports the cause and vision of a world without Alzheimer’s.

Virtual walkers are invited to participate as well. “You will still be given your own participant center to spread awareness and ask for donations; however, in the registration process you are letting people know you will not physically be there,” Briand said.

She added that she loves the way this event brings families and companies together in the fight against Alzheimer’s. “It gives people the opportunity to make a difference and support each other through this devastating disease,” she said. “It lets people know they aren’t alone.”

So often, people suffer in silence and face unnecessary isolation during an already stressful time. It doesn’t have to be that way. While there is nothing like the camaraderie of an annual gathering to share an experience or fight for a cause, the Alzheimer’s Association supports caregivers, families and patients all year long.

“I wish people were aware of the plethora of resources the association provides to help people,” Braind said. For example, there is a 24/7 help line dedicated to answering simple questions about support groups and resources in communities across the United States. There are also licensed care consultants with master’s-level training able to provide care plans for families. The Alzheimer’s Association’s website, www.alz.org, provides a community resource finder, blogs, clinical trials and more. “In addition, I wish people knew that Alzheimer’s disease does not only affect older individuals, but symptoms may start in your 30s, 40s and 50s, and entire families are impacted,” Briand said.

Briand noted that the association helps caregivers by providing free resources such as communication strategies and information on behaviors associated with Alzheimer’s. The association provides the 24/7 help line. The consultants at the help line also provide specifics to the local chapters for follow-up and face-to-face meetings. “We train volunteers to become support group facilitators and host support groups once a month across Eastern North Carolina,” she said. “Finally, we are partnering with Transitions Guiding Lights on the Caregivers Summit in Chapel Hill on Aug. 22.”

Another way people can help is to support the Alzheimer’s Association by spreading awareness. Engage on social media during June, which is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Sign up for Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, which is the association’s 501c-4 dedicated to advocacy. Ask your employer to host a lunch and learn to educate co-workers on the basics of Alzheimer’s disease.

Visit act.alz.org or call (919) 803-8285, ext. 8344 to register for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Fayetteville, NC.

Strolling through Downtown Fayetteville on any given day is an idyllic experience. Bricked sidewalks. The iconic clock tower. Numerous restaurants and venues. It’s a place that toes the impossible line between trendy and nostalgic. It knows its roots — but downtown can turn into the epicenter of cultural activity on a dime.

4th Friday is a monthly celebration downtown that showcases different events and exhibits to the public. Somewhere between a block party and a walking adventure tour, 4th Friday aims to bring a little fun and history to your day. On this 4th Friday, Aug. 25, there are several events taking place:

Your first pit stop is Cape Fear Studios, located at 148 Maxwell St. The gallery will continue its “Adornments” exhibition from 6 to 9 p.m. All things sparkly and beautiful by North Carolina jewelers Jennie Keatts, Annie Williams, Maggie Joynt and Amy Brandenburg will be on display.

Cumberland County Headquarters Library at 300 Maiden Ln. presents The Parsons. This acoustic band has been together for almost 30 years. Complete with songs, stories and light refreshments, the event runs from 7 to 9 p.m.

“Open Letters” is another exhibition happening on 4th Friday. Located at the Ellington-White Gallery, 113 Gillespie St., the show features paintings and drawings by Dwight Smith. Smith is a professor of visual arts at Fayetteville State University. The reception is from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday with an artist talk Saturday, Aug. 26, from 2 to 3 p.m.

For some local history, head over to the Fayetteville Area Transportation Museum at 325 Franklin St. One of the museum’s exhibits celebrates the 150th Anniversary of FSU. According to the museum’s website, “(Initially) named the Howard School, it would fill a deep-rooted desire for AfricanAmericans to achieve an education, and it would become a model institution of learning for North Carolina during Reconstruction.”

The transportation museum also features an educational exhibit, “Market House History,” as an addition to its permanent exhibit “A View from the Square.” Both exhibits will be open from 6 to 10 p.m. during 4th Friday.

Another museum is hosting 4th Friday activities, although for a smaller and shorter audience. The Fascinate-U Children’s Museum at 116 Green St. will have a fun bookmark-making session. Free play at the museum’s various role-playing stations will also be open from 7 to 9 p.m.

Lastly, the Arts Council plans to open its new exhibition “Fuel for the Fire” at the Arts Center on 4th Friday. A jury determined which artists’ work appears in the show. Those chosen have utilized wood and paper material in two-dimensional and sculptural forms.

According to Leslie Pearson, a member of the Arts Council board of trustees and chair of the Exhibitions Committee, artists were selected based on how they were able to incorporate as well as transcend the raw materials’ functions.

“Perhaps (the artist uses) the materials as commentary on ecology or other social concerns,” Pearson said. “Perhaps the artist chooses to push the material in a nonfunctional way that makes the viewer reconsider its purpose.”

“Fuel for the Fire” opens Aug. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m.

All 4th Friday exhibitions and events are free to the public. For more information, call (910) 222-3382.

Gina Hawkins did not have the ambition of being a police chief. “I’ve been a worker bee as a police officer for nearly 29 years,” she said. She applied for the chief’s job in Fayetteville after being tipped off that the post was available by Durham Chief C.J. Davis, who’s only been on the job a few months.

Hawkins and Davis know each other well. They served together for 18 years in the Atlanta Police Department. Hawkins, 49, most recently was Deputy Chief of the Clayton County, Georgia, P.D.

During an interview, as she unpacked her uniform in her secondfloor corner office at police headquarters, Hawkins said she expects she’ll be in uniform 95 percent of the time. It will sport four stars.

Hawkins admires the work former Chief Harold Medlock did to modernize the department and is excited to make her own contribution. “We have our own culture and history, and my job is to make the department even better,” she said.

Hawkins said she will depend on her command staff to acquaint her with the Fayetteville community. She and Assistant Chief Anthony Kelly became acquainted in 2013 when both attended the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. She’s spoken at length with Kelly, who served as interim chief for eight months following Medlock’s retirement last year.

Hawkins is well-aware, she said, of the Fayetteville Police Department’s stellar reputation. She regards recruiting and retaining African-American officers as a significant challenge. “I’ve got a few ideas,” she said. One of those ideas is for the department’s recruiters to develop relationships with local high schools. She wants to encourage seniors to consider a law enforcement career while they’re still in school.

Hawkins also wants the department to do a better job of going after young soldiers who leave the service at Fort Bragg. “Every one of us should be recruiting day to day,” said the chief. “We can train the young people, but we need to be more aware of how we can ask them, ‘What are you doing?’ Join us and be a cop.”

As for the local crime rate, Hawkins shared the concern that murders and aggravated assaults have been on the rise nationwide. “We don’t know why,” she added.

As for prevention, the chief plans to adopt Medlock’s practice of dissecting assault case files to gain a better understanding of why they happen. She said the hope is to head off homicides that could grow out of aggravated assaults by talking with the families of victims and  perpetrators.

Her oldest daughter, Italia, is 26 and just completed a four-year enlistment in the Navy and hopes to return to college. Sixteen-year-old Trinity is still in high school and decided to stay in Georgia for now.

PHOTO: Police Chief Gina Hawkins

Fayetteville’s city administration has tried and failed to improve employee diversity in the Police and Fire Departments for the last 20 years.

Councilman Chalmers McDougald took Fire Chief Ben Major to task for lack of progress at a City Council meeting last week. McDougald’s demeanor was in contrast to a meeting a month ago when he said he deliberately bit his tongue after learning that City Manager Doug Hewett pledged to make some changes.

McDougald publicly scolded the fire chief while, for the most part, Hewett stayed silent. At one point, Major glared at McDougald with both hands on his hips. “No one is more committed to hiring minorities than I am,” Major said. “Words are cheap,” McDougald replied. Both men are black. Fewer than a dozen of Fayetteville’s 300 firefighters are black. Of the City’s 433 police officers, only 80 of them, or 19 percent, are black, according to Assistant Police Chief Anthony Kelly.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission turned down the City in its request for assistance. EEOC officials pointed out that the agency responds to bias complaints, but does not offer advice to avoid complaints. Consequently, Hewett sent out a formal request for qualifications to firms interested in consulting with the City on its efforts to improve police and fire employ- ee diversity.

The most recent fire department hiring process received 693 applications. Four hundred and sixteen were from white males; 130 from black men. Only 70 of the blacks made appointments for testing, according to information provided by Chief Major. Of that number, 53 showed up to take the test. Twenty-seven of them passed and qualified for the physical exam. McDougald has been consistently critical of the hiring process and says more enlightened methods should be used to find and recruit minorities.

Major told Council that he has been talking to fire departments across North Carolina and the nation only to find that minority recruiting is a universal problem among fire departments. Councilman Bill Crisp suggested that the City expand its fire academy at E.E. Smith High School. The fire service intern program was founded 12 years ago by retired Fire Chief Benny Nichols. But his dream of a fullfledged academy in conjunction with Fayetteville State University fizzled.

Nichols’s dreams were big: Fire Station 14 was built on Langdon Street property owned by FSU. It was designed as a teaching facility and community center with classrooms and dormitories for a “real life” curriculum developed though a partnership between the City of Fayetteville and the schools. It houses two fire engines and personnel.

A 2010 FSU student recruiting paper said that its award-winning online bachelor’s degree completion program in Fire Science would provide students an opportunity to build on their fire science training and earn associate degrees from FTCC and advance to a B.S. Degree in Fire Science at FSU. The statement concluded, “Both of these components of the Fire Science Degree program came from the imagination and persistence of Chief Nichols of the Fayetteville Fire Department.” Ultimately, though, there just wasn’t enough student interest.

Currently, the curriculum is only available online, and the facilities at Fire Station 14 never were fully utilized. The space has since been converted into fire department  headquarters.

The Cumberland County Veterans Court is seeking veterans to serve as mentors for individuals going through the program. Mentors are integral to the success of the program for veterans who are alleged to have committed misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies. “They tend to open up and relate to other veterans,” said Cumberland County Assistant District Attorney Baxter Worth Paschal III.

Paschal said many of the veterans in the program have suffered from addiction. Program participants take part in counseling, drug testing and community service. Topics such as mental health, substance abuse, housing, employment, education and health care are discussed in community meetings. Veterans who complete the yearlong program may have criminal charges expunged from their records. The first veterans court was created in New York in 2008. Cumberland County’s program began in November 2014 under the tutelage of District Court Judge Lou Olivera. Information is available by phone from the district attorney’s office at (910) 475-3010. 

PWC to the Rescue

When the power went out on the Outer Banks this summer, it was no easy task getting the electricity back on. Power was lost July 27 when a contractor working on the Bonner Bridge accidentally severed the only transmission line providing electricity to Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands.

The Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative and the Tideland Electric Membership Corp. serve about 9,000 customers in the Outer Banks. The co-ops had been working on two fronts: attempting to splice the severed below-ground transmission line while also building an overhead line to see which one could be completed first. “We abandoned the underground fix at this point,” said Laura Ertle, the co-ops’ representative. “Water continued to seep into the trench, making the environment unsuitable for repairs.”

When they turned attention to the overhead transmission line, they needed 8,000 feet of electrical conductor. “A call went out to public power utilities with transmission lines, and PWC was able to provide the material they needed to build the line,” said Fayetteville Public Works Commission Spokeswoman Carolyn Justice Hinson. The utility contractor building the transmission line picked the cable up in Fayetteville and worked around the clock to get the power restored Aug. 3. “PWC is proud that we could help our neighbors,” Hinson added.

Cumberland County Bureaucracy Continues to Grow

Cumberland County government’s senior management team now consists of five executives. County Manager Amy Cannon hired Duane Holder as her fourth assistant manager. He’ll be in charge of community support services. Holder has been the Deputy County Manager and chief financial officer for Pitt County since 2012. His first day here is Sept. 11.

Holder earned a Master of Public Administration degree from East Carolina University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from Mount Olive College.

“Duane Holder brings vast experience in county administration, finance and human services, especially the area of mental health, and we are delighted that he will be joining the Cumberland County leadership team,” Cannon said.

Several weeks ago, Cannon promoted county information officer Sally Shutt to assistant manager for strategic management and governmental affairs. The other assistant managers are Melissa Cardinali and Tracey Jackson.

Hay Street Sidewalk Finally Opened

A couple years ago, the City of Fayetteville closed the Hay Street sidewalk in front of the former Prince Charles Hotel. The building was and is in disrepair, and chunks of the facade of the eight-story building were falling to the street. Rather than fixing the problem, the City simply closed the sidewalk, forcing pedestrians into  the street.

Now that efforts are underway by the Durhambased PCH Holdings to renovate the old hotel, the firm decided the first thing it should do is reopen the sidewalk. Project Manager Jordan Jones confirmed that the company fenced off the walkway to protect pedestrians from construction as it gets underway. The firm created a two-sided fenced-in sidewalk with a cover. It will remain in place until building renovations are completed.

Cumberland Alerts Activated

The Cumberland County Emergency Services Department has launched “Cumberland Alerts,” a countywide emergency notification system. Residents are urged to sign up for the alert system. Businesses, organizations and institutions are also encouraged to subscribe.

Visit www.co.cumberland.nc.us/alerts to create an account. Users can then select the communication methods they prefer, such as email, text or phone call and enter their addresses. Several addresses may be entered. The information provided is protected and will not be used for any other purpose.

Cumberland Alerts replaces the existing emergency notification system. “Signing up for Cumberland Alerts is the first step in preparing for emergency situations... so (residents) can be in the know when an emergency happens,” said Emergency Services Director Randy Beeman.

The new system can deliver more than 2.1 million messages per hour, or 35,000 per minute, which allows Emergency Services to ensure communication with residents when it’s most important.