With such auspicious anniversaries, the Army and community is pulling out all of the stops to make sure you won’t want to miss the celebration. 

Fayetteville’s hometown baseball team, the SwampDogs, are big fans of the military. Every season the team hosts a military appreciation night. This year it falls on June 13. The players will celebrate by wearing camouflaged jerseys for the night’s game. 

“We appreciate what the military does every day, but being that it is the Army’s birthday, we really want to make it a special night,” said Joe Vasile, SwampDogs assistant general manager. “All the players are really looking forward to it. It is always a special night for us and a way that we can show the community a good time and give back.”

The SwampDogs, known for providing fans with great entertainment as well as exciting baseball games, is set to host its second fireworks extravaganza of the season. Rick Hendrick Toyota and USAA have joined forces with the team to bring this fun-filled night to The Swamp. The first 500 fans through the gate will receive a camouflaged hat compliments of Rick Hendrick Toyota and Foxy 99.

Don’t miss the Army Ground Forces Band concert in Festival Park. Slated Friday,  June 12 at 7 p.m., the concert is a celebration of the Army’s birthday. Patriots and music lovers alike will enjoy the evenings offering. Like many birthday celebrations, this one will have cake, too. 

The band offers performances at local events as well as a summer concert series. Its mission is to provide “world-class music in support of U.S. Army Forces Command headquartered at Fort Bragg, in Fayetteville, N.C. It serves as the musical ambassador of the American combat soldier to the American people, instilling pride in our troops and promoting a spirit of patriotism and support for our nation’s military through the performance of music at the local, regional and national levels.”

The Army Ground Forces Band was organized  on July 21, 1845, in New Orleans, La., as the Fourth Infantry Regiment Band in New Orleans, La. 

The concert starts at 7 p.m. Find out more at http://www.ArmyGroundForcesBand.com or by calling (910) 570-1752. 

Just a short walk away from Festival Park, check out the Field of Honor at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum. A joint project with the  Fayetteville Downtown Alliance and the Airborne & Special Operations Museum, the Field of Honor is the perfect place to reflect on the many triumphs and sacrifices of the generations of soldiers that have served their country. Every flag in honors someone who is currently serving, those who have served as well as the men and women who have made the supreme sacrifice for our nation’s security and freedom. 

The Field on Honor is open until June 27. Find out more at http://www.ncfieldofhonor.com or by calling (910) 222-3382.

As we roll into summer, I am reminded that for me, at least, this is a relatively unfocused time of year. Schedules are looser with meals when we feel like it, and Lilly the Lab gets walked when the spirit moves both of us. So, too, with the news.  

Politics are gearing up for the 2016 election  but they, too, are unfocused at this point, and other stories snag my attention more often.

Here are a few of those:

From the “here we go again” department comes yet another book banning effort in North Carolina. Buncombe County has had book challenges in the past, and last month a parent complained about The Kite Runner, a book that has been taught in that system’s high school Honors English class for years. (As a side note, it is also one of my own favorites.)  It tells the story of young Afghan boy and his best friend, the son of a family servant. The plot includes a violent rape of the friend. The book received critical praise, and was number one on The New York Times bestseller list for more than two years.

Book banning efforts always remind me of a time when the Precious Jewels were young, and I objected to the “action figures” little boys were playing with in those days. I found their distorted plastic musculature, humanoids on steroids, offensive, and Mom arbitrarily banned them from chez Dickson.  Needless to say, my boys were furious and hightailed it to neighboring houses, where the mothers were more enlightened.  

In the midst of this family brouhaha, a wise friend counseled me this way:  “Margaret, you cannot protect your children from their own culture.”

She was right.  

Nor can we protect our children from the painful aspects of life, be they actual or fictional.

…

Americans, including this one, love polls, political and otherwise. We want to know what the rest of us are thinking about all aspects of American life.  All polls, Gallup and otherwise, are snapshots in time, and tomorrow may be different. That said, a recent Gallup poll on what the venerable polling outfit calls “moral issues” finds that Americans are moving to the left. I suspected as much, but Gallup gives us numbers, and here we go.

Now, 63 percent of us, accept same-sex couple relationships.  Only 40 percent of us did in 2001, which is the greatest shift of public opinion in the history of Gallup polling.

Children born to unmarried mothers?  Ho-hum. That is fine by 61 percent of us, 16 percent more than when Gallup asked the same question in 2001.

Which brings up the obvious question of pre-martial sex. Most of us, 68 percent, are fine with it, compared to only 53 percent in 2001.

What a difference a decade and a half makes. C’est la vie!

…

All of us have had houseguests from time to time. Some are family. Some are friends.  Some may be business associates, exchange students, neighbors of neighbors,etc.

Our Dickson guests have generally been lovely, although teenagers occasionally left gum wrappers and dirty towels on the floor. A parental tutorial was clearly in order, but I never went there with other people’s children. I am always grateful for the house gifts — scented soaps and sachets, tea towels and lovely wines.

The White House has had some vastly different experiences.

Every event at our President’s home is carefully orchestrated, as it should be. It seems, however, that more is managed than ordinarily meets the eye.  Take, for example, the discreet removal just before the dessert service of all the vermeil eagle placecard holders from the dining tables because too many White House guests have, there is no polite way to say this, sticky fingers.  

Lifting White House mementos is not an issue only at state dinners. The Washington Post reported last month that thievery of Presidential loot has seen everything from towels with the Presidential seal to beverage cups to cut glass crystals dangling from sconces in the White House ladies’ room disappear into the pockets and pocketbooks of lawmakers, reporters and ordinary citizens who visited the White House or have had occasion to fly on Air Force One.  

Sticky fingers have been a problem since our second President John Adams, and his wife, Abigail, moved into the brand spanking new White House. Says John Bushong, chief historian of the White House Historical Association, “The main temptation is the fact that you want to have something that is a memento, that gives you a connection to that experience you had in the house. The temptation is just irresistible.”

Oh, dear! Perhaps the White House should spring for some cheap pens embossed with the Presidential seal to pass out at the door.

For many in the United States, this week marks a period of  profound endings and beginnings. The beginning of summer closes out the school year, with graduations closing the door on one level of education and either opening the door to the next or the far scarier world of work.

This week will, for many Cumberland County families, be bittersweet as high school seniors don their caps and gowns and march across the stage to receive their diplomas. Not having had the experience of watching my own child take those bold steps yet, I am still misty-eyed from watching many of the young adults I have known since their childhood prepare for this week. 

I look at them, and while I see the confidence and anticipation they have to move forward to the next stage of their lives, I can’t help but see them as the awkward, yet endearing toddlers I met more than a decade ago. Their transition from rough-and-tumble toddler has not necessarily been easy, but it has been quite the ride.

I look at them and think back to my own senior year in high school and have to think about how different we were. There was not a single girl in my high school class who could have matched the beauty, grace and maturity of the girls I see preparing to graduate. In my mind, we were more awkward, not as confident and definitely not as stylish as the young ladies I know today. We were, thankfully,  a lot more innocent as well.

Our lives had not been shaped by a decade of war, a dismal economy and, as a friend of mine noted, such extreme weapons of mass distraction. We did not have computers on our desktops or iPhones permanently attached to our hands. When we wanted to communicate with our friends, we met them at their locker or spent the night at their house. We didn’t instant message them as we were sitting at the same table. 

If we wanted to write a research paper, we spent hours, days and weeks in libraries checking out books, reading them and laboriously putting together our notes and footnotes. We did not have instant access to information and footnote builders. Some will argue that we worked harder. I would say that today’s kids simply have the tools to work smarter. 

For many of those whom I graduated with, college, sadly, was not an option. That isn’t the case with the graduates who are set to walk the halls. Almost 81 percent of the students who graduated last year pursued higher education, garnering more than $51 million in scholarships. Those numbers speak volumes about our students. It speaks to their understanding of the world around them and their realization that higher education is the key to their success in our global economy.

That being said, it is important to note that as many as 1 in 3 of the students who walk across the stage this week and matriculate to one of the many colleges and universities in our state will not make it through their freshman year, according to U.S. News and World Report. Why? For some, it is a matter of money. For most, it is a matter of discipline. The same technology, that has made it easier for our students to write papers and stay informed, has also made them less focused and more easily distracted. It has, in essence, isolated them, and in that isolation, has taken away the stick-to-it, can-do attitude that older generations have had instilled. 

I am not one to believe all statistics or studies. Instead, I tend to look not at the beginnings and the endings, but all that comes in between. And in the case of many of the young men and women I know, the in between is what is going to set their feet on the path of success. I have watched them grow from giggling toddlers to fearful elementary students to awkward middle school students to amazing young men and women who are donning their caps and gowns. I have seen their hard work in the classroom, on sporting fields and in clubs. For those who will be successful, I have seen the very real family and friend connections that are based not on a smart phone, but rather on in-person, up-close, messy and sometimes heartbreaking, breathtaking moments called life. 

These are the young men and women who will enter college this fall, and in four years, graduate with a degree. Not because they are smarter than their counterparts but because they know that some things are worth the effort. 

They have learned that it’s not always about where or how you start, but rather how to make the best of all that comes after. And in doing so, they have ensured that an ending is just another beginning. Based on what I’ve seen the past decade, I look forward to watching their new beginnings and all that comes between. It’s going to be  a wild ride.

On Saturday, June 6, two things that just work together will create a fun, entertaining event for Fayetteville residents as the 12th Annual Blues n Brews returns to Festival Park. Blues n Brews is the annual fundraiser to support the Cape Fear Regional Theatre, and, if the success of the past 11 years is a basis for predicting the success of this year’s event, it looks to be a homerun.

The annual event, organized by a core group of 14 volunteers, takes about a year to put together. It is not easy trying to top an already successful event, but that’s what the volunteers have been able to do each year. Karen Tisdale, the chairman of this year’s event, hopes to keep that tradition alive.

The keys to success, according to Tisdale, are great music and great beer. She, and her dedicated volunteers, have both wrapped up.

Thirty-eight different brewing companies are represented in this year’s line up for a total of about 110 different beers. That’s a lot of pouring and tasting for event attendees. 

“Our local distributors are huge advocates for this event and for the Cape Fear Regional Theatre,” explained Tisdale, noting that R.A. Jeffreys, Healy Wholesale and Empire Distributors have brought a lot of craft brewers to the event, as well as independent and smaller brewers who could not be present otherwise.

R.A. Jeffreys, the oldest distributor in the state, distributes Annheuser Busch, as well as a number of craft breweries from around the nation, including Blue Point Brewing Company, Kona Brewing Company, Red Hook Brewery and Sweetwater Brewery. In North Carolina, they represent Aviator Brewing Company, Big Boss Brewing Company, Carolina Brewery, Good Vibes Brewing Company, Kind Beers, Lone Rider Brewing Company, Natty Greene’s Brewing Company and Triangle Brewing Company. 

Healy Wholesale, a Fayetteville based company, distributes a number of beers including Yuengling, Coors and Miller products. Additionally, the wholesaler represents a number of smaller brewers, including Crazy Mountain Brewery, Foothills Brewery, Anchor Brewing and Johnny Bootlegger.

Empire Distributors, based out of Durham, brings a number of beers to the table, including Samuel Adams Brewery, Sierra Nevada Brewery and Breckenridge Brewery, as well as a number of small North Carolina breweries. 

Tisdale said working with the three distributors, a diverse group of beers will be available, including beers from Asheville, Hope Mills, Angier and Holly Springs, as well as breweries from Mexico, Chicago and Pennsylvania.

“We will also have a number of smaller craft beers represented,”said Tisdale. “We have a very loyal group of brewers who come to the event every year, but we have also added new vendors this year.”

One of the newest brewers added to the list is Blind Squirrel Brewery, based out of Plum Tree, N.C. Blind Squirrel operates four separate three-barrel systems, giving them a range of diversity that is unsurpassed in the High Country. What started as a true nano-brewery has now evolved into a micro-setup that is unlike any other in the state. 

Also new to the event is Hi-Wire Brewing, an Asheville-based brewery, which strives to be as independent and authentic as possible, while maintaining an approachability to its beers. Located in Downtown Asheville’s Brew District, Hi-Wire Brewing embraces its craft from top to bottom. Hi-Wire features four approachable year-round “Main Attraction” beers — Prime Time Pale, Hi-Pitch IPA, Bed of Nails Brown and Hi-Wire Lager, as well as a rotating selection of seasonal offerings, as well as “Side Show Seasonals.”

Beer is only part of what makes the event so successful, the other half is the Blues, which Tisdale promises will not disappoint. This year three bands will perform, including Fayetteville’s own Chris Hurst and String Theory, which promises to perform authentic “dirty blues.” 

Also performing is E.B. Tharrington and 42 East, a blues/Funk/Soul band from Raleigh, featuring E.B. Tharrington on guitar and vocals, Dave Albery-on bass and vocals and Dan Stahl on drums and vocals.

The main entertainment, comes from deep in the bayous of Louisiana. Tullie Brae, according to critics and peers alike “has the praiseworthy vocal distinction and stage charisma that creates an unforgettable show.” She is a soulful blues singer, whose roots are tied to gospel music. She plays the piano, drums and guitar.  Touring with The Medicine Man Revue, Brae has played all over the south and has opened for the late great B.B. King and has shared the stage with greats like Bonnie Raitt, Chicago Rhythm and Blues kings and Big Jack Johnson. 

With a great lineup of blues and brews Tisdale is hoping to match and beat last year’s attendance which was right at 3,000 people. 

“Last year we had a little more than 3,000 people come through the gates. We certainly hope to have that and a little bit more,” she said. “We have a little more beer and are expanding the footprint. But we also have a cap, which isn’t that much higher than last year. We want the event to be a good experience, so we are very aware of size capacity and people coming through gates. The max we are looking at is 3,400 people.” 

That number is, by-in-large, adults over the age of 21. While children are not forbidden from the event, Tisdale points out that there are no children’s activities or event going on.

“It is largely a 21 plus event,” she said. “This is a crowd that wants to sample beer and listen to great music.”

They also want to eat, and Tisdale and crew have that covered as well. Tisdale noted that the list of food vendors includes: the Honey Baked Ham Cafe, Hot Diggidy Dog, Mac’s Speed Shop, Pappa John’s, R Burger and Scoops, Sonny Incs. Southern Chicken, Shrimp and Fish Fry and YumYum Chicken on a Stick. She added that all vendors are reasonably priced.

Tisdale touts the VIP Ticket as the biggest bang for your buck. The VIP Ticket gives attendees an hour earlier entrance, which gives VIP ticket holders more time to sample with fewer people in line. In addition, VIP ticket holders have access to the VIP tent, which has a special concert, goodie bags with coupons for free Blues n Brews items, free concession items, a T-shirt, as well as a buffet dinner provided by Carolina Ale House and an evening appetizer bar. Additionally, VIP ticket holders get to participate in private pours, vote on the Best of Show and have access to a private game area. 

“As a VIP ticket holder, you can come to the event and basically not spend another dime,” she Tisdale. “You are covered for the whole night.”

VIP tickets can be purchased online at www.cfrt.org or via the CFRT Box office at 323-4234, and are $75. General admission tickets are $35, with advance purchase and $40 at the gate. General Admission Tickets for non-drinkers are $15. Active duty military get a $5 discount on general admission tickets. The gates open at 4 p.m. for VIP ticket holders and 5 p.m. for all others. Those who have advance tickets will avoid the line and come through a separate gate.

For more information about the Blues n Brews, visit the website at www.cfrt.org/blues-and-brews.

Operation Ceasefire is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to reducing violent gun crimes and gang crime in Fayetteville. The organization wants to create a safer city and future for everyone in the community. According to its website, the program does this through, “a strategy of prevention, intervention and suppression.” 

The organization supports this mission through various programs that reach out to all facets of the community. Movie Night is a popular program because it is fun. Each summer Operation Ceasefire hosts movies that are free to the public. The next Movie Night is scheduled for June 5.

Another way that Operation Ceasefire attempts to end the violence is by engaging it at the source — by finding people who are serving probation and parole sentences for violent crimes and then inviting them to “call-ins.” 

At these meetings, they interact with resource partners and law enforcement officers in ways designed to build a nonviolent and positive future. They offer help in education, employment, counseling and healthcare. With improved alternatives, the goal is that the desperation that often leads to violent crimes can be avoided. 

Attendees also learn of the consequences that continued violence brings. So far, this program has been incredibly successful. Between 2010 and 2012, the program recovered 150 firearms and 88.28 percent of Operation Ceasefire participants completed, remained active in good standing or were terminated successfully from probation. 

Operation Ceasefire also has a program called EKG or Educating Kids about Gun Violence. This youth education and prevention program is designed to stop gun violence before it even happens. Children are educated about the, “legal, medical and emotional consequences of youth gun possession and related gun violence, as well as encouraging young people to consider options and choices available to them in situations involving guns.” This program was started by the Fayetteville Police Department in 2014 and engages multiple community partners including the Cumberland County School System. Funding comes from the State of North Carolina Governor’s Crime Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice. It is estimated that during the 2014-2015 school year, more than 8,600 students will be taught these important lessons county-wide.

The third program that Operation Ceasefire promotes is the Movie Night series. This series educates children about the issues of gun violence and encourages them to sign “The Pledge,” promising to reduce gun violence. It also to provides the community with a fun and exciting cinema-filled evening. Last year’s Movie Night outreach was tremendously successful with hundreds of children signing “The Pledge.” And it is expected that this year will be just as successful. 

On June 5, a viewing of Paddington is scheduled at Bethel Baptist Church located at 300 Andy St. On Sept. 19, movie night is scheduled for Pine Forest High School located at 525 Andrews Rd. The final movie of the series is on Oct. 10, at Trinity United Methodist Church located at 6974 Raeford Rd. Films are announced closer to the show date on the Operation Ceasefire website. All of the movies are held outdoors and are free and open to the public. They begin at 7:30 p.m. and attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs to relax under the stars. In the case of inclement weather, the movies will be held inside if the location allows. For more information, call 910-433-1017 or visit http://ceasefire.ci.fayetteville.nc.us/movienight.aspx. 

The Army Ground Forces Band kicked off its Summer Concert Series beginning May 29 at Festival Park. The series of five concerts will run from May through August. All shows are free and open to the public.

“We are the musical ambassadors of U.S. Army Forces Command, the largest [command] in the Army,” said Capt. Dae Kim, who serves as the commander and conductor of the Army Ground Forces Band, headquartered at Fort Bragg.

“We like to get out in the community,” Kim said. “Not only to tell the Army story but to put a face on the soldiers of Army Forces Command.”

The 54 soldiers assigned to the Army Ground Forces Band are a deployable unit as part of FORSCOM Headquarters, and must maintain their soldier skills such as physical fitness, weapons qualification and proficiency in other common troop tasks. 

They are also talented musicians, Kim explained. 

“Most play an instrument. Many have advanced degrees with many having experience in some of the finest music schools and conservatories across the country,” he said.

He is an accomplished clarinetist. Before joining the Army, Kim graduated Officer Candidate School as a Distinguished Military Graduate. All soldiers in the unit “went through a rigorous audition process” before being selected for the Army Ground Forces Band, which is considered one of the top three in the Army.

For some performances, the Concert Band showcases the talent of most of the unit. To maximize their talent and provide as many shows as possible (on average 225 performances a year), the entire unit can be broken down into seven smaller ensembles.

The Summer Concert Series performances feature the Concert Band, which maintains a large and varied repertoire of traditional and contemporary pieces. Other ensembles include the Ceremonial Band, which performs in parades and ceremonies; the Loose Cannons, a rock/pop band with some R&B, Hip Hop and Country; the Dixieland Band; and multiple Jazz combos. 

The unit also has Woodwind and Brass Quintets which perform and specialize in crafting clinics and classes for high school and college music students, “bringing years of experience and musical knowledge to young musicians while showcasing Army professionalism” according to the unit’s website.

Summer Concert Series

• 240th Army Birthday, June 12, 7 p.m. at Festival Park

“Celebration of the Army’s history, we tell the Army story through music,” Kim said. “We want everyone to come out and help us celebrate their Army.” 

This is the concert not to miss, he said. The celebration will include cake.

• Dancing Under the Stars, June 26, 5 p.m. Hay Street 

This is the only concert in the series not held at Festival Park. A dance floor will be constructed in the middle of the street in front of the Arts Council, Kim said. The concert will include “something for everyone” with a variety of tunes ranging from ballroom to new classics. 

• Kid’s Night, August 14, 6 p.m. at Festival Park

“There will be a family friendly atmosphere,” Kim said, with a picnic area and interactive events targeted to ages 4 to 8. Children will be able to hear professional musicians talk about music and instruments and answer questions. Children will also be able to march along behind the drum major.

• End of Summer Blast, Aug. 28, 8:30 p.m. at Festival Park

This second annual end of summer blast will be in conjunction with the Arts Alliance/4th Friday/Fayetteville After 5. Kim said concert-goers can expect patriotic tunes as well as “Bohemian Rhapsody” and the “1812 Overture” with a salute battery (live cannons) in the finale.

For more information visit armygroundforcesband.com or check their Facebook page for the latest information about concerts and full schedules.

Can you sing, dance or play an instrument? Are you in elementary, middle or high school? Then get ready to showcase your talent because the Fayetteville Kiwanis Club presents its 64th annual Talent Night Showcaseon Friday, June 12, at 7 p.m. at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre. Auditions are all day on Saturday, June 6, starting at 8:30 a.m., at the Honeycutt Recreation Center. 

There are so many talented youth in Fayetteville and this is the perfect opportunity for them to get out there and shine. The showcase event has been a platform for great things to happen for some of the contestants. Some of the past winners of the Kiwanis Talent Nighthave gone on to play music in some of the most renowned orchestras in the country like the Boston Philharmonic. There have been dancers that have gone on to national dance and ballet companies and some of the winners are now performing on Broadway.   

 “We are currently out promoting the auditions for all Cumberland County students in preschool through 12th grade, and we will probably audition 200-300 children for this event,” said Bill Bowman, production chairman of the Kiwanis Talent Night Showcase. “Any act will qualify such as singers, dancers, musicians, piano players and flute players.” 

Bowman added that when you take the best talent and put them all together it makes a real nice evening at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre. It offers the children a chance to showcase their talents and it offers the community a night of quality entertainment, as well as helping make a difference for children in the community —and best of all, it is fun. 

The categories are preschool through 2nd grade; 3rd through 5th grade; 6th through 8th grade and 9th through 12th grade. Six contestants are chosen from the audition to compete at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre on June 12. The prizes are $2,000 in cash, trophies and scholarships. There are 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners who will receive trophies and a cash prize. Proceeds are used to benefit 15 local Kiwanis projects for children. 

“We will award scholarships to the top in each category,” said Bowman. “We will have one for strings, voice, piano and band.” 

Bowman added that winning contestants will receive $150 and can use the money to attend any camp of their choice.  

“We have been doing this event for 64 years and it is quite a show,” said Bowman. “The talent that we are going to showcase that Friday night is remarkable and it will be a fun evening.” 

Kiwanis is an international organization with clubs in more than 80 countries. Kiwanis clubs work toward making the world better by serving children; one child and one community at a time. Kiwanis seeks to give every child a bright future. Tickets are $7. 

Applications can be found at any Wendy’s restaurant, at the school or online. For more information or to register for the event, visit
www.fayettevillekiwanis.org/talent or call Bill Bowman at
391-3859.      

Ten days ago, I spent Memorial Day weekend in much the same way as millions of other Americans. I enjoyed some increasingly rare family time, and I thought about our nation’s veterans, including my father and my uncles, World War II veterans all.

With one year of medical school under his belt, my father served as a medic during the massive D-Day invasion of Normandy. He never once spoke of those awful days with my sister or me, but his military service was clearly a formative experience of his life. He kept up with his 30th Infantry Division buddies, most of whom he would never have known outside the Army, until the day he drew his final breath.

My father and uncles lived in a different time than today’s military members. Virtually every man they knew served in the military for some period of time, either because they volunteered to defend our country or because they were drafted. Military men came from all states, all education levels, all economic stations. Almost every able-bodied man served. 

Today the draft is gone. Only volunteers serve, and not all who volunteer are enlisted. That fact of American life in place since 1973 has changed how Americans think of both military service and the work of our warriors, if we think of them at all.

David Zucchino, a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist who attended Terry Sanford High School here in our community, has co-authored with David S. Cloud a recent series about this changed reality for the Los Angles Times. The articles, centered in the Fayetteville-Fort Bragg community, focus on the differences between a half-century ago when our nation was in the throes of a painful and controversial conflict in Southeast Asia in which 2.7-million American men were drafted into service and today, when less than one percent of Americans are volunteers in our armed forces. Perhaps because everyone knew someone who served in Vietnam, American news outlets, particularly television, concentrated on war coverage. Today, when most Americans do not know active-duty personnel and perhaps not even veterans, media coverage of today’s conflicts in the Middle East is less extensive and highly fragmented in our new digital world.

It is quite possible to avoid thinking about service members and what they do altogether.

This “segregation,” as Zucchino and Cloud refer to it, is both geographically and socially distinct. Five states — California, Virginia, Texas, Georgia and North Carolina, are home to nearly half of all military personnel, and our own community experiences them and their families as friends, neighbors and co-workers. Residents of the other 45 states do not. What is more, military personnel and their families are increasingly isolated on military bases that, like Fort Bragg, have restricted non-military access and which provide amenities such as schools, healthcare, shopping and entertainment on post. Military bases are “our most exclusive gated communities,” says Phillip Carter, an Iraq veteran turned think tank executive. A 2012 Pew Research Center study confirmed that the connections between military personnel and the broader general population are becoming more distant.

“The U.S. military today is gradually becoming a separate warrior class, many analysts say, that is becoming increasingly distinct from the public it is charged with protecting,” write Zucchino and Cloud.

It gets even worse, at least to me.

The growing gulf means that military families who bear enormous sacrifices for the rest of us lead lives we do not readily understand. Economic, educational and — yes, class differences play roles as well. Lt. Col. Remi M. Hajjar, a West Point professor, laid it out for the LA Times series this way. “I am well-aware that many Americans, especially our elite classes, consider the military a bit like a guard dog. They are very thankful for our protection, but they probably wouldn’t want to have it as a neighbor, and they certainly are not going to influence or inspire their own kids to join that pack of Rottweilers to protect America.”

Even Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair, General Martin Dempsey, admits concern. “The last decade of war has affected the relationship between our society and the military … We can’t allow a sense of separation to grow between us.”

George Baroff, a retired professor who served in World War II and who lives in the academic community of Chapel Hill, is surprised when someone thanks him for his service, as many are wont to do these days. “You never, ever heard that in World War II,” he told Zucchino and Cloud. “And the reason is, everybody served.”

I cannot imagine our dysfunctional and highly partisan Congress discussing reinstating a draft, nor would I want them to do so, though mandatory national service is a conversation well worth having. The reality is that we really are all in this together, and we cannot prosper and endure by paying a small group of people to protect us and then just forget about it.

We all need to have some skin in the game. Too many of us do not now.

As is the case with many of you, I feel that most of my year has revolved around the ongoing battle between the City of Fayetteville and PWC. At times, it is exhausting. I need a program to keep track of all of the different charges lodged by city staff against the utility, because they change on a regular basis. 

During the recent public forum arranged by City Manager Ted Voorhees, the latest in PWC’s list of heinous crimes was the expenditure of $500,000 in a five-year period on charities and local causes. Shocking! A business, because like it or not, PWC is a business, with a $350 million budget spending $100,000 a year on community events is disgraceful, right?

Wrong! Let’s compare that $100,000 to the $600,000 Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative doles out in one year in grants to area schools. That’s a good thing, but when compared to that, PWC’s civic involvement is chump change.

Like many businesses in the U.S., local giving has been on the decline, with business leaders encouraging their employees to become active in the community and to give back through volunteer efforts. At PWC, that is also the case.

PWC’s employees raised more than $535,000 in that same five year period  for the United Way,  It seems that PWC puts feet to their mission, and does not just pay it lip service.

If PWC and its city-appointed commission has committed a major crime, it has been in being too successful. Unless something is thriving, successful and profitable, no one covets it. Have you ever heard of corporate raiders going after a broke company? Not going to happen. If PWC didn’t look like a good bet, the city staff wouldn’t look at it like it was the goose that laid the golden egg. 

If PWC was poorly managed or losing money, the city manager would not want it. That’s just one more problem he would have to solve. But because the utility is so successful, because it runs efficiently, it is something to be coveted. It is a means of making ends meet, while continuing to build a growing level of paid staff within the city. Thanks, but no thanks. 

The reality in today’s world of constrained resources is flattened communications and command and control. There cannot be layers of leadership because that is not practical or affordable. The city cannot spend what it does not have, and if it needs more, than it needs to raise taxes or limit its expenditures. 

PWC’s mission is to ensure that lights come on when their customers flip a switch and that clean water comes out when they turn on the faucet. They do that very well, and to the contrary of many who spoke at the recent public hearing, they do it very economically. 

For those who missed the numbers the first time, let’s be clear: PWC’s  residential rate is 4.49 percent less than the North Carolina average and 12.29 percent less than the national average. For industrial users, PWC is 3.27 percent less than the state average and 6.9 percent less than the national average, according to Electric City.

There are those in leadership positions who are encouraging the idea that PWC’s rates are out of line and are that way because of mismanagement. 

Numbers do not lie; people do. PWC’s rates are better than most in the state. If someone tells you differently, look at what they want, what they hope to take and who they are trying to fool.

Anytime you hear someone talking about rates and expenditures but they can’t back up what they are saying, i.e., PWC has spent $500,000 on local issues, but they forget to mention that is over five years and is well below what other utilities spend; or who says that PWC’s rates are too high, but can’t tell you what they are, is probably trying to sell you a bill of goods. 

Don’t buy it.

The weather is heating up, which can only mean one thing — baseball is back at The Swamp! The team is working hard to offer an exciting year filled with good times and great baseball as the SwampDogs start their historic 15th season of fun. 

A night at The Swamp is about great baseball, but there is so much more. There are theme nights that bring the community together to celebrate different causes and organizations as well as activities for the whole family. FunGo the team mascot is always in attendance, there are contests, giveaways and more throughout every game — and at a price that won’t make fans flinch.

“Since the team’s inaugural 2001 season, SwampDogs games have been the place to go for family fun and entertainment without breaking the budget, and 2015 promises to be the best year yet,” said Assistant General Manager/Voice of the SwampDogs Joe Vasile.

The year kicked off with a bang Tuesday, May 26, as the SwampDogs hosted opening night against the Morehead City Marlins. The first 500 fans received a magnet schedule courtesy of Freeman and Barrett, CPAs to know when to come out to The Swamp all season long.

The first Saturday home game of the season on falls on May 30, and the team is pulling out all the stops to make sure fans have a good time. Don’t’ miss the evening Fireworks Extravaganza presented by H&H Homes and Coldwell Banker. 

“The SwampDogs have the best fireworks extravaganzas in town, so you don’t want to miss out on your chance to experience one,” said Vasile.

The team puts on several Fireworks Extravaganzas every year and these games have proven to be favorites with the fans. The second Fireworks Extravaganza takes place Saturday, June 13, when the SwampDogs celebrate Military Appreciation Night. At this game, the SwampDogs will celebrate the 240th birthday of the U.S. Army with style and help from  some their friends at Rick Hendrick Toyota and USAA.

Take a trip back in time as the team celebrates the 15th season of SwampDogs baseball. 

“We’ll be turning back the clock to the year 2000 on June 19 to celebrate,” said Vasile. “The first 500 fans in attendance at that game will receive a trucker hat courtesy of Healy Wholesale.”

Saturday, June 27, is going to be a rocking good time at The Swamp. The ‘Dogs play host to musician Zach Brown — in person. Three-time GRAMMY winners and multi-platinum artists, the Zac Brown Band has sold more than 7 million albums and produced a historic series of 11 #1 hit singles. The first 500 fans through the gates 21 and over will get a pint glass courtesy of R.A. Jeffrey’s.

The SwampDogs kick-off the second half of their schedule Wednesday, July 1. The theme for the night is Opening Night: Part 2: The Salute to Sequels. Follow the team’s social media accounts for special discounts and deals that night.

The biggest event of the summer returns Friday, July 3, with the Honoring America Fireworks Tribute presented by Hendrick Chrysler Jeep Fiat and USAA. 

“This is the best fireworks show Fayetteville has to offer during the summer, and is a memorable show for the whole family,” said Vasile.

Thursday, July 9, marks the return of Family Fun Night and the FunGo Bobblehead giveaway. Make sure to grab this year’s bobblehead courtesy of Bob 96.5 FM to add to your collection

Saturday, July 11, is the ninth annual StriKing Out Cancer Night. The SwampDogs will auction off one-of-a-kind game-worn pink jerseys to benefit the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation’s Friends of the Cancer Center.

Behind the country’s military heroes are strong, loving families. Come out July 16 and join the SwamDogs in honoring their sacrifice and strength with the SwampDogs’ Salute to Military Families presented by USAA.

The season goes out with a bang Aug. 1. 

“The regular season concludes Saturday, Aug.1, with Fan and Sponsor Appreciation Night,” said Vasile “It will be a night of giveaways and prizes capped off with the final fireworks extravaganza of the summer.”

The SwampDogs represent Fayetteville in the Coastal Plain League, which is the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Now in its 19th season, the CPL features 15 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The CPL is all about giving college players the chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats. Players stay with local host families for the summer; an arrangement that works well for both players and hosts as they build friendships and make memories over the course of the season. According to the Vasile, the CPL has had more than 1,200 alumni drafted and 75 of those — including 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander — make their Major League debut; while another notable alum — Russell Wilson — won Super Bowl XLVIII. 

The SwampDogs have certainly made their mark as a CPL team. Vasile credits them as one of the most successful franchises in the Coastal Plains League’s history. The team has made it to the Petitt Cup Playoffs eight times in the past 10 seasons, reaching the championship round three times. The SwampDogs also boast 84 alumni taken in the draft and have produced six players who have gone on to play in Major League Baseball. 

To reserve your tickets for these games and all the other fun happening at The Swamp this season, call the SwampDogs front office at 426-5900. For more information on the SwampDogs you can head over to the newly redesigned online home of the team at www.goswampdogs.com, and follow the team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Thank goodness! It’s finally over. I have no idea why it has taken this community nearly a decade to  realize it was are engaged in a failed relationship. Well, actually, I do. We suffer from a severe lack of leadership at all levels. And, just like in any failed marriage, the children are the ones who suffer. 

In this case, the community suffered, businesses large and small suffered and our growth and economic development suffered. Now, it’s over. Fayetteville and Cumberland County along with the Chamber of Commerce and it’s economic development arm (Economic Development Alliance) will have another chance at a new and more rewarding existence.

We hope. 

I know very little about the complexities of economic development. I have always left that to the professionals. However, I built my entire professional career and two companies on the foundation of our local Chamber of Commerce. Matter of fact, even today, when potential
clients approach me or any of my staff for professional advice on marketing, advertising or consulting on growing and developing a successful business, the very first
question we ask them is: “Are you a member of the Chamber of Commerce?”

The reasoning is simple: Their answer serves as a barometer for their future success. Chambers are local, business is local and success is local. If a new business or prospective client does not see the value and advantage of belonging to the central, local, bona fide business
organization whose job it is to provide the programs, services, venues and support for the success of their business then what do they expect us to do? Our mantra is to “help those who help themselves.” 

Of course, the Chamber of Commerce must provide these services unencumbered. For many reasons this is why our Fayetteville Chamber has failed the business community and why the business community welcomed the decision to create an objective  task force to assess the situation. They did, and it was a job well done. My hat is off  to Jack Rostetter, who lead the community task force for months evaluating the current situation. 

The results? Hey, pretty much a verification and confirmation of what everyone has known, tolerated  and been subjected to for years:

The Chamber is ineffective and losing members.

The Chamber needs to be an advocate for local business.

The Chamber should not be financially beholden to the city or county governments.

The Chamber has little-to-no influence in the city and county.

The Chamber Board of Directors is too large and virtually ineffective. 

None of this is a bad thing and the fix is long overdue. Make no mistake about it, the transition will not be difficult. Local businesses and organizations will come back and the membership and revenues will grow once they see the Chamber again taking up the role as a true dedicated business advocate. It will be an easy sell and many will step up to help rebuild.

Many of us long-time die-hard Chamber members remember the time when you didn’t sign up two weeks in advance for the Annual Chamber Golf Tournament, you wouldn’t get a spot. We also remember when the Chamber Coffee Clubs were relevant and “standing-room only”. We remember when Business After Hours was a prestigious monthly social and a virtual “who’s who” of local business, industry and government leaders. It can be again.

For too long, our local governments have ignored the needs and requests of local businesses and organizations both large and small. Our voices have not been heard. The Chamber of Commerce is that voice. We will support the new Chamber efforts and we do not intend to be the mouse that roared, but, the lion that roared and rightfully so. He’s the king of the jungle!  

Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

This month’s Fayetteville After 5 concert is a trip back in time. Celebrate two of the ‘80s most popular bands while surrounded by the beauty of downtown’s Festival Park. 

Two classic bands are remembered and celebrated by artists who love them enough to dedicate their careers to keeping the decade of big hair and its signature sounds alive. 

Heart Brigade, a tribute to Heart and Mostley Crue, a tribute to Motley Crue, perform on May 22. The one-of-a-kind electric experience of seeing these music masters in concert didn’t die with the decade. Thanks to the dedication and passion of these musicians the audience can still have this experience. Whether a new fan or a fanatic from the beginning, this is a free concert you don’t want to miss. 

Heart Brigade is unique in its dedication. The band members don’t just get up onstage and play popular Heart songs. They take it a step further. Each band member has spent years crafting their performing style and look to mimic the band they love so much. This is what separates them from other tribute bands. Everything from the sound to the outfits to the stage display is authentic. When they step out onstage and start to play it is like being transported to a Heart concert in 1980. Heart Brigade specializes in Heart songs, but they can also perform Led Zepplin with true late ‘70s flare. They are a based in Raleigh, but they tour all over
the nation. For more information on the band, visit www.heartbrigadeband.com.

Mostley Crue is also a North Carolina-based tribute band. More than just capturing the sound, the key to being an amazing Motley Crue tribute band lies in the performance. They have an insanely energetic, engaging and aggressive style of performance. It is electrifying. The members of Mostley Crue pride themselves on their ability to replicate this uniquely intense concert experience. 

“We are firm believers in doing shows just like the bad boys of rock would do it. Balls to the wall and no holds barred. For an in-your-face rock and roll experience …” their website says. Just like the original held the ‘80s captive, Mostley Crue is sure to hold Festival Park transfixed with their powerful rock-and-roll performance. For more information, visit www.mostleycrue.com. 

The season continues on June 26 with The Stranger, a tribute to Billy Joel and Dealing Stan, a tribute to Steely Dan. The July 24 concerts showcases Eagles tribute band On the Border and the country and classic rock of Brittany Marie. The final concert of the season is on Aug 28, and features Natural Wonder, a Stevie Wonder tribute band and Trial by Fire, a Journey cover band.

Fayetteville After 5 is a free concert series that is presented through a partnership between the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival and R.A. Jefferies, a local distributer of Budweiser products. Together these organizations provide the community with opportunities to enjoy incredible music in the great outdoors. Gates open at 5 p.m. and entertainment begins between 7 and 7:30 p.m. Concerts are expected to end between 10:30 and 11 p.m. No outside food or beverages are allowed in the park, but refreshments and food are available for purchase. Proceeds serve as a fundraiser for the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival. 

Festival Park is located at 225 Ray Ave. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on during the concerts. For more information visit www.faydogwoodfestival.com/p/Events/211 or call 910-323-1934. 

Challenges. Some people shy away from them. Others embrace them. Ivan Castro, founder of Special Operators Challenge, relishes beating the odds.  

He beat the odds when he was wounded in combat and lost his sight in 2006. He never regained it. Since then he’s challenged himself by running more than 50 marathons, including the New York, Boston, London and Marine Corps marathons, as well as two ultra-marathons. In 2012, he cycled across America. More recently, he skied to the South Pole with England’s Prince Harry. Castro knows that he is not alone in his love for pushing the limits and crushing expectations. With that in mind, he created the Special Operators Challenge. Last year was the inaugural event. It was a huge success and was voted Endurance Magazine’sBest Obstacle Race in the Triad for 2014. The Second Annual Special Operators Challenge is set for May 30 at the Carolina Horse Park. 

Don’t be intimidated by the name. This race is for everyone and includes kid-friendly events that make this an activity for families as well as competitive athletes and everyone in between. 

“We really just want people to come out and challenge themselves and have a good time,” said Castro. “We don’t want to haze, belittle or harass you. We want you to have fun and to feel great about what you have accomplished when you are done.”

The day’s events include the Little Muddy Mile and ½ Mile Races are for kids ages 5 and up.  A registered parent/guardian runs for free with child challengers. This is a mini race with horse park obstacles and a few added surprises. All child challengers will receive a moisture wicking race T-shirt, finisher’s medal and prize raffle ticket.

The Boomerang is a 5K track and obstacle run with the added challenge of a few beers and a bratwurst. Fans of the Krispy Kreme Challenge may want to give this race a try. 

“We give all the participants who are 21 and older a beer at the starting line,” said Castro. “They drink the beer and start running. When they finish the lap, they get a bratwurst and then run another lap. When they finish the second lap they get another beer to finish up that last lap. It’s called the boomerang for a reason — we don’t want to see any of those brats coming back up.” 

Water and other beverages are provided for those who are underage or prefer not to drink alocohol.

The Muddy Nick 10K resilience run is not for the faint of heart or weak of spirit. It’s 6.2 miles of mud, dirt, water and military-style challenges. 

“This run is modeled after the Nasty Nick challenge course that Special Forces candidates go through,” said Castro. “The obstacle count is not finalized yet, but so far we have 16 challenges for the participants to go through. The Muddy Nick is brutal. It will be a tough one.”

There are two waves for this race. The Competitor’s Wave starts at 10 a.m. and is a team event. Each team must consist of two participants. There are 15 spots for this team. Teams compete  for two Remington Rifles. 

“Second place gets a Spartan blade knife,” said Castro. “Third place gets a pair of running shoes — so they can train a little bit harder.”

The Challenger’s Wave starts at 10:30 a.m. and is open to all individuals, as well as teams. All challengers will receive a moisture wicking race T-shirt and a finisher medal uniquely designed for the event. Also, every challenger will receive a free raffle ticket and every challenger over the age of 21 will receive one free post-race celebration beverage: a beer.

The winners get to go to the hyperbaric chamber and recover there.  

There are plenty of giveaways and raffles. Some of the items include one-on-one at a martial arts studio, a sniper rifle with a scope, a one-year YMCA membership,  four memberships to First Health Gym and more. There is an after party at Rail House Brewery. The first beer is free if you have a bracelet from the race. 

Spectators are in for a treat, too. Vendors, food, music and activities are planned for everyone. 

“We are giving away Dell tablets, a bike from Hawleys Bicycle World, Little Gym has given passes as prizes,” said Castro.  “The Climbing Place will have its climbing wall there and they are donating passes to the cause as well. We have four matted and framed prints from law enforcement and firefighters. A  tandem parachute jump will be given away as will supplements from Maxx Muscle. We have a month of free yoga to give away. There is face painting for the kids. Many of our sponsors will be there, too. We have so much.”

The participants can look forward to a day of strenuous challenges and personal accomplishments. Spectators will be entertained and inspired. Firefighters, the FBI and other organizations will educate people and interact with the crowd. Everyone gets a chance to connect with local businesses that, just like Castro and the team at Special Operators Challenge, believe in striving to be better than you ever thought you could. That’s why Castro has partnered with them. 

“There are so many great small businesses in our area and the owners have such big hearts. We really want to give back to them and give them a chance to shine,” said Castro. “We have partnered with local business owners for every aspect of this race and they have all been so supportive and generous.” 

While the day celebrates strength and endurance, it is also an opportunity for competitors and spectators alike to share their good fortune with others who are not so lucky right now. Bring two cans of nonexpired, nonperishable food items to donate to a local food bank as the cost of parking. Formula, diapers and clothes are also welcome. All donated items will be given to local charities to help families in this community. 

“Another great way to help even more on day of the event is to buy a pass band for $5. It goes straight to local nonprofits,“  said Castro. “During the race you can use it to bypass one of the obstacles.”

The Special Operators Challenge sponsors several nonprofits, which include the Fayetteville Running Club, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Special Forces Association Chapter 62, Special Forces Charitable Trust, Step Up for Soldiers and Team Red, White and Blue.

Castro feels strongly about giving back to the community and sees the Special Operators Challenge as a way to bring the community together. 

“There are lots of good events out there, and some of them, you pay the fee and have no idea where the money is going or you wonder who it is helping,” he said. “It is all about choices. I wanted to give a choice of nonprofits to support. It is so easy to say ‘I can’t do it,’ but just give it a try. You may be surprised. Life is an obstacle. I want to touch someone. I live every day trying to make a difference.”  

Find out more about the Special Operators Challenge at http://specialoperatorschallenge.com. Register at active.com. There is  no 

race day registration, and participation is capped at 800 registrants.

Parking and spectator admission to the event are free.  

What’s your PWC story? On May 26, Fayetteville City Manager Ted Voorhees wants to host a public hearing on PWC and HB 392. Really? I hope the good citizens of Fayetteville take this opportunity to show up in mass to shout out support for of our Hometown Utility. After all, with more than a century of dedication, experience and expertise, our PWC has managed to set the standard in efficient operations, responsible management and community commitment. Not an easy task for a public utility. 

So, what’s your PWC story? Low rates and dependable service are unquestioned. Come prepared to share your personal PWC  experience with Voorhees and the city council. Let’s put a face on this community asset and let them know what PWC means to this community by sharing your story. Did PWC staff unselfishly risk their lives during a storm to restore power to your home or business? Did they stop to assist you as a stranded motorist or reported something or someone suspicious looking in your neighborhood? Maybe they stopped to fix your grandmother’s flat tire or assisted you with that dead battery. Perhaps they built a wheelchair ramp for a disabled veteran, fed a homeless person or patched a leaky roof during United Way’s Days of Caring. Did our PWC educate you and your children on how to conserve energy, protect and preserve our environment and our natural resources? Maybe they enhanced your cultural awareness by underwriting programs that elevate Fayetteville’s quality of life. PWC does all these things and much, much more every day, while maintaining and managing a company that is the envy of the state. Sure, some city leaders will argue that those things are not the job of the utility. My response is simple, what do they know? 

Community involvement is the successful business model used by for profit utilities and successful businesses. PWC’s proven track record shows it also works for public utilities. It seems pointless for the paid city staff to hold a public hearing on something that they cannot impact or have zero authority over, like the work of the legislature, a topic that they and the community have no say or authority over. It begs the question, why are they holding the public hearing? Is the real purpose to belittle the PWC commissioners or attack PWC management and besmirch the reputation of one of this city’s most successful ventures? Our community deserves better and so do the dedicated employees of PWC. 

Since the battle lines between the city and PWC were drawn, a lot of words have been written and spoken, some true, so not so much. In order to ensure our residents know the truth, below is a primer of sorts on HB 392. While our city has a talented and competent communications staff, the information going out about PWC has been a little confusing leaving some elected city leaders and members of the community confused. Knowing the facts will confirm what you already know: Our PWC Commissioners, management, employees and legislative delegation have our best interest at heart. 

Easy Facts:

PWC is a publicly owned utility, and as such, does not pay taxes to the city.

A utility is not authorized to transfer any money until all “appropriations in the fund equal or exceed the amount that will be required during the fiscal year, as shown by the budget ordinance, to meet operating expenses, capital outlay and debt service on outstanding utility or enterprise bonds or notes,” i.e. until the utility has what it needs to operate and maintain its systems, no money can be taken out of it.

PWC, as a publicly owned utility, has the joint responsibility, first to the ratepayers to keep utility rates as low as possible. Second, to transfer funds to the owning organization to offset the impact of the utility not paying taxes. The intent is not to for the public utility to underwrite the city’s budget, but rather contribute as all businesses do. Any transfers that requires a utility rate increase should be reduced so there is no adverse impact on ratepayers.

The average transfer for public utilities in the southeast region of the United States is approximately 7.8 percent. PWC’s current rate is 5.2 percent which does not take into account other funds paid in support of the city by PWC (see below), which puts PWC well above the national average.

Need to know information about HB 392

HB 392 ends the responsibility for the city to pay its $70 million portion of the Big Bang annexation costs. PWC is responsible for funding the whole expansion. With that in mind, PWC transfer to the city should go back to what it was before annexation, which was about $9 million per year. 

In addition to its transfer rate, PWC will continue to pay 100 percent of the cost of city street lights, which is an additional $3.2 million bringing the utility’s contribution to city coffers well above the 7.8 percent average at $12 million. 

PWC leadership has cautioned that an increase in transfer rate will mean higher rates for the ratepayers, which contradicts the public utility’s first responsibility of keeping rates as possible. PWC’s residential rate is 4.49 percent less than the North Carolina average and 12.29 percent less than the national average. For industrial users, PWC is 3.27 percent less than the state average and 6.9 percent less than the national average, according to Electric City.

This is fairly straightforward. The numbers do not lie, the way people manipulate them do. It is disconcerting that our city staff cannot and will not grasp these elementary concepts, and continue to lead newbie council members down the rabbit hole. If our city manager and elected city officials cannot grasp these concepts, how can they be trusted to run the PWC better than highly successful staff and appointed commission that has made the utility so successful? They can’t. One does not covet what is not of value, and the city staff has coveted PWC for quite a while. 

PWC is focused on the long-term success of our community, while others are focused on their own personal, short-term agendas. 

It is questionable whether or not the public hearing will occur, as HB 392 may have very well passed through the legislature with the full support of legislative delegation. But if it does, come out and have your say. If you read and understood this editorial, then you will know more about the issue than some city leaders. 

Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

The Fayetteville SwampDogs kick off their 15th season on Tuesday, May 26, officially becoming the longest-tenured sports franchise in city history. One of the biggest reasons for their continued success is the SwampDogs’ commitment to giving back to the local community. In addition to entertaining baseball games that include fun-filled events and give aways, the SwampDogs look for opportunities to make a difference in the community by hosting events and supporting various causes. This season there are several events that the team looks forward to sponsoring. 

Once again, the SwampDogs will raise money for the Special Olympics of Cumberland County through the “Spare Change for Special Olympics” program. The ‘Dogs will also sponsor a section of the Special Olympics torch run that passes through Fayetteville on June 2.

For the third season, the SwampDogs are running a Special Olympics Internship program where Special Olympics Athletes are hired to work for the summer to develop social interaction and job skills.

“The Special Olympics Internship has been successful beyond my wildest dreams,” said SwampDogs general manager Jeremy Aagard. “The response we’ve gotten from the athletes and their parents has been tremendous.”

The SwampDogs will team up with the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation this season for two special events. The first is the third annual Balls and Strikes Bowling Classic to be held at B&B Lanes on June 29 to benefit the Friends of Children, Friends of the Heart Center and Friends of the Cancer Center.

The second will be the ninth annual StriKing Out Cancer Night, which is held on July 11. The SwampDogs will don pink jerseys and use pink bats throughout the game, with the jerseys being auctioned off at the conclusion of the game.

The Breakfast with the SwampDogs to benefit the Re-Store Warehouse makes its return this year on June 27 at “The Swamp” with all-you-can-eat pancakes and sausage for a great cause.

All new this year on July 29 is Bringing Memories Home Safe Night presented by the Fayetteville Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The SwampDogs will be wearing special purple jerseys that night which will be auctioned off to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.

To find out more information about these great causes and how you can get involved, contact the SwampDogs by calling 910-426-5900.

All indications are we are about to put this City of Fayetteville tug-of-war over control of the assets of PWC behind us. This is a good thing. I think we all have gotten a little weary over this controversy. Nonetheless, it has been very revealing as to the loyalties, talent and leadership capabilities of all involved. 

No doubt, City Manager Ted Voorhees came to Fayetteville under the impression that he was here to save us from ourselves. Unfortunately, he overestimated his abilities and the accuracy of his “inside” information and grossly underestimating the intelligence and passion of local residents. It was a revealing lesson in leadership. It taught us that when it comes to leadership, there is much to be learned in our community.

Good leadership, responsible leadership is always about choosing the hard right over the easy wrong. In this case, it would have been easier for everyone to go with the flow and follow a leader who really didn’t understand the situation, which ultimately means there was no leadership. Fortunately, the leadership of the PWC Board and some of the city council stopped this before it happened and put it into the hands of our local legislators. But that’s just one instance. Who is going to call foul the next time poor leadership is exercised?

The question now is have those “newbie” councilmen that blindly followed Voorhees into the valley of darkness finally seen the light? Have they realized that while he is a paid administrator, they are the voice and the true leadership of our city? It isn’t their job to just take the recommendation of the paid help. It’s their job to take those recommendations apart and see how they will really affect our community. It’s their job to be informed, to study, to ask the hard questions and to force the hard right.

 Let’s hope this unfortunate period in our city has taught them this important lesson, because it is only one of many situations they will face during their years on council and they need to be prepared to roll up their sleeves, do their homework and be in the know–not because someone told them it was so, but because they examined it and found it to be true. It is obvious that what is good for Fayetteville, will not always be the text book theories or ideas taught in city management school. What happened in Durham or King is not necessarily going to work here. Our paid city staff has also got to roll up their sleeves and do their homework. Sometimes they are going to have to tell the city manager no. And that’s where true leadership comes into play. 

Over the past couple of weeks it has become obvious that there are many on the city council who have fallen out of step with the city manager’s leadership and who have questioned his decisions. Maybe it is time for the council to take a hard look and determine whether his management style and ideas mesh with those of the city; and if not, change has to happen. If that is the case, the city council needs to make the change as soon as possible. Fayetteville is going to face some serious challenges in the months and years to come. Leadership, trust, coordination and cooperation all will be at premium. A city manager and staff that is not in sync with the city and that will not listen when those with more knowledge and experience speak will only be obstacles and will only further set back the growth and development of this great city. 

Congratulations to Mayor Nat Robertson, State Representative John Szoka and our local legislative delegation, local businessman Mike Lallier and those members of city council and residents of our community who hung in there to make sure the right things were done for the right reasons. 

Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly–your community newspaper. 

The Gypsy Women at Legends Pub are rowdy and fun loving. They are endearingly high-spirited and sassy, but that is not what people remember most about them. What sticks with people who know them is the Gypsy Women’s generosity and the way they work like hell to take care of the people they love and support the causes they believe in — the way they dig in with both heels and do everything they can to make this community better — and how they and everyone around them has a blast in the process. 

The much-anticipated 19th Annual Spring Fling is set for May 1-3 at Legend’s Pub. The event raises funds for the Chambers for Hope and celebrates the installation of the Scott Sather Memorial at Freedom Memorial Park, an event almost 12 years in the making.   

While the Spring Fling is the main fundraiser for the Gypsy Women, each year they organize several other poker runs and events to help different people and causes. Holly Whitley is the owner of Legends Pub and one of the founding Gypsy Women. 

“I’ve never kept up with how much we raised over the years,” said Whitley. “But I can tell you this — we have knocked it out of the ballpark for last couple of years.”

The event has helped several local organizations over the years and the three days of memory making that it entails is something not to be missed. The fun starts on Friday night with a pre-party. Saturday kicks off with the Scott Sather Poker Run followed by plenty of food and entertainment, including an auction and several raffles after the ride. The bike show and rodeo conclude the Spring Flingon Sunday. The events on all three days are open to the public. 

The many motorcycles parked outside Legend’s on any given night might give pause to the wary but there are plenty who swear that walking into Legend’s Pub is like coming home. Maybe it is the Thanksgiving, Christmas and other holiday dinners and celebrations that are shared here, maybe it is the camaraderie, maybe it is the way each and every person is welcomed when they come through the door, but there is magic here. No one is a stranger, not even on their first visit and lucky is the person who becomes part of the Legends family.

Scott Sather was part of that family. 

“He was one of our dearest friends and a loyal customer,” said Whitley. “Scott supported everything we did and was always there when we needed help with something. Losing him was a real blow for us. He touched so many lives.” 

Sather was killed in Iraq on April 8, 2003. 

“He was the first airman killed in Iraq,” Whitley added. “We marked 12 years since his passing on April 8. It took over 11 years to get his memorial into Freedom Memorial Park. The monument well describes who Scott was. We do a poker run in his memory every year.” 

Six-year-old Dana placed Sather’s picture on the Hero Tree at her school. She’s never met Sather, but he has touched her life because he was important to someone she loves. 

“She explained how she was not old enough to ever know him, but he was her dad’s best friend and that made him important to her, too,” said Whitley. 

Sather is one of many honored on the memory wall at the back of Legends Pub. The wall serves as a reminder of the rich friendships and colorful personalities that have touched the Legends Pub family. Some were killed in the line of duty. Others fell to illness or were claimed by fate in accidents. There is sadness in Whitley’s voice when she talks about the loved ones on that wall, but the 

While the memory wall serves to honor those who no longer walk among us, the festivities on this first weekend in May are about helping the living. The beneficiary of this year’sSpring Fling is Chambers for Hope, which provides financial assistance to individuals who need hyberbaric oxygen therapy. The foundation was started after several Green Berets received hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment that was funded by the Green Beret Foundation. memories are good and if you ask, she has tales of hijinx, loyalty and friendship about each and every person whose memory lives on in the pictures and mementos.

“Then we started meeting other vets who could benefit from the treatment but were not Green Berets. No one else was coming forward to fund their treatment,” said Denise Mercado the president of Chambers for Hope. “Chambers for Hope is now a network. Our idea is to provide services people need where they live. If there is a safe hyperbaric oxygen therapy clinic where they live, why should people travel? We are identifying clinics and patients and doing events to get funding.”

All of the funds raised at the Spring Fling will be used to fund hyperbaric treatment
for veterans. 

“We have about six vets on the waiting list right now,” said Mercado. “It is going to help vets and first responders. Chambers for Hope provides 100 percent funding to the military and first responders and 50 percent funding to children and other adults (who receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy,) but the Spring Fling is 100 percent for veterans.” 

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized room or tube. The air pressure in the tube is up to three times higher than normal. This lets the body take in more oxygen, which means more oxygen gets to damaged tissues. This not only helps heal the body but also increases the speed of healing in some cases. The therapy is often used for anemia, severe brain abscess, burns, decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, crushing injury, deafness, gangrene, infection of skin or bone that causes tissue death, nonhealing wounds, such as a diabetic foot ulcer, radiation injury, skin graft or skin flap at risk of tissue death and sudden and painless vision loss. 

James “Flea” Weatherly is a long-time patron of Legends Pub. He was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in 2013 and is working hard to recover. His recovery process includes hyperbaric oxygen therapy at Fayetteville Hyperbarics. Weatherly has undergone 17 hyperbaric treatments and with great results. 

“John (Denise’s husband and hyberbaric technician) and Denise at Chambers for Hope are sharing so much with the community to help make people aware of what is available,” said Whitley. “The treatment is making a difference. A statement made by John was ‘I don’t necessarily ask the patient as much as I do the spouses or friends,’ and I can understand that, as my dear friend Flea is receiving it and benefiting from this treatment. The VA does not recognize this treatment. Meeting John and Denise and sharing their passion for the program is definitely inspiring to so many to join in and help.”

Not much has changed from the ‘80s whenWhitley’s friend Jack jokingly called Whitley and her two friends Gypsy Women … mostly because they were always on the move. The group has seen friends come and go and often come back again. Whitley still loves to ride and she is always on the go. The Gypsy Women still stand in the gap and do what they can where they can to make the world a better place. 

“The ladies of Legends are amazing,” said Whitley. “As of now people from every walk of life have stepped up to the plate — ladies that ride and even those who don’t. And I could never ask for kinder and more generous men in our surroundings as well.”

Find out more about Chambers for Hope at chambersforhope.org. Find out more about the Spring Fling by calling 867-2364.

Elizabeth Cashwell Elementary School has become a unique center for learning. The school, like many in the area, is confronted by challenges, but that doesn’t stop the teachers, staff and administrators from doing whatever it takes to make sure the students have what they need to succeed and prosper.  

“Some of the challenges are with the costs of materials and tools we need in order to give our students the best education,” said Principal Kim Robertson. “As many know, we have had severe budget cuts in our schools in regards to materials and supplies. We must constantly discover new avenues to gain funding to help our children learn to the best of their ability and to ascend to the highest level of learning.” 

Robertson and three members of her staff, Renee Bain, Beverly Hood and Marie Lowe, found one way to overcome some of those challenges by applying for and receiving grants for a greenhouse and a kiln. 

Finding these funds was a difficult process, as the grant writing process involves a great deal of time and information about the way a certain grant should be written. Often denials of grants come without any explanation or advice for future efforts. In the case of the grant request for the kiln, there were very specific regulations that had to be met for installation. The end result was worth the effort. 

Members of the staff explained that the excitement of receiving and installing the kiln and the greenhouse captured the children’s attention, which enabled them to move directly into an exhilarating learning experience. They anticipate a big payoff when the students begin learning procedures for planting and growing in a real greenhouse environment. The excitement the children show when they create their first pottery piece and fire it in the kiln makes the extra effort worth it to the ladies.

The greenhouse is,  by-and-large, already integrated into the school’s activities. 

“We have a school community garden in connection with our greenhouse. Between the community garden and the greenhouse we already have potatoes, onions, cabbages, a variety of carrots and radishes. We plan to add squash, more cabbage, broccoli, bush beans and sunflower seeds,” according to Bain, Hood and Lowe. 

The next step also includes a field trip to the Botanical Gardens for students to explore the concepts of rain barrels and recycling. 

On May 8 at 1:30 p.m., the school will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the addition of these unique learning tools to the school and the community. 

Robertson noted, “We will have a ribbon cutting and our distinguished guests will be entertained by the Elizabeth Cashwell Elementary Chorus, along with a performance of a Maypole dance. The guests will be gifted with a clay pot processed in our kiln, created and seeded by students. We will also name our greenhouse and will have refreshments to close out the ceremony.”  

Many schools across the nation are facing the same budget cuts that affected Elizabeth Cashwell Elementary School. For those inclined to defy the circumstances and provide the highest quality education possible, the group of creative educators has some advice, Our advice for other schools is not to hesitate applying based on the monetary amount needed. Just apply for as many grants needed to help your children learn. Our children are our future and there should be no monetary cap for them. Have information ready such as the need, the costs and the necessary supplies. Be persistent if you do not succeed at first. 

On Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2, history will be made at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre when DOWNRANGE Voices from the Homefront is read on the theatre’s stage. The play, written by Mike Wiley, is the first original play commissioned by the CFRT in its 53-year history.

DOWNRANGE: Voices from the Homefront began as an outreach program by the theatre to reach out to one of its most underserved communities: the military. Putting an emphasis on embracing the military as a central part of the community, was one of the major goals for Tom Quaintance, the theatre’s artistic director. When Quaintance interviewed for the job at the CFRT, he was asked to name the greatest challenge facing the theatre. His response was, “You are underserving the your community.”

Quaintance quickly learned that a large part of that community was comprised of military families, many of whom were separated by ongoing deployments. He heard stories from these families. Stories he has referred to as “stories of bravery, of community, of heartbreak and joy, of the everyday and the extraordinary.” He knew this was a story that needed to be told.

The theatre looked for and found funding for that project through the Audience (R)Evolution grant, a four-stage program to study, promote and support successful audience engagement and community development models across the country. The Audience (R)Evolution grant program was designed by the Theatre Communications Group, or TCG, and is funded by the Doris Duke Foundation. The grant gave the theatre the means to refocus its community engagement model to put the military center stage.

DOWNRANGE has been a year in the making, beginning with the collaboration with Wylie, whose acclaimed play The Parchman Hour: Songs and Stories of 1961 Freedom Riders, wowed CFRT audiences, as well as audiences in Chapel Hill, where it premiered. Another key partner in creating the show is Hidden Voices, a Chapel Hill-based nonprofit, that has been collaborating with underrepresented communities since 2003. The group’s mission statement, “To challenge, strengthen and connect our diverse communities through the transformative power of the individual voice,” meshed with Quaintance’s vision. Wiley, along with theatre volunteers,  volunteers from the military community and members of Hidden Voices, beganthe story telling process by first listening to the stories of those who have been impacted by the deployments: military spouses. The grant paid for the workshops, childcare for participants, community outreach, the commission of the work and the staged reading.

Downrange: Voices from the Homefront focuses on the families of deployed military men and women, and will develop a piece of documentary theatre, the staged reading and a visual art installation, which is designed to give the participants a non-verbal mode of storytelling. 

The stories collected through the workshops have been woven into a play that is moving, funny and inspiring by Wiley. 

Immediately following the reading, a talk-back session is planned to allow the audience to discuss the play and to ensure that the theatre is on the right track moving forward to a full production in the 2015-2016 season. 

Quaintance noted, “It is one of the largest projects we have ever undertaken, and I’m excited, and energized and terrified. I feel a tremendous responsibility to do the stories of these men and women justice.”

For tickets and information, visit www.cfrt.org.

If you haven’t noticed, the Fayetteville Observereditorials, especially the one from April 14, lean favorably toward abandoning the Crown Theatre facility and building a new performing arts center downtown. The paper quotes Commissioner Jimmy Keefe when he says “... it needs to go in a place where it can enhance other accommodations and really amplify the food and beverage tax and the occupancy tax.” 

Sounds like a wise plan to me.

On April 21, 2013, The Fayetteville Observer quoted Keefe when he said “It’s taxpayer money. We have a responsibility to ensure that the taxpayers who pay that.... are getting the best value for what that money is going toward.” He was talking about the benchmark study that the Civic Center Commission wanted to have done as we were trying to determine the next step for the Crown Center, as a whole. You really have the same question here, with maybe more than one answer.

Consider that the Crown Theatre is still a viable facility today. From July 2014 to March 2015, 45 events were held in the Crown Theatre with a total of 48,868 patrons attending those events. Consider also that the theatre has had substantial taxpayer money spent on it over the last few years to upgrade the lobby area and, most recently, new HVAC systems. These were major taxpayer expenses that shouldn’t be discounted. 

There is constant whining that the Crown Complex is in the wrong place. Let’s get over it. We can’t move it so let’s work towards improving the area to make it more appealing. At least, at that location we have ample parking, a facility that the taxpayers already own, a management company running the shows and more. A new performing arts center downtown could lack all of this.

 Does the city or county own a location downtown for this new center? Is there really ample parking within a reasonable distance for patrons to park and walk? How far do you really want to walk to get to an event? Is the infrastructure already in place for this new facility or will taxpayers have to start over and spend money to create it? Consider also, that just a short block away from the Crown Complex, Walmart is building a new store. This alone will change the face of the Gillespie Street area far more than anything government can do to improve it. Walmart brings other retailers and restaurants eager to follow in their footsteps. We need that in the Gillespie Street area.

So where does that leave things? Personally, I think we need to either expand and improve or rebuild the performing arts building where the Crown Theatre sits today.

The existing building can be expanded for more seating. The neighborhood will improve over the next few years from the new Walmart alone. Make the Crown Complex our local destination for entertainment in Cumberland County. More than 48,800 patrons have already have done that this last year alone. Make the new Crown Theatre a real FayPAC. One that rivals our neighbor to the north. While we are at it, let’s turn Festival Park over to Global Spectrum, the Crown’s management  company, and have some outdoor concerts and other events on a regular basis, like Walnut Creek.

If the powers that be still think downtown is the place, we might also consider the existing AIT building. It is currently on the market, and already has a 350 seat auditorium on the ground floor. It is adjacent to a 400-space city owned parking area in the back. For $8.5 million it can be yours. Sounds like a good deal compared to the numbers we have heard.

As usual, we have too many choices and not enough money. After living in Fayetteville all my life, I would really like to see us plan for the future instead of retro-fitting after the fact because we didn’t plan. We are not too good at looking ahead.

The Fourth of July 2015 will be here before we know it, with Americans of every stripe celebrating the one thing we all have in common — love for and pride in our free country and for the opportunities available to us and our families. We will stare up at red, white and blue fireworks from parks, beaches and backyards across our country; grateful that we are in the land of the free and the home of the brave. We are living the American Dream.

But what exactly is the American Dream?

Home ownership pops readily to mind, and that is certainly part of it. But the dream is much fuller and richer — education, upward mobility, good health, being with our families, freedom to make our own decisions and personal goals and desires of our very own. The dream differs with each generation and as our young country continues to evolve.

The CBS News magazine 60 Minutes and Vanity Fair magazine recently polled 1,002 Americans for the 2015 iteration of the American Dream. I found some of it affirming, some a bit disheartening and I suspect your take on it may be different than mine based on age, life experiences and personal opinions.

Here are a few of the findings.

Q: How would you describe the American Dream today?

As a mother I am not surprised that 44 percent of us answer this way: “Giving your kids a better life.” “Having a successful career” comes in first for 22 percent. Blessedly, only 5 percent of us value “becoming wealthy overnight” and only 2 percent say, “becoming famous.”

Q: Who has had a better life?”

Two out three — 66 percent — of us say we have a better life than our parents did. I agree with this one. I am now more than 10 years older than my mother was when she died, and one year behind my father’s departure. Our more welcoming culture has also opened more doors for my children and me than my parents could have imagined. If they had defined their American Dream as a better life for their children, I think they achieved it.

Q: Which is most important in achieving the American Dream?

Almost half of us — 44 percent — say a college education. Second, at 22 percent, is being an American citizen. Far behind in single digits are being born wealthy, speaking English, having health insurance and being white.

Hear! Hear!

Q: Which of these people best embodies the American Dream?

Steve Jobs tops the list, with Oprah Winfrey, Sam Walton and Rosa Parks less then 10 points behind. Last on the list, at 1 percent, is Kim Kardashian. I find this result deeply affirming that our nation is on the right track.

Q: Would your first American ancestors be proud of you?

A whopping 76 percent of us say “yes.” This seems to me a bit of a loaded question. Some of us have ancestors who were here before there was a United States, some of us have ancestors who came in great waves of immigrants, and some of us are the first in our families to be here. Some, but not all of my ancestors, are in the first category, and I can hardly imagine how they would assess my life compared to theirs. The centuries seem so far apart. I hope they would be proud.

Q: Do immigrants help or hurt the U.S?

EEK! We are conflicted here. By a small margin — 35 to 32 percent, more people said immigrants are hurting our country. The rest of us see no effect. Interestingly, more Republicans — 53 percent — say immigrants hurt while more Democrats — 45 percent — say they are helping. Interpret that one as you will.

And now for the hot potato.

Q: Which part of the Bill of Rights would you get rid of first?

Just the facts, ma’am. 

Right to Bear Arms — 37 percent. 

Trial by Jury — 14 percent.

Freedom of Speech — 10 percent

Freedom of Religion — 9 percent

None of these — 28 percent

Clearly, Americans are distressed by the gun violence in our country.

All polls on whatever topics are snapshots in time. They are also subject to error. The 60 Minutes/Vanity Fair poll says its margin of error is 3 percent either way.

That being said, the results feel All-American to me. 

Despite our economic challenges of the last decade, just shy of a past generation’s Great Depression, and our growing economic divide, we remain a hopeful and forward-looking people. We want our children to have better lives than we have had, and we believe that education and hard work can provide that for them. We have our political differences as we have had since before we were a nation, and we continue to persevere. We continue to believe that American life can — and will — be better.

Amen!

For the past several years, a favorite road trip for my family and me, has been a quick jaunt up to Baltimore to catch our beloved Yankees face off against the Orioles. We make a weekend of it and catch a couple of games. The first trip we made, we were a little unsure of what to expect having never been there before, but we fell in love with the area.

We stay right in the middle of the Inner Harbor. We walk to the ball park. Everyone is friendly. The folks in the restaurants and the vendors on the street good naturedly give us a hard time about being Yankees fans — and we give it right back. There are great restaurants throughout the harbor, cool shops and other attractions. It is a great weekend get away, and it has become a tradition. Sometimes we go alone as a family, sometimes we take close friends. 

So it was with a great deal of distress that I watched the footage of the protest turned to mayhem that streamed across the television, my computer, and my iPhone over the weekend. The peaceful streets resembled a war zone. We watched shocked as the innocent restaurant owners, store owners and vendors became targets. It was, needless to say, painful to watch.

Our distress as outsiders, cannot begin to match that of the residents of the city, the business owners and those who found themselves caught up in the mayhem — many of whom were just in town to catch a game. Of course, nothing can begin to approach the pain of the peaceful demonstrators who were trying to bring attention to the death of Freddie Gray, who died while in police custody, as they watched their planned protest deteriorate into madness.

According to news reports, Gray, a 25-year-old black man, was arrested after he made eye contact with police officers and ran away. Officers gave chase, caught him, held him down, handcuffed him and loaded him into a police van, where he was physically restrained with leg cuffs. According to police reports Gray asked for medical help before he was put into the van. Paramedics were finally called but it was too late. Gray died from an unexplained spinal injury. Since the news broke of his death, protest have occurred daily in the city, but none have been as big or have been violent. 

News reports agree that Saturday’s protest began as planned, with thousands of people peacefully assembling at the site of Gray’s arrest and then marching to city hall. Organizers say the crowd exceeded their expectation, but they did not expect the violence.

 No one can identify the tipping point where righteous anger spilled over into mob madness; although many have tried. Some argue, like Baltimore Mayor Stehanie Rawlings-Blake that “a small group of agitators turned what was other wise a peaceful demonstration into a violent protest.” While other news reports argue that there were only three outsiders for every 30 residents participating in the violence. Police Commissioner Anthony Batts, who deployed roughly 1,200 officers to the downtown area to try and keep the peace believes that the “violent agitators” were not from Baltimore.

I would like to believe that. I have seen Baltimore at its best, and it does not resemble what played out on our televisions but happened painfully to the residents of the city. 

Restaurants and stores were sacked. People peacefully walking the streets on their way to the game or catching a quick bite to eat were beaten by groups who broke off from the protest. These splinter groups threw chairs and tables through store windows, tossed flaming trash cans at the police, broke out car windows and demolished police vehicles. At city hall, they tore down the American Flag and attempted to set it on fire, while voices of reason tried to hold them back

City leaders went on television begging for calm. Gray’s twin sister broke her silence to issue the following statement, “ My family wants to say, can you all please, please stop the violence? Freddie Gray would not want this.”

The violence of a few drowned out the message of the thousands —this has got to stop. Nothing comes from looting and destroying. The message gets lost and only fuels the racial tension in our nation, which is at a boiling point. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was beaten and jailed during his fight for Civil Rights, saw the same thing. But he knew that violence wouldn’t solve the problem; it would only make it worse. 

“The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. Through violence you may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate. So it goes. Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that,” said King. 

King’s spirit and beliefs still live on in like-minded people who are seeking peace, who are seeking understanding. We saw that in Fredericka Gray . We saw that in the quiet dignity of the family of Walter Scott in South Carolina. Both families who suffered a great loss knew that violence was not the answer, and they acted in a manner to bring peace to the horrible situation in which they find themselves. 

In the opening night buzz of the audience at The Cape Fear Regional Theatre’s much anticipated The Trip to Bountiful,  words of love and expressions of pride flowed from many people who waited patiently with programs in hand. They were ready to take a ride; patiently waiting for the stage to open and the stage lights to come up so they could begin their trip. The anticipation was understandable, as the cast was comprised of some of the theatre’s favorite veteran actors. Already spellbound, the audience waited to take the trip to see and experience a place called “Bountiful.”

Their first destination: Houston, Texas, 1953. Directed by Anne Scarbrough, the story revolves around an elderly, yet spry woman, Carrie Watts played by Bo Thorp, who is also waiting patiently in her rocking chair,  watching traffic – forlorn and spiritless. She is living in an apartment under the watchful eyes of her overprotective son, Ludie Watts (Greg King), and his controlling wife, Jessie Mae Watts (Libby McNeill Seymour). Carrie may seem lost, but it soon becomes evident that she is storing energy to begin an adventure; a trip back to her hometown of Bountiful, Texas.  

There is a struggle between mother, son and daughter-in-law that echoes in many relationships;  however, the audience can still relate to the uniqueness of each character as it was brought to life with striking precision and emotional clarity by the actors.  

King gives an honest and paradoxical performance as Ludie, who tries his best to talk some sense into his mother who is consumed with making a trip back to the homestead where she was raised.  It is with a fine balance of deep care and exasperation that King gives relevancy to the character, ensuring that the audience understands his deep love and concern for his aging mother, which is sometimes overshadowed by his need to appease the relentless complaints and narcissism of his wife.  

Seymour plays the domineering Jessie Mae with amazing ease. She expertly walks the fine line between domineering and comical. She demonstrates great finesse with this character; by making the audience sympathize with her, while  still wanting to wring her neck for her greed in taking the elderly Carrie’s pension, which she spends frivolously on Coca-colas from the drugstore. In the next instant, we laughed at her exact comic timing as she dim-wittedly proclaims her need for celebrity-lifestyle magazines and her beauty parlor addiction.

Thorp gives a resounding performance as Carrie Watts. We see a woman who seems discouraged and hopeless at first, yet with each step she takes in her journey to visit Bountiful, she becomes a more spirited, tenacious and energetic woman. Thorp plays the role with will and urgency, while remaining endearing and sometimes comical. This is a true testament to her seasoned and crafted acting chops.  Thorp’s return to the stage has long been awaited by patrons of the Cape Fear Regional Theatre.  The last time we got to see her tread the boards was in 2012 in her endearing portrayal of Ethel Thayer in On Golden Pond.  Thorp strikes a bullseye with every word, nuance and movement and she makes it very easy for the audience to care deeply about all of her character’s motives and feelings.  

One great comical moment is her escape from her family at the bus station. Thorp conjured up a Lucille Ball-like moment, wearing the janitor’s cap and uniform while dusting and shooting across the stage to dodge the grasp of Ludie and Jessie Mae, who want to take her home.  

Thorp deftly juxtaposes hilarity with a heart-felt moment while befriending a young lady named Thelma (Michelle Zaun) who is also taking a bus. Zaun plays the freshness of a new military wife whose husband has just left for service superbly.  You witness the sweetness that Thelma brings to Carrie, which in turn contrasts Carrie’s interaction with Thelma as opposed to Jessie Mae. Carrie, when treated with dignity,  becomes even stronger and more committed to her journey.

Arriving in Bountiful, Carrie finds her childhood home dilapidated and weather-worn. There is a moment that hit my soul with such compassion when Carrie grabs dirt from the ground around the house and shoves it in her purse. The purpose and determination that we saw in Carrie’s decision to make the trip reverberates in this moment and allows us to realize that the grit and determination that put her on her path was steadfast in her character throughout the play. 

Upon finding Carrie, Ludie and Jessie Mae are both concerned and vexed; however, the journey has not left them untouched. There is a newfound sense of harmony as we see each one finding new meaning in their journey, which creates a truce between them. 

I would be remiss not to mention the simple, yet brilliant set design executed by designer Kimberly Powers, scenic artist David Rawlins and technical director James Rogers.  There were specific moments when I heard audible gasps from the audience when moving set pieces transported actors into scenes, like the bus that Carrie and Thelma were riding juxtaposed against a dazzling starry night. Likewise, the apartment in Houston disappears and the bus station appears as the stage seems to shift and fold like origami art to reveal scene transitions.

Take a trip to the Cape Fear Regional Theatre to see this eloquent, inspiring and powerful piece of storytelling. The Trip to Bountiful will leave you inspired with a heartfelt spirt that stays with you for a long while.

For more than 20 years, the Cumberland Oratorio Singers have entertained the community through the presentation of professional symphonic choral music. The 65 members, under the direction of Director Dr. Michael Martin, perform throughout Cumberland County and the Sandhills Region. 

“I think what I hear most from others is that they are quite surprised that we have a choir in this area that is capable of singing so many different genres of music,” said Martin, who has lead the group for the past seven seasons.

Martin hails from the great state of Maine. Following 18 years of teaching, he attended Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, and completed his Ph.D. in Music Education. 

He is the Director of Choral Activities and Music Education at Methodist University and was appointed artistic director and conductor of Cumberland Oratorio Singers in 2008. 

“From folk music to spiritual, or small to major choral works with orchestra, it seems we always hear from people that they didn’t know we existed,” he continued. “While that’s a compliment, we really do try to reach into our community.” 

With a choir as large as the COS it takes 8 or even 10 weeks to prepare for any given concert. The COS strives to sing, share and listen, while giving the community live choral music. 

The choir also affords local college students and other vocalist the opportunity to share their talent with others and entertain audiences. Being a part of a musical group can be a musician’s greatest desire. Learning from a group that’s been around for decades can help build an artist’s craft.  

On Saturday, May 2, the choir will exercise its vocal prowess during a performance, which features the Terry Sanford High School Choir, at St. John’s Episcopal Church. The performance will focus on two multi-movement works: Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms and Francis Poulenc’s Gloria.

“In terms of picking the music, I try to ensure the music is accessible, yet challenging, to the choir. It also means choosing the repertoire in February to advertise the next season,” said Martin. 

“My greatest enjoyment is to make choral music accessible to the singers in Cumberland County. Between the Cumberland Oratorio Singers, the Cross Creek Chorale, and our endeavor to create a youth chorus in Fayetteville, we feel we are doing our best to make all levels of choral music accessible to all singers,” he added.

The Cross Creek Chorale, an auditioned group, will feature a more expanded choral experience for those wanting advanced rigor. This ensemble is featured, along with the entire membership of the COS, in its opening and closing concerts of every season. The addition of the auditioned group allowed the organization to offer something for all singers, which will allow it to better meet its mission of providing choral music to more people in the Sandhills region.

Season tickets to Cumberland Oratorio Singers concerts are $23 per person. Students are admitted free with an ID.  

For more information about the Cumberland Oratorio Singers, visit the website at www.singwithcos.org

There are a few annual traditions in Fayetteville that inarguably mean spring has arrived and summer is well on its way. One that many look forward to is the Fort Bragg Fair, a growing tradition that is  shared and passed down through generations. 

The fair is open to the public and everyone is invited to take part in the rides, activities and more. Expect to see, “… typical carnival rides, 28 in all, carnival food favorites and midway games,” said Rhett Stroupe the Fort Bragg MWR special events coordinator. 

This year’s fair has an incredible lineup of entertainers. New and particularly exciting is Kachunga and the Alligator Show. The show began in 1982 and is geared toward educating people about alligators in a fun and exciting way. In every show Kachunga, an alligator expert from deep in the swamps of Florida, impresses crowds with his ability to take on the 9-foot long 300-pound alligator known for its quick reflexes and strength. It may seem like an impossible task, but Kachunga can handle the pressure like no other. No alligators are harmed in the shows. They are treated with the utmost respect and care. The show is intense, but perfectly safe to watch. Kachunga and the alligator are on stage weekdays at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Weekend shows are at 3, 5 and 7 p.m. For more information about this show, visit www.kachunga.com. 

Much of the success of the Fort Bragg Fair is due to the dedication and the skill of the organizers. Their passion and diligence is inspired by a very simple but powerful show of gratitude and smiles once the gates open. 

Stroupe elaborated, “It is very rewarding to see it all come together for the good of our soldiers, families and the greater Fayetteville community.  We sell fun — how good is that!?”   

In order for attendees to have the best time possible, Stroupe noted that there are ATM’s on-site and advises attendees to always remember sunscreen. 

General admission is $12 on weekdays and $17 on weekends. However, Stroupe noted that admission includes unlimited rides, entertainment and parking. 

“We do not get into one’s pockets every time they want to ride something. Ride till you drop.”
he said.

On May 10, the fair includes a Mother’s Day special. Mothers are admitted free when accompanied by a paying child 36 inches or taller up to age 17. There is also a customer appreciation special throughout the event. Monday-Friday, from 5-7 p.m., $7 admission (includes unlimited rides).  

“It is a great value and we have many families come multiple days taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity,” Stroupe added. 

The Fort Bragg Fair is at the Fort Bragg Fairgrounds on Bragg Boulevard. The fair is open from April 23 until May 10. Gates open at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. General admission is $12 weekdays and $17 on weekends. There are discounts for military, children, disabled and senior citizens. For more information, visit www.fortbraggmwr.com/flyersMWR/fair2015.pdf?0967f3.