Magic has tantalized the public for generations, providing entertainment and wonder for millions across the globe. One thing that magic is not commonly related to however, is education. As most people know, “a good magician never reveals his secrets.” Kidsville News! is changing that though, with a new take on magic shows.

Kidsville News! and the Kidsville News Literacy & Education Foundation are partnering with the Crown to present Truman’s Mystical Magical Adventure, featuring The Amazing Vandoren. This show promises to be not only fun, but also educational and beneficial to the community. Kristy Sykes, the event marketing consultant says “Net proceeds from this event will go to the Kidsville News Literacy and Educational Foundation to continue providing educational community programs for our youth.”

The magic show is an event that the whole family can enjoy. The Amazing Vandoren has been performing for years, and just as his name suggests, he will amaze the crowd. Truman will also attend the magic show.
“He will greet everyone as they walk into the show and he will actually be on stage assisting The Amazing Vandoren,” Sykes said.

For schools, shows will take place Oct. 3-4. There are two shows each day at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Each school that attends will receive a donation of $1 per attending student. Tickets cost $8 per student.

Principals, teachers, chaperones and bus drivers get in free. The school with the most students attending will also win a Truman’s Magic show, starring The Amazing Vandoren, for their entire school. Each student who attends the show will also receive an autographed photo of Truman and The Amazing Vandoren. Schools can book shows by having a school representative call 484-6200. The show is open for schools in Cumberland, Hoke, Harnett, Lee, Sampson and Robeson counties.

There are also public performances, with an evening show on Oct. 4, at 7 p.m., and an afternoon show on Oct. 5, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children 12 and under. There are also special group rates and military discounts offered. It is requested that large groups make reservations. All tickets for family shows can be purchased by calling 484-6200 or through ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com/Crown-Center-tickets-Fayetteville/venue/115005. Tickets can also be purchased at the Crown Box Office. All shows will be held in the Crown, at 1960 Coliseum Drive.

The Kidsville News Literacy & Education Foundation’s mission is to “improve literacy, education and character development among America’s young children by providing support for various early literacy and learning-based initiatives nationwide.” Since 1998, one way the foundation has done that is through Kidsville News! This child-focused publication is a free resource for grades kindergarten to fifth grade that is distributed to schools across the nation. Currently, 1.4 million people are reached by Kidsville News! every month.

To sponsor or donate to Truman’s Mystical Magical Adventure contact Kristy Sykes at 484-6200 or kristy@upandcomingweekly.com.
“Donations will help cover the cost for underprivileged students who otherwise would not be able to come,” Sykes said.

This past week, a lot of talk and a lot of newsprint has been dedicated to talking about the need to revitalize the Bragg Boulevard and Murchison Road corridor, particularly where it intersects with Fayetteville State University. Additionally, Fayetteville State University Chancellor James Anderson called for a closer tie between the university and the city. None of this is new news.

When I moved to Fayetteville in 1997, people were talking about the same things. Everyone agreed that it was important work. It was work that needed to be done. And we all went about our business doing other necessary work. At that time, the city's attention was focused on downtown. People gathered to watch the old strip clubs on Hay Street fall to the wrecking ball and newer edifices like city hall, the police department and later, the Airborne and Special Operations Museum take their place. This was revitalization at its finest.

Residents gawked as brave investors began pumping money into downtown. The brave among us attended the first of the 4th Friday events, happy when we got back in our cars with no mishaps. And slowly, downtown became a reality. It was work, hard work. Those involved in the lion's share of that work, people like Robin Kelly-Legg, endured the cynicism and the rebuffs from established business owners, but kept pushing to make it a reality.

In 1998, WRAL ran a story about the revitalization of downtown: Years of planning, fundraising and taking risks is paying off, as downtown Fayetteville makes a comeback. You may not be able to see it from the street yet, but inside many downtown Fayetteville buildings, there is quite a bit of restoration going on. And, it doesn't come cheaply.

"Mike Pinkston owns the Climbing Place. One year ago, he invested his life savings in the indoor-climbing business. His hope was that if he built it, they would come - even if customers would have to come to a decaying downtown Fayetteville. Luckily, private cash has resulted in an uptick for the heart of the city.

"Since the spring of 1996, more than $24 million has been invested here by the private sector. The Fayetteville Partnership's Robin Kelly-Legg says that those investors are seeing healthy returns.
"Pinkston is so pleased, he is expanding his business. And, others have big plans as well.

"The investor of the Huske Hardware House brew pub will have spent more than $4.5 million dollars, once the floors above the restaurant are turned into apartments (That still hasn't happened). The Radisson Prince Charles is also spending about $4 million for a new nine-story tower. (That also didn't happen, although development plans are underway.) "Officials with the Fayetteville Partnership believe the money is coming, because people believe its Vision Plan is going to work."

There are some key things in this 15-year-old story about downtown that are missing when it comes to revitalizing Bragg Boulevard and Murchison Road.

First, there was a key entity - The Fayetteville Partnership was tagged with pushing revitalization efforts in downtown. And, there was a point person - Kelly-Legg. Her office lived and breathed downtown. More importantly, she had a passion for it and put her heart and soul into it. There is no lightning rod, no one-source that can be tagged for the revitalization of Bragg and Murchison. Certainly Chancellor Anderson cannot be that person and no one in the city is stepping up to the plate.

Secondly, there was a vast investment of private money going into the downtown area, as noted in the story, more than $24 million in private funding. We can't even get anyone to open a restaurant or hotel adjacent to a college campus. That should be easy. Students eat. Their families who come to visit need a place to stay near the campus. Why won't investors bite? Take a look at the crime rate and take a look at the surrounding neighborhoods. (Which again, scream revitalization.)

Finally, what's missing in the call for revitalization of these blighted areas is belief. People do not believe that Bragg Boulevard or the Murchison Road corridor can change, and where there is no belief, there is no action.

For these areas to change, we need at least one true believer who will spearhead the effort and put in the work necessary to make it happen. Who will step into that role?

Those already familiar with Cape Fear Regional Theatre's top-notch productions anticipate the new theater season much the same way kids look forward to summer vacation each year. From the theatre's earliest days, founding director Bo Thorpe made careful selections for each season, inspired performers to give their all and delivered well-produced, award-winning plays to the community. As the organization has grown and transitioned through the years, it has continued to provide some of the best theatre productions in the region. When Tom Quaintance joined the team in 2011, stepping into Thorpe's role as artistic director, the theatre continued to flourish.

At the official announcement of the 2013-2014 theatre season, Quaintance reminded the audience that CFRT's motto and guiding principle is "Great stories told here." He added that "Great stories bring us together, bridge gaps between generations and cultures, inspire us, excite our imaginations and give us the opportunity to share what is important in our lives."

The season opens on Sept. 19 with an adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's The Little Prince. The story was first published in French in 1943. "It is truly a tale for all ages - a fantastic journey through the stars for kids and a path for adults to remember what is important. As the wise fox said to the little prince ‘It is only with the heart that one can see wisely what is essential is invisible to the eye.'"

The CRFT crew is already hard at work prepping for this gem. In fact, they have a few new tricks up their sleeve for the audience. "There are so many cool things about this play," said Quaintance. "We are working on a lift that will raise the Little Prince's planet so that it grows out of the stage. There are several very talented musicians in this. There will be live music and original compositions."

Quaintance sees this as a story for adults in a kid-friendly format, noting that this play will bring out the child in everyone. "This really is a family show and something that parents can enjoy with their children," Quaintance said.

Next in the line up is Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. This Tony Award-winning masterpiece is set in London and features dark humor and wit. Drama and horror mingle with beautiful songs with humorous lyrics. Quaintance called the piece Shakespearean in scope, ambition and execution. The piece runs through Nov. 17 and will be directed by Quaintance.
"I was lucky enough to work on this piece in Chapel Hill over the summer, so it is fresh in my mind and will be much bigger than I first envisioned when we decided to do this play," said Quaintance.

A long time favorite, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever returns to the stage Dec. 5-15 for school performances and Dec. 3-13 for public performances. This show has been a part of the CFRT holiday repertoire for more than 20 years and includes local and regional actors in rotating casts.

"One thing that really strikes me about this play is that every year when we have a couple hundred kids come out to audition, if you ask them why they want to be in The Best Christmas Pagaent Ever they always say that Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without BCPE," said Quaintance.

There is plenty to do around the holidays in Fayetteville, but not too many adult-centric activities. That all changes this holiday season. The SantaLand Diaries by David Sedaris, runs Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14. This is a holiday treat for grown-ups and will play during the weekend evenings of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, only later. The play is a comedic look at Sedaris's tenure working as a Macy's SantaLand elf. Local actor, Michael Thrash carries this one man show.

"This is a really funny show that is a little racy, but definitely something worth seeing," said Quaintance. "We are running it later in the evening after the BCPE performances are over and the kids have all gone home."
Fiddler on the Roof won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical. A production that covers a wide range of emotions, this production will include the efforts of award-winning director and choreographer Gary John LaRosa. With more than 25 years in the theatre, La Rosa has more than 200 productions under his belt, including performances in the 25th and 30th anniversary productions of Fiddler on the Roof on Broadway and national tour. He's been a part of more than two dozen productions of the play around the world.

"One of the things I really like about LaRosa is that he has a lot of experience with Fiddler on the Roof, but he is interested in producing it for the community we are in. This is one of the greatest musicals of all time and it has not been on the stage here since 1971. It's time," said Quaintance. "Sometimes people forget how deep and meaningful the story is, how change can be difficult, tradition is important and how hard it is to face the pressures to abandon deeply-held beliefs."

This classic musical based on Joseph Steins book and Sholem Aleichem's stories by special permission of Arnold Perl, opens on Jan. 23 and runs through Feb. 16.
August Wilson's The Piano Lesson opens March 6 and runs through March 23. This drama will be the main stage production of CFRT's 18th Annual Classic Theatre Series. More than 1,500 students from Cumberland County Schools will receive free tickets to see this show. This production is an important component in the CFRT's goal to bring stories that the entire community can appreciate to the stage.

In the past, this production was performed off site for students, but this year the CFRT has made it a part of the regular season as well. "As a nonprofit we have a responsibility to do good in the community and this show is the most important work we do all year," said Quaintance.

The CFRT staff met with the Cumberland County School System and coordinated this show with the 11th grade reading curriculum. All the 11th graders in CCS will read The Piano Lesson this year and will have a chance to see the play.

"We added it to the regular season not only because it is a great play written by one of the great African-American playwrights," said Quaintance, "but also because we hope that the students will see it and their parents will come see it too, and that they will  be able to have an ongoing conversation at home."

April 17-May 4 don't miss John Buchanan's The 39 Steps. An Olivier Award Winner: Best Comedy and Drama Desk Award Winner: Unique Theatrical Experience, The 39 Steps mixes the suspense of a Hitchcock masterpiece with the quirky humor of Monty Python for a fast-paced who-dun-it that is sure to please, according to Quaintance. The script includes more than 150 characters and will be played by a cast of four performers. Nick Minas will direct.

The season comes to a close with the Rivershow - Return to the Forbidden Planet. The website describes this production as take one plot (Shakespeare's The Tempest), one B movie (Forbidden Planet) and for added flavor plunder the entire Shakespearean cannon for dialogue (the more pungent the plagiarism, the more piquant the final effect). Filled with favorites like "Wipeout," "Young Girl" and "Monster Mash," the show runs from May 15-25.

This is Quaintance's second full season as the Artistic Director at CFRT. Since his arrival in Fayetteville, ticket sales are up 40 percent and the theatre is in the enviable position of selling out shows on a regular basis.
"Some people tend to wait till the last minute to purchase their tickets and they have found themselves unable to attend," said Leslie Flom, of the theatre staff.
The best way to counter that situation is to purchase season tickets, which are also cheaper than box office prices.

"One of the things that consistently surprises people is how varied our program is," said Quaintance. "A lot of people think we just do musicals, but we are more than that... we do dramas, comedies, you name it. Our goal is for the entire community to feel welcome and excited about what they will find here. Fayetteville is a diverse community and there are not too many places for everyone to come together. We want this to be one of the places where everyone can come together."

Find out more about CFRT and the upcoming season at www.cfrt.org.

...And the Pursuit of Happiness

Okay, I know I did not come up with those iconic and much-loved words.

Thomas Jefferson did. He penned them into our nation’s Declaration of Independence, giving form to the yearnings of people who would ban together to create a new nation and signaling hope to others all around the world — even today. As a schoolgirl first learning about our Declaration of Independence, I wondered why, if happiness were an “inalienable right”— as Jefferson put it, why was I not always happy? Why was I happy some days, unhappy at other times and just blah in between the highs and the lows?

What young Margaret was overlooking are the key words, “the pursuit of.” Jefferson was not saying that all people have a right to be happy. He articulated that we have a right to try to be happy.

Splitting hairs? Not really.

But what is happiness and is it good for us?

Happiness is certainly different for all of us, but for me it often involves spending time with family and friends, knowing that the people I love are safe, well and seemingly happy themselves. I experience what I feel as happiness, for example, around the dining table with people I care for as we share ideas, stories and each other’s lives. Good food, often prepared together, enhances the experience. I suspect most people have similar definitions of happiness — not so much winning the lottery as enjoying ordinary life with those we most care about.

That may not be the ultimate happiness, though.

Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and University of California, Los Angeles released results of a study earlier this month indicating that all happiness is not created equal — that some kinds of happiness are better for us than others. It sounds like if we want to be both happy and healthy, we need to focus less on our own happiness and more on that of others.

The researchers found that while we cannot measure our emotions, including happiness, the way we measure height and weight, they do have physical components. Happiness can improve our health in various ways, reducing our risk of heart disease, stroke, maybe even cancer. But, they say, the kind of happiness I find being in the company of loved ones is really a self-centered form of happiness that makes my immune system act as if it were under stress, which is not usually a good thing. Long-term stress is known to weaken our immune systems, leaving them more vulnerable to all sorts of diseases. We cannot see all of this, of course, because it is a swirling chemical mix that affects our bodies for good or for ill, but science tells us it is real, nonetheless.

Happiness focused on others or on one’s own purpose in life, however, causes a positive reaction in our immune systems.

Most of us have experienced such happiness although we might not have realized what a positive force it is in our bodies. I think about a third grader I once tutored whose reading improved as I helped him. I think about a single mother and her children whom my family “adopted” one Christmas, and a horse my daughter and I found running loose on a rural road. She caught him and we returned him safely to his own barn.
I did not love that 3rd grader or the single mother the way I love my family and friends, and I was actually a bit nervous around the horse who was much, much bigger than my daughter and me. But I did feel good about helping in each instance, and that is the kind of happiness the researchers say is positive for our health.

UNC psychology professor Barb Fredrickson, the primary author of the study, says there are many ways to find happiness, all of which are important to our well-being. She has found meaning in her own life by writing books using her scientific expertise but meant to help a broad audience. “This is my way to make a positive contribution to society,” Fredrickson says. “And it makes me feel good, too.”

Fredrickson adds that much is left to be learned about happiness and that the key to good health over the long haul may be balancing different kinds of happiness.

This sounds like another example of what everyone’s mother told us growing up — that moderation in all things is the secret
of life.

And it may be confirmation, yet again, of why we should do unto others as we would have them do unto us.

Common Sense and Civility, Please

From my early childhood, I have been a political junkie. Yes, I will admit it, I am probably one of the only third graders who watched both party’s national conventions — not because we didn’t have cable and there was nothing on — but because I thought they were cool.

And yes, when I was in college, I spent one weekend every month participating in the North Carolina Student Legislature debating issues that were of importance to our state and country. And yes, while in high school, I was on the parliamentary procedures team and know Robert’s Rules forward and backwards. So you can guess that with the political season getting underway in our fair city and state, I am avidly watching and listening to what candidates have to say.

And I am somewhat saddened.

We have only just begun the season and already the claws are out and the nastiness has started. I don’t want you to tell me what’s wrong with your opponent, I want you to tell me what’s right about you. I can figure out what’s wrong with both of you. I want to see campaigns that offer real solutions, not campaigns that simply slam their opponent’s ideas. That’s easy. Showing me how you will fix a problem is the hard part.

I also want candidates who know the left and right limits of what they can and cannot do in the office to which they aspire. I do not want a candidate running for the school board to tell me they will decrease the size of my child’s class. That’s just not possible. I also don’t want candidates running for mayor to tell me they will lower the national debt, bring world peace and solve global warming. I want them to tell me how they will 관ght crime in our city, bring jobs to our community and run our city like a business. Anything else and you are just blowing smoke. I know it. The other voters know it, and hopefully so do you.

I also want candidates to be educated — primarily on the jobs they are hoping to take on — but also on how other factors impact that job. I would be lying if I didn’t add that I also want you to know how to put together a cogent, well-thought-out plan for what you hope to achieve while in office.

And, while I am at it, I want you to serve the term you are elected for to the best of your ability and not spend that time in office campaigning for another term or for another office. If I’ve wasted my precious vote on you, you better make it worth my while.

I also expect you to act in a civil manner not only to those who support you, but also to those who do not. Denigrating someone because they don’t share your opinion is a mark of true ignorance. I listen to those who are so far removed from what I believe and try to take something away from what they say, because they might just have something worth hearing.

I beg of you to let common sense reign in all that you say and do. Don’t make big promises and write checks that your office and position can’t cash. That does nothing but muddy the waters and confuse people who really are just searching for answers.As noted in the movie The American President, if you are running for office, then be prepared to lead. We as a community are thirsty for leadership — and while you may be able to confuse some people into believing what you are offering is just that — some of us will see past that if you don’t know what leadership really is.

In the coming months, you will see a lot about campaigns in the pages of this paper — just look to the next page. We will allow all candidates to express their views. So don’t hammer us because you think we are too liberal or too conservative. We aren’t. We are simply members of the Fourth Estate who want our community to see all sides of the issue.

My love for politics has not dimmed with age, but I no longer view it through the eyes of a child. I see it for what it is — a sometimes dirty necessity that is one of the greatest freedoms that we have.

This political season, inform yourselves. Educate yourselves and, yes, this is my 30-second sound bite, vote. It’s not a right, it’s a privilege.

Michael Solovey is not your average artist. He does not sit, excluded from the rest of society, in a personal studio constructing his next Michelangelo-esque masterpiece to be auctioned off at some wealthy estate. No, Solovey is a member of the military who has served throughout the world in areas like Bosnia and Afghanistan. He uses his experiences to inspire creativity and form a powerful work ethic that can be inspirational for us all. Residents will be given the opportunity to view his work at Gallery 208 anytime during the business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Up & Coming Weekly office.

Whether it be a commission by an Army unit or a personal project he creates for himself, he explains his way of approaching artwork on his website www.soloveyart.com.

“Success equals fulfillment. And to me, fulfilment is the combination of three very specific ideals that must be constantly pursued,” Solovey says. “Probably the most rewarding concept for me is to ‘build something from nothing’ — whether that be a business, to composing a piece of artwork, to designing, engineering and then building an automobile from the ground-up. All the while, pouring every ounce of your energy, talent and heart into that specific initiative or ideal.”

The Solovey Art Collection’s vision is clear: Give back to the community and create artwork with passion and attention to detail.

Solovey continues to describe his experience as a writer.Solovey continues by describing what it means to share his work. “Then there is the process of taking that end product(s) and sharing it. And then hopefully, others will feed from it and find inspiration that carries over into their respective pursuits. Then take it a step further - and mentor those junior to you — especially, in my case, younger artists.”

There’s no doubt that younger artists have a reason to look up to Solovey’s work and philosophy. He defines the American dream and success through his artwork.

One might categorize Solovey’s work as military art but there is so much more. Solovey caters to a wide variety of art subjects whether it be old automobiles to paintings of people and locations. Solovey is also known for his sculpture, architectural renderings, landscapes and fine-art commissions.

Do not miss the opportunity to see Solovey’s work yourself. Bring along any art lover and you’ll be sure to find something to appreciate in this tribute of hard work and dedication. The exhibit is free.

Call 484-6200 for more information.

Photo: Jingle Truck is a depiction of the vehicles that are commonly seen in Afghanistan.

Big trucks, small trucks, old trucks, new trucks and mud trucks. No, this isn’t a Dr. Seuss story, but the scene of Aug. 10 at the Outback Motorsports Complex in Laurinburg. The Mud Bog Run will raise money in support of the local Spring Hill Fire Department so that the firefighters can better equip themselves to save lives and homes. Additionally, some of the money will be donated to Relay For Life.

The Mud Bog Run is what one might expect. ATVs, dirt bikes and trucks are welcomed to tear up the mud track for an evening of unadulterated, mud-slinging fun. Mudding became popular in the ‘70s throughout the United States and Canada and still remains immensely popular today.

“It’s cool to see the guys go through mud bogs. It’s pretty popular to a lot of people. We’ll have a three-acre pond in the back, too. We’ll have a little bit of mud wrestling and a little bit of everything,” said Mike Evock, owner of Outback Motorsports Complex.

“It’s a good, family-oriented event and park,” Evock said. “It’s an event for people to get together, have some food, have a good time and have fun.”

While enjoying the mud bog, pick up some concessions and enjoy the DJ at the event as well. Also, there will be a bouncy house for the kids to enjoy.

This is the first Mud Bog Run in support of the Spring Hill Fire Department. The money raised will help the department buy more firefighting equipment as well as aid their construction efforts in adding to the department’s new building. The Mud Bog Run is the perfect social event to have a great time and support a good cause. If this is your first mud bog run and you’d like to participate directly, Evock has some advice.

“Just have good tires on your truck and go right ahead,” Evock said. “Go out there and go for it. Give it a shot.”

Relay For Life is the charity of the American Cancer Society. Since 1985, Relay For Life has donated more than $4 billion to cancer research. Participants in the relay jog different laps to bring awareness to the harm cancer does to society. The organization began in May of 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt ran around a track in Tacoma, Wash., for 24 hours, ultimately raising $27,000 for the American Cancer Society. A year later, hundreds of supporters joined the event and it has since grown into a worldwide phenomenon.

Do not miss out on the chance to help save lives in two different ways. The gates to the event will open at 9 a.m. And the mudding will begin at 3 p.m. For more information about this event, call 916 0284.

Thanks to its strong connection to Fort Bragg, the citizens of Fayetteville have a unique level of access to the military. One way that this benefits the community is the many events that the military sponsors and that local citizens get to enjoy. One such event is the concerts presented by the Army Ground Forces Band, the Summer Salute.

The Army Ground Forces Band has a rich history. Originally the Fourth Infantry Regiment Band, it was formed on July 21, 1845. The Armed Forces Band is the only military band that has received a combat distinction, which it earned by fighting in the Mexican War. The band now serves by performing all around the country for events ranging from local festivals to inaugurations. Local performances are particularly special for the band, however.

“The Army Ground Forces Band arrived at Fort Bragg in the summer of 2011. Since that time, the band has endeavored to find ways to serve the area’s citizens and strengthen the ties between the Army and the surrounding communities. To further those goals, the band worked closely with the City of Fayetteville, Parks and Recreation and the Arts Council to plan this year’s inaugural outdoor concert series. The band’s first performance on June 20, was attended by several hundred people and honored firefighters, paramedics, first responders and members of the Red Cross for their service to the community. The biggest reward is being able to play for the members of our host community; the biggest challenge is getting Mother Nature to cooperate,” said Carol Eubanks, the public affairs specialist with the U.S. Army Forces Command Public Affairs Office.

This summer, the band will offer free concerts in Festival Park. While many may be skeptical about concerts presented by soldiers, these fears are wholly unfounded. These soldiers auditioned for the band, and many of them have trained at the nation’s leading music schools. A prime example of the skill level required for this band is the current commander and conductor, Captain Daniel Toven. He has a masters of music in conducting from Eastman School of Music, and numerous other accolades such as attending the Pierre Monteux School for Orchestra and Conductors.

One of the most incredible things about The Army Ground Forces Band is its mastery of multiple genres of music. With the Summer Salute the band is highlighting its flexibility by performing many different styles.

“Each concert promises to be a highly entertaining evening of music by some of the Army’s most talented soldier-musicians. The remaining concerts will feature the Loose Cannons rock band (Aug. 9), the Jazz Guardians (Aug 16) and the Concert Band (Aug. 30),” said Eubanks.

It is fun for the whole family, and has something for everyone to enjoy.

Festival Park is located in downtown Fayetteville at 225 Ray Ave. The concerts are free to the public and it is recommended that those attending bring a blanket or a lawn chair. The concerts begin at 7 p.m. and are scheduled on Aug 9, 16 and 30. For more information, visit the website www.forscom.army.mil/band or call 570-7223.

Photo: The Army Ground Forces Band is set to perform several concerts for the community with its Summer Salute Series.

When many people see an empty plastic bottle, they see garbage. Artist David Edgar sees potential. A retired Associate Professor of Art at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Edgar has more than 25 years experience in the art world, including contributions as a production artist on Epcot Center and Tokyo Disneyland. His most recent exhibit, Transformation: Artful Recycling, is on display at the Arts Council through Aug. 17.

His work is colorful and playful, and consists mostly of plastic bottles that he transforms into brilliantly colored sea creatures and masks. Several local artists contributed to this exhibit as well. While using found and/or discarded objects in art is not a new idea, this exhibit offers an insightful and thought-provoking look at recycling and waste while offering whimsical and colorful creations.

“We have done a recycled art exhibit for the past several years in partnership with the city environmental resources department,” said Mary Kinney. “Our sponsors are on behalf of the City of Fayetteville. This exhibit brings attention to the importance of recycling and turning trash into something wonderful, useful and enjoyable instead of putting it into landfills.”

According to environmentalistseveryday.org, garbage has a huge impact on our lives and our planet.

“The average American discards 4.43 pounds of garbage every day. (EPA facts and figures). The total volume of solid waste produced in the U.S. each year is equal to the weight of more than 5,600 Nimitz Class aircraft carriers, 247,000 space shuttles or 2.3 million Boeing 747 jumbo jets (Beck).”

Dosomething.org further notes that more than 75 percent of waste is recyclable, but we only recycle about 30 percent of it and Americans throw away 25,000,000 plastic bottles every hour.

This year the exhibit was an invitational. It includes some local favorites as well as a visiting artist.

A professionally trained sculptor, Edgar spent more than three decades welding steel sculptures. Even then, his work included found objects. His first foray into recycled art involved a football game.

“We were new in Charlotte nine and a half years ago,” said Edgar. “The day the Panthers played the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl we were invited to a party. I didn’t have a hat or T-shirt, but I had a plastic bottle that was the right color blue. So I used that and part of a rotisserie chicken tray and some other scraps to make a mascot mask to take to the party. That was the beginning.”

Maybe it’s the whimsical nature of his pieces, or perhaps it is the “focus group approved colors” as Edgar calls them. Either way his pieces were well received from the beginning. So much so that now plastic is the only medium Edgar shows.

“When I first started working with plastic I thought I was in denial about my steel work and that I was not confronting my serious calling,” said Edgar.

Then he entered a juried exhibit called Trashformation. “The curator was a guy named Lloyd Herman. He was the founding director of the Renwick Gallery at the Smithsonian, which is America’s craft museum. He really liked the work. That was within the first 90 days of me trying something new,” said Edgar.

Marcela Casals is a staple in the local arts scene and has contributed significantly to the culture of the area. In fact, she worked on the N.C. Veterans Park project making moldings of the hands of North Carolina veterans. Her pieces in this exhibit include “Expansion” and “Woodforestdream.”

“Woodforestdream is a great addition to this exhibit,” said Kinney. “We spend so much time thinking in flat planes. The words on a page are flat and we read from left to right. Looking out over the ocean we see a horizontal plane. This piece challenges us to think more vertically and to look at the world in a new way.”

Phil Atwood created three pieces using found objects. One is called “Birdfeeder,” and the other two are both titled “Elegant Birdfeeder.”

Megan Dietzen made a stunning American flag using a wooden pallet and acrylic paint.

Greg Hathaway used found metal to create a piece called “Still a Rose.” Other pieces contributed by Hathaway include wood and found objects titled “Small Fish,” “Vessel:Nuclear Artifact,” “Santee Cooper River Bouquet” as well as a series of junk owls.

Regina Lloyd-Dodd used magazines to create collages with titles like “Raeford Old Gin Mill,” “Water is Life,” “Country Window” and “Take Me There.”

Brian Tyler submitted “Order,” “Flower I and Political Arena,” “3x#,” “Flower II,” “The Lottery,” “Garden Ball I,” “Garden Ball II,” “Grape Table” and “Garden Table.” The pieces are made of found objects and include drawers and mosaics.

Some of the things that Edgar especially appreciates about this exhibit is that the pieces address a serious topic in a fun and original way.

“I like that the work makes people smile. It is fun to watch people walk by and do double takes when they see my work. I think that it is good that artwork can have intellectual accessibility, that it can be about something that is serious but it doesn’t have to be heavy and intense. You can have fun with it, This is not over the top art that you can only appreciate it if you have a graduate degree. It resonates with people.”

Transformation: Artful Recycling runs through Aug. 17, at the Arts Council, at 301 Hay St. Find out about this and other exhibits, events and opportunities at www.theartscouncil.com or by calling 323-1776.

Photo: Transformation: Artful recycling is a celebration of recycled art. 

Life Unfolds in the Grocery Store

Dear Mr. Dillon:

Congratulations to the Kroger Corporation on its recent purchase of Harris Teeter, North Carolina’s home-grown chain of more than 200 regional grocery stores in which many of us have lived out our lives. I have read with great interest several news accounts of Kroger’s recent acquisition and breathed heartfelt sighs of relief when you and other Kroger brass promised not to change a thing. I and countless other devoted VIC card customers are taking you at your word but keeping our fingers crossed anyway. We have, after all, seen corporate buyouts before.

I was a Harris Teeter shopper before it was Harris Teeter. I packed up my newly minted North Carolina Driver’s License to scoot to the Big M, Harris Teeter’s predecessor, to pick up some item my mother needed for dinner, and it has just continued from there. During the saddest Christmas season our family ever had, my sister and I went to Harris Teeter on Christmas eve and bought one of the few remaining Christmas trees for $2, a tree so big we struggled to get it home and even more to get it in the house. It was so big we had to wire it to a window frame and it fell over anyway. One of the few laughs that dismal holiday season was that we were the only people stupid enough to buy a tree that big, no matter what a bargain it was.

Then came my own family, children who twisted around in their cart seats to take items off shelves when I was not looking and later zoomed along the aisles despite my pleas for calm. Harris Teeter wisely dealt with the loose children issue by providing carts with steering wheels for them to “drive” and “shopper in training” carts for them to push. There are also snacks to sample for both children and more mature shoppers, a hit with everyone.

Over the years in the grocery, one of my cousins refers to as “store to the stars,” I have shared the happy news of engagements, pregnancies, college acceptances with friends and grieved with them over terrifying medical diagnoses, deaths of loved ones, all manner of family heartbreaks. I have talked politics, recipes, exercise classes, budding romances and every other conceivable topic and managed — most of the time — to bring home what the Dicksons were having for dinner.

Back in the go-go days before the Great Recession descended, my VIC card number was awarded a Caribbean cruise, which my husband and brother-in-law enjoyed tremendously since I was unable to go. I know that VIC cards are marketing and tracking tools, but I still love checking my Harris Teeter receipt to see how much I save each visit and how much so far each year.

I admit to straying from time to time. There have been forays into various Food Lions and even Krogers when we had them, both the one on McPherson Church and the one on Hope Mills Road. But my car always finds its way back to the Harris Teeter parking lot, and not just because it is the most convenient grocery store to chez Dickson. It is also the grocery whose employees wear name tags with their year of employment on them, many of whom have been there so long, name tags are no longer necessary. I love it that Harris Teeter hires people with obvious physical and/or mental disabilities, a blessing for them, their families and those of us who come to know them.

Then, of course, there are the groceries themselves. Harris Teeter, also known in some circles as simply The Teeter, boasts a glorious produce section offering us both staple veggies like potatoes, spinach, apples and oranges and the sorts of exotic goodies this native North Carolinian never imagined when I first crossed the Big M’s threshold — bok choy, for example. And, my goodness — the seafood! It comes from North Carolina’s long coast and from every other corner of the world. Harris Teeter thoughtfully tells shoppers exactly what country, whether it is farm-raised or wild-caught and offers recipes for how to cook it.

I have never considered writing a fan letter to a grocery store, but that seems to be what I am doing. Harris Teeter is almost as woven into my life (and those of many other North Carolinians) as our jobs and our families. Most of us are perfectly happy with the status quo.

So, dear Mr. Dillon, as you and your colleagues cope with that pesky lawsuit from disgruntled Harris Teeter shareholders and attempt to absorb all the Harris Teeter stores into the largest grocery chain in our nation, please remember those of us down here in the Southeast. We know Kroger execs in Ohio might find us a tad quirky in our devotion to the grocery store we grew up with, but please ease us into the change we know is inevitable.

Photo: For many, Harris Teeter is more than a grocery store. It is a place where lives unfold.

New Albums Released

This week in The Buzz we will feature several recent happenings in contemporary Christian music.

Stellar Kart frontman Adam Agee tells us about their new lineup and new sound.

According to Adam Agee, lead singer for Stellar Kart, the band has undergone some major changes over the past couple of years.

New guitartist Nick Baumhardt, former touring player with Thousand Foot Crutch, brings producing skills along with his “killer” guitar playing. Adam’s longtime friend Jeremi Hough has been the drummer for the band over the last several years.

The newest member of the band is actually Nick’s sister Allie. Reluctant at first, she is now thriving on bass and brings complementary vocals as well. Allie’s voice is featured significantly on the new Stellar Kart record All In. Adam describes it as having a new dynamic and being super-fresh.

The album releases on Aug. 27.

Veteran artists still have plenty to sing about.

More than 30 years ago I, along with thousands of Christian music fans, was introduced to Amy Grant through her song “Father’s Eyes.” Much has changed in the world of music over the last three decades, but the key to producing great songs is the same; sing relate-able lyrics, from your heart and direct attention back to the giver of the song. Amy’s first studio release in ten years, How Mercy Looks From Here follows that formula to a tee. She is as transparent as ever as she shares this ‘labor of love’ with the world. How Mercy Looks From Here by Amy Grant is available now.

Fresh off a successful project he did exclusively for Cracker Barrel, Steven Curtis Chapman has another full studio album ready to release; The Glorious Unfolding. The first single, currently available for download, is the upbeat and infectious “Love Take Me Over.” It has a very familiar sound, not unlike what we have heard from Steven in the past, yet at the same time it is new and fresh. The Glorious Unfolding by Steven Curtis Chapman will release on October 1st.

A baby has been born but for this one London is his name, not his birthplace.

Group 1 Crew is made up of three individuals: singers Blanca & Manuel along with drummer Ben Callahan. Well Ben and Blanca are married and they recently welcomed their first child into the world!

London Rey Callahan was born at 12:55 a.m. on Thursday, July 25. Everyone is happy and healthy. And when the touring season starts up in the fall, life on the bus is sure to be much more exciting.

From 1919 to 1929, a group of artists, writers, wits and actors met in New York City’s Algonquin Hotel for lunch. This celebrated group became known as the Algonquin Round Table.

Members included writers Dorothy Parker, Harold Ross (founder of The New Yorker) and Robert Benchley; columnists Franklin Pierce Adams and Heywood Broun, and Broun’s wife Ruth Hale; critic Alexander Woollcott; comedian Harpo Marx and playwrights George S. Kaufman, Marc Connelly, Edna Ferber and Robert Sherwood. They became famous for satire, witticisms, wisecracks, and artistic creativity.

Fayetteville’s own Lynn Pryer hosts our city’s version of the Algonquin Round Table. Lynn is the creative genius and founder of Fayetteville’s innovative community playhouse — the Gilbert Theater. As a patron of the arts, he brings together an eclectic mix of artists, musicians, writers, poets, actors and bon vivant philosophers every Sunday for brunch.

Pryer started this salon movement to promote interaction among Fayetteville’s arts community. No venue existed for the arts crowd to meet socially and exchange ideas — in an informal setting.

Why?

In his lifetime, Pryer observed the gradual isolation of modern man. People would rather text than talk face-to-face. He saw how quickly “we are caught up in life; disconnected from one another in a highly modular society”.

“People today are victims of the technology of isolation,” said Pryer.

The weekly roundtable breaks barriers, builds bridges and connects individuals.

The “group with no name” meets at the Marquis Market on Hay Street. Every Sunday Pryer invites a new group of 14 epicurean arts-lovers. A different group each week brings together many creative people over time. The literati have been meeting since February 2013.

Pryer carefully prepares his invitation list. I call him Maestro because he orchestrates the selection of guests to insure compatibility and creativity.

At every brunch he circulates a sketch pad for everyone to doodle.

Upon arrival participants meet and greet over coffee then adjourn to a theme-decorated dining table. Every week Pryer has different decor. Past themes include Easter; famous writers; famous painters; dance; the African veldt; music; the Fourth of July; movies; vintage cars; great actors and actresses.

Interspersed with the dinner conversations are amusements. Pryer holds an auction for a coffee-table-type book. The book is related to the theme of the day. This is not an auction where money is the coin of the realm. Participants bid acts of kindness. I bid 17 acts of kindness to win the book The Art of Edward Hopper. Successful bidders must keep a journal and give a full report to the group after four weeks.

Dinner conversation is fresh and sparkling. Discourse covers a colorful spectrum from fashion to philosophy; to music, art, plays, writing and “wuz up” in town. This is a cornucopia of laughter, good cheer and frivolity.

The atmosphere is upbeat, warm and inviting. A vintage jazz combo usually provides cool music in the background. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a 1950s Greenwich Village coffee house.

A fresh venue … stimulating our vibrant arts community.

This is Fayetteville’s own Algonquin Round Table.

Photo: The Algonquin Round Table: (l-r) Art Samuels, Charles MacArthur, Harpo Marx, Dorothy Parker and Alexander Woollcott (circa 1919-1929)

If you’re like me, you have one or more drawers full of promotional T-shirts. And you probably have them in many different colors and with many different graphics, logos and phrases. Some say things that you are afraid to wear outside the house. Some are worn and faded.

“That one needs to go,” my new wife often says to me. I just chuckle and go on wearing it. That’s what I want to talk about this week — the difference between giving away a favorite T-shirt that people cling to beyond all reason and just another T-shirt.

T-shirts can be a powerful walking billboard. A good T-shirt does double duty as it is a constant reminder to the wearer of you, the giver, and they show your message to dozens or possibly hundreds of people every day that they are worn. That’s marketing power. So what makes for a good T-shirt?

T-shirts are made special in three ways: they commemorate an event like a concert, sporting event or visit to a tourist location: the print (graphic, logo or phrase) is one you like being seen wearing: and the fabric feels good against your skin or fits particularly well.

Commemorative T-shirts are generally created for retailers by professional designers. Most of you who are reading this are neither of those. However, some family and company events do deserve commemoration. Should you find yourself involved in such an event, then apply the rules we will be discussing later and you will be happier with the end product. If you are lucky enough to be using a nationally branded logo that is considered cool to wear, then you don’t need much more than that to get your T-shirt worn often. The rest of us, who have logos that are less well known, may need to add graphics, catchy phrases or effects around or behind it in order to create desire to wear it.

Often as not, it is a creative use of colors and shapes in the print that makes a T-shirt special. If your screen-printer has a full-time professional artist, he can take a mundane logo or design idea and make it a work of art. The really good ones can make an eye-catching print with just one or two colors, which saves you a lot of money. Using a professional artist might seem expensive but most work for between $30 and $50 per hour and can complete most designs in one or two hours. This is a small percentage of the overall cost of most T-shirt orders and can make the difference between a T-shirt that is worn a hundred times and one that is tossed in the garbage.

Sometimes, a catchy, funny or provocative phrase can be enough to increase the wear of your T-shirt. Think “Just Do It!” or “Life Is Good.” Use phrases that reflect an attitude (positive is almost always better when marketing a business) that has broad appeal. If you use one that appeals to a narrow demographic, then expect a majority to ignore it when choosing what to wear.

Most of my customers are surprised to learn that there are many ways to decorate a shirt besides standard vinyl inks. There are water-based inks that are soft after one washing (The most comfortable print for hot weather). Fashion inks that are somewhere in between. Laser engraving that burns the surface of the shirt but adds no pigment. Heat press debossing/embossing where the message is pressed into or raised in the fabric. There are many more and new ones are being invented all the time. Sometimes just decorating a T-shirt in a new and different way can be enough to make users want to wear them.

Lastly, let’s talk fabrics — the most overlooked aspect of the T-shirt buying process. You have this great graphic in mind and when it comes to choosing the fabric you ask, ‘What’s the least expensive?” Well, if a generic heavy cotton costs $5 and a fashion weight ring-spun ultra soft 4 oz. cotton costs $7, then the heavy cotton is the better deal right? Wrong. The fashion weight ring-spun is incredibly soft and light and most people prefer it hands down over the base model. Therefore, the fashion weight is worn many times more often and is a far better buy dollar for dollar than the heavy cotton. That is not to say you have to increase your budget for the better fabric. You are just as well off buying fewer of a better shirt than having more just end up in the landfill.

T-shirts are an excellent promotional medium but it takes thought and knowledge to make them truly effective. Take the time to choose the right fabric, decoration method, and image then watch your walking billboards do their job.

Photo: T-shirts are great ways to advertise, but there are a few things to think about first.

 Don’t Look Ethel!

Ha! Recording legend Ray Stevens shouted out that hilarious line in his 1970s hit song “The Streak.” This hilarious lyric comes to mind in a not so funny way when I think of the dust up local Fayetteville resident and Army veteran Don Talbot created when he sent out an alleged set of offensive photos depicting the extremely explicit realities of urban blight and noting the consequences of a deteriorating city.

It was shock and awe at its finest — Talbot style.

Online comments via email and Facebook flooded local cyberspace with criticism flying fast and furious lambasting Talbot for his insights. In reality, Talbot is right and he got me thinking. His message was as simple, as it was harsh: Is this what we want America to become? People were outraged.

When City Manager Ted Voorhees sent a reply-all message back asking Talbot to cease sending him such offensive materials and to remove him from his mailing list, it opened the floodgates of criticism of Talbot. And to my dismay, the race card was thrown.

When race is artificially interjected into any argument or situation, the result is that the main point of the argument is usually the photos people found objectionable — admittedly by their own volition.

Yes, they admit it.

Sure, it took nearly three decades to bring the Motown metro to this point, but, it was the citizens who nailed the coffin shut by consistently voting in leadership that took advantage of its citizens, extorted businesses and reduced the auto city to rubble. Talbot’s photos were nothing but a comment, warning and possible glimpse into the future of our nation.

My message is this: If photos of real life offend you, don’t look, but don’t bury your heads in the sand and think these problems are going away.

No one wants to see our community go the way of Detroit. But, only we can prevent this from happening. Love him, hate him, Talbot is right. We must stop illegal immigration. We must stop voter fraud — even if it means showing our IDs. Our leaders must focus on lowering unemployment by creating new jobs.

Most importantly, we must elect leaders who are ethical. It is a good time to remember if you do business anywhere in the world, you must be consistent. Being honest, hardworking and trustworthy has never failed to get the job done. Make your vote count this year. Send a message to all the candidates that character counts.

Make the statement that as Americans we need to stop rewarding bad behavior like that of New York City Mayoral Candidate Anthony Wiener, former Congressman Elliott Spitzer and of course our own Tonzie Collins.

You have a voice, use it. Vote.

See you at the Best of Fayetteville Party at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 17.

Photo: While many cities around the country face tough challenges like urban blight and high crime rates, citizens have an opportunity and a responsibility to be a part of the solution. Informed vot-ers make a difference.

 Raise your glasses for an all American good time. On August 8, Americans will come together to support and honor the people who make sacrifices for freedom everyday — military service members. Jack Daniels and the USO are collaborating to present Toast to the Troops. The event includes stuffing packages to send to deployed military members. To support and entertain the volunteers, as well as the general public, Fort Bragg MWR will a concert performed by Craig Morgan.

The day is broken down into three phases. Starting early, 150 volunteers will be ready for stuffing party. The volunteers are a mixture of military spouses, USO volunteers, Jack Daniels employees and friends. Care packages are to be stuffed with the necessities like razors, shaving cream, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant and sunscreen for 7,500 soldiers down range. In addition to these necessities each package will also contain a “toast” card. These cards contain personal messages for the soldiers that Jack Daniels and the USO have collected. After the stuffing party, the volunteers get to enjoy a nice cookout leading up to the prime entertainment — the Craig Morgan concert.

Morgan, a sensational country artist, is also an Army veteran. He spent 10 years on active duty and nine years in the Army Reserve. He has participated in eight Toast to The Troops events in Jacksonville, Fla. In a recent press release, Morgan stated, “I’ve said it before, but being part of every Toastevent over the past eight years has been a really rewarding experience for me. Our nation’s service members and their families do so much for us on a daily basis and I hope everyone will come out and join us.”

He has won fans over with his hit songs “Bonfire,” “Wake Up Loving You,” “Almost Home” and “That’s What I Love About Sunday.”

Morgan has participated in every Toast to the Troops, a total of 19 since 2005, but this one has a special importance for the singer. During his military career, Morgan was stationed at Ft. Bragg. “I served there when I was active duty in the Army, and I feel a special kinship with those soldiers and their families currently stationed at Fort Bragg. We can’t wait to get there to show them how much they are appreciated and supported.” Morgan said.

Since the program’s inception, Toast to the Troops events have provided more than 165,000 Operation USO Care Packages to troops overseas. This year is the 20th Toast to the Troops and that is remarkable. Kelli Seely, the USO Senior Vice President of Development and Chief Development Officer said, “Our 20th Toast to the Troops event is a true testament of the dedication and appreciation the Jack Daniels family has for the USO and our nation’s military. We are so grateful for their continuing support to bring a touch of home to those brave men and women serving overseas.”

U.S. Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) aims to create the best atmosphere for soldiers. The mission is to “serve the needs, interests and responsibilities of each individual in the Army community for as long as they are associated with the Army, no matter where they are. They also seek to bridge the gap between the garrison and the local community, and contribute to the Army’s strength and readiness by offering services that reduce stress, build skills and self-confidence for soldiers and their families. The Family and MWR mission is to create and maintain ‘First Choice’ MWR products and services for America’s Army, essential to a ready, self-reliant force.”

Here at Fort Bragg, MWR also strives to provide for soldiers and their family members. “We help to improve the quality of life for soldiers and their families by having quality entertainment and free opportunities for the community. Also, we provide service and a secure family-friendly environment at a very affordable cost,” Rhett Stroupe, special events coordinator of Fort Bragg MWR, said.

Ft. Bragg MWR also holds the Ft. Bragg Fair in May, the July 4th celebration in previous years, the Renaissance Faire in September and other activities and events.

The concert is free and open to the general public — no ticket is necessary — and lawn chairs and blankets are welcome. It is going to be at the Fort Bragg Fairgrounds. The gates open at 4 p.m. and the concert begins at 5 p.m.

“It’s exciting to have the opportunity to entertain soldiers and family and help relieve the stressors of military life,” Stroupe said.

The USO is dedicated to supporting the “spirits of America’s troops and their families millions of times each year at hundreds of places worldwide,” according to the organization’s website. The USO is a private and nonprofit organization, but the organization works closely with the government, as well as corporate partners and dedicated American citizens, to make all of its programs possible. So, for anyone who would like to support service members the Operation USO Care Package is an effective way to help. Due to heightened security, no packages that are marked “Any Service Member” can be mailed, so the USO ensures that the troops are still able to receive a little comfort from home. Since 2003, two million care packages have been sent overseas by the USO. The organization also offers other programs to support active duty military troops and families. For more information about these programs visit the www.uso.org.

Please do not bring pets, large bags, coolers, alcohol, glass, backpacks or weapons to the concert or Fair Grounds. For more information contact 495-1437.

Upon hearing that fellow musicians, David and Charis Duke were moving to Philadelphia, Soprano Gail Morfesis asked local businessman and supporter of the arts Menno Pennink to assist in presenting a concert in their honor. The concert is entitled Languages of Love: Music from Opera, Art Song & Musical Theater. It will be presented in The Capitol Room, 134 Person St., in downtown Fayetteville on Aug. 3, at 7 p.m.

Since their 2003 arrival in Fayetteville, the Duke’s have contributed their talents to the Fayetteville musical scene. Dr. David Duke came to join the music faculty at Methodist University and also served as the music director of many musicals at Fayetteville Technical Community College where his wife, composer and pianist Charis Duke, led the pit orchestra. He has been a cast member at Cape Fear Regional Theatre and in 2012 was a featured soloist with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra.

David’s formal studies include undergraduate degrees from Brigham Young University (Provo, UT, B.M. Music Education), and graduate studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (M. M. and D.M.A. in Vocal Performance).

Charis has made her presence known at FTCC, The Gilbert Theater and Snyder Music Academy. One of her children’s musicals, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, was presented by Up & Coming Weekly in conjunction with Snyder Music Academy in 2009 at the Sol Rose Amphitheater at Campbellton Landing.

Charis attended Brigham Young University where she received a Bachelor of Music degree in Composition. She received a fellowship to attend graduate school at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she earned a Master of Music degree in Composition. Her music has been performed by numerous ensembles including the Jezic Ensemble of Baltimore, the Amadeus Choir of Toronto, the Boston Viola Quartet and the Cincinnati Camerata. She has received numerous honors and awards, most notably the Nancy Van de Vate International Prize for Opera from Vienna Masterworks. She is a four-time winner of the International Christmas Carol and Chanukah song writing competition, and most recently won the Cincinnati Camerata Prize for choral music. She has also written ten children’s operas which were commissioned by the Arts Academy at Bella Vista in Clovis, New Mexico.

The concert has attracted some of Fayetteville’s favorite performers who are no strangers to the world stage including vocalists Gail Morfesis (UNCP), Robert Williams (FSU) and pianists Scott Marosek (Methodist) and Jesse Davis (Methodist, FSU & Snyder Music).

The concert will be held at Menno Pennink’s Capitol Room, a relatively new music venue on Person Street in downtown Fayetteville. Dr. Pennink is a retired neurosurgeon and avid music lover having hosted 28 private music soirees in his home. Pennink states, “The Capitol Room was initially conceived as a private music room. When Suzanne and I moved from our home on Willow Bend Lane to the 300 Block in downtown, we had to part with our music room. So we looked for a building that would accommodate the same concept, making music in a private setting. We found a building on Person Street and created the Music Room. The room has a magnificent 9-foot Steinway concert grand and is a perfect place for chamber music. The acoustics in the room are excellent, enhancing the sound of the string instruments and voice. One of the interesting features of the room is that we used all recycled materials; the bookcases and cabinets came out of my old medical office. All metal was recycled material from an apartment complex, which was destroyed by a tornado that swept through our area a few years ago. The concrete floors were sanded and almost look like marble. The glass doors inside were salvaged from a downtown project.”

Don’t miss this wonderful farewell concert. Refreshments will be served. Seats are limited, so call our event manager Gayle Nelson for reservations at 978-3352.

Photo: Top left: Charis Duke, Bottom left: David Duke

Every October we see special, pink-ribbon packages of cookies, pink-ribbon T-shirts and tote bags. The stores are filled with Breast Cancer Awareness products for a disease that affects 1-out-of-8 women in their lifetime.

Yet there is no such publicity for mental health, a problem that affects a quarter of the population in a given year — and just half get treatment.

Many suffer in silence. They don’t tell their friends or coworkers. Some don’t even tell their families. So it’s no surprise that Mental Health Month comes and goes each May with little fanfare.

That’s unfortunate, because help for many can be as close as their primary care provider.

Some sufferers will struggle with their mental health issues, experiencing crisis from time to time. They don’t have many options. So they often end up in Cape Fear Valley’s nine-bed Psychiatric Emergency Department.

On any given day, at any given time, we have 17 or 18 patients for those nine beds.

That is all about to change.

Cape Fear Valley has entered into an agreement with Cumberland County and Alliance Behavioral Health, the Managed Care Organization responsible for managing mental health care and substance-abuse services reimbursed by Medicaid, as well as county and state funds.

This agreement allows Cape Fear Valley to add the missing piece to our community’s existing mental-health services: crisis intervention.

Individuals in crisis will be able to bypass the Emergency Department and go directly to the Roxie Center, 16 hours a day, seven days a week, on a walk-in basis. This service will be available in the fall after renovations to the second floor of the Roxie Center are complete.

We estimate our Crisis Intervention model will reduce our psychiatric Emergency Department volume by 20 percent in the first year and up to 40 percent in the second.

More importantly, mental-health patients in our community will finally have access to the full continuum of services — all on the campus of Cape Fear Valley Health.

Mental health may not have the dollars or publicity behind it that breast cancer has, but it is no less important.

I would like to thank our Cumberland County Board of Commissioners for entrusting us with the mental health needs of our community. I know our physicians and mental health professionals will provide the quality care they envision for our citizens.

I hope one day no one will suffer in silence from mental illness. Because help is available.

A Strategic Plan Will Help Solve City’s Problems

I have released our working strategic plan for our first 90 days in office. Our focus parallels my earlier stated priorities, including addressing the war on crime and promoting economic development. It should be obvious that our campaign has put a lot of emphasis on bringing people together. Our plan is broken down into two parts, the first is a 30-day plan followed by a 60-90 day plan. Both list multiple meetings with the new and veteran council members along with meetings with local, county and state professional and political leaders.

Our 30-day plan calls for the reestablishment of the City/County Liaison Committee that will bring Fayetteville and Cumberland County leaders together monthly to discuss common issues. We are also calling for the development of a Mayor’s Business Council that will advise the City Council and staff on enterprise and economic development issues. Our 30-day plan also calls for each of the council members to appoint a resident representative to a new committee that will assess the utility and usability of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and make recommendations to the council if changes are needed.

The 60-90 day plan brings players to the table in the areas of economic development, homelessness, PWC service in recently annexed areas, customer service training for city staff and the reduction of duplicated services between the City, County and PWC. Most importantly, our plan will host a biannual summit on crime, focusing on how city, county and state professional law enforcement and court leaders can help reduce the crime rate. Also in the 60- to 90-day plan, we are asking City Manager Voorhees to develop a five-year budget that will build splash pads at many of the city’s recreation centers. We believe splash pads can be included in the annual budgets and are a relatively inexpensive way to expand our youth summer programs without the cost associated with building and maintaining community pools and the personnel that are required to manage them.

Our plan is aggressive but realistic. We realize that it will take the entire City Council focusing on common goals to move things ahead. I believe that we will be able to move faster than the past councils and make great strides in a relatively short time. I’m confident our new council will be as dedicated as I am to put our issues ahead of our egos and get to work for Fayetteville residents.

Upon being sworn in, I will meet with the following people and/or organizations to create a strategic plan aimed at resolving our pressing issues. At each of the following meetings, a timeline will be established along with specific goals. Measurable outcomes and objectives will be evaluated and assessed routinely.

30-day Strategic Plan

• Meet with new and Veteran’s Council Members individually with City Manager Voorhees to establish common priorities.

• Meet with City Manager Voorhees and Chief Medlock to assess the needs of the Fayetteville Police Department and begin prioritizing budget needs.

• Meet with Chief Medlock and Sheriff Butler to establish a common plan of attack on local crime.

• Meet with the Fayetteville Regional Chamber, the City of Fayetteville Community Development office and Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau leaders to see how Fayetteville can better participate in the recruitment, retention and promotion of local businesses that will create jobs for our residents.

• Reestablish the City/County Liaison committee with elected leaders from Fayetteville City Council and the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners. This committee will focus on resolving common issues affecting all county residents.

• Call for each council member to appoint a representative to serve on a newly established Business Council to further advise the City Council on enterprise and economic development issues and present items/actions that will assist local businesses in growth and long term prosperity.

• Call for each council member to appoint a representative to serve on a committee that will reassess the utility and usability of the Unified Development Ordinance.

60- to 90-day Strategic Plan

• Revisit, reassess and revise any new or unresolved issues from the 30-day Strategic Plan.

• Host a roundtable with PWC, City of Fayetteville Community Development office and the Home Builders Association of Fayetteville to find ways that each of these organizations can better service our residents and future development within city limits.

• Host a quarterly Crime Summit open to the public with all local, county and state professional and political representatives that will bring to light common resources that may be available. This Crime Summit should open conversation regarding our overall crime rate and ways to reduce it and ways that all agencies can come together. We must present a unified front on the war on crime that can no longer be ignored.

• Ask City Manager Voorhees to develop a five-year plan that he can present to the City Council that will budget building a splash pad for our kids at each of our community centers.

• Work with PWC to explore an expedited completion schedule for the recently annexed areas.

• Host a working meeting with City Council and elected state delegation to discuss mandates, revenue and current issues affecting both governing boards.

• Ask City Manager Voorhees to employ a comprehensive training course for ALL city employees on Customer Service.

• Establish and convene a Mayor’s Council on homelessness to unite existing resources and promote new ideas that may help those who have fallen victims to hard economic times and are involuntarily displaced.

• Work with PWC, city and county management to explore a functional consolidation of duplicated services.

Photo: Nat Robertson discusses economic development with Kevin Brooks, an owner of Trimmerz. Photo courtesy of www.natrobertson.com.

School bells will be ringing soon and the Cumberland County Schools system wants to make sure that students are prepared by having the “Stuff the Bus” initiative on tax-free Friday, Aug. 2, from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. at the Ramsey Street Super Walmart. The goal is to obtain enough school supplies to ensure that every homeless student has a backpack filled with items they need to be successful at school and to continue filling them throughout the school year.

“This is the sixth year we have had this school supply drive,” said Pamela Story, Cumberland County Schools social work coordinator. “We are once again partnering with Communities in Schools of Cumberland County and their ‘Build A Backpack’ school supply campaign conducted by Wal-Mart.” Story added that under the McKinney Vento Educational Act’s definition, in the Cumberland County Schools system, 649 homeless students were identified for the 2012-2013 school year.

The items most needed include backpacks for all grade levels, three-ring binders, notebook paper, regular pencils, mechanical and colored pencils, glue sticks, pens, dividers, pocket folders, composition books, school uniforms, hand sanitizer, flash drives, Walmart gift cards and cash donations.

“The donated supplies will be distributed to students residing in shelters, transitional housing and motels, as well as to others in need,” said Story. “We all share the hope that our children will have a successful school year, but for many parents school supply lists present a challenge,” said Story.

She added that she is excited that across the county there are faithful sponsors that have been hosting zumbathons, book and school supply drives and motorcycle runs to help support our students who attend year-round and traditional schools.

Donations of new supplies are also being accepted between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Cumberland County Schools Social Work office located at 2465 Gillespie St. For more information about the event or other ways to support students in need, call 678-2621.

Photo: Last year there were more than 649 homeless stu-dents in Cumberland County. Stuff the Bus aims to provide school supplies for them.

Somewhere in Afghanistan, two soldiers are on patrol. The first is an elite warrior, he uses state-of-the-art weaponry and technology as he moves throughout the remote countryside. His partner, while no less elite, uses his basic senses to seek out the enemy or to find bombs before they can harm his team. He is a military working dog.

On Saturday, June 27, Cumberland County residents will come together to memorialize 56 of these unsung heroes at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum. At 10 a.m., the museum will unveil it’s latest memorial to pay homage to the military working dogs that have given their lives in support of this great nation.

The SOF K9 Memorial Foundation is comprised of a small group of military and civilian K9 professionals who would like to create a lasting memorial dedicated to special-operations forces K9s killed in action. There is a unique bond between a military working dog and its handler. According to the SOF K9 memorial website, that relationship can best be seen through the bond between the two. “The bond between a SOF handler and his K9 can be seen in every aspect of their relationship, from the FOB to engaging the enemy. Countless hours of training go into each of our elite K9s to give them the tools they need to survive on the battlefields.

“Their actions in combat are simply heroic, facing eminent danger with courage that sets the standard for all others. They give selflessly so others may live, for many we owe them our lives. Many SOF K9s have paid the ultimate price in support of this great nation.”

Josh Collins, the owner of Huske Hardware House and the newly opened Tap House, has seen this relationship in action and has thrown his support behind the organization. Collins will not only host a reception following the dedication of the memorial for foundation members, he will also host Fayetteville’s largest Parking Lot Party later that afternoon to raise funds to continue the work of the foundation in providing pavers for fallen dogs and care for dogs who have been wounded or who have retired.

Having been a member of the special-operations community while serving on active duty in the U.S. Army, Collins sees the work of the foundation as important.

“These are my band of brothers. The soldiers who work with these dogs are the men I served with while I was in the Army,” he explained. “Each of these dogs has saved hundreds of lives. If they were human, they would probably have been awarded a Medal of Honor. They have given their lives for their brothers.”

Collins put feet to his beliefs when he organized the Parking Lot Party, which will be held in the parking lot behind Huske Hardware House and the TapHouse at Huske. The concert, which will feature four performers from the Huske Singer/Songwriter Competition, as well as headliners Madison Rising, will begin at 5 p.m.

“This is going to be the Parking Lot Party of the decade,” said Collins. “We are going to have music in all genres from rock to pop to Americana. This is going to be the event of the summer.”

Opening the show will be the performers from the Huske Singer Songwriter competition: Nathan Fair, whose hit song “Fallen Soldier” is raising funds for the wounded warrior foundation, will be on hand. The following week, Fair will be in South Dakota, opening a show for Lynnyrd Skynnyrd at the annual Sturgis Bike Rally.

Fair will be joined by Autumn Nichols, the winner of the last Huske Unplugged competition, who recently performed at the Country Music Association Festival in Nashville, Tenn. Also slated to perform is Mitch Clark, a singer/songwriter and Summer Collins, who will be featured in X-Factor 3 this fall.

Madison Rising is a rock band with a conscience. The band’s music ranges from the guitar-heavy opening track of “Right To Bear,” to the hauntingly epic sounds of “Honk If You Want Peace,” to the beautiful violins of “Hallowed Ground.”

Collins said choosing the band was easy because of its commitment to promoting the principles of liberty, independence, smaller government and personal responsibility.

Collins added that food and libations will be sold throughout the concert; however, no outside coolers or food will be allowed on the grounds. Tickets for the event are just $10 and can be purchased at www.huskehardware.com or on the Huske Hardware Facebook page. Tickets can also be purchased at Huske or at the newly opened TapHouse at Huske, which features more than 80 beers on tap.

Collins strongly urges patrons to purchase their tickets early to avoid standing in line the day of the concert. If you have not purchased your ticket before Saturday, he suggests you arrive around 3 p.m.

“Fayetteville is a very last minute town, and I would like nothing better than to see lines wrapped all the way around the block,” said Collins.

For more information about the SOF K9 Memorial Foundation, visit http://sofk9memorial.com. For more information about the concert visit www.huskehardwarehouse.com.

Photo: (Bottom left) An example of the statue that will be placed at the Airborne & Special Operations Museum on July 27.

Ask the Tough Questions: Then Vote

Well, have you heard enough about Trayvon Martin, George Zimmerman, Rolling Stone Magazine and Tonzi Collins?

If your answer is yes, then that’s good, because now it’s time to focus on the political winds that are starting to blow throughout our community. The Filing period ended last Friday and even though all of the municipal races countywide are important, all eyes will be focused on Fayetteville. Five city council seats are up for grabs including the mayor’s seat now that four-term Mayor Tony Chavonne has decided not to seek a fifth term.

This could be a very, very good thing for the Fayetteville community. This election is bringing new faces and new voices with fresh ideas to tackle the municipal challenges that have been so well de鴀ned in recent months. Crime, safety and jobs continue to be the most obvious concerns and lead the list among Fayetteville citizens. At least, that is what all the surveys, studies and statistics are showing.

No one is denying that these concerns are not real, and each will be the center plate of every candidate’s campaign speech; however, in real life, those citizens who must deal with Fayetteville’s municipal government each and every day know our problems are much more severe. High crime rates, concerns about safety, high unemployment and lack of economic development are the result of unresponsive government.

In other words, poor service and lack of real communication with the residents have brought us to this point. Now, I have no idea who will be elected mayor or to the new city council, but I do know this: for Fayetteville to grow and prosper in the 21st century we need leadership. Real leadership. Leadership that builds consensus, instills pride and can motivate the community into action. Leadership is being a good listener and then taking some sort of constructive action. Being a good leader is also knowing how to be a good follower and recognizing when to do the right things for the right reasons regardless of consequences.

Choosing these types of leaders is our responsibility and ours alone. This is what voting in a free society is all about. In the long run, it’s never about money, race or social status. It’s about leadership and who can get the job done keeping the best interests of Fayetteville residents above that of self interest — not an easy task in the world we live in today.

Rest assured, come November 5, we will get what we asked for and what we deserve. One only needs to look at the recent fiscal collapse of the city of Detroit or the blood-drenched streets of Chicago where 100 murders took place in a month, to see the results of a failed system — both of which started at the ballot box.

Interview the candidates. Ask them the tough questions and demand specific answers. Try these: Why doesn’t our community have sewer-line hook ups? Why don’t we have bus transportation in our community? When can we have more swimming pools and parks for our children? How are you going to reduce crime? Why does it take the city 120-150 days to approve a set of plans? Why do city officials and department heads not return phone calls? What will you do to make the Fayetteville City government more responsive to residents?

Ask them. Then Vote! See you at the polls.

Thank you, for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

Fascinate-U — Igniting Creativity and Imagination

Fascinate-U Children’s Museum in Downtown Fayetteville has been fueling the imagination of thousands since 1999. Garnering an impressive following of nearly 50,000 visitors a year, Fascinate-U is a great place where children can experience and learn while still having fun and expanding their creativity and knowledge of the world around them.

“Not one day is the same,” said Susan Daniels, executive director of Fascinate-U Children’s Museum. “I never know what I’m getting into each day.”

Running a children’s museum entails a lot of responsibility and a wide list of responsibilities — Daniels may be bookkeeping one minute and cleaning up the next. Boasting many exhibits including a miniature city, Fascinate-U hosts a variety of fun and educational activities for children of a wide range of ages.

The first floor is home to the museum’s city. Modeled after a town, there’s a post office, grocery store, police station and even a city hall. That’s just the tip of the iceberg with more than 20 exhibits on the first floor alone. Daniels said there are plans to replace the first floor’s carpeting sometime in September due to the pattering feet of thousands of adventurers.

“It’s a hands-on children’s museum that encourages learning by role-playing and creativity,” Daniels said. Fascinate-U is teaching children about adult life but in a format that encourages exploration with minimal drawback. Using a hands-on approach, learning the basics of grocery shopping or sending a letter through post better equips children with knowledge that just isn’t taught in schools anymore.

One of the museum’s latest additions is the Fascinating Farm exhibit implemented May 14. The exhibit was a collaborative effort made possible by the contributions of Cargill, Cumberland Community Foundation, Cape Fear Farm Credit, Cumberland County Farm Bureau, Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District and Youth Growth Stock Trust. The exhibit was made in hopes of teaching children how food gets from the farm to the dinner table in order to build an appreciation for hardworking local farmers.

The second floor revolves around educational programming. The second floor is open to the general public only during certain events and programs. Every third Saturday of each month, Fascinate-U hosts Super Science Saturdays where children can come learn more about science and math through fun and educational activities. July’s activity was making ice cream with just a plastic bag, cream, melted ice and salt.

The third floor contains the Cape Fear Model Railroaders’ train exhibit. Children and adults can come to Fascinate-U every first and third Saturday of each month to view the showcase.

Fascinate-U will host a Back to School Bash to prepare kids for the coming school year on Aug. 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Expect magicians and animals from Aloha Safari Zoo along with two corn snakes and a bull snake. Don’t fret — these specimens are completely harmless.

Fascinate-U is located at 116 Green Street and is open Tuesday through Sunday. When looking for a way to spend your evening with the kids, visit Downtown Fayetteville’s Fascinate-U and spark their imaginations with skills and knowledge that is truly priceless.

Photo: Fascinate-U offers fun and exciting events. Above chil-dren help dissect a frog.

A par-fect event is on tap for the Lightning Friends and Family Memorial Organization on Aug. 2. A golf tournament is planned at the Baywood Golf Club. The organization was formed to construct a memorial to honor fallen soldiers and veterans of the 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade and 525th Military Intelligence Brigade. The money raised from this event will fund the memorial the organization plans to build at the 525th BFSB Headquarters at Fort Bragg.

Malinda Cox, whose husband is a soldier, first thought of this idea when her husband was deployed and she realized there was no memorial for the fallen soldiers of the unit. The founding group of the Lightning Friends and Family Memorial Organization put their heads together and eventually came up with the memorial idea. Figuring out what the fundraiser should be wasn’t hard, either. A lot of members on the committee play golf and know it can be a great fundraiser. Emily Damboise, fundraising chair and a good friend of Cox, grew up in a family that plays golf and reiterates the positive affect golf tournaments can have.

“It’s a lot of fun seeing friends and family coming together. It’s so great to honor our fallen and to see teamwork and support in such a big task,” she said. Participants can also join in on the silent auction, 50/50 raffle and a raffle to win two free golf entries to the tournament. Each will be going on all day at the tournament. There are fantastic items available for the silent auction including a one-week stay at the Massanutten Resort in Virginia, spa certificates and free rounds of golf offered by Hooters. The memorial organization is also accepting donations and sponsorships.

“No item is too small,” Damboise said.

Winners of the silent auction and 50/50 raffle will be announced at the awards ceremony after the golf tournament. Winners of the free golf entry were announced at the Lt. Col. Toy Tisedale Maintenance Facility on July 15.

By next year, the memorial should be ready to go. Members have been getting the word out and after it is completed, the next step is sustaining it and funding scholarships for 525th members and their families.

Registration starts at 7 a.m. and the tournament is at 9 a.m. Lunch is provided and a cash bar is available before, during and after the game. Practice space is also available.

“We are still currently seeking volunteers and encourage people to come out and talk to military personnel about their lifestyle. It’s about coming in for fellowship and doing something good for service members,” Damboise said.

You can register for the tournament online at lightningmemorial.com. Tournament fees include: $45 for retired veterans, $50 for civilians and E7-above, $35 for E6 and below. There is a late entry fee (after July 19) of $65. Visit lightningmemorial.com for more information about sponsorship opportunities and the tournament; also check out the group’s Facebook page.

Tournament entry fees, contributions and sponsorships are tax deductible, and proceeds, net of expenses, go directly to the Lightning Friends and Family Memorial.

Proper golf course attire is required including collared shirts and Bermuda length shorts, no jeans or T-shirts.

Photo: The 525 Battlefield Surveillance Brigade and 525th Military Intelligence Brigade are raising funds for a monument to honor their fallen soldiers.

Send a Message: City Hall Is Not for Sale!

Finally, the filing period is over and the 2013 municipal campaigns are in full swing. Thanks to all that have committed to serve our great community. Candidates — On your Mark, Get Set, Fundraise! All of the talking heads and Op-Eds have declared, if you don’t raise the most money, you won’t win.

It’s one of the oldest political tricks of persuasion and “psychological operations” in the book. The premise is that if you hear a message time and time again, you start to believe it. Well, I’m not buying it and I don’t believe you will either. Recent campaigns have proven that hard-working, well-organized candidates are more than capable of winning elections.

Unless a candidate has the means to finance their own campaign, some level of fundraising comes with the territory. Instead of spending time developing their message and speaking with citizens, many candidates will spend a great deal of effort scrutinizing campaign donor lists and dialing for dollars. Asking for contributions from friends and family, school mates from kindergarten through college, people they’ve served with in the military, fraternities and sororities and checking for coins in the couch is the reality for most candidates willing to serve our community via public office.

Fundraising often discourages unconnected but well-intentioned and exceptionally well qualifed ordinary citizens from seeking public offce. It is a big reason why many good people choose not to seek reelection. This environment undermines the integrity of the governmental process and the competitiveness of campaigns. The amount of money raised by many candidates and committees can erode public confidence in local offcials by creating the appearance they may be unduly influenced by contributors.

In Union City California, self-described as a small diverse community of 69,000 people, individual contributions cannot exceed $600. The Union City’s Municipal Code Chapter 2.06.010 Campaign Contributions reads:

“It is the purpose and intent of the City Council in enacting this chapter to minimize the potential for undue infuence by individual or groups on the Mayor and Council members by placing realistic limits on the amount of money that individuals or groups may contribute to political campaigns in municipal elections while providing for a level of discussion of public issues adequate for a meaningful election campaign; to insure and promote integrity, honesty and fairness in decisions of public policy; to provide for a campaign contribution and expenditure reporting process that will inform the public; to enhance the opportunity for challengers to be competitive with incumbents.”

Before you dismiss Union City as an exception, there are many cities (including Los Angeles) that have and are developing similar policy. This movement isn’t primarily about campaign finance laws, it is about allowing our political process to be accessible to everyone, no matter your social circles or level of affluence. Municipalities are increasingly interested in ensuring the voices and choices of everyday citizens are not silenced by well-financed political machines.

Citizens — if there is a candidate that you support, make a financial contribution. Recognizing we are a community with 9 percent unemployment with many that are impacted by sequestration, you may not be able to write a check for a few thousand dollars. However, $25, $50 or $100 may be a possibility and would be appreciated by your candidate. However, the real equalizer to this fundraising conundrum is free — it is the power of the vote.

Many are hedging their bets that since this isn’t a presidential election, certain blocks of voters will not come out to the polls. I’m betting they are wrong. I believe our citizens can and will send a very powerful message: Fayetteville’s City Hall is not for sale.

Candidates, let’s have great dialog about jobs, safety, families and supporting our military — real vision and real solutions for our city. Invest in a good pair of sneakers, drink lots of water and I’ll see you on the campaign trail. Thank you for your willingness to serve and good luck!

Our Future, Our Community, Our Fayetteville.

Photo: Val Applewhite with some of her supporters.

The Name Game

My chum since childhood, exercise buddy, travel companion and proofreader extraordinaire long since threatened to withhold her excellent editing services if I wrote yet another Up & Coming Weekly column on either of these topics:

• Tattoos, why people get them and whether they regret their choice to get inked.

• The names parents hang on their beloved babies.

Because I value her friendship, not to mention her focused editing skills, I have pretty much sworn off these topics although I remain fascinated by them myself. So imagine my surprise when, as we sat on our exercise mats at 6:30 one recent morning, she suggested a column on names.

Hurricane names, that is.As I write this, Tropical Storm Chantal has just fizzled out in the Caribbean, thank goodness, even though early projections had the storm posing a threat to the eastern seaboard of the United States.

Chantal?

I do not know anyone named Chantal, so I checked it out with the U.S. Social Security Administration, which maintains a handy and addictive website detailing the most popular baby names for boys and girls born in the United States since the late 19th century. Here you can find that the most popular names in 1900 were John and Mary. In the year I was born, Margaret came in at an impressive 14th, but James and Linda took the top spots. Last year, Jacob and Sophia were the most popular names with parents of American newborns, although we in North Carolina prefer William and Emma. Who knew?

But back to Chantal.

Chantal had a bit of a run several decades ago. The Social Security Administration keeps track of the top 1,000 most popular names, and Chantal first appeared in 1968 at 955. It shows up most years in the 1980s and ‘90s, reaching a robust 581 in both 1987 and 1989 before declining to 922 in 1999 and has not been heard from since.

So what other names has the National Weather Service dreamed up for the 2013 hurricane season in the Atlantic?

First a word about process.

The National Weather Service uses names because they are much more practical than actual latitude-longitude designations, and names make it easier to distinguish among several storms which might be churning around at the same time during a busy hurricane season. The names themselves are selected by regional committees of the World Meteorological Organization, which has a six-year list of storm names that will be repeated indefinitely. The only exceptions are names of dreadful storms that no one wants to hear again — think Hazel, Andrew, Fran, Floyd and Katrina and you get the picture. Originally, like ship names, hurricane names were all feminine, but in 1979 men’s names were also adopted, alternating with the women.

So who is on tap for 2013?

Andrea, Barry, and Chantal are already history, and we have Dorian, Erin, Fernand, Gabrielle, Humberto, Ingrid, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastian, Tanya, Van and Wendy to look forward to.

And how do these names stack up with what parents are blessing their precious jewels with in 2013?

Parents and hurricane namers apparently have very different tastes. None of the 2013 hurricane names are anywhere near the parental top ten, or even the parental top 100. Some never even made the top 1,000 list. Since 2000, only four of this year’s hurricane names — Erin, Gabrielle, Melissa and Sebastian — have made the parents’ top 100. Several others, including Dorian, Humberto and Ingrid, made it into the parents’ top 1,000, while Fernand and Olga flamed out completely.

We have lots of time and plenty of waves to ride before hurricane season officially ends on Nov. 30. We all hope, of course, for fewer, smaller and weaker storms, even though the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting an active season in the Atlantic with as many as 20 named storms, three to six of which could be major hurricanes — categories 3, 4 or 5.

Keep your fingers crossed that the NOAA is way off on that prediction!

No matter what their size, what happens if there are so many storms we run out of names for 2013?

The National Hurricane Center has thought of that, too, and has a plan. If Wendy comes and goes and we still need more names, we will look to the Greek alphabet and proceed with Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and so on.

Not to worry. I have no plans to write about tats next week and what they will look like when the wearer is 80 — even though I am always tempted …

Photo: Hurricane names are selected by regional committees of the World Meteorological Organization.