Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma during his senior year of high school, Ryan Kishbaugh was a determined young man who refused to let cancer get the best of him. His inspirational story gives hope to others who are fighting cancer, so in memory of Ryan, the 2013 Ryan Patrick Kishbaugh Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on July 13 at 8:30 a.m. at Cypress Lakes Golf Course to benefit the nonprofit Carpe Diem Foundation.

The Carpe Diem Foundation has three tenets: it supports other foundations, it promotes and helps fund education and research for the treatment of chronic illnesses and it provides college scholarships for student athletes who have a chronic illness or someone who has battled a chronic illness during their formative years and plans on attending college.

“This is the 10th year of Ryan’s memorial golf tournament and it has turned into a large annual event,” said David Kishbaugh, father and host of The Ryan P. Kishbaugh Memorial Golf Tournament. “Each year we raise money and we give it to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.”

Kishbaugh added that last year they maxed out participation and used all of the available slots.

The event will consist of a day of golf, food, beverages, T-shirts and prizes. There will be a hole-in-one contest, a 50-50 raffl e and a special putting contest. There will be prizes for longest drive and closest to the pin.

“Restaurants will provide the food and drinks for the event,” said Kishbaugh. “Everyone comes out and we play golf in memory of Ryan.”

Ryan Patrick Kishbaugh was born on July 26, 1984. He was an exceptional young man who excelled in all of his endeavors. He graduated second in his high school class and was accepted into Princeton University. He played varsity soccer and basketball. He won the 2001 Governor’s Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service. He worked for Habitat for Humanity, helped at Better Health and worked at diabetes clinics.

Kishbaugh describes Ryan as a good kid, independent and hardworking.

“He believed in people and was my most free-spirited child.” said Kishbaugh. “He didn’t believe in conformity, but yet he was so self-driven and excelled in anything he wanted to do.”

Kishbaugh added that when Ryan learned that he had cancer in 2001, he decided that he was going to defeat it and not let it get him down.

Openings for the tournament are fi lling up fast, and Kishbaugh hopes to see a full roster on the golf course again this year. Online registration at http://golfdigestplanner.com/22842-2013RPK and includes a one-year subscription to Golf Digest. Registration on the day of the event begins at 7:30 a.m. For more information, call 850-7833.

Photo bottom right: The 2013 Ryan Patrick Kishbaugh Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on July 13 at 8:30 a.m. at Cypress Lakes Golf Course to benefit the nonprofit Carpe Diem Foundation. 

Iron Man(Rated PG-13) 5 Stars

Iron Man 2 sort of sucked compared to Iron Man. Luckily,Iron Man 3 (130 minutes) manages to avoid the near in-evitable diminishing returns that afflicts several popular Marvel movie franchises (seriously, go watch Spiderman 3and X-Men: The Last Stand: there was a one in three chance this movie was going to be unwatchable). Director/co-writer Shane Black replaces Jon Favreau and does a heckuva job channeling his 80s action cre-dentials into the superhero format. In fact, if you’re ever looking for an undiscovered movie to watch on Saturday night, go rent his directorial debut (starring Robert Downey, Jr.) Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.

Black manages to get Downey, Jr. to enunciate his lines, provides Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) with a brief, shining moment of feminist agency, and throws in a plot twist that even die-hard Marvel fans (such as myself) did not see coming.

The film begins in the middle of some serious explosions with a Tony Stark (Downey, Jr.) voice-over. For those of you interested in movie trivia, this is al-most the exact same way Shane Black began Kiss Kiss Bang Bang — in the middle of the action with Downey, Jr. interrupting his own voice-over to take the audience back to an even earlier point in the story. Narratively speaking I like the device because it lets us know that however innocently the story begins it is leading to something explosively big.

In this case, we are taken all the way back to 1999, while Stark reminisces about some of his playboy behavior. He hooked up, humiliated a passerby, solved a science problem, and took off free and clear all in a single night. One of the really cool things about Downey Jr.’s approach to this character is the way he manages to convey the brilliance/arrogance of the character in little scenes like this one. Stark is a bit of a bully only because he is completely impatient with those who aren’t as smart/obsessive as he is (almost everybody). He is not purposely cruel, but he is unthinkingly cruel because it generally does not occur to him that other people are real and are affected by his actions.

So, when he sends Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce) to wait on a cold roof for a meeting that will never happen, or when he treats Maya Hansen (Rebecca Hall) as a one-night stand he is behaving per-fectly in character, not realizing (or not caring) that his actions have long term consequences for other people. Since he routinely treats other people as insignifi-cant bystanders to his starring role there are bound to be at least one or two people feeling alienated by him that also have as-pirations towards super villainy.

Anyway, Stark continues to tell his story. Post-Avengers, Iron Man is feeling a bit of anxiety. He isn’t sleeping and his insistence on recovering from his alien invasion induced PTSD by tinkering with model after model of the Iron Man suit is driving a wedge between him and his number one babe, Pepper.

When Stark Industries security chief Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau) is badly injured during what appears to be a ter-rorist attack at Mann’s Chinese Theater, Stark rashly issues a direct challenge to the mysterious Mandarin (Sir Ben Kingsley). Of course, when you dare a super villain to come and get you they generally try to wipe you off the face of the Earth, so it sur-prises no one when the Mandarin’s forces blow up Stark’s mansion. This leads to the second half of the film, during which Iron Man is stuck without a reliable suit, forced to rely on a malfunctioning prototype and a precocious kid (Ty Simpkins) who I re-ally could have done without.

All things considered kudos to Shane Black for getting Iron Man out of his Iron Man suit for most of the film. This is a su-perhero movie, but it is also a movie about a superhero’s psychological vulnerability.

Now showing at Wynnsong 7, Carmike 12 and Carmike Market Fair 15.

On the evening of May 10, 120 high school students reached a milestone in their educational journeys. From this group, students who chose to walk quietly took their places in line somewhere in the recesses of the Crown Coliseum. They straightened their graduation gowns and made sure that their tassels were hanging from the correct side of their mortarboard caps.

As the processional music began, the high school students entered the fl oor of the Crown and took their seats alongside roughly 1,000 other students. Collectively, this group of graduates prepared for their commencement not from high school, but from college. This was Fayetteville Technical Community College’s graduation ceremony.

One might be tempted to wonder how (and why) so many high school students were invited to participate in a college graduation ceremony. These young men and women were part of FTCC’s High School Connections program, which is designed to allow local students to take tuition-free college classes during their junior and/or senior years of high school. The high school students attending graduation had completed a full program of study at FTCC and were thus awarded a college certifi cate for their efforts. For a small handful of students, this was actually their second FTCC graduation; they had completed one certifi cate program as high school juniors, and then chose to tackle a second as seniors. These students should be commended for their hard work and dedication to their studies.

Through High School Connections, FTCC invites and encourages local public, private and home-school students to take college classes tuition-free. By taking advantage of the HSC program, students can often participate in programs that they might not otherwise be able to access. Not every school in the area can offer an award-winning culinary program or fi nd the resources needed to teach automotive and machining classes. Fayetteville Tech is also on the cutting edge of technology and offers several computer-based programs, such as information technology hardware/software, computer programming, graphic design and social media. Opportunities abound to get a jump-start on a career choice in fields like green sustainable architecture, criminal justice, infant/toddler care or fire protection technology.

Students can even choose to take college-transfer courses in order to fulfi ll some of their general education requirements for college. The list goes on and on; there truly is a program for just about everyone. Students who wish to participate in High School Connections for 2013-2014 must be rising juniors and seniors with a weighted GPA of approximately 3.0 (program requirements differ). As of May 10, there were nearly 500 students already signed up for next year, and many more will continue to enroll throughout the summer. Students and parents should visit the HSC website or “like” our Facebook page to learn more about enrollment procedures for the fall, including days and times of open registration.Please don’t miss out on your chance to earn free college credit in high school! We’ll see you and hundreds of other high school students at graduation 2014!

For more information, visit www.faytechcc.edu/highschool_connections/default.asp

Photo: Through High School Connections, FTCC invites and encourages local public, private and home-school students to take college classes tuition-free.

Memorial Day is known to many as the offi cial beginning of summer, but it is so much more. Every year on the fi nal Monday of May people across the nation set aside a day and remember the sacrifi ces that brave men and women have made to the country by serving in the Armed Forces. This tradition has been observed since the Civil War. Being a military town, Memorial Day has a special importance to the Fayetteville community. Accordingly, the community also has incredible Memorial Day celebrations.

Don Talbot, the event organizer, has something in common with many people in the Fayetteville community — prior military service. It is because of this prior service that this Memorial Day Ceremony holds such importance to him, and he continues to help organize it year after year.

Talbot spoke about his passions for Memorial Day by saying, “I am a retired veteran, and it is touching for me to say thanks because I made it out after three years in Vietnam with only two Purple Hearts. At some point you just have to look back and think about all the comrades you left behind.”

Talbot expresses this passion every year by working tirelessly to create an incredibly moving ceremony for all of Fayetteville. It is a time to refl ect on the sacrifices of the men and women in our community who gave their lives in defense of our nation. The ceremony will embrace the true meaning of the day, and will be held in the park that is expressly dedicated to their honor.

“We want people to know that this is a formal military-oriented memorial service to praise the missing and dead soldiers and those who have served. This is a family-friendly event because families are affected. The soldiers are husbands, brothers and grandfathers... mothers, even,” Talbot said.

The entire community has rallied for this ceremony. There is no one single group that is solely supporting the ceremony, but rather a multitude of people gathering to honor the nation’s veterans.

“There are multiple people involved. There will be a chaplain, a guest speaker, a fi ring squad from the 82nd Airborne Division, a bugler and wreath presenters. There are lots of groups in this, not just one core group. It is a true cross spectrum of the community,” Talbot explains.

It is this great community support that has allowed the ceremony to grow. Originally, it began as a small ceremony of less than 100 people in the City Hall Plaza in 1999. Now the ceremony is held in Freedom Memorial Park, which is dedicated expressly to veterans. Last year more than 800 people attended. The park now has bleachers that seat 300 and there are restroom facilities available. There is parking close by for the disabled, and additional parking at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum.

The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 27 at Freedom Memorial Park. The park is located at 101 Bragg Blvd. For more information, contact Talbot at 867-7776. Admission is free and seating is limited. It is advised to bring lawn chairs.

Photo: Being a military town, Memorial Day has a special importance to the Fayetteville community. 

The book of Matthew tells the Gospel story of Jesus’ birth and his childhoo in Gainesville, Ga. Wait…it doesn’t? The Cotton Patch Gospel, directed by Bo Thorp, founding artistic director of Cape Fear Regional Theatre, tells the story of what would have happened if Jesus were born in America. Cape Fear Regional Theatre adapted this play for its 29th Annual River Show, which is performed each spring at the Sol Rose Amphitheatre at Campellton near the Cape Fear River.

“The play is taking a look at Jesus’ life in modern-day terms. He is born in Georgia instead of Bethlehem and he doesn’t go to the high priests, Jesus goes to Atlanta’s ‘black bible society.’ The message is serious but it’s told in an entertaining and creative way and still very inform-ing,” said Mike Rice,who plays Matthew.

Though it’s a religious story, you don’t have to be reli-gious to enjoy the play.

“People’s first impressions are it’s a religious show, yes, but you don’t have to be Bible-literate, it’s a good story to come down and see,” saidDanny Young, one of the cast members. Andrew Crowe, a newcomer to North Carolina a who plays Joseph and Judas follows up, “You may be surprised and love some things about it that you least expected. But if nothing else, come hear some great music.”

The music is something the whole crew agrees is very significant. “The music is very integrated to the feel of the atmosphere, it’s lively and earthy. It tells the story as the dialogue does; it’s not an interlude, it reinforces events and takes you to a place you weren’t before. The songs capture events, such as the excitement from Jesus and his disciples,” Rice explained.

“The music is a resounding experience,” chimed in Crowe.

Bill Joyner, the music director, was praised for putting the musicians togeth-er. “It’s very remarkable to bring people together with different harmonies and structures. It’s also about hiring outside people like Andrew and developing that chemistry and comfort,” Rice said.

Crowe added, “It takes strength to adapt and figure out how to use everything.” Picking up the conversation, Rice continued, “It’s not enough to learn the notes, you have to learn the style; learn the feel and move with the music.”

They all agreed that the audience is another important factor. Rice said, “They are the focus. It’s the characters talking, but the narration is directly to the audience, it’s why we are here!”

If you think the play is unique, the crew and cast mem-bers are just as cool. Rice has a degree in philosophy and theology, but also a bachelor’s in music theatre. “I’ve sung, and played guitar at churches for young people. Who would have thought 28 years ago playing guitar in this show that I would end up with the lead in the show.”

Crowe has always been interested in music; he was doing classical music his senior year of high school but fell in love with acting and ended up splitting it with his major in music in college. This is his first performance in North Carolina and he has performed all over including Missouri, Milwaukee and Boston. Crowe said, “The continuing job of the actor is to always look for more work. When I get a job, that’s vacation. I have leisure time to learn my lines — unlike the other guys here who have other jobs and have to cram stuff in.”

Other members can attest to that. Joyner confirms, “Having a day jobs gets exhausting and it’s hard to balance it.”

Nevertheless, everyone is anticipating an outstanding performance. “I’m very excited,” said Joyner.

The River Show runs May 16-26. There is a dinner-theatre option where fried chicken with all the fixin’s is served. Reservations are required for the dinner-theatre option. Or, there is an option to come at 8 p.m. when the show starts. On May 19 and 26 there will be a matinee performance at the theatre on Hay Street at 2 p.m. Lawn chairs can be brought to the Campbellton Landing performances but, please no coolers; beer, wine, sodas and snacks will be available for purchase.

For reservations call, 910-323-4233. For more information, visit www.cfrt.org.

May 24th won’t be just any Friday; it is the celebration of 4th Friday, and for Fayetteville, that means tons of fun events, exhibits, music and art for all ages downtown.

Visit art galleries including the Gallery ONE13 and the Arts Council. The Arts Council will show off its exhibit called Get the Picture III. This is the third juried photography competition hosted by the Arts Council. Residents of the Cumberland County who are 18-years-old and older were encouraged to participate and submit their best photography in black-and-white, color or digitally-manipulated formats. The selected entries will be shown on 4th Friday and winners will be announced at 8 p.m.

The title, Get the Picture, emphasizes the goal and photographers were asked to keep that in mind.

“It’s not about taking the picture, it’s about getting the best picture out there, going out and capturing something compelling and spectacular,” Mary Kinney, marketing director of the Arts Council said. She herself enjoys this event, “With $1,000 dollars in total prize money up for grabs, photographers will submit their very best work, making this show truly exceptional.”

The much-anticipated show will run through June 22, so there are plenty of chances to view it.

Fascinate-U Children’s Museum is to host a free craft activity from 7 to 9 p.m. for children and their families. Show off the colors red, white and blue by making Patriotic Wind Streamers in collaboration with the museum’s month-long celebration of Military Appreciation Month.

People will also get to travel back in time at the Fayetteville Area Transportation Museum, where an exhibit will show the progress of transportation from pre-history up to the early 20th century. Other fun activities include crafts, produce for sale, a vintage car display and also live music. Bands include Blues Engima and the Raiford Street Band playing tunes of rock and blues. Also in the museum, visit the newest exhibit called A History of Fayetteville’s Jewish Community. It celebrates the Jewish community here in the city and how they have positively impacted us with their contributions socially, economically and culturally. This exhibit covers the early 19th century through mid-20th century and also tells of the events of the Holocaust and World War II.

More history takes place in Fayetteville’s own Market House. People can walk around the historical monument’s display, A View from the Square: A History of Downtown Fayetteville, filled with maps and images telling the unique past of our own city.

Music selections heard at every corner make for a very fine-tuned evening. City Center Gallery and Books hosts the favorite family, the Thiriot’s, in which each family member plays the violin.

The Army Ground Forces Brass Quintet is expected to play brass music along Hay Street. And stop by Headquarters Library to hear a performance by the band Second Time Around. Citizens can listen to swing music while enjoying refreshments. The fun starts at 6 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m.

Find out more about 4th Friday at www.theartscouncil.com

For more than 30 years, McCune Technologies has provided the Fayetteville area with quality metal fabrications. By definition, metal fabrication is “the building of metal structures by cutting, bending and assembling processes,” but McCune Technologies does so much more. Not only does the company provide the community with quality metalworking, it supports the local people and economy, too.

For decades North Carolina was known as the manufacturing state. There was a booming economy for tobacco, cotton, furniture and jeans. David McCune, the owner for McCune technologies says, “Hope Mills and Massey Hill used to be mill towns. There were 25 cotton mills in the area. There was all kinds of manufacturing here.”

Sadly, like with the rest of the country, the area’s economy has taken a hit in recent years and manufacturing has suffered.

McCune has a unique perspective on the economy of the area. He is the owner of McCune Technologies, a company that specializes in miscellaneous steel fabrication; he is on the board of trustees for Fayetteville Technical Community College, on the board of directors for CEED and a chairperson on the Cumberland County workforce board. When asked about the local economy he says, “We need more industry. Of course, we are thankful for the industry that is here, but we need more. There used to be 13,000 or 14,000 manufacturing jobs in the area. Now there are 5,000 or 6,000 jobs. This is the harsh reality of the area, but we are very thankful for the manufacturing that is still here. This area has a great demographic for manufacturing.”

Despite the losses that the community has faced in recent years, it has also made tremendous progress. Fayetteville is continuously growing and developing into a center of arts and commerce, and the upcoming changes to the area can only serve to improve the community even more.

“Within North Carolina, Fayetteville is the perfect location. It is close to the beach and the mountains, right next to I-95 and I-40. There is huge potential for tremendous growth in Cumberland County. There is a new transportation facility in downtown, and downtown itself has improved by leaps and bounds over the years. We have the largest community college in the state, and one of the largest in the nation,” said McCune. “Methodist University is growing, and Fayetteville State is growing, and Ft. Bragg is a great asset to the community. The only thing our area is lacking is manufacturing.”

With all the positive changes in the community, Fayetteville will be open to the growth of new industry and manufacturing. McCune expresses this same sentiment.

“With I-95 going around Cumberland County and Fayetteville, this state will have one of the best infrastructures in the United States when it is finished,” he said. “We have a population of 300,000 and most cities that would have a road like this would be Richmond, Va., or Washington D.C. This is a tremendously positive improvement in development.”

Photo: McCune Technologies has been in business in Fayetteville for more than 30 years.

The public hears about the economy all the time. Numbers, which track the financial health of the country, are continually tallied, analyzed and reported. Industrial output drives many of the statistics that are used to measure so many of the nation’s vital signs. While the country depends on these industries for so much, the public seldom acknowledges the impact of industry on a day-to-day basis.

Every day people purchase and consume products without a second thought as to how these items made it to the store shelves. Locally, people drive by buildings that dot the landscape and have no clue about the items produced and manufactured inside.

“These businesses are hidden all over the county,” said Existing Industry Manager at The Economic Development Alliance Cathy Johnson. “There is a lot of industry here that people don’t know about, places that have been here for decades and it might be right next door to them and they just don’t know what these businesses do.”

This is the perfect time to change that. May is Existing Industry Month. It is a chance to acknowledge the efforts and the impact of the businesses that produce the many gizmos and gadgets that make life easier. On Thursday, May 16, the Fayetteville Regional Chamber and the Economic Development Alliance celebrate Existing Industry Month with the 2013 Existing Industry Appreciation Awards Luncheon.

“We really need to show existing industry that we value what they do for us and what they bring to Cumberland County,” said County Commissioner Charles Evans. “As a community we need to be sure that we support local industries as much as possible.”

While many have no idea how many businesses are based in Cumberland County or what they produce, for the most part, that is usually not a bad thing and it is often the way plant managers prefer it.

“Once they are in the community, a lot of people forget about them,” said Russ Rogerson, executive vice president at the Economic Development Alliance of Fayetteville & Cumberland County. “They (the businesses) like it that way, but your existing industries are the staple of your economy. These are the companies that hire and provide the kind of wages that allow employees to buy homes and cars. It is the engine of the economy. It all starts with a job and they are obviously providing these jobs, which support many other jobs in the second-tier level. These industries that provide jobs usually don’t want a lot of fanfare but it is important that we understand their impact. Existing Industries month is one of those times we get to say thank you.”

Cumberland County is home to more than 300,000 people and includes Fayetteville as well as the towns of Eastover, Falcon, Godwin, Hope Mills, Linden, Spring Lake, Stedman and Wade as well as Fort Bragg. Industry in the area, according to the Cumberland County website includes companies that make air filters, automobile tires, carpets, clothing, farm chemicals, paints, pesticides, synthetic fibers and tools. In the third quarter of 2012, Thrive North Carolina indicated that 80,282 people were employed in private industry, that’s more than a quarter of the jobs in Cumberland County.

The luncheon celebrates several anniversaries, including 15 years in business in Cumberland County for Aggreko and LeBleu Water; 45 years for Wesco Distribution and 80 years for Riverside Mattress. The recipient of the Al Prewitt Economic Visionary Award will be recognized at the luncheon as well. The award is giving to an individual or business for one or more of the following: creation of new jobs, corporate investment, expanded production of an existing facility or improving quality of life in the community.

The Fayetteville Regional Chamber is a business advocate in the community and works to make Cumberland County a place that is not only appealing as a place to live, but as a place that is business-friendly. That means working to meet the needs of existing industry as well as looking for ways to attract new industries to the area.

“The chamber plays a variety of roles,” said President & CEO of the Fayetteville Regional Chamber Doug Peters. “We work closely with the educational system and career technical education system to make sure we have a capable world-class work force. Many companies want to be in a place with a well-trained available work force and we work to make sure our community can provide that.”

This strategy includes everything from partnering with Fayetteville Technical Community College to customize training for potential and existing industries in the area to fostering relationships with the local government to creating networking systems and opportunities for plant managers and industry leaders.

“We take a multifaceted approach to what we are trying to do,” said Peters. “I think the outlook is very bright for our area. One of the attributes of this community is the skilled and trained work force at Fort Bragg. An estimated 6,000 soldiers come out of the military from Fort Bragg every year. We partner with the U.S. Chamber to bring Hiring Our Heroes to the community. This gives service members a chance to transition their resumes to a civilian resume and apply for jobs. These are people used to getting up and going to work on time, they have soft skills and industry skills, which are a lot of the skills that are military learned. These are easily transferrable to the private sector. That puts us in a competitive position to attract companies to the community to fill jobs with capable and motivated people.”

Find out more about the Fayetteville Regional Chamber and the Economic Development Alliance of Fayetteville & Cumberland County and how you can help celebrate Existing Industry Month at www.fayettevillencchamber.org.

Photo: A strong supporter of existing industries in the area, PWC says thanks to the many companies that make this community great.

U-TECK has been providing the building blocks of telecommunication for 29 years. The company manufactures and supplies specialized products and services for the telecommunication, utility, municipal and transportation industries. Simply put, it provides the building blocks for others; such as for phone companies: it doesn’t provide the actual phone, rather it provides the equipment to keep the phones running and manufactures the phones. Or, as Nan Jackson the manager of marketing at U-TECK puts it, “We don’t provide a ladder, but we supply the rungs.”

Jackson has been with the company for the past 10 years and has had the opportunity to see it develop into the close-knit company it is today.

“Ten years ago, the telecommunications industry went through a major reorganization and that affected U-TECK,” she said.

The company took on that challenge by creating a solid presence in new markets. The last six years has been a time of change in the company. Jackson continued, “We’ve grown so much through a team leader, ownership approach to success that allows everyone a voice in shaping our company. We go into each year with specific goals, work the plan and have enjoyed continued growth through continued product development and new marketing efforts.”

This growth is not the only thing that has helped U-TECK become so successful. Both Jackson and current president, Linda Hoppman, know the key to what makes them stand out. It’s the fact that customers can come to them and they can develop the criteria to create the product.

“The collaboration with suppliers and new product development gives these solutions to the customers. It’s the key to being a solution company.” Jackson stated.

There are unique solutions for cable management, ergonomics for technicians, safety applications and more. A signifi cant special solution product that has been recently created is the WeedEnder Vegetation Control System. This product was specified by the New York Department of Transportation and installed last spring to help control unwanted vegetation growth under 22 miles of cable barrier in the median on the Long Island Expressway. It was placed in New York before hurricane Sandy and after the storm blew through it never moved an inch! The product is available in other states including California, Washington and New Jersey.

The unique process that makes WeedEnder so effective is that it deprives the weed’s root system of sunlight but does allow water and nutrients to fi lter through; this prevents erosion by keeping the root system alive. The minimization of erosion provides visibility along guardrails, cable barriers, beautifi cation sites, billboards, exit-ramp signs and speed-limit signs. WeedEnder is also environmentally friendly. It doesn’t use any herbicides or harmful chemicals but still gets the job done. If there is a road next to the lake, the water running through will not be harmed. It is made of 100 percent recyclable materials, is fire retardant and has a 15-year guarantee warranty. This is just one of the many innovative products U-TECK manufactures and designs.U-TECK enjoys being involved with the community. The company’s employees are encouraged to volunteer and participate in local charitable efforts. U-TECK supports the Fisher House on Fort Bragg, recently donating $5,000. Also, for the past four years, it has been a part of the Women’s Business Enterprise Council.

For Jackson and Hoppman, choosing to be in Fayetteville wasn’t a hard decision and they couldn’t have it any better. “Fayetteville is our home, we didn’t choose it, it chose us,” Hoppman said. Jackson added, “This is our environment and our community and that is why we continue to stay here.”

U-TECK is a unique company with products meeting specifi c needs for its customers. The employees dedicate their time and energy effectively, something no one would want to weed out! Find out more about U-TECK at www.uteck.com.

Photo: WeedEnder is one of the many unique solutions U-Teck has designed for its customers. It is used along many roadways.

Hercules Steel Company is a steel supplier and fabrications business in the City of Fayetteville that has served the community for the past 50 years.

The company got its start in 1954 when the construction industry was booming. Military bases including Fort Bragg and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, N.C., were being developed and Hercules Steel had a chance to provide steel to build these installations. There were slow downs with construction in the ‘60s and pick-ups in the ‘70s only leading to another period of slow work. But the dry periods didn’t stop the company from doing what it did best and the company’s hard work paid off as it remained competitive and won bids for demanding projects.

In addition to contracting for jobs on military installations, Hercules Steel Company has made it a priority to work hard to make the community a better place, too. Some of these projects include repairing multiple schools throughout Cumberland County including Terry Sanford and Pine Forest high schools by fixing their concession stands after tornado damage. The company played a part in building the new Embassy Suites behind Toys R Us and is also involved with the Sandy Grove Elementary School in Hoke County. Hercules Steel helped install the new solar roof panels at the school allowing solar energy to be collected from the rooftops. This solar energy is used to power the school and any excess energy generated can be sold back to the power grids.

Hercules Steel is involved in more than just construction. The company also sponsors local high school basketball, football and baseball teams from Terry Sanford and Pine Forest high schools. Hercules is a company that Fayetteville can count on to be a part of moving the community forward. Claude Scott can attest to this and has seen all these projects and more unfold. Scott, the current vice president and general sales manager, has been affi liated with Hercules since 1979, though he always didn’t see himself in this position. After graduating from Douglas Byrd High School, Scott joined Hercules working with the walk-in trade and sales counter. This then led to what he wanted to see and accomplish.

“I wanted and was able to grow with the company and management team through hard work and dedication,” Scott says.

Growth is something that they also hope for the future; growth in the market share and stability in the current and upcoming economy.

“Comforting” is the word Scott describes when he talks about his experience working with a business that has been around for so long. For Scott, it is comforting that people recognize the company’s name, comforting that this long history of giving back to the community and supporting local efforts has earned the company returning customers who came in the ‘70s and then in the ‘80s and are still returning today. He also fi nds comfort in the fact that from those past relationships, Hercules Steel can be depended on for jobs and having a positive role in the area.

The fact that this company has served the area for 50 years proves they are an important part of our community’s economic success. Find out more about Hercules Steel and the projects the company supports in the community at www.herculessteelco.com.

Photo: Located on one of Fayetteville’s main thoroughfares, people pass by Her-cules Steel every day and often have no idea the impact this business has on the community.

It is no secret that Fayetteville is home to Fort Bragg, which is home to some of our nation’s bravest heroes. Our military defends the values of freedom and democracy and is known for its bravery and sacrifice in the face of evil. However, when our soldiers are not busy stamping out in-justice or bringing down dictators in foreign lands, some of them are actually quite the art-ists. The 2013 Army Arts and Crafts Contest, open to servicemen and women, Department of Defense employees and family members, is a juried contest designed for seasoned and accomplished artists as well as novices begin-ning their creative journey.

The artists begin by selecting from one of the following categories: ceramics, digital art, drawings, fibers and textiles, glass, metals/jewelry, mixed media, wood or two-dimen-sional arts. From there, the fun begins!

The artist then creates the a piece (or sev-eral pieces) using his imagination and creativ-ity to bring to life an expression that will go on to be seen by many others. This is a digital competition, so works are submitted and judged using digital images. The submission dates are between May 1st and June 30th and will be judged at the regional level. The submissions that win will then move on to the Army-wide contest. There, they will be judged against other works from soldiers throughout the Army. The works are divided into two categories: Group I for beginners and novices and Group II for experienced artists. At least three qualified judges with the proper experience will be selected to judge in all levels. The jurors are expected to participate in the contest professionally as curators, critics, educators, practitioners and editors. The winners will receive prizes for their submitted works of art with $100 for third place, $200 for second and $300 for first.

This event serves as a unique opportunity for those who serve to express themselves through their art work. Sara Matherly, manager of Frame and Design Arts at Pope Army Airfield believes that art often serves as therapy for the soldiers. “Art has as much a place in the soldiers’ lives as sports or fit-ness. As those help their bodies, art helps their minds,” she said.

Given the nature of their duties, sometimes a soldier’s life can get pretty tense. This event allows for a release from their everyday du-ties and affords them the opportunity to see what others are doing. They also receive sup-port from the community. Cape Fear Studios has displayed art works by soldiers who are deployed, giving them a connection to home while they serve their country.

To find out more about the rules and guidelines visit www.armymwr.com/recleisure/artsandcrafts/contest-guidelines.aspx or call 394-4192. To enter the contest, visit https://apps.imcom.army.mil/apptracmain.

Once again, our military finds itself in the midst of a drawdown. Although this is not a new phenomenon for the military, the impacts of the drawdown are vast. Troop levels will be cut, getting promoted will be tougher, budgets will be more constrained and staying in the Army will be more diffi cult. As a result, tens of thousands of soldiers will transition from active duty to the civilian sector by 2017. The question looming is, how will these soldiers prepare themselves for the transition and to enter a competitive workforce?

One of the ways in which soldiers can prepare for the future is through Continuing Education. Recognizing the challenges ahead, Fayetteville Technical Community College launched in January its Military Occupational Specialty degree program, a comprehensive program designed to convert military education and experience into college credit. Although converting military education to college credit is not a new concept, FTCC’s approach to this model is new. Without question, soldiers gain invaluable knowledge, training, and experience while serving in the Army. Following a quick consultation with our offi ce, a soldier immediately knows exactly how many credits he or she will receive for military learning experiences.

FTCC assessed military course curriculums, reviewed American Council on Education and Service member Opportunity College (SOC) program documents, and consulted with FTCC academic department heads to develop the MOS Degree Maps. The maps are broken down by MOS and skill level and identify a range of college courses and credit hours soldiers would receive for their military education. Moreover, maps target three key populations: special operations, non-special operations and healthcare as well as joint forces. To date, FTCC has developed 114 MOS Degree Maps representing 43 different MOSs. Our goal is to create a map for every MOS.

Although the associate degree in general education is the primary degree offered, soldiers can also apply their credit for prior military learning to other areas such as culinary arts, criminal justice, psychology and more than 150 different areas of study. The AGE is the number-one way to convert knowledge gained through military training into college credit. The AGE is transferable and a pathway to earning a higher-level degree later at a four-year institution. FTCC offers a range of course formats from face-to-face classes (day or evening) to online and hybrid classes, or a combination of these as well as unit classes.

Career Management Fields include:

Whatever educational field soldiers are interested in, FTCC stands ready to help them achieve their goals

.For more information or to register for classes, visit FTCC’s Fort Bragg Center located in F-Wing, Bragg Training and Education Center (BTEC) or call (910) 678-1050 or by email at fortbragg@faytechcc.edu.

To see a complete list of MOS and Skill Level maps, visit www.faytechcc.edu/ft_bragg/transition/credit-for-learning.asp.

Photo: Tens of thousands of soldiers will transition from Active Duty to the civilian sector by 2017. FTCC has programs in place to make it a smooth transition.

In literature, in art and in life the heart is the center of the body. Without it nothing is possible, so it only makes sense that we should protect it. Ironically, heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in the United States; often times it is one of the most preventable causes of death, yet it claims more lives of women than any kind of cancer. In order to stop this trend, the American Heart Association has created a movement geared towards helping and teaching women to take care of their hearts: Go Red for Women.

The key to battling any disease is knowledge. By knowing the risk factors people can mitigate their risk factors. This can be especially important in an illness such as heart disease, that research shows lifestyle is often a large contributing factor. Diet, exercise, and family history can all add to the risks of having heart trouble, but knowing is half the battle and that is what the National Heart Association is promoting through the Go Red for Women events.

Alisa Debnam, a community volunteer that is very involved with the Go Red for Womenevents says that when people come to a Go Red for Women event they should expect, “to learn and impact women. We will talk about the change in awareness and improvement in the education for women’s heart health. Most women don’t know about heart disease and we want to get the message out. People need to know the signs of a heart attack. They happen to people daily, and get ignored. People think it is the flu or exhaustion. People need to know the signs and get help to take care of their health.”

“I remember in 2003 that I attended a Go Red for Women event in Raleigh and it was huge. As I was listening to the medical expert, I began to wonder why we didn’t have anything like this in Cumberland county,” Debnam recalled. As if rising to the call, many women in Fayetteville have decided to embrace the growing movement in heart health. In order to spread awareness and passion to the women of Fayetteville the organization will be hosting their second Go Red for Women Luncheon on May 14 at the Embassy Suites. Debnam explained that the luncheon will be both informative and entertaining. Susan Sparks, who is a former trial lawyer and is now a Baptist minister and stand-up comedian will provide entertainment for the night. There will also be a health and wellness segment that is sponsored by Morgan Stanley and a segment where a medical expert will present crucial information about heart disease that is sponsored by The First Health Regional Hospital.

There are many ways that people can contribute to the fight against heart disease. Anyone can host an event at their house and invite friends and family to act as a fundraiser, or just as an event to spread awareness. There is also the Heart Walk in October, where anyone can make a team out of their friends and families and help to fund and raise awareness for the battle against heart disease.

For more information, go to the website www.goredforwomen.org, the go red for women facebook page or the website ahagreenvillenc.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/20122013FayettevilleNCGoRedLuncheon/tabid/402556/Default.aspx.

G.I. Joe Retaliation (Rated PG-13)

The cartoons were fun, violent and nonsensical. Unfortunately, G.I. Joe: Retaliation (110 minutes) doesn’t manage to capture any of that magic. It does resemble a cartoon in several ways, though. The char-acters are flat stereotypes, the bad guys are completely one-note, and after about 30 minutes it’s time to change the channel. If only I had the option to change the channel!

There is an in-troduction that has very little to do with the rest of the movie. The GIs are violating the Korean demilitarized zone to rescue a defec-tor. But then they find something has changed. Like there is a flag, but it’s not the North Korean flag or something? I was watching very closely, and I still don’t under-stand why the flag was significant. It wasn’t a Cobra flag, but it makes Roadblock (Dwayne Johnson) end the scene with some inappropriate language. Then, there are opening credits done in a trading card style. The vital stats of various Cobras and Joes are flashed across the screen with helpful pics and exposition re-garding what they have been doing since the 2009 G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. Even though it is now 2013 and I can’t remember anything about the first movie, this introduc-tion isn’t the slightest bit helpful, since it is just a series of names and descriptions overlapping each other. Also, it is mumbled.

After the rogue’s gallery, we zoom in on Zartan (Arnold Vosloo) pre-tending to be the President of the United States (Jonathan Pryce). Apparently Fake President has been more or less behaving himself while also blowing stuff up and keeping the Real POTUS in some kind of abandoned fallout shelter to taunt and torture at will. This is all part of a grand plan that includes getting the Real POTUS to tell Zartan where Destro and the Cobra Commander (Luke Bracey) are being held. The timeline here is sort of screwy. The dialogue implies that Destro and the Cobra Commander have been in this secret prison for at least a few weeks, so what took Zartan so long to ask the Real POTUS where they were?

Once Zartan has the information, he sends Firefly (Ray Stevenson) to wipe out the GIs. He manages to get most of them, but Roadblock, Flint (DJ Cotrona) and Lady Jaye (Adrianne Palicki) survive. They set off through the desert and find an isolated landing field and make plans to sneak aboard a plane and get back to the USA. If you were expecting an excit-ing scene where they infiltrate the airbase and steal a plane while shooting up a bunch of bad guys, prepare for disap-pointment, since the scene shifts from the three surviving Joes making plans to them walking down the middle of an American street. Boring.

Meanwhile, Snake Eyes (Ray Park) was apparently captured by the military and taken to the secret prison. However, he did not get a trial and was not searched to the ex-tent that anyone took off his mask. And then, when he gets to the secret prison it turns out that the warden (Walton Goggins) is more concerned about speechifying than securing the weapons of his prisoner. And when he finds out the prisoner is not Snake Eyes, but Storm Shadow (Byung-Hun Lee), he figures one prisoner is as good as the next and preps him for a high tech form of solitary confinement.

Overall, the only fun thing about this bloated and overwrought at-tempt at a popcorn movie is watch-ing the actors try to maintain a straight face as they utter such win-ning lines as “Get me the G.I. Joes!” The actors were simply not up to the challenge of saying that without sounding like 10-year-old boys. Also Bruce Willis is there, credited as The Original G.I. Joe, but actually play-ing his character from RED.

Now showing at Wynnsong 7, Carmike 12 and Carmike Market Fair 15.

Jazz music is a uniquely American music. It was born on American soil and since its inception it has influenced every genre of music that has come after it. The hallmarks of Jazz are the use of blue notes and the polyrhythms that have permeated African American musical traditions for centuries. Unlike many movements in arts, jazz has not faded or morphed into something new destined to be completely forgotten. Jazz is still quite popular. WFSS is embracing this incredible genre of music and bringing it to the public by hosting the All American Jazz Festival on May 11.

“This is actually an outgrowth of the Jazz on the River event that WFSS has hosted at Campbellton Landing for the last several years,” said Marsha McLean, WFSS Interim General Manager. “We are looking forward to having this at Festival Park. It is such a nice venue, and a place that the audience can really enjoy themselves.”

One of the featured acts at the festival is The Jazz Crusaders. Since the 1970s this band has been producing a jazz-funk style of music that has topped R&B and Pop charts alike. They have recorded more than 40 albums since their inception and will be performing at the All American Jazz Festival. The members of The Jazz Crusaders are Joe Sample, Gerald Albright and Wayne Henderson.

Keiko Matsui will also take the stage at the event as a featured performer. She is an incredible performer who has brought new life to Jazz. She is native to Japan, but now resides in Los Angeles. Keiko found her love for music at the tender age of five, when her mother gave her the first piano of her career. Her love of Jazz also developed at an early age, in middle school. She was a top student at the Japanese institutions where she studied, and was signed to a recording contract with the jazz-fusion group, the Cosmos. She came to the United States at the age of 19, and has been making her unique brand of new age, smooth jazz, and jazz-fusion records ever since.

Marcus Johnson is another featured performer that night. He is a jazz keyboardist and performs contemporary jazz. He is known not only for his skill, but also the incredible passion he puts into his music. Johnson listened to a variety of music as a child and fell in love with jazz when he was 13 years old.

Smooth jazz fans will be treated to a performance by Maysa. She started her career as a back up singer for Stevie Wonder and moved on to work with Arsenio Hall, Oprah and performed on The Tonight Show. She has had several top ten hits on the Jazz and R&B charts.

“We are very excited about the lineup this year,” said McLean. “Any of the musicians featured at the All American Jazz Festival could stand alone as headliners. They are all top names in the jazz industry and bring a lot of talent to the stage.”

While WFSS consistently provides high quality programming to the public, McLean pointed out that there is a lot more to this broadcasting station. As a public radio station there are some freedoms and some challenges that shape the services and programming. “We are proud to broadcast jazz music along with our other broadcast features like NPR’s All Things Considered and Morning Edition. Jazz is not something that is commonly heard on commercial radio stations and we are glad to provide our audience with a different kind of listening experience,” said McLean. “As an institute of higher learning we have many mass communications majors that are able to get hands-on experience here. We work with the students to give them valuable learning experiences that will prepare them for the future.”

Because WFSS is a public radio station there is always pressure to find ways to fund the radio programming and to continue to meet the needs of the listeners. The All American Jazz Festival is a way to celebrate great music while supporting public radio and the Fayetteville State University students that train at the station. The All American Jazz Festival will be held at Festival Park. The gates will open at 3 p.m. and the preshow will begin at 4 p.m. Featured artists will be presented at 8 p.m. Festival park is located at the corner of Ray Ave and Rowan St.

Tickets are $35 in advance and $45 the day of the show. VIP tickets are $75. Ticket are available from a variety of locations. To purchase online tickets visit www.wfss.org or www.Etix.com. To order tickets by phone through Etix call 1-800-514-3849. Tickets are also available at the J.W. Seabrook Auditorium, which is open Mondays through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m and located in Fayetteville State University at 1200 Murchison Rd. Sponsorship and vendor opportunities are also available for anyone interested and further information can be found at www.wfss.org.

For Fayetteville, summer doesn’t arrive in June when school lets out and people head to the beach. May offi cially kicks off the season with Fayetteville after 5. This free, public concert has been a part of the Fayetteville music scene for 15 years. Funded through R.A. Jeffrey’s Distributing Company/Bud Light the event is operated by the Dogwood Festival Committee, and they have made sure that it is a great time for family members of all ages to join in and listen to bands and participate in other activities such as corn hole barrels.

This summer season is expected to be newer and “beefi er” than ever, as Carrie King, executive director of Dogwood Festival, put it. The event that was originally held on every third Thursday is now every third Friday, and will run through May, June and July only. Both King and Jeff Fox, the manager for R.A. Jeffrey’s, agree that the change in weekday will allow for more attendance. The goal is to be fl exible and accommodate work hours — and hopefully the weather won’t be as hot.

R.A. Jeffrey’s put together a fun raffle with Bud Light. The lucky people that won beach towels during the Dogwood Festival can come to Fayetteville After 5, show their towel and get one free beer. They then are eligible to register to win free beer for a year. Names will be drawn for the winner on the last concert in July. Bud Light will also give away free prizes at each event to the audience present before 6:30 p.m.

New genres of music are in the line up this season, too. King stated, “ I felt, and all of us in the planning process agreed, that there needed to be a change, a sprucing up to freshen up our venue and to try to have a different feel.”

Audiences can now expect to hear 80s tunes, rock n’ roll as well as country music. May 17 is the first concert of 2013 and features On the Border, a band that, as King said, “is an awesome, awesome, awesome, Eagles tribute band.”

On the same night, the returning favorite Suicide Blonde takes the stage. In June 21, Fayetteville should grab their cowboy hats for James Otto as he sings country songs.

July 19 will wrap up the season with tribute bands and people can sing “I’m back in black!” and other favorite oldies. Three bands will be playing, In the Name of Love, a tribute to U2, High Voltage, a tribute to AC/DC and Mostley Crue, a tribute to Motley Crue. (Warning: this may cause adults to travel back in time for the whole night and pretend they are a teenager again, causing them to scare their kids).

The music and food always create a relaxing atmosphere. King said her favorite part of putting this together includes seeing the first concert because it does kick-off summer and it serves as a “feel-good event” for her.

Fox added, “I love seeing a lot of people and this is also a good networking opportunity where I can meet people from different businesses and talk with them one on one.”

Fox also envisions Fayetteville after 5 becoming a concert tradition with a huge turn out like in North Hills Raleigh, another event R.A. Jeffrey sponsored. When first starting it, Fox said, “I wanted to have an event that would bring the community for free and also be enjoyable.” He reaffi rms this goal and wants it to continue while picturing the future.

Fayetteville after 5 is the one summer event you don’t want to miss. Come on down to Festival Park, lie on the grass and, as the Eagles say, “take it easy.” Gates open at, you guessed it, 5-ish p.m. at Festival Park. Find out more at www.faydogwoodfestival.com.

Photo: This season’s premier Fayetteville After 5 concert features Eagles tribute band, On The Border and 80s band Suicide Blonde.

In Cumberland County there are more than 600 chronic homeless people and several agencies have planned to do something about it. The Cumberland County Continuum of Care, Cumberland County and City of Fayetteville will host Project Homeless Connect 2013 on May 16 at the Smith Recreation Center from 7:30 am until 1:30 p.m.

“Project Homeless Connect 2013 came from the initiative of the 10-year plan to end homelessness back in 2009,” said Adolph Thomas, community relations specialist of The City of Fayetteville’s Community Development Department. “The 10-year planning committee made it an obligation to conduct a Project Homeless Connect each year and they passed the plan on to The Cumberland County Continuum of Care.”

One way to help is to donate items that will be given to the attendees. The following items are needed: socks, chapstick, sunblock, paper cups, underwear, bug repellent, sleeping bags, wet wipes, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, ponchos, backpacks, tote bags, foot powder and gallon Ziploc bags. “We put out a letter to schools, churches and human-service agencies to see if they can make this their project and donate these items,” said Thomas.

“Our goal is to see 300 of the 600 individuals walk through the door,” said Thomas. “The agencies on hand are tasked to provide immediate services for these individuals or families for that day.” Thomas added that if housing is an issue for a particular family or individual the agency will take the family and help them to find housing on that same day.

Various agencies will be on site for the event, including the Metropolitan Housing Authority, Urban Ministry, medical professionals, homeless-shelter providers, Salvation Army, Better Health, Cumberland Interfaith Hospitality Network, Cape Fear Regional Bureau for Community Action, Inc. and others. Breakfast will be provided by the Epicenter Church, lunch by the Kingdom Impact Global Ministries and desserts and refreshments by the Salvation Army. The city stage will be set up for entertainment from the 71st High School, Reid Ross, and E.E. Smith’s bands and other groups.

FAST transit will provide free transportation to the event for any homeless person

“Cumberland County has never had its own homeless foundation,” said Thomas. “This is the first year that we have a homeless foundation at the Cumberland Community Foundation, where the average person can donate money from their computer to the Cumberland County homeless.” Thomas added that this is going to be a major campaign for the foundation and the monies will be used to help the shelters and organizations provide quick care for the homeless.

Donations may be delivered to the Cumberland County Community Development Department at 707 Executive Place by May 3. Checks can be made out to Cumberland Community Foundation Inc. Project Homeless Connect, and mailed to 308 Green Street, PO Box 2345, Fayetteville, NC 28302. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The website for monetary donations is www.cumberlandcf.org.

For more information and to donate call 323-6112.

Photo: There are more than 600 chronic homeless people in Cumberland County. Project Homeless Connect, on May 16, brings together several agencies to help them connect with resources and services aimed at ending homelessness.

Travel is a leading American industry that’s more than just fun. In fact, travel and tourism is one of the country’s leading industries — it impacts the economies of the nation, the state and here in Cumberland County. May 4-12, we recognize the impact of this industry with National Travel & Tourism Week, a national celebration from the U.S. Travel Association that champions the value of travel. The 2013 theme for National Travel & Tourism Week is “Travel Effect.”

Nationwide, travel supports 14.6 million jobs with a $200.9 billion payroll. U.S. travelers generate $2 trillion in economic impact that contributes $128.8 billion in tax revenues for federal, state and local governments. In fact, without travel and tourism’s contribution to the tax base, each household would be taxed an additional $1,060 per year.

In 2011, domestic visitors spent $18.4 million across North Carolina, generating $2.8 billion in tax receipts. This is an 8 percent increase from the previous year and a record high spending fi gure. North Carolina tourism supports 187,900 jobs for North Carolina residents and contributes $4.18 billion to the state’s payroll.

Of North Carolina’s 100 counties, Cumberland County generates the eighth highest economic impact from domestic tourism. In 2011, the industry generated $450.11 million in expenditures and $33.96 in state and local tax revenues. This represents a $104.53 tax savings to each county resident. Additionally, Cumberland County’s tourism industry employs 4,200 people with a payroll of $80.97 million. Tourism is Cumberland County’s second largest industry.

Marketing the community

The Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau works to maximize the economic impact of travel and tourism in Cumberland County. That figure is steadily rising. From 2001 to 2011, domestic tourism expenditures grew 83 percent from $245.99 million to the present fi gure of $450.11 million.

The bureau is funded through occupancy taxes collected from overnight visitors at Cumberland County hotels and administered by the Tourism Development Authority (TDA). This means that no local taxpayer money is used for the promotion of travel and tourism. (The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County and The Crown Center also receive a portion of occupancy tax collections.)

You might wonder how the FACVB markets the community to visitors. Each year, we produce a detailed program of work that outlines the program for the coming year. All marketing decisions are research-based, allowing us to pinpoint the wants and needs of the visitor.

Some tactics/projects on the plan include:

• Attending trade shows to secure leads for meeting planner, group tour operator and sports tournament business.

• Managing and maintaining a comprehensive website that promotes the entire Cumberland County travel industry

• Public relations efforts to secure positive publicity on Cumberland County as a travel destination. These efforts may include social media contests, writer visits, press releases, event listing in trade and Web publications and outreach to targeted journalists.

• Development of a Destination Guide to cover all travel markets

• Targeted advertisement with lead generation for continued marketing

The FACVB continues to maximize the impact of travel and tourism on our economy by providing programs and services for visitors to Cumberland County. We always keep an eye on the visitor — and work to fulfi ll their needs.

BECAUSE THE VISITOR

Because the visitor has a need, we have a job to do.

Because the visitor has a choice, we must be the better choice.

Because the visitor has sensibilities... we must be considerate.

Because the visitor has an urgency, we must be quick.

Because the visitor has high expectations, we must excel.

Because the visitor has influence, we have hope of more visitors. Because of the visitor, we exist.

- Karl Yena Yena & Associates

As America’s First Military Sanctuary Community, we take our patriotism seriously. Home to Fort Bragg, one of the largest military installations in the U.S., we feel it’s important to stand behind our troops, and we embrace any opportunity to salute those who put their lives on the line to defend our freedom.

While the rest of the country sets aside one day in May, Memorial Day, to honor fallen members of the military, Fayetteville/Cumberland County dedicates the entire month to celebrate service members, veterans and their families with the annual series of events called 31 Day Salute, now in its fifth year.

This community-wide “salute to soldiers” reflects the collaboration of numerous Cumberland County businesses and organizations dedicated to showing their appreciation for the military through a variety of patriotic performances, ceremonies, exhibits, concerts and fairs.

Nearly 40 local groups are participating in this year’s 31 Day Salute, from military charities to cultural and historical associations, each committed to showing what soldiers, veterans and their families mean to our proud military community.

We encourage and welcome patriots from all over the country to visit Fayetteville/ Cumberland County in May to say thank you to those in uniform while enjoying our entertaining events.

This year’s, 31 Day Salute features exciting new events and many returning favorites. Helping to kick things off is the Fort Bragg Fair, which runs through May 12. This annual festival features carnival rides, live music and entertainment, games, food and fun for the whole family.

The Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum will give history buffs a chance to re-live Fayetteville’s patriotic past with guided tours of the War of 1812 and Civil War exhibits at the museum and the rare opportunity to tour the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry Museum and Armory, where participants will learn about the early militia system. Other stops include Liberty Point, the F.I.L.I. Parade Grounds, Cross Creek Cemetery and the N.C. Veterans Park.

Hundreds of American flags will fly on the parade grounds of the Airborne and Special Operations Museum starting May 12, with the opening of the 2013 N.C. Field of Honor. Honoring those who currently serve, those who have served and the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation’s freedom, each flag also comes with its own story and displays a large yellow ribbon identifying the person who sponsored the flag and the flag honoree.

Just across the street, the North Carolina Veterans Park will host an Armed Forces Day celebration, which will include a memorial service, a wreath-laying and a table ceremony featuring the Jack Britt High School JROTC color guard.

Those looking for a true military experience can head over to Fort Bragg for the 82nd Airborne Division Living History Weekend. On May 23, the 82nd Airborne Division will hold its offi cial Memorial Service honoring the 7,000 82nd Airborne Division soldiers who lost their lives between 1918-2012. During that time, the 82nd Airborne Division Museum will also display the Living History Encampment, which covers the division’s history from 1917-1999.

A living history program, Pearl Harbor: The Imperial Japanese Navy’s “Flawed” Victory, will be presented at the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex. The event will provide a detailed look at “lessons learned” from the attack on our Pacific Fleet on Dec. 7, 1941. Jason Wetzel, staff historian with the Office of Army Reserve History, Headquarters – United States Army Reserve, will be on hand to speak about the amazing blunders of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Members of the military will also receive special discounts at several local businesses throughout the month of May. Fascinate-U Children’s Museum is offering half-price admission to all military families and free admission to families of deployed soldiers and The Climbing Place will offer a special discounted rate of $10 to those with a valid military ID.

For a full listing of events, details and participating organizations during the 31 Day Salute, please visit www.31daysalute.com. With diverse events that will appeal to all ages and interests, there is something for everyone. Fayetteville/Cumberland County invites both locals and out-of-town travelers to come out and join us as we salute soldiers, veterans and their families throughout the month of May.

For many around the world, Armed Forces Day is a time to come together and thank military members for their patriotic service. In honor of this special day, the Army’s Army, a nationally recognized 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization made up of citizens and businesses who have pledged their support to those in the military, will partner with Cross Creek Cycling Club (C4) to host the 2013 Ride To Honor.

The Army’s Army has proudly been supporting our troops for more than fi ve years and is truly dedicated to honoring and recognizing our brave servicemen and women. Providing various types of military support through programs such as relocation fairs and events geared towards soldiers, veterans and their families, the Army’s Army is committed to “watching over those who watch over us.”

Now in its second year, Ride To Honor is a 34- and 61-mile bicycle ride that raises funds to support the Army’s Army. Hosted in collaboration with Cross Creek Cycling Club, the ride will lead participants along a scenic route traversing Cumberland, Lee and Harnett counties.

Featuring rest stops that are sponsored by Flat Branch Fire Department and Spring Hill United Methodist Church, bikers will have the opportunity to grab a snack and take a moment to breathe while excited volunteers cheer them on.

Opening ceremonies for this year’s Ride To Honor will begin at 8:30 a.m., on Saturday, May 18 at Mendoza Park in Spring Lake. Long-time partners of the Army’s Army, the Cumberland Oratorio Singers, will kick off the ceremony with the “National Anthem”, followed by remarks from special guest John Meroski, CEO of the Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and Chairman of the Army’s Army. The American Legion Auxiliary will also be on site serving breakfast to cyclists and spectators.

The Combat Vets Association and the American Legion Riders, in conjunction with the Spring Lake Police Department and Harnett County Sheriff’s Department, will also be on hand to escort the cyclists throughout the day. After completing the tri-county trek, race participants will be welcomed back to Mendoza Park and enjoy post-race activities and refreshments provided by Army’s Army partner, Sonic.

The registration fee for riders is $45; Wounded Warriors and children under the age of 13 are invited to ride for free. To register for the Ride To Honor, visit www.active.com/cycling/spring-lake-nc/ride-to-honor-2013 or check out the Ride To Honor Facebook page for more information.

Ride To Honor is part of 31-Day Salute, a month-long celebration of performances, exhibits and activities throughout Cumberland County that show appreciation, respect and support for those who serve and have served in the military.

In addition to participating in Ride To Honor, many C4 members, which include both active duty and retired military, volunteer and compete in several other community and charitable events throughout the year, including the Ride to Recovery, the Wounded Warrior ride on Fort Bragg and countless other rides across the Southeast United States. The club also participates in various non-ride activities that support the community, including Operation Spin Cycle, which assists wounded soldiers in the Warrior Transition Battalion on Fort Bragg.

Photo: Ride To Honor is a 34- and 61-mile bicycle ride that raises funds to support the Army’s Army.

31 Day Salute is a month-long celebration of performances, ceremonies, exhibits and activities where we invite the world to do what the Fayetteville community does every day — show our enthusiastic appreciation, respect and support for those who serve and have served in our armed forces. Put on by the entire community, 31 Day Salute is for anyone who wants to experience our military heritage and honor our brethren in the services — past and present. As part of this salute to our military, the Museum of the Cape Fear is hosting a military history lecture series.

Beginning on May 2, at 6:30 p.m., Jim Greathouse, a member of North Carolina’s War of 1812 Bicentennial Committee, will provide a PowerPoint presentation on War of 1812 Gunboats. Three Jeffersonian gunboats were built in Smithville (now Southport), North Carolina. They were given the designation of gunboats 166, 167 and 168. The gunboats were small ships with a crew of about 40 offi cers, sailors and marines. Soon after the War of 1812 began, gunboat 166 was given a proper name and christened the U.S. Schooner Alligator. The Alligator saw action service along the North and South Carolina coastlines. In January of 1814 she defeated a much larger attacking British naval force. Months later the 64-foot schooner sank in Port Royal Sound, S.C., during a storm. She was raised and refi tted for further wartime service. Greathouse’s presentation also commemorates the War of 1812 Bicentennial, which will last until 2015. This presentation is a great opportunity to learn more about a forgotten war. (Some historians refer to the War of 1812 as America’s second war for independence.)

The second in the series will take place on May 9, at 6:30 p.m. Red, White, Blue, & Black: A History of African Americans in the United States Military will be presented by Charles Anderson, Jr., adjunct professor with Methodist University. His talk examines the role played by African Americans in the history of the United States military, from before the American Revolution to present day. Anderson is a veteran of the United States Army. This amazing story delves into the contributions of many brave and determined young men who were denied rights and denied admittance into the army but were called upon to fi ght in all the early wars. When fi nally allowed into the military, it was on a segregated basis until President Truman integrated the army in 1948. Since the early days of our nation as much as 20 percent of the Navy has always been made up of African Americans.

The third and final lecture will take place on May 16, at 6:30 p.m. Jason Wetzel, staff historian with the Office of Army Reserve History, Headquarters – United States Army Reserve, will talk about Pearl Harbor: The Imperial Japanese Navy’s “Flawed” Victory. Wetzel’s presentation will include the amazing blunders of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor and he will provide a detailed look at “lessons learned” from the attack on our Pacific Fleet on Dec. 7, 1941. Real surprises are revealed. Wetzel states “It could have been a lot worse, why?” The attack on Pearl Harbor was one of the most signifi cant events in our nation’s history and was the fi nal straw that took us into World War II.

All three lectures are free and open to the public. They take place the fi rst three Thursdays in May. Mark your calendar and plan to join in on this salute to the Armed Forces by learning more about our military’s history. For more information please call 910-486-1330 or visit the following websites: http://museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov or http://nccultureevents.com.

31 Day Salute originated in 2008 and it is put on by the entire community. It is for anyone who wants to experience our military heritage and honor our brethren in the services — past and present. For more information browse the website at http://www.31daysalute.com/.

Photo: Jim Greathouse, a member of North Carolina’s War of 1812 Bicentennial Committee, will provide a PowerPoint presentation on War of 1812 Gunboats. 

Another Chance for the

Prince Charles

The Hotel Prince Charles was given a reprieve by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court last week. The last minute deal to keep the hotel from falling into bankruptcy limbo was brokered between the current owner John Chen and David Levinson, the developer of the Anderson Creek Club.

In a strategic move, Chen signed over the title to Anderson’s holding company, King David LLC. The move, approved by the courts, gives Anderson the opportunity to conduct a six-month feasibility study to determine whether or not it is possible to renovate the hotel in a manner that will make it a cost-effective project.

Levinson hopes to turn the hotel into a mix-use project, with two-room condominiums (of about 450 square feet and with a price tag of less than $100,000) and offi ce space. Additionally, he wants to open a gym, a restaurant and a bar in the historic building. He estimates the price tag at about $6 million.

Additionally, the city will waive its judgment against Chen to get the project moving forward.

For many in the city this plan is good news. The 88-year-old building lends a lot of character to downtown. In its early days, it was the crown jewel to the city center. Over the years, the building has changed hands a number of times, and each time that has happened, city residents have applauded efforts to keep the grand building in use.

Over the past several months, seeing the building slowly crumble has been heartbreaking for many, while many others have taken up the chant of tear it down. Those who would prefer to see the hotel torn down argue that the real estate value of the land and the possibilities that it offers are far greater than any historic value the building brings to the city.

I can see both sides of the picture. In my hometown in Troy, the Hotel Troy was a classic edifice. The brick work is beautiful and historic. During its hey day, the interior was spectacular. But year after year, the building sat empty, and tiny pieces of its grandeur fell victim to looters and later to the elements.

At one point, the only option seemed to be to tear it down. But the people in that small town came together and found another answer. Today, that hotel houses a restaurant, an art gallery and a couple of shops. There is a lot more to do, but the money simply isn’t there.

The Prince Charles is in much better shape than the Hotel Troy was. The elements have not had their way with it, so that’s one thing in its favor. If Mr. Levinson can pull it off, the $6 million investment will breathe more life into the city center by bringing young residents downtown. It will breathe life into the downtown economy by bringing offices and entertainment to the city center.

It is our hope, that Levinson can indeed put his money where his heart seems to be and save this historic building. If not, this may be the last song for the Prince Charles.

Photo: The Prince Charles hotel gets another chance as investors ponder possible ways to reinvent the space.

Each year, Fayetteville residents shake off their winter blues with a huge celebration that we all know as the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival. Held in historic downtown and Festival Park, the three-day festival welcomes more than 200,000 visitors to the city center, all with one thing in mind — having a good time.

The festival, which kicks off on Friday, April 26, features live music, a street fair, food, friendly competitions and a midway. In years past, the festival has brought some of the top names in entertainment to the area and given local performers a chance to share their talent with visitors to the festival.

On Friday, the festival opens with the Bloom and Boom Kick-off Party featuring country musician, Joe Diffie. Diffie, best known for his songs “Pickup Man” and “John Deere Green,” gained success in the ‘90s, including 12 number one songs, 20 Top 10 songs and four gold and platinum albums.

Beyond his own successful recording career, Diffie is a successful songwriter, having written songs for Holly Dunn, Tim McGraw, Tracy Lawrence, Conway Twitty and Jo Dee Messina. At the conclusion of Diffie’s concert, the skies over Fayetteville will bloom with one of the best fireworks shows of the year.On Saturday night, Southern Rock will rule in Festival Park, as the Dogwood Festival welcomes not one, but two of America’s favorite Southern rock bands — Blackfoot and Molly Hatchet.

Blackfoot, known for hits like “Train, Train” and “Highway Song,” is keeping the legacy of Southern Rock alive by touring and sharing its music with a whole new generation. Blackfoot will hit the stage at 7 p.m.

Molly Hatchet is best known for its hit album Flirtin’ With Disaster. Still fronted by two of its original members, Dave Hlubek and Steve Holland, the band has toured all over the world and has held fast to its hard-rocking ways. The band will hit the stage at 9 p.m.

On Sunday, the Festival Park stage will be fi lled from 1-4 p.m. and will feature four sets. The opening set will feature 45 RPM, a local all-female band. The band will be followed by B. Smyth, a 19-year-old native of Flordia, who gained national notoriety through YouTube posts of his work. He is an up and coming R&B singer who recently signed with Motown.

Kayla Brianna, another R&B singer, will also grace the stage. An Interscope Records performer, Kayla Brianna is the daugher of former UNC and NBA star Kenny Smith.

The final act of the day is Prince NeFew and Da Mill. The group is made up of 11-year-old rapper Prince NeFew, his 9-year-old brother T-man, and their sisters Moda and Libby and cousin, Lulu. Their debut EP, Bookbags to Briefcases features the song “Bully” which is gaining national attention.

In addition to great entertainment and three days packed full of downtown fun, the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival sanctions events throughout the community throughout the month of April and throughout the Dogwood Festival weekend.

• The Mid-Carolina Senior Games run through April 27. The event is part of a network that promotes health and wellness for seniors statewide. There are 53 local games in which seniors compete involving more than 25 sporting events and visual and performing arts as well. Events include: basketball, track events, billiards, line dancing and more. Drawing, oil painting, essays, short stories, basket weaving, quilting, stained glass and woodcarving are just a few of the heritage arts included in the senior games. The performing arts segment of the event includes comedy, drama, vocal, dance and instrumental pieces. There are still a few days left. Visit www.ncseniorgames.org or call at (919) 851-5456 to find out more.

• The Fayetteville-Cumberland Crimestoppers Barbeque is scheduled for Friday, April 26 at 2800 Raeford Rd. in the Highland Center near Harris Teeter. It runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and costs $6 per plate. Proceeds from this event benefit Crimestoppers Fayetteville/Cumberland County. The crimestoppers program was brought to Fayetteville in 1984. Since coming to the community the program reports that it has “provided information resulting in the arrest of more than 3,108 felons and recovered more than $6.7 million in property and narcotics and have paid out more than $312,000.00 in rewards.” Find out more about crimestoppers at www.fay-nccrimestoppers.org.

• Guys, break out your seersucker suits and ladies, don those spring dresses. There is a Garden Party at Cross Creek Park on Friday, April 26. It’s the Boys and Girls Club of Cumberland County’s 4th Annual Garden Party — an event that is fast becoming a cherished part of the Dogwood celebration. Enjoy wine, beer, heavy appetizers and dancing. There is a best hat/sharp-dressed man contest, too. The event runs from 3-7 p.m. and costs $50 per person. It’s an adults-only party. Call 484-2639 for more information.

• Fascinate-U Children’s Museum will celebrate the Dogwood Festival on Friday, April 26. The museum will be open from 7-9 p.m. Admission is free that night and visitors are invited to make a dogwood fl ower to take home with them. Admission will be half price at Fascinate-U on Saturday and Sunday as part of the Dogwood Festival celebration. Find out more at www.fascinate-u.com.

• Watch as Fayetteville’s finest compete from 1-4 p.m. at Festival Park on Saturday, April 27. It is the Fayetteville Police Department vs. the Fayetteville Fire Department in a variety of events including a doughnut-eating contest, ladder-climbing contest, hot-wing eating contest and a tug-of-war contest. The winners will choose a high-ranking official from the losing team to take a “walk of shame” around Festival Park.

• The City Market/Farmers Market is in full swing and will be open from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, April 26 and from 9 a.m. -1 p.m. on Saturday, April 27. The market is located in the Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum parking lot on Franklin Street. Vendors include not only farmers selling things like produce, eggs and honey but other merchants selling soaps, woodworking items and more. Call 433-1457 to find out more.

• On Saturday, April 27, the Hogs & Rags Rally leaves the Airborne & Special Operations Museum and ends at Landry’s Seafood in Myrtle Beach. Funds from this event benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children, Kidsville News! and the American Cancer Society. Registration costs $50. Call 876-7272 for more information.

• After a fun day downtown, enjoy an Evening of Jazz at the Cotton Club Saturday night. The event takes place at the Metropolitan Room on Green Street from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. and is hosted by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. It costs $35 to attend. Call 797-1539 to find out more.

• Saturday, April 27, don’t miss The Last Kings at the Crown Coliseum at 7 p.m. Hip-hop and R&B fans are in for a treat. The Last Kings showcases the work of four rappers that are sure to entertain. Tickets cost $37.50. Call 484-4123 for more information.

• Learn to save a life at Hay Street United Methodist Church’s Hands Only CPR class on Saturday, April 27. The event is organized by Cape Fear Valley Health System, Chest Pain Center, Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation, Cumberland County EMS and Pine Forest Academy of Emergency Medical Services and is free. It starts at 6 p.m. Call 633-8301 for more information.

• FTCC graphic design students 28th Annual Portfolio Showcase: A Free Display of Graphic Design opens at the Arts Council on Saturday, April 27 at 5 p.m. Visitors to the event will enjoy photographs, illustrations, design layouts, and more. This exhibit runs from 5-8 p.m. for one night only. Call 678-9841 for more information. While you are there, check out the Public Works exhibit, which will also be at the Arts Council and hangs through May 18. Public Works is the one time a year that the Arts Council invites the public to submit artwork and displays all of the entries. Call the Arts Council at 323-1776 for more information about Public Works.

• Don’t miss the Cape Fear Harley Davidson Experience downtown on the 400 block of Hay Street on Saturday, April 27. From 1-4 p.m. Cape Fear Harley Davidson will be on hand for a round robin, including a Jump Start Harley simulator, fit shop, merchandise and more. There will also be a display of antique, new and Cape Fear Hog Chapter favorite motorcycles.

• From 1-6 p.m., also on the 400 block of Hay Street, Lafayette Ford presents the Lafayette Ford Classic Car Show. Check out Antique cars and trucks, restored classic vehicles and custom hot rods. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite while you are there.

• Snyder Memorial Baptist Church hosts comedian Dennis Swanberg on Sunday, April 28 at 6:30 p.m. Sometimes called America’s Minister of Encouragement, Swanberg delivers every time. The event is free. Call 484-3191 for more information.

Find out more about the Dogwood Festival at ww.faydogwoodfestival.com.

Photo top right: Joe Diffie, country’s original “Pickup Man,” will open the Dogwood Festival during the Bloom and Boom Party in Festival Park.

Bottom left: 2013 Festival Map. 

If you’ve never attended the Hogs & Rags Rally that happens each spring, this is a great year to join in the fun. This is the eighth year that the event has been a part of the Dogwood Festival festivities and it’s a fun way to make a difference by doing something good.

This day-long adventure involves a ride to Myrtle Beach, with stops along the way and at the end fellowship and refreshments. Hogs & Rags is scheduled for Saturday, April 27, and like in years past, the day will surely be a good time. The fact that the event raises funds for several good causes is a bonus. If ever there was a justifi cation for spending a day out in the sunshine, it is knowing that it is to support Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, the American Cancer Society and Kidsville News!

Don’t let the name confuse you. Hogs and Rags is for all makes and models of motorcycles, trikes, muscle cars and street rods.

“One thing we want to be clear about is that even though the name of the event is Hogs and Rags and hogs usually represent Harley-Davidsons and and rags usually means convertible cars — and that is how the event started — we want all kinds of motorcycles and all kinds of cars to participate,” said event spokesperson Wendy Rogers. “We don’t want the name to mislead people, this is a great time, it supports wonderful causes and we want everyone to know they are welcome.”

Local authorities from each county escort the hundreds of participants along the way. It’s been said that it is better to see the police lights in front of you than behind you, but on a serious note, the event organizers take safety seriously and do everything they can to make sure each and every rider is not only safe but has a good time, too. There is a quick talk about safety and riding in large groups before the ride starts, so if you are new to travelling in large groups, this would be a great fi rst ride.

Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. and runs through 9 a.m. at the Airborne & Special Operations Museum. Kickstands up at 9 a.m. as the caravan departs for Rocking A Ranch in White Oak, N.C. At the ranch, riders will be treated to a full country breakfast. At 10:45 a.m., it’s back on the road to Chadbourn for a short break and water stop. The ride continues on from Chadbourn to Landry’s Seafood at Myrtle Beach. Lunch will be served at Landry’s at 1:15 pm., where there will be entertainment and a reverse raffl e, too.

The event officially ends after lunch, but there is plenty to do at Myrtle Beach, and a big part of the day is left to enjoy the local attractions.

It costs $50 per entry and $30 per each additional rider. Of course, donations are always welcome and are tax deductible. The registration fee covers a T-shirt, hot breakfast at the Rockin’ A Ranch, a police escort to Myrtle Beach and lunch at Landry’s.

While the ride itself is a great reason to come out, the charities that are funded by the Hogs & Rags Rally proceeds benefi t greatly from this event. Since its inception, the organization has donated more than $90,000 to charities. Kidsville News!, The American Cancer Society and the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children all work to make the world a better place.

Find out more about Hogs and Rags at www.hogsandrags.com.

This past school year, 10 North Carolina Community Colleges, including FTCC, joined forces to form the North Carolina Advanced Manufacturing Alliance to educate and train unemployed and dislocated workers to enter the workforce with specific training and credentials needed by North Carolina employers. In addition to traditional certificates, diplomas and associate degrees, students will earn Career Readiness Certification as well as industry credentials valued by employers.

The alliance was successful in securing a federal grant through the U.S. Department of Labor and partnering with North Carolina’s leading employers to provide resources for changing the way workers are trained and students succeed. This change will offer a comprehensive skills assessment, provide a network of student support, implement state-of-the-art technology and match student internships with industry, creating a pipeline of students trained to meet the needs of employers and putting our friends and neighbors back to work in high-quality careers such as machining.

The FTCC Computer Integrated Machining Program prepares students for a career that moves a concept to reality through the design process to produce a final product. A wide variety of metalworking equipment from manual machinery to new computerized CNC (Computer Numeric Control) and EDM (Electrical Discharge Machine) machinery in the newly-equipped FTCC Machining Lab are provided for training. Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Machining (CAM) software are used in our new classroom computer lab to prepare students to meet employer standards.The Computer Integrated Machining Program provides:

• Flexible learning options

• Structured student support services

• Mobile learning programs promoting access to online courses and learning applications using iPads and a new Mac Lab.

• Curriculum enhanced by iTunes University, digital content and manufacturing career guidance

During the month of April, FTCC hosted a Manufacturing Awareness Week with activities centered on occupations related to manufacturing for middle school, high school and college students to become familiar with and aware of the opportunities that are available locally. Displays about FTCC programs were available, an open house with business and industry representatives was held, campus tours were conducted by local middle and high schools and Collier Cropp (Labor Relations Manager at Goodyear) met with our students at the first Lunchbox Speaker Series to discuss closing the skills gap in manufacturing, a presentation that was informative for our students and faculty.

FTCC is proud to be a part of the N.C. Advanced Manufacturing Alliance and work with our sister community colleges to educate and train a high performance workforce for careers in advanced manufacturing and meet the employment needs of business and industry.

For more information or to see how you can become a part of this exciting program, please contact Vanessa Cogdell, NCAMA program coordinator at cogdellv@faytechcc.edu or Gary Smith, Machining program coordinator at smithg@faytechcc.edu or 910-678-8427.

Photo: FTCC, along with other N.C. colleges joined forces to help train students and displaced workers to take on manufac-turing jobs.