PWC to City: Thanks, But We Will Take Our Chances with

the Legislature

In a time when respect and belief in the ability of our nation’s legislative bodies to operate is at an all-time low, PWC is banking that the legislature will use common sense in sorting out the difficulties between the City of Fayetteville and PWC.

On Oct. 16, 2014, PWC filed a petition asking the courts to “issue a declaratory ruling that clarifies its duties and responsibilities. The goal of the filing is to eliminate any confusion and uncertainty regarding the way PWC currently operates and to provide clear direction about how it should operate in the future.” This request came on the heels of a report filed by the city’s consultant Davenport/Lawrence, which indicated that PWC was operating outside its scope and its accountability to the City of Fayetteville.

PWC officials quickly answered the consultant’s charges, and followed up with the court filing. Neither the city nor PWC wants an extended court battle, which will ultimately impact the citizens of Fayetteville and PWC customers. To that end, in mid-December both agreed to mediation, which has been ongoing. At that time, Mike Lailler, chairman of the city-appointed PWC Commission noted in a statement to the media, “Our goal from the beginning has been to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the PWC commissioners. That can be accomplished through mediation or through legislative action without the need for a lengthy court proceeding.”

Last week, mediation appeared to have come to an impasse when Lailler released a statement that had to make city staff and councilmen a little jumpy. In his statement (below), Lailler and PWC take the nuclear action that the city has been trying to desperately avoid: They gave the problem to the N.C. General Assembly.

From the get go, the city has been averse to involving the legislature in the fight between itself and PWC. When the legislature opens up the PWC Charter for consideration and clarification, it could go bad, very bad for the city — and the city knows this. PWC has been lauded nationwide as a prime example of efficiency and as an example of how a public utility should operate. We can’t say the same of the city.

Cumberland County’s legislative delegation is prepared to take up this problem, and PWC is more than ready to let them do so; the city, not so much. This is what the PWC Commission had to say about moving the dispute into the legislature’s court:

“From the beginning, PWC Commissioners have sought to clarify the roles and responsibilities outlined by the N.C. General Assembly in the original charter. The legislature intentionally created a separate, independent board to manage the utility and that model has worked well for the City of Fayetteville and PWC customers since 1905.

The City Council’s suggested revisions would radically alter PWC’s governance model. They would make PWC just another department of the city under the full control and authority of the City Manager and allow the City Council to remove Commissioners at will. That would limit the role of PWC Commissioners to that of an advisory board. These changes would also allow politics to have greater influence in PWC operations by making Commissioners subject to changing political winds.

Specifically, these changes would likely disrupt the Commissioner’s extended tenure of up to 12 years. PWC oversees $1.1 Billion in assets and spends approximately $1 Million per day to provide electric, water and wastewater treatment to this community. To effectively manage such a valuable and complex organization that regularly makes decisions with consequences far into the future requires an experienced and stable group of Commissioners that think strategically and long-term.

At a time when technology and alternative energy sources are rapidly changing, and when quality and competitive utility services are a core component to our economic environment, such a radical change in the governance of PWC, we feel, would be a mistake. We feel it would be in the city’s best interest to have a stable utility not subject to rapidly changing political environments.

We trust in the wisdom of our legislative delegation and will let them determine whether to reverse 110 years of successful operating practices or maintain the current structure with the clarifications set forth by the commissioners.”

This could get worse before it gets better. Hold onto your hats, it’s going to get dicey.

The Fayetteville FireAntz have been lighting it up on the ice over the past month and a half, winning 10 of their last 15 games. After an off-season filled with a tremendous amount of time spent recruiting by head coach Emery Olauson, the Antz endured a slow start to the 2014-2015 season. But there was never a doubt in the minds of Olauson and his locker room.

“This team has faced a ton of adversity since the start of the season in October,” said Olauson.

When asked about three of his goalies already being called up this season Olauson noted, “Although it’s a scramble to find goalies mid-season, ultimately, we are a developmental league trying to progress players to the next level.”

Olauson takes pride in the talent he’s brought to Fayetteville this season and is passionate about developing the skills of his players. Every player on the roster has a role that is vital to the team’s overall success. Sometimes, it takes a tough guy willing to get his hands dirty … or cut … or bruised, whichever they prefer — a tough guy, a guy who’s got a teammate’s back no matter what or who stands in the way.

That’s the kind of role that #13 Rookie Brad Drobot plays in the Antz lineup. Through 26 games, Drobot has recorded 93 penalty minutes with 11 major penalties, the most by any rookie in the league in both statistics.

Readers might think — a tough guy with a big beard and hands like a bear, must be crazy off of the ice, too. That’s not the case, even the slightest bit. Drobot was born and raised in Calgary Alberta, Canada, developing a passion for hockey at the young age of 5. With parents who run their own business, Drobot comes from a family where hard work is no stranger. Drobot looks up to his parents, appreciating the work ethic they’ve instilled in him. Since he’s been in Fayetteville, Drobot has had the opportunity to give back to the community and says the food drive this past December was “… an amazing experience to help people in need during the holidays.”

When asked about his favorite on-ice experience in Fayetteville, he was quick to reply “… saluting the crowd after my fight on Military Night.”

What does it take to prepare for such a night? For Drobot, a good morning of practice followed by a rather large plate of spaghetti and meat sauce, topped with a little one hour snooze, will get him ready to dish out some major punishment come game time. His roommate is teammate Tim Recio, who Drobot says “… sings way too loud in the shower but has the voice of an angel.”

Drobot hopes to continue playing professional hockey as long as he can. In the off-season, he enjoys off ice training and is a bouncer at a night club.

Photo: top left; Brad Drobot. Bottom right; Rookie Brad Drobot mixes it up on the ice during Military Appreciation night. Drobot leads the league in penalty minutes (93) and major penalties (11).

The Three Musketeers is a timeless story. It’s one that most people know whether it’s from the book, a comic book or one of the countless movies that have been made over the past century. With the Cape Fear Regional Theatre’s staging of this classic tale, Director Steve Rankin is staying as true to the story as possible.

“This is a great story that instantaneously puts you in the middle of a sword fight, with men of honor fighting villains,” he said. “The way you make this story fresh is simply telling the story. When you start messing around with it, it’s the wrong thing to do. This is a story of bravery and camaraderie, of men coming together and bonding over a cause, which is something that is missing in this digital age.”

Rankin, a New York-based actor, director and fight director, is excited to bring this story to the stage. It has been one show that has eluded him throughout his career. A longtime friend of Tom Quaintance, Rankin was invited to come as either the director or the fight director. He chose to do both.

“I have staged fights all over the world. In this show, a large amount of stage time is sword fighting,” he explained. “It has been a challenge to make it work, but the gauntlet has been thrown and we are going forward.”

There are 10 fight scenes during the two hour show, and several of the actors have never even held a sword. It is Rankin’s job to make them look like consummate swordsmen. The actors are in their second week of rehearsals and any free time they have is spent in rehearsing their sword play.

Rankin is particularly excited about bringing a story of brotherhood to Fayetteville and its military community.

“This play speaks to loyalty, camaraderie and about having each other’s back. This is what it is all about and it should speak to this community,” he said.

He explained that in the first scene, D’Artagnan’s father sits him down to talk to him about becoming a Musketeer, and he basically describes what it means to be a Marine.

“The only things these guys had was their honor and their name, which was as precious as a mutual fund portfolio. D’Artagnan’s father tells him to surround himself with the appropriate people. It was very important that he surround himself with men of honor and men of loyalty. This is something that will really resound with the military community — the idea of ‘all for one and one for all.’”

The other idea that will resound is the idea of brotherhood, which is embodied in the spirit of the Musketeers.

Porthos, who is played by Arthur Lazalde, brings to mind the Ghost of Christmas Present. He loves life and sees it as a banquet. He loves to fight. He loves women. He loves his brother musketeers and knows they will always back his play, even if he is wrong. While each of the musketeers are very different, they complement each other and make each other better. Each man serves a purpose, much like modern day Special Forces teams.

Rankin explains that they use their honor to navigate the waters of their times. They also use their humor. There are a lot of plays on words, which makes even the most intense fight scene a little funny. It is not slapstick, but rather a more sophisticated humor.

Athos, played by Shad Ramsey, is a wounded warrior. He knows that it is important to do the right thing, but also knows that there is a price to pay for doing that. Athos knows that you have to continue living but he lives with his pain. He doesn’t let it kill him, he goes on and keeps the code of honor, loyalty and bravery that is at the heart of the story of The Three Musketeers. The play opens on Jan. 22 and runs through Feb. 8. Tickets range in price. To purchase tickets, visit the CFRT website at www.cfrt.org.

Navigating the college selection process can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. This should be a time of great excitement, discovery and anticipation.

Making the list

First, ask questions to figure out what a student needs to succeed.

• “How do I learn?” Colleges can have different teaching philosophies that may fit one type of student better than the other.

• “Big or small?” A big school might have more amenities, but have lecture classes with upwards of 200 people. At a small college, the emphasis might be on intimate discussion and personal attention

• “What do I want to study?” Students frequently change their majors, but finding a department that works for a student’s early goals is a good start.

• “Is there academic support?” Services like tutoring, study and writing centers and professors who are available to students can help when the going gets tough.

• “Where do I want to be?” Close to home or far away? In a big city or a small town? Like in real estate, location is everything.

• “What about after graduation?” Will a college’s academic program sufficiently prepare students for graduate school? If a student plans to enter the workforce, how does the college offer to help students prepare? What are the college’s statistics on successful job placement? Does the school offer a network of dedicated alumni eager to help new graduates get a start on their careers?

Students looking at potential colleges should ask all of these questions and schedule visits to prospective schools. Nothing beats walking on a campus and experiencing the atmosphere firsthand. Some colleges can tailor special tours based on a student’s interests, even arranging to give a peek at classes and athletics. A student shouldn’t ignore the gut feeling they get while on the campus tour. If it feels right, there is a good chance it is right.

Choosing a college

After a student has applied and received acceptance letters and financial aid awards, it is now time to find the one school that fits.

The student shouldn’t look for the “perfect fit,” but rather the “best fit,” taking all of the factors into account. Once the decision is made, the student should take advantage of every resource available on that campus.

College is a tremendous time of learning and growth that is best experienced by participation rather than observation.

“We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.” - Martin Luther King Jr.

I often wonder what Martin Luther King Jr. would say about recent events if he were alive today. His vision was for everyone to be treated equally and he wanted minorities to have a voice. This past year has been full of tragedies, protests and social injustices. The truth remains that we still have a long way to go and I wonder if we will ever get there.

The Fayetteville Cumberland County Ministerial Council presents the 22nd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast on Monday, Jan. 19, at 7:30 a.m. at the Crown Exhibition Center. The theme for this year’s breakfast is “Working Together for Unity in the Community.”

“We focus greatly on promoting community unity and it is not just the black community,” said Mary C. Owens, president of The Fayetteville Cumberland County Ministerial Council. “We will celebrate the community as a whole with the idea of what King called the beloved community.”

Dr. King’s beloved community is a global vision in which all people can share in the wealth of the Earth. In the beloved community, poverty, homelessness and hunger will not be tolerated. Racism and all forms of discrimination such as prejudice and bigotry will be replaced with a spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood.

The keynote speaker at the breakfast is retired Maj. Gen. Rodney Anderson. Entertainment will be provided by the 82nd Airborne Division’s All American Chorus. The event will feature a youth summit and an MLK Vendors Exhibition following the prayer breakfast. Vendors will run until 5 p.m.

A worship service is planned for Sunday, Jan. 18, at 5 p.m. at Simon Temple AME Church and the gospel messenger is Reverend Perry Irby.

“We are going to try to capture some of the flavor of King himself,” said Owens. “We are going to utilize some of the songs that King loved in the worship service.”

The event will also feature a summit, which will allow the voices of Fayetteville’s youth to be heard.

“This year we are hosting a youth summit that will follow right after the breakfast in partnership with Fayetteville Human Relations,” said Owens. “We will provide a platform to hear from the young people and what is on their mind that concerns them.”

Owens added that we may think we know what’s on young people’s minds but sometimes they speak a totally different language.

“We are hoping that parents and churches will encourage their children to participate in the youth summit,” said Owens. “We encourage everyone to come out and support this event.”

Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at Lewis Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, New Life Bible Church, Mount Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church, Heal The Land Outreach Ministries and Mr. Zeke’s Shoeshine. For more information, call 670-5662.

Photo: The MLK Breakfast will focus on Unity in the Community.

So you think you know about Carolina history? Then come out to the 14th Annual Civil War Quiz Bowl to show the town what you’ve got.

The Museum of Cape Fear keeps the history of our great nation and local community alive by hosting several events throughout the year. The Civil War Quiz Bowl is one of them andit makes learning a fun engagement for all ages. While the event is sponsored by the Museum of the Cape Fear, it is hosted by the Cumberland County Public Library and Information Center. The quiz bowl, slated for Jan. 29, will have 20 constants who will be asked different questions covering all aspect of the war. For example: Name the runaway slave, born in Smithville, N.C. (later renamed Southport) who served as an intelligence agent for Union General Benjamin Butler.

Prizes are awarded to two winners in the youth category (up to age 16) and the adult category, which includes ages 17 and up. The museum staff comes up with the series of questions that can often stump even the most knowledgeable person.

“Those who learn history can hear the voices of so many. And we can learn stories about individuals as well as groups of people. There is importance in understanding the actions of people from the past and what their lives were like. I think it makes us better human beings in the present and gives hope to the future,” said Leisa Greathouse, the curator of education at Museum of the Cape Fear.

Although many theorists and history buffs may have completely different thoughts about the Civil War, three important facts always come to mind President Lincoln, freedom and bridging the gap between North and South.

“The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” by Julia Ward Howe, speaks volumes about how American’s must have felt during the times of brutality and hardship. Like many other areas across the country, during the war, Fayetteville suffered food shortages and fear of what was to come. Women and children where left with farms to maintain and the future for the slaves depended on how the war ended.

The country’s history shows that modern day America has made more than a few changes.

“The Civil War was the beginning of a new paradoxical era. It freed the slaves but they were not accepted into the larger society. While the Freedman’s Bureau was the channel to acclimate the newly freed persons into the American society, former slaves and persons of color in general, had a tough go of it,” said Greathouse.

The community of Fayetteville has deep roots within the history of the Civil War. Arsenal Park is where firearms where crafted for the war.

“On the second floor of the museum is a Civil War exhibit. In commemoration of the Civil War’s 150th anniversary, three new exhibit cases were changed and allowed the museum to exhibit some unique artifacts. In one case there are artifacts recovered from the Modern Greece, a blockade runner that ran aground at Fort Fisher. In another case are four models of Fayetteville Rifles. Each of those weapons were constructed at the Fayetteville Arsenal. The rifles have ended back up where they were made,” she said.

The civil war was fought from 1861 to 1865 to strengthen the union or either prove separation for the Confederates.

The Northern states that fought for the Union had approximately 22 million soldiers compared to the 9 million Confederate soldiers.The confederates were joined by 3.5 million slaves.

“There is importance in understanding the actions of people from the past and what their lives were like. I think it makes us better human beings in the present and gives hope to the future,” said Greathouse.

The Quiz bowl will be held Thurs. Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. in the Pate Room at the Headquarters Library 300 Maiden Lane, Fayetteville, N.C. 28301.

For more information or to compete in the Quiz Bowl contact Leisa Greathouse at 910-486-1330, or email leisa.greathouse@ncdcr.gov.

Going, Going, Gone!

Old news. The vote is in 4 to 3 against a public hearing offering an incentive package to Sanderson Farms that wanted to bring 1,000 jobs to Cumberland County by locating and building a $113 million dollar chicken-processing plant in a vacant, 15-year-old industrial park located off Highway 53 in Cedar Creek.

Too bad, so sad. But, is the issue completely dead?

Only County Commissioner Charles Evans really knows for sure. Even though there were three other dissenting votes (Ken Edge, Larry Lancaster and Marshall Faircloth), it was Evans’ swing vote that ultimately killed the deal and started the fierce fervor of confusion, displeasure and discontent throughout the community.

Honestly, from where we stood, the majority of the county viewed Sanderson Farms as a positive move toward higher paying and better paying jobs, much needed healthcare and a better quality of life for many Cumberland County residents.

Those in Evans’ district were taken totally by surprise when County Commissioner Charles Evans, who was held in high esteem as the biggest champion and proponent of the poor, needy and downtrodden, abruptly turned his back on his constituents and voted an astounding “No” on what is now viewed as a minor misunderstanding and petty technicality.

I personally asked Commissioner Evans to consider requesting a “do over” now that he has a better understanding of the process and how strongly the community really feels. After all, Evans is popular. He was the top vote getter in Cumberland County. Surely, he must feel some compassion and commitment for the people who trusted and elected him.

No, Evans felt nothing.

This level of action and disappointment can only be fostered by someone so terribly narcissistic or illiterate in the ways of humanity. Evans must not have been much of a student of the teachings of the late and great Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. In King’s “I Have a Dream” speech he talks of “the bank of justice” and “great vaults of opportunity of this nation.” Both leading to “riches of freedom and the security of justice.”

In the opinions of many, Evans has robbed the bank of justice and emptied the vaults of opportunity for many people assuring them limited opportunity with a taste of injustice.

Evans has slipped off the “solid rock of brotherhood” and overlooked “the urgency of the moment” thus betraying his own constituents.

However, Evans can fix it. If he moves quickly and, assuming Sanderson Farms is still interested in locating in Cumberland County, Evans can request a “do over.” And, why not?

It would be for the greater good of the entire community and not for a few dozen “red-shirted” elitists.

With all our elected officials campaigning on and paying lip service to eliminating crime, hunger and homelessness, voting down more than 1,000 good-paying jobs sets an all-time high in new lows, don’t you think?

Someone much smarter than me asked: “Do you know the best way to stop a bullet?” Answer: A job!

Needless to say, I hope, there is still time to right this wrong. It is up to Commissioner Evans. However, if we miss this opportunity, the entire community should not forget Sanderson Farms and what dastardly deed has been perpetrated on us. So, come election time, perhaps more time will be spent judging the content of a candidate’s character rather than the color of their skin.

Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

Photo: Even though there were three other dissenting votes, it was Evans’ swing vote that ultimately killed the deal with Sanderson Farms.

January: Appreciate, Respect and Thank Law Enforcement

Here’s a great way to start off the new year: Let’s declare January as Appreciate, Respect and Thank our Local Law Enforcement Month. It’s an easy thing to do.

First, turn off your TV. If all you do is listen to the TV and radio news reports showcasing and spotlighting “grievous industry” provocateurs like Al Sharpton, Jessie Jackson, Eric Holder and Rev. Jeremiah Wright, as they provoke racial disharmony and serve up that noxious and incessant conspiracy theory that law enforcement nationally, our cops, are out to harass, harm, destroy and eradicate then you are going to stay in a state of anger. My advice is unplug the TV, turn off the radio and tune out these hate mongers who monetize and capitalize on the sad, unfortunate and heartbreaking situations like that of Michael Brown and Eric Garner.

I suggest that every American just look around and believe in what you actually see and experience every day. Notice the makeup of your friends, co-workers and business associates. Diverse? Absolutely. Confrontational? Absolutely not! Every day we live and work in harmony with our ethnically diverse friends and neighbors. Black, White, Asian Hispanic, etc. We shop together, play together, eat together in local restaurants, stand in line together at hockey games and movie theaters — we even worship together. So where is the problem? Answer: There is none except in the darkened, exploitative hearts and minds of racial provocateurs.

No one needs to buy into this. Instead, we should focus on and recognize how fortunate we are to live in such a free, respectful and civilized society; while contemplating on how we have maintained and achieved such an accomplishment.

This being said, again, I can’t think of a better way to start off 2015 than to personally walk up to any law enforcement officer and thank them for unselfishly putting themselves in harm’s way on a daily basis so we may confidently and peacefully go about enjoying our families, lifestyles and quality of life.

How could we exist in a dangerous, crime-ridden and lawless community? Answer: We can’t. So, let’s thank law enforcement officers today and, every day for putting their lives on the line to serve and protect us, our families and our property.

To this end, Up & Coming Weekly is declaring January as Appreciate, Respect and Thank our Local Law Enforcement Month.

This is not to infer that January is the only month we want to show our appreciation; however, it is said that if you can do something repeatedly and consistently at least 21 times it will become a habit. Well, I can’t think of a better habit to develop. Today is Jan. 7 and you will be reading this edition until at least Jan. 13. If you begin right now there is a very good chance, that with just a little bit of dedicated effort, you can be first among tens of thousands of local residents who actively and habitually participate in this massive practice.

This past Sunday there were two Fayetteville Police Officer’s having breakfast at the Cracker Barrel on Skibo Road. On my way out I made it a point to stop by to tell them that I appreciated their service and to keep up the good work. The smile on their faces made the experience worthwhile. I discreetly asked the server to give me their check but she responded, “Too late. Someone has already treated them to breakfast.” Now, that’s the Fayetteville I know. I love this town!

Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

A Fresh Approach to the Art of the Print is an appropriate title for the new exhibit at Gallery 208 since artist Callie Farmer Goss uses traditional print making techniques as a platform to explore alternative methods. The result is an exquisitely delicate surface of patterns inspired by nature; depth is created by layers of transparent colors and the contrast of hard edge and softness.

Gallery 208 is excited to present an exhibit by an artist who has recently earned a Master of Fine Arts with an emphasis in print making before relocating into the region. A professional artist, Goss is excited about her solo exhibit at Gallery 208.

The exhibit is a mix of her newest works and works created during her graduate studies. Discussing the theme of the exhibit, Goss said, “Something that sets this body of work apart from past series is that this series also has a humanistic quality to it from the actual print making layers to the patterns having a ‘man-made’ quality. Combining various disciplines (painting and print making) and techniques on the paper matrix allowed for different ideas and artistic styles to come together as one.”

Visitors to Gallery 208 will see ways in which the artist’s earlier works incorporate the use of random patterns and a fluidity; while the patterns of the later work appear more intentional to create pictorial tension.

“By closely observing images in nature, new color palettes are revealed that are useful to represent the specific natural feeling I am expressing in my work,” she explained. “In addition to color, the textures and patterns that can be seen in nature have influenced my web-like patterns.”

Goss is exhibiting a few of her early works developed in a vertical scroll format — long pieces of paper hang like ancient tapestries to reveal a contemporary abstract environment and her personal response to nature. Goss noted she is constantly pulled to the organic and abstract within the world of nature and always intrigued by different shapes, forms, illusions and colors.

“I am pulled into the detail,” she said.

Like other prints, the scrolls are monoprints (one-of-a-kind images) instead of traditional print making editions (multiples of the same image) and predominantly built upon a relief matrix. To create these works, the artist uses the relief technique as a unifier. In the relief process, a surface is carved (linoleum, wood or some other rigid material). Using an inked roller, the ink is passed over the carved surface, the recessed areas are ink free. The ink is then transferred from the surface onto paper using firm pressure by hand or a distinct type of press. Goss is able to incorporate painterly and one-of-a-kind techniques in her work by a mixed-media approach — often adding gouache, intaglio and silk-screening in combination with the relief.

Looking at her creative works, one is easily pulled into the details, but also the distinctive type of nature she has created, which are inspired by hiking and camping. Finding her inspiration in the time she spends outdoors, her work embodies the discovery of the biological.

“With my love and experience of the outdoors, I am able to see the growth of layers in nature, how nature layers itself to build and rebuild,” she explained. “The growth of layers within the environment is similar to the layers of memories we have as human beings. I am able to find relationships within my own experiences and how various shapes, textures and colors are within the environment and how they trigger my own memories.”

Seeing through the transparent colors in all of her images is germane to the aesthetics of Goss’s work, while varying her approach in the ways she creates movement and rhythm. Some works evoke a sense of delicate forms floating from a soft breeze while other works are still delicate, but pictorial tension is created by a darker or hard-edge pattern holding the elusive in place. No matter what the composition or placement of the form(s), one never senses solitude or isolation, but rather a relationship between two or more entities.

Goss creates worlds within worlds. While looking at her prints, one can sense the bigger natural world we live in, but her work also evokes something in nature we have not yet discovered: She reveals it for us. It is as if we have discovered the beauty of a complex system as well as a type of nature we might find in a new universe, or our own if we would just look more closely.

As always, the public is invited to Gallery 208 to attend the opening and artist reception. Callie Farmer Goss: A Fresh Approach to the Art of the Print opens on Jan. 13 at 5 p.m. The gallery is located at 208 Rowan Street in the corporate offices of Up and Coming Weekly. The artist will speak at 6 p.m.

The exhibit will remain open until the end of February and gallery visitation hours are regular business hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Photo: Gallery 208 hosts the opening of an exhibit by artist Callie Farmer Goss on Jan. 13 from 5-7 p.m. 

Most everyone knows who William Shakespeare is — not only because of his works, but also because he inspired so many other artists. The Sweet Tea Shakespeare organization is one such group of artists. The group makes live performances fun, inviting and educational to the community of Fayetteville. With help from Fayetteville State University and many other local organizations, Sweet Tea Shakespeare is able to host a diverse body of productions.

The Winter’s Tale is a well-known story complete with romance and drama. It’s not surprising as Shakespeare is known for works that include a forbidden love that ends in the tragedy of heartbreak. This play was one of Shakespeare’s last works, published in 1611.

The Winters Tale is Sweet Tea Shakespeare’s 10th main stage production. Its cast has a diverse group of actors. Jeremy Fiebig, the artistic director, said, “We started winter productions last year and had great success with Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. We think The Winter’s Tale is a great fit, both for the time of year and as a great story after the rush of the holiday season.”

Shakespeare’s writing, like all 16th century writing, is written in old English. The English language builds with time and learning his works can help youth learn to express themselves, not only though writing but also in speech.

The three goals of Sweet Tea Shakespeare are:

1. To vitalize the performance of Shakespeare and other dramas.

2. To foster community and fellowship around the enterprise of theatre in outdoor and other beautiful spaces.

3. To provide exceptional avenues for artists and audiences of all backgrounds.

Sweet Tea Shakespeare encourages participation from all ages, recognizing that the involvement of children in theater is a great way to encourage creativity, while building the kind of confidence and self-esteem that come from being on stage.

The majority of the performers are from Fayetteville, with many of the actors being students at FSU.

“Last year’s winter show was one of our highest attended. We have a total of 11 showings over three weekends and look forward to a healthy crowd to join us at the Capitol Encore Academy building downtown,” said Fiebig.

“We have a small budget that’s generated from ticket sales and the generosity of the Arts Council and other donors,” Fiebig explained. “We put together our productions with these resources and with help from FSU and other local arts groups, volunteers and friends.”

Sweet Tea Shakespeare‘s house band, The Suspenders, will perform live music and refreshments will be served prior to the show’s beginning and during the brief intermission.

Tickets are $12 for general admission. To purchase tickets in advance, visit http://sweetteashakespeare.com or call (910) 672-1724.

Performances are Jan. 9-11, 16-18, 23-25 at 7 p.m. Matinees are on Jan. 17 and 25 at 2 p.m. All performances are at the Capitol Encore Academy, 126 Hay St.

Avery Hurt got her first guitar when she was 10 years old. It was a gift from her grandfather Wayne Canady, who is also a musician. At the time, Hurt didn’t think a lot about the guitar. But in the ensuing years, that guitar became very important to her.

Shortly after receiving the guitar, Hurt’s father, Master Sgt. David Hurt, a Green Beret with the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), was killed in action while deployed to Afghanistan. As Hurt struggled to find a way to deal with her grief, she turned to the guitar and used it and the songs that she wrote as an outlet for her grief.

“I was really very bad at expressing myself at that time,” said Hurt. “Music became my outlet. I didn’t play for anyone else. I would just go up to my room and play and work out how I felt.”

For several years, it was something she did just for herself but as her confidence grew, her mother, Kelly, let the cat out of the bag.

“Our church’s youth pastor started talking about putting a band together to play for the youth group,” recalled Kelly Hurt. “I told him that Avery could play and that maybe if he asked her, she would help out.”

The younger Hurt took that first step and started playing with the worship band on a weekly basis and she started writing more songs. She also put in extra work in school, and graduated from high school at the age of 16. With a plan to take on Nashville, Hurt wants to attend Belmont University.

Both she and her mom agreed that it would be better for her to wait until she turned 18 before heading to Nashville, which is giving her time to work on her music. To that end, her cousin, Lisa Ness, introduced her to Gary Fisher of Elderock Music, who was looking for someone to open Warrior Jam. Fisher saw Hurt’s potential and started booking her at live-music venues around the community.

Hurt has several venues she plays each month including 22 Kliks in Hope Mills, the Sandtrap and the Creek Bar and Grill in Gray’s Creek, the community in which she was raised. She also plays special events, weddings and other social events. Most recently, she played a fundraiser at the Creek to raise funds for her friend Josh Durden, a freshman at Gray’s Creek High School who is undergoing treatment for bone cancer. She plays an eclectic selection from country to Taylor Swift pop to Rehab to her own songs.

“I really would love to play somewhere every night,” she said.

On Friday, Jan. 9, she will play during half time at the Faytteville FireAntz Military Appreciation Night. If you catch her at one of her gigs, you will immediately know what keeps her grounded and moving in the right direction. Sharing the stage with Avery is her grandfather who plays the drums. Her mom and numerous cousins are in the audience. For Hurt, music is definitely a family thing.

Photo: Avery Hurt, a 17-year-old Cumberland County resident, is making her mark on the Fayetteville music scene.

On Dec. 4, 1956, something magical happened and rock and roll history was made. Sam Philips brought together Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for one of the greatest nights in rock and roll history. This is the only night that these four incredible musicians ever played together, and it was so magical that it has been memorialized for future generations through the Broadway musical The Million Dollar Quartet, which is coming to the Givens Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of North Carolina-Pembroke on Jan. 15.

“First time viewers will be blown away, especially because all the actors are also the musicians,” said Colte Julian, a musician who plays the role of Jerry Lee Lewis in the show. “A lot of times people have the tendency to ask ‘Whoa! Are they really playing that?’ and the answer is yes. We are really playing the instruments, Johnny Cash really is playing the guitar and Jerry Lee Lewis really is playing the piano.”

This is his first national tour, but he has performed with the Chicago show for four years.

Julian has a very personal connection and understanding of Jerry Lee Lewis.

“I grew up in a small town in Oklahoma and he grew up in a small town in Louisiana. We both started playing piano when we were little because we wanted to learn the instrument so we learned,” he said. “I played a lot of gospel in the church, and I love to play by ear. I loved to find the style of a musician, learn it, and then play a song in a new style, and that’s what Jerry Lee Lewis was really famous for. He took country songs and played them in a boogie style.

“We had a difference in education; he, of course, became famous when he was 21. But as far as being a country boy who learned to play the piano because he loved to play and melding country songs with blues style, I did that as a kid before I even knew who Jerry Lee Lewis was,” he continued. “But as I’ve played this part and learned about him, I’ve really come to respect him and his style.”

“I started learning piano when I was 9-years-old. My grandfather was a big fan of Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis and he introduced me to them,” Julian explained. “He said I was going to be the next Jerry Lee Lewis. I didn’t believe him, but here I am. “

This personal understanding of Lewis coupled with his experience playing the part creates an incredible ability to not copy, but to become the rock and roll legend.

“It was important that we (as a cast) don’t just mimic these men. We don’t say a specific word just because they said it, because they wouldn’t have necessarily done it the same way twice,” he explained. “Instead we have to find the essence of these performers and the style of that person.”

With his regional and now national experience, some would wonder if he gets bored with the show. But Julian explains that the concert-like nature of the show provides a great amount of variety. No two shows are the same. Julian’s natural love for this style of music also aids in inspiring his performances and avoiding performance ruts. So no matter how many times people have seen it, “No one will sit still. They will all be dancing,” Julian says.

Million Dollar Quartetis on stage one night only at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 15. For more information call 910-521-6287. Tickets range in price from $21 to $36. The Givens Performing Arts Center is located at 1 University Drive in Pembroke.

Photo: Million Dollar Quartet is coming to the Givens Performing Arts Center stage on Jan. 15 at 7:30 p.m.

During the Christmas season a fresh fir or spruce looks magnificent decked out in lights and ornaments. The house smells refreshingly like a forest, and the season is full of bright evergreen beauty. At the end of the season however, when all of the decorations have come down, the inevitable question arises: What do I do with my tree? Bring it to the Grinding of the Greens!

The Grinding of the Greens is a Fayetteville tradition that takes old Christmas trees and recycles them. This year the project is a collaboration between the Fayetteville Public Works Commission, the City of Fayetteville and Duke Energy Progress. These organizations working together allow the community to take a resource that would otherwise be wasted, and use it to support local institutions. The first grinding of the greens took place in 1994, and it has grown ever since. The live trees are fed into large wood chippers and turned into mulch that is given to local parks

The Grinding of the Greens serves two great purposes for the community. First, it keeps the Christmas trees out of the landfill. Hundreds of live Christmas trees thrown into a landfill add up quickly. The landfill grows, resources are wasted and decomposition is hindered. Just keeping the trees out of the landfill is great for the environment. The Grinding of the Greens takes it even a step further and turns the trees into mulch that is distributed to the Fayetteville Community Garden and other local parks.

Besides adding a beauty and elegance to landscaping, mulch serves several very important functions in gardening. It traps moisture, which reduces the amount of water needed, helping to prevent drought. This reduces water waste, which is beneficial to the environment and helps to increase the resiliency of the plants. So, in the face of a drought, the gardens will remain beautiful and healthy without excessive watering. Additionally, as the mulch decomposes it also adds nutrients to the soil to help the plants thrive even more. Mulch also helps prevent the growth of weeds, which keeps the parks beautiful with less effort. Mulch is an incredibly important gardening tool, and creating it from a resource that would otherwise be tossed into a landfill is cost effective, environmentally friendly and beneficial for the entire community.

If you want to participate in the Grinding of the Greens, you can drop your tree off at the Fayetteville Community Garden before Jan. 10. Beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 10, volunteers from PWC and Duke Energy Progress will begin grinding the trees. All trees must be dropped off prior to this.

The garden is located at the intersection of Van Story and Mann Street. To make sure that the trees are ready for grinding, all decorations, lights, stands and trimmings should be removed. For more information visit www.faypwc.com/grinding_greens.aspx or call 483-1382.

Photo: The Annual Grinding of the Greens is slated for Jan. 10 at 8:30 a.m. at the Fayetteville Community Garden, which is located at the intersection of Van Story and Mann Street.

Saying Goodbye to 2014: Bring It 2015

2014 is winding down its last hours as I write this. The year will not go down as an example of one of our nation’s finest. In fact, most of us are happy to hasten it on its way out. And, we have good cause.

The past several months have been marked by growing racial tension in our country. The racial tension is fanned, in my opinion, by the media and by hate mongers who seek to profit from the misfortunes of others. Not that they have created the problem, they have just blown it out of proportion. Common sense and good judgment have flown out the window. In fact, 2014 may very well be the year that killed those two important qualities in our nation. That does not bode well for 2015.

In our own community, we started the year talking about race and the idea of profiling. With new leadership in the Fayetteville Police Department, we have tried to move past that. But every now and then throughout the year someone would make a charge, which was usually found false, of discrimination by our fine men and women who fill the ranks of the department. When common sense, good judgment and open government exist, these problems can be dealt with in a professional and legitimate manner, which does not include throwing rocks or improvised bombs or burning down buildings or vehicles.

It is my hope that 2015 will be the year that common sense and good judgment come back to life and become a common practice not only in our communities, but more importantly, in those who govern our communities, state and nation.

What also needs to return is civility in how we conduct ourselves. Respect for authority and respect for life have been noticeably absent in 2014. That was seen clearly in the assassination in New York. It was seen again in St. Louis, when a crowd attacked a policeman who was forced to shoot a young man who pulled a gun on him. And it happened again in Texas. When there is no respect for life, no respect for law and no respect for leadership, chaos reigns. We are better than that and it is my hope that in 2015 we will all realize that.

Many of us will make resolutions to improve some aspect of our lives, like health, finances or familial relationships. We make those resolutions with good intentions. We work hard at it the first couple of weeks and then we gradually go back to old routines and promise ourselves that next year we will do better.

Whatever you resolve in 2015, make it count. Make it matter. Don’t give up on it. Work a little harder. It takes 21 days to make a habit. So spend three weeks on your resolution, and then it’s a habit. You can do it.

In 2015, we promise to remain here, showcasing the best of our community, and when needed, pointing out what’s wrong. We will work hard to be your community newspaper, and we will exercise common sense, good judgment and civility in all that we do.

As you count down 2014, let it go without malice. Forgive. Let it go. Love. Most importantly, welcome 2015 with a clean slate. Happy New Year!

Now that 2015 is upon us, you may be thinking about making some New Year’s resolutions. Perhaps you’ll decide to take up a musical instrument, or hit the gym more often, or even learn a new language. All these are worthy goals, of course — but you could also gain some key benefits by working to achieve some financial resolutions.

Here are a few to consider:

Fill “gaps” in your investment portfolio. From time to time, you — or possibly your financial advisor, if you work with one — might identify “gaps” in your investment portfolio. For example, you might find that you are making insufficient progress on a key goal, such as saving for a child’s college education. Or you might discover that you need to place additional resources in a particular asset class to achieve proper diversification, which can help reduce the impact of market volatility on your portfolio. (Keep in mind, though, that diversification by itself can’t guarantee profits or protect against loss.) So put “filling portfolio gaps” high on your list of New Year’s financial resolutions.

Boost your 401(k) contributions.If your salary has gone up with the new year, consider boosting your contributions to your 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan. You may not be able to afford to contribute the maximum annual amount — which in 2015 is $18,000, or $24,000 if you’re 50 or older — but if you increase your contributions every year, you can greatly speed your progress toward your retirement savings goals. You can put this New Year’s resolution into effect by contacting your human resources or benefits department as soon as you get back to work in 2015.

Eliminate “unhealthy” investment habits. As part of your general New Year’s resolutions, you may have decided to cut back on “carbs” and sugar-laced soft drinks, with the expectation that these moves could help your overall health. But you can also make “unhealthy” financial moves, such as chasing after “hot” stocks (which may already have cooled off by the time you find them) or selling quality investments just because their price has temporarily dropped. Strive to focus more intently on your long-term investment strategy, as opposed to reacting to short-term stimuli.

Review your estate strategy. During any given year, you might experience major changes in your life — marriage (or remarriage), new child, new home, etc. — and these changes will have profound effects on your estate plans. But whether or not you encountered any of these events in 2014, it’s a good idea to look over your estate planning documents — such as a will, living trust, power of attorney and so forth — to make sure they are still current with your wishes. It’s especially important to update beneficiary designations on your insurance policies and retirement accounts so that they are aligned with the wishes you have expressed in your will. And if you haven’t drawn up your estate plans yet, make a New Year’s resolution to do so in 2015 — because it’s never too soon to take the steps necessary to protect your loved ones in the future.

Unlike some New Year’s resolutions, these financial ones won’t require a big shift in your lifestyle. But if you can stick to them, they can make a big difference in your life.

Photo: The new year is a great time to take a look at finances.

Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) has a comprehensive program of study leading to an Associate Degree in Fire Protection Technology. The program of study is flexible, offering courses completely online or through the traditional classroom setting. The program is designed to provide individuals with technical and professional knowledge to make decisions regarding fire protection for both public and private sectors. The program also provides a sound foundation for continuous higher learning in fire protection, administration, and management. Course work includes classroom and laboratory exercises to introduce the student to various aspects of fire protection. Students will learn technical and administrative skills, such as hydraulics, hazardous materials, arson investigation, fire protection safety, fire suppression management, law, and codes.

In addition to the associate degree program, two other learning pathways are available in an effort to meet the needs of students and the fire service community: the High School Connections Program and a Program for Working Adults and Certified Fire Fighters.

High School Connections Program. Together with Cumberland County Schools through the High School Connections program, FTCC offers a certificate program which allows high school juniors and seniors to attend college-level courses at FTCC for two semesters, simultaneously earning high school and college credit for four classes—all tuition free! Upon graduation, students have the option to continue at FTCC to complete the associate degree program and then either work or transfer their associate degree to a 4-year college or university. Students who transfer to a college environment will find the FTCC transfer/transition process to be handled seamlessly.

Program for Working Adults and Certified Fire Fighters. Earnest Ward (FTCC Fire Training Program Coordinator) and I have outlined several courses within FTCC’s Fire Protection Technology program that will transfer curriculum credit hours from the Fire Academy and the Executive Fire Officer courses. A similar crossover credit is available for military firefighters. Firefighters have seen their hard work and training equate to course credits for Fire Academy graduation and other approved courses. Through this program, FTCC is able to improve the firefighter’s technical knowledge while also assisting them in career advancement and professional development. We at FTCC feel this is truly a win-win situation not only for us in our efforts to serve students but also for the firefighter who desires to attain a higher level of professionalism. All interested individuals, both local and distant, can participate, as the program can be completed online, an option particularly helpful to a firefighter’s work schedule.

Graduates of FTCC’s Fire Protection Technology program qualify for employment or advancement in governmental agencies, industrial firms, insurance rating organizations, educational organizations, and municipal fire departments. Employed individuals who complete the program should have opportunities for skilled and supervisory-level positions within their current organizations.

The faculty and staff at FTCC work hard to ensure that students’ learning experiences are enjoyable, meaningful, and successful. More information on the Fire Protection Technology Associate Degree program is available at FTCC’s website, http://www.faytechcc.edu/public_service/fip.aspx. I can be reached at (910) 678-0046. Get “fired up” today by visiting or calling FTCC to learn more!

Photo: In addition to the associate degree program, two other learning pathways are available in an effort to meet the needs of students and the fire service community: the High School Connections Program and a Program for Working Adults and Certified Fire Fighters. 

On Jan. 9, at 8 p.m., the Crown Theatre will play host to one of the nation’s hottest touring comics. Ron White is bringing his Nutcracker Tourto Fayetteville for one night only. This tour follows on the heels of the success White had with his A Little Unprofessional Tour that made a tour stop in Durham last year.

White described this show as being very similar to the ones that have been so popular and successful in the past.

“This is a full blown, Ron White, smack you in the mouth hour and twenty minutes of comedy, which is what I always do,” White said, while adding, “There will be a little bit of stuff from my last record, because people won’t let me quit doing it, and then tons of new stuff.”

White’s last album, A Little Unprofessional, was released back in 2012, and according to him, could very well be his last.

White said, “I don’t know if you will ever see another one. The real experience of the show is to see it live, there is really no reason for me to release it through television or an album. I doubt I’ll release another album. I have released five and that is more than most comedians have ever done. I don’t know that I will release another one, but I say that every time.”

For White, touring is his preferred way of life. He speaks very highly of his fans and is very grateful for the success they have given him.

“I never quit touring… I have been one of the top three highest grossing comics in the country for 11 years in a row,” he said. “People ask me when I am going to quit, since I am 58 now. I tell them that my fans will let me know.”

White concluded, “As long as they are still coming out, I’m still going to do it. I love doing this so much, I can’t imagine a life without that kind of interaction. It is very addicting to have that much attention from that many people while you are talking. It is a very tough thing to walk away from.”

Apart from his individual touring success, White found tremendous success in his past as a part of The Blue Collar Comedy Tour. The tour, which he did with fellow southern comedians, Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall and Larry The Cable Guy from 2000 through 2003 catapulted White to another level of success.

It was that tour that caused his now famous routine “They Call Me Tater Salad” to really became a hit with audiences.

When asked about the true origins of his “Tater Salad” alter ego, White shared, “The first person to call me Tater Salad was a guy named Ross Hoskins, when we were on the USS Conserver in Hawaii at Pearl Harbor. We were having a family day on the ship and having a picnic on the front of the ship. Our cook was a horrible cook, but he made good potato salad. Actually, it was the ONLY thing I liked. On the ship, they boiled steaks; it was just horrible food. This guy (Hoskins) was down there at the picnic and they were eating all the potato salad because everything else sucked. So I called down to him and pleaded with him to come up to my station to relieve me before they ate up all that tater salad. From then on he started calling me Tater Salad.”

The origin of his Tater Salad nickname is not the end of the military connection for White, either. He is very outspoken in his support for the men and women of the armed forces.

White said that his latest endeavor for the troops will be out in the spring. White said, “I have been doing this thing called Ron White’s Celebrity Salute to the Troops. We are filming our fifth one for CMT in March. We are working to continue to bring awareness to the fact that this country is still at war. Those young men and women are our responsibility and that is something we need to live up to as a nation.”

Another set of trademarks of a Ron White show is his cigar and bottle of fine liquor that he partakes of while performing. That cigar and liquor, like his shows, have grown and improved as the years have gone by.

White talked about that evolution of his cigars and drink of choice, “Early on, the cigars tasted like cigarettes, because that’s what they were. From the very beginning I started with a beer and a cigarette because I couldn’t figure out what to do with my hands. Also, taking a sip or a puff was a great reason not to be talking, it’s a great pause. Then I went and quit smoking cigarettes and with the $70 a month I am saving, not smoking cigarettes, I’m now smoking $700 worth of cigars. I don’t even know what I am going to do with all that money I am saving by quitting cigarettes, I haven’t decided.” As for the types of cigars he smokes White noted, “I only smoke good cigars but I don’t smoke Cuban cigars. I would never do anything as Un-American as smoke a great cigar.”

His current drink of choice while onstage has evolved from the can of beer to his current first choice, Number Juan Tequila Extra Anejo; he owns the company.

When asked why fans should come out to the show instead of just popping in one of DVDs White said, “If you go to a show, it is more interactive than if you were seeing that show on television. The energy of the room is very contagious. It is easier to get caught up in it.”

White went on to say that, “If fans are familiar with my work and have never seen me live, it will be fun. White did offer up a warning about the content of the show as only he could in saying, “Don’t bring your kids to my show, and I won’t come to your house and cuss.”

Tickets for the show are available through Ticketmaster and the Crown Complex Box Office. Also, be sure to ask about the “200 Proof” VIP Experience and the “100 Proof” VIP Experience. Each package comes with premium seating, autographed DVDs and lots of other extras including a meet and greet after the show with White himself.

Photo: Ron “They Call Me Tater Salad” White brings his unique brand of comedy to the Crown Coliseum for an evening of hilarity.

What do brooms, boxes of matches, water barrels and heavy work boots all have in common? If you guessed they were some of the musical instruments for an upcoming show at the Crown Theatre, then you were correct.

On Sunday, Jan. 11, the Crown Complex will play host to the always unique and supremely successful touring show, Stomp; brought to the area by Fayetteville Live.

Ivan Delaforce is the current rehearsal director and a long time cast member of the American touring cast of Stomp. Delaforce joined the cast back in 1995 just as the show was beginning to tour in the United States.

“I like to call Stomp a concert … It is technically physical theatre, but it’s definitely music and that music came first,” Delaforce said describing the show. “When Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, the creators of the show, wrote (Stomp), they did it as musicians. I love calling it a concert because it is an hour and a half of just music. Some of it is loud and some of it is quiet. Once you see through the characters and the visuals, it is music.”

The visuals that Delaforce is speaking of are the result of the truly unique method that the creators of the show followed for creating the sounds. Instead of using traditional percussion instruments to generate the music, everyday household objects are used with a creative flair. When asked about how the various items are selected for a show Delaforce said, “The creators of the show decide what types of object goes into a number. There is a lot of stuff that seems cool and sounds a certain way, they are just geniuses at putting it together and making it visual and making some sort of a beginning and an end to it. Otherwise it would be us just banging on a bunch of different stuff. They pick the sounds and determine what is used based on what looks interesting.”

Delaforce continued, “We have a new number called ‘Trollies’, which we know in the states as shopping carts. They have incorporated that into the show. You wouldn’t think that they would sound great at all but it starts off being quiet and ends up being masterful and brilliant in the end. It is that kind of vision that the creators have to figure out how to make something like a shopping cart be awesome in the show.”

Stomp has been a selling out theatres in the United States since 1996, and the show has also produced a DVD and HBO special. Even with those TV and film adaptations out there, Delaforce still believes the live show cannot be missed.

He went on to say, “Like just about anything you have seen on TV, it is never the same as seeing it live. You might know what is coming and you might have watched it a million times, but to see a live performance, to see someone onstage doing it and to hear it… To hear and see the rhythms coming off the stage and to actually witness the cast making that music, when you are sitting there in the theatre, you are immersed in it.”

This show is one for the whole family to enjoy with comedy and music and amazing performers making music with everything except the kitchen sink; they will probably use that too. Tickets for the show are available through Ticketmaster and The Crown Complex Box Office. For more information go to, fayettevilleliveshows.com.

Photo: Stomp, the award-winning Broadway show will make a one night-stop in Fayetteville.

Ringing in the new year is an incredibly symbolic celebration. It is a time of reflection on the past year and hope for the coming one. It is this intense hope for the future that inspires the majority of the symbolism associated with the New Years In the South, a lot of the symbolism revolves around the New Year’s Day dinner, or as the tradition goes in Cumberland County the New Year’s Black-eyedPea Dinner, which is hosted by Lee Warren, Ed Branis and Billie West.

The Black-eyed Pea Dinner is a long-held tradition in the area that brings the community together for a great meal and friendship.

“This is our 21st annual event. Back in the ‘70s and ‘80s the sheriff at the time, Ottis Jones, and his friend, a local attorney named Willis Brown, both had New Year’s Day Black-eyed Pea Dinners,” explained Lee Warren, the Cumberland County Registrar o Deeds. “They got together and talked about it and decided to join together and had the event at the coliseum.

“I remember attending these dinners in the ‘70s. Otis Jones died in 1987 or 1988 and when he died, the event died with him. In 1993, I was talking with my father and my friend, Owen Spears, who was a member of the North Carolina General Assembly, and my dad, said, ‘Why don’t you guys revive the Black-eyed Pea Dinner?’“ recalled Warren. “We thought it was a good idea, so we revived it for the first time in 1993. In 1996, Owen had a career change and Ed Grannis, the district attorney, came on. Ed retired three years ago and Billie West is the new district attorney. Now, all three of us put on the event.”

One can expect very traditional southern fair at the New Year’s Day Black-eyed Pea Dinner. “Black-eyedpeas, collard greens, candied yams and barbeque. It is traditional southern New Year’s day fare,” said Warren.

Traditionally, the Black-eyed peas represent coin money and collard greens represent paper money. Eating them expresses a wish for prosperity in the coming year. The meal is prepared by professionals each year.

The Black-eyed Pea Dinner is an extremely popular event. Attendance is usually about 3,000 people. This year, even more people are expected to attend. It can be difficult to plan for a variance of around 200 - 300 people, but Warren tirelessly works each year to deliver an incredible event. The most rewarding aspect for him is, “renewing old friendships and seeing people year after year.”

“Many people come every year. It has become a good tradition for Cumberland County, and I think people look forward to it.,” he said.

The dinner is completely free to the public. It takes place at the Crown Coliseum Expo Building. The Expo Building is located at 1960 Coliseum Dr. The dinner is on New Years Day from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Bring your friends and family out and spend the first day of the new year with your neighbors.

Photo: The Black-eyed Pea Dinner feeds about 3,000 each year.

As 2014 races to a close, many in the community are more than ready to wish it farewell and welcome what we hope will be a better, more peaceful, more prosperous New Year. What better way to welcome that New Year than with a celebration with friends and family. If you aren’t the stay at home and celebrate type, you can always head downtown for a plethora of opportunities to have fun.

The Hilltop House is known not only for its history but for its delicious meals. Located in the historic Haymount district, it is an elegant house full of history and beauty. It was built in the early 1900s for the Kelly family as their home and business. Since then, it has transitioned to a functioning modern restaurant while maintaining the same beauty and charm as the original home. The rooms have been redecorated but the original architecture is maintained and honored.

The cuisine is described as new southern with classic French influences. This combination brings elegance and creativity to very traditional and familiar foods. The Executive Chefs are Beth Shearin-Smith, the owner, and Mathew Graham. Graham has worked at the restaurant for many years and is renowned for his cheesecake. On Dec. 31, the restaurant is hosting a New Year’s Eve Celebration from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. It is the perfect opportunity for a romantic and relaxing dinner before enjoying the countdown to the New Year. The food is fantastic and the atmosphere is unparalleled. For more information, visit http://www.hilltophousenc.com or call 484-6699. The Hilltop House is located at 1240 Fort Bragg Road.

If you are looking to party until the cows come home, you may want to check out the party at the Holiday Inn Bordeaux. You can countdown the New Year with your closest friends and family. Enjoy the music stylings of DJ Tommy King, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and sweets, festive party favors, prize giveaways and champagne toast at midnight!

If you are feeling extra festive, you can take advantage of special room rates and just take a short elevator ride upstairs after the party to your room, and the next morning you can have breakfast in the cafe. Admission to the party is $35 per person. A per couple price of $150 includes not only the party but also your room for the night.

At Pierro’s, you can enjoy a great New Year’s Even Dinner for just $59 a couple, which includes an appetizer, two salads, two entrees, two beverages and a shared dessert. After you savor a delicious dinner, you can party the night away at the Sky Lounge’s New Year’s Eve Bash. Your dinner reservation covers the cost of the ticket to the bash as well. For reservations, call 910-678-8885.

You can also join your friends at Huske Hardware House to countdown the New Year. For the past several years, Huske has been the place to be when the clock strikes midnight, and this year the staff hopes you will join them for their big celebration. It all begins on Wednesday, Dec. 31, with a live deejay, drink specials, party favors, dancing and live footage from Times Square. This is one party you don’t want to miss!

At Sky View, 121 Hay Street, you can join A Night of Excellence New Years Eve Bash, which includes DJ Diggem Down, DJ Elixer, DJ Slim and others. The party includes two floors of fun, eight Luxury VIP Booths, six DJs in one building, a Mega Money Ball Drop at midnight. It’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable night of fun. For tickets and information, visit http://clubzone.com/events/a-night-of-excellence-new-years-eve-bash.

Another fantastic way to celebrate the New Year is with a Fayetteville FireAntz game. On Dec. 31, the hockey team plays against the Huntsville Havoc in the first of three games to determine the winner of the Hooters Cup. The game begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Crown Coliseum located at 1960 Coliseum Dr. After a rousing game of minor league hockey, the FireAntz will host a New Year’s Celebration Party. Tickets are $14 and $5 for kids. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. For more information visit http://crowncomplexnc.com/events/fayetteville-fireantz-vs-huntsville-havoc-2/.

Kwanzaa was started in 1966 by Maulana Karenga on the west coast. It is a cultural family and community celebration of African American heritage celebrated by millions in the world and that is why the Umoja Group presents their celebration of Kwanzaa on Saturday, Dec. 27 from 5-8 pm at Smith Recreation Center.

“Everyone is supposed to bring a favorite dish this year such as a casserole or a jug of tea,” said Dorothy Fielder, director of the Umoja Group. “This celebration is important to have because African-American children do not know their history, greatness or positive aspects of black life and it is important that they know their value.” Fielder added that they are trying to pass on what they do to the younger generation so that it will continue when they retire or die.

Kwanzaa was established as a means to help African Americans reconnect with their African culture and historical heritage. It has 7 principles and they are things that a person can live by. The principles are in the Swahili language and contribute to building and reinforcing family, community and culture among African Americans. There is a traditionally established way of celebrating Kwanzaa and it is celebrated on December 26 through January 1.

“There will be a candlelight ceremony in which 7 children will come up and say a principle and mention a hero of theirs that represents that principle,” said Fielder. “Then we will have the parade of kings and queens.” Fielder added that this year they are asking everyone to read about one of the pharaohs and they are using the reference of National Geographic’s February 2008 issue that tells about the different black pharaohs of Egypt. “I think that it is important because our young people need to know that we came from kings and queens and we can have the same kinds of values that they had,” said Felder. “Those values were self-determination, cooperative work and economics.”

There will be drummers and a dance group for entertainment. The Umoja Group will accept donations for Operation Blessings because there is a need for coats, hats, gloves and nonperishable food items. The items can be dropped off at the Smith Recreation Center. The organization encourages young people to continue their education by awarding a scholarship to a graduating senior from E. E. Smith High School for college.

“This is a time for fellowship and getting to know more about our heritage,” said Fielder. “We welcome everyone to come out and participate in this celebration.”

The event is free and open to the public. For more information call 483-6152.

Photo: Kwanzaa isn’t intended to replace Christmas or other religious holidays, but rather complement them in a season full of ancient traditions and celebration. 

Karla Allen and Paula Sorie met when they both worked at MJ Soffee. Eventually, they both left the company to pursue their fortunes elsewhere but the two women stayed in touch.

“Paula called me out of the blue one day with an idea,” said Allen. “We met and she said ‘I want to do a local magazine with a focus on women.’ We talked for several hours that day.”

Women’s View hit the streets in August 2007. For more than seven years, Allen and Sorie published the monthly magazine hoping to inspire, inform and engage the women in the greater Fayetteville area.

“It’s always been a work in progress,” said Allen. “It’s literally been a two-woman show all this time. It was me and Paula doing the graphics, the layout, the editorial, the marketing, the distribution — all of it. And it’s been good. But we are ready to take it to the next level.”

Covering everything from healthy living to parenting, education and professional issues, Women’s View is set to refocus and really showcase what the Fayetteville area has to offer women. The magazine was previously delivered to seven counties, but starting in January 2015, the focus of the publication is significantly and intentionally being narrowed to the women of Fayetteville, Cumberland County and Fort Bragg.

“In 2015, one of the biggest changes is that we are going to focus on women in the community who have made an impact. From volunteers to executives, it may not always be high-profile people, but there are so many wonderful women who give selflessly to the community. We really want to tell their stories here,” said Allen.

Along with the change in focus, the publication will now be known as Fayetteville’s Women’s View. The content, color and size will all be the same, although readers may see some slight changes.

“After all, why reinvent the wheel?” said Allen. “We are not going to over-tweak what has already been successful. We want to keep the quality of our content. We are adding a calendar of events. It won’t be focused on all events in community, though. It will be focused on women’s events. We have a legal section we are bringing back, too. We are also adding some fun new features like a horoscope section and a puzzle section.”

The website will see some updating, too. After almost eight years, Allen said it is time for a new look. Check in after the New Year to see what changes are in store.

“We want to put out a quality product that women can pick up, go through and recognize other women in our community as columnists and positive forces working for the greater good. And we want women to feel good about what they pick up to read and to share it with others in the community.”

Find out more about Fayetteville’s Women’s View at http://womensviewnc.com.

Wishes of Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men

Having had surgery recently, I’ve spent much of the past two weeks being still, which is very unuusual for me. During this time, I‘ve had time to catch up on news — other than that happening in Fayetteville. And what I have seen has made me sad.

Religious fanatics with murderous intent are running rampant in the Middle East and throughout the world. Russia is reemerging as a threat to democracy with encroachments in Georgia and the Ukraine. North Koreans are jailed or killed for watching television. In Africa, school girls are raped and sold into hellish marriages because they are Christian and in Pakistan, children are shot dead — just because.

And that doesn’t even begin to address the problems in America. Racial tensions are ripping through the fabric of our democracy. Racial riots are only tempered by unity marches, where I’m really not sure the message is unity. A young woman is burned alive, while young teens shoot each other down in the streets for nothing more than “street cred.” It’s enough to make you lose heart, even lose faith.

Thinking about the evil that is pervasive in our world, I thought back to one of my early political memories. It dates back to the presidency of Jimmy Carter. Carter, who was facing Christmas with the hostages still in Iran and the end of his presidency drawing near, gave a press conference. To be sure, Carter didn’t have a lot to be hopeful for at the time, and from the start of his press conference, that was pretty obvious as he also bemoaned the evil in the world. As a child, I found it very depressing, but then something changed, and he finished his speech not with a voice of doom, but rather with one of hope. And that message has stayed with me. It has impacted my life many times over the years when I have begun to lose faith in my fellow man. It was the story of a simple Christmas carol, and I feel it only fitting that I share it with you now.

Written by American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in 1863, this carol’s genesis came from the death of Longfellow’s wife in an accidental house fire coupled with his son’s (Charles Appleton Longfellow) decision to run away and join the Union Army in March of that year. As Christmas drew near, the elder Longfellow received word that his son had been gravely injured in the Virginia Battle of New Hope Church.

Looking at the world around him and the tragedy that made up his life, Longfellow could have lost hope. Instead, he turned to his art to try and make some sense of the evil around him, and he penned this carol that has continued to encourage and remind us that all is not lost.

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
and wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth,
good-will to men!

Then from each black,
accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth,
good-will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth,
good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
“For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth,
good-will to men!”

This blessed Christmas season, I wish you peace, but more importantly I wish you hope. Merry Christmas!

Warren Buffet, the “Oracle from Omaha,” is considered one of the most successful investors in history. Yet while the investment world may seem complex, Mr. Buffet’s advice is actually pretty simple. Here are a few Buffet quotes, along with some suggestions on putting them to use:

“Whether we’re talking about socks or stocks, I like buying quality merchandise when it is marked down.”

Essentially, this means you should look for good investment vehicles whose price may have dropped. A “bear” market tends to drag down many stocks — even those with strong fundamentals and favorable prospects. These stocks might then be considered “bargains.” One way to determine whether a stock is “expensive” or “cheap” is by looking at its price-to-earnings ratio (P/E). For example, if Company “A” has a share price of $20 and earnings per share of $4, then it has a P/E of 5. On the other hand, if Company “B” has the same share price of $20, but has earnings per share of $2, its P/E would be 10. So it would be considered more expensive than Company “A.” Be aware, though, that the P/E ratio works better as a measure of cost when you are comparing two companies in the same industry.

“Time is the friend of the wonderful business, the enemy of the mediocre.”

Be prepared to own quality stocks for the long term; over time, your confidence may be rewarded. On the other hand, if an investment is not of high quality, its flaws will be revealed over the years.

“If investors insist on trying to time their participation in equities, they should try to be fearful when others are greedy and greedy only when others are fearful.”

Trying to “time” the market — that is, attempting to buy when prices are low and sell when prices are high — is a difficult task.

Too many people do just the opposite: They try to “cut their losses” by selling when the market is down and then go after the “hot” investment whose price may already be as high as it’s going to go. Mr. Buffet clearly is not in favor of a market timing approach, and those who try to do it, he says, are probably better off by going against the crowd. Keep in mind, though, that even when holding investments rather than trying to time the market, investing in equities does involve risk, including potential loss of principal.

“When we own portions of outstanding businesses with outstanding managements, our favorite holding period is forever.”

When should you sell good investments? Never, according to Mr. Buffet. And while this endless holding period may not be possible for all of us, you get the idea: the longer you keep a good investment, the better off you may be when you do sell.

“The line separating investment and speculation, which is never bright and clear, becomes blurred still further when most market participants have recently enjoyed triumphs. Nothing sedates rationality like large doses of effortless money.”

The lesson here? Be an investor, not a speculator. A long run-up in the market can increase your wealth, but it may also make you prone to risky behavior if you think that all your investments will rise indefinitely.

As an investor, you may well want to consider Mr. Buffet’s ideas— after all, they’ve sure worked well for him.

Photo: Warren Buffet, the Oracle of Omaha

Manna Church is an exceptionally large church with 8,500 members and five locations. However, the leadership there still manages to create an engaging and personal environment to grow spiritually and worship God among friends. Manna Church is also known for being creative in their services. They bring a fresh passion and joy to a rich religious tradition.

New this year is the Christmas Eve service. Manna Church has hosted Christmas Eve Services every year, of course. This year it will be accompanied by the new album All is Calm. “We have been working on the album since 2013. At first, the album wasn’t intended for the service but as we got closer we thought, wouldn’t it be great if we finished the album and used it to support a service,” said Chris Fletcher, the creative director and worship pastor at Manna Church’s Cliffdale site.

The album is traditional Christmas music that is a product of the five campus worship leaders who both sing and play instruments. Fletcher said, “They are our own arrangements, but we put our own spin on them. They are very stripped down renditions. Manna tends towards more modern and contemporary styles but this isn’t typical for Manna. There won’t be any electric guitars on stage, it will be more acoustic. They are stripped down and keep to the essence of the song but we make it calmer with a traditional feel.”

All five locations of Manna Church will host the Christmas Eve “All is Calm” service. While the album itself is a fantastic celebration of the holiday season, when it is used to support a beautiful Christmas Eve service the experience is deeply moving and uniquely peaceful. “Amidst the Christmas season when we sing all these songs like “Silent Night” I can’t think of a Christmas season when I was well rested. It has turned into a busy and restless season, so we wanted our service to center on calmness and the beautiful gift that has been given. This is a more traditional service, not really what is expected from Manna,” Fletcher explained.

All of the work that these passionate people put into special services and albums is a labor of love and for Fletcher it is supremely rewarding, “Seeing people take something that I helped with creatively and use it to give worship is very rewarding. None of the worship leaders are making a dime from this; it all goes to support Manna. To see people get behind the music and sing and give thanks and give him (God) the praise he deserves in this time and make that connection is most rewarding.”

Manna is also having a series of Christmas movie themed services called Christmas at the Movies. This is a popular series of services that take classic Christmas movies and use them to teach lessons. They play clips of the movies and then discuss the truths that they demonstrate.

The All is Calm Christmas Eve service is on Dec. 24, at the Cliffdale Site on 5117 Cliffdale Rd. at 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m. The Hope Mills site located at 3744 Legion Rd will have one service at 5 p.m. The Executive Place site located at 630 Executive Place will have a service at 5p.m., and the Methodist University site in Reeves Auditorium at 5400 Ramsey St. on the Methodist University campus will also have one service at 5p.m. For more information visit www.mannachurch.org or call 910-867-9151.