It has been said that there are three sides to every story: my side, your side, and the truth. We rarely get a chance to examine multiple perspectives of the same moment in history, especially when that moment happened hundreds of years ago in a land far away. However, we in the Fayetteville community have such an opportunity with Sweet Tea Shakespeare’s upcoming productions.
This June, the local theatre ensemble renowned for its distinctive storytelling, immersive staging, and the harmonious integration of music will embark on a theatrical endeavor unlike any other in its history. Sweet Tea Shakespeare will present two distinct yet intertwined productions in repertory: William Shakespeare's compelling history play, King John, and the beloved folk tale of Robin Hood.
These two narratives, seemingly disparate at first glance, will run concurrently, each playing on alternating nights on the intimate basement stage of the Arts Council building at 301 Hay Street. This ambitious approach to performance, presenting two full productions with significant overlap in cast and creative teams, marks a groundbreaking "in repertory" debut for Sweet Tea Shakespeare, promising a rich and multifaceted theatrical experience for local audiences.
King John, a lesser-known gem in Shakespeare's historical canon, takes us into a turbulent time in England’s history. The play grapples with the precarious legitimacy of King John's reign, a throne constantly threatened by internal betrayal and the looming specter of war. As the kingdom teeters on the brink, John must navigate a treacherous landscape of political intrigue and personal vendettas to secure his crown and safeguard his realm. Sweet Tea Shakespeare's production of King John is led by a dynamic trio of directors: Jeremy Fiebig, Jennifer Pommerenke, and Jessica Osnoe, each bringing their unique vision to this complex historical drama.
Robin Hood is a familiar tale of the outlaw who steals from the rich to give to the poor. A figure of unwavering moral conviction, Robin Hood stands in stark opposition to the corrupt machinations of the King and his ruthless enforcers, most notably the infamous Sheriff of Nottingham. In a world rife with political corruption, Robin Hood and his Merry Men embody a spirit of rebellion and a commitment to rectifying societal imbalances. Sweet Tea’s production of Robin Hood is directed by Jessie Wise, who is also the company’s executive director and CEO.
The two productions employ mostly the same cast which presents some unique opportunities and challenges. When asked about the experience, Venus Bess, who plays Lady Verysdale in Robin Hood and Blanche in King John, as well as other small roles in both plays, said that she was worried about it in the beginning but as rehearsals have progressed, it was working out to be less stressful than initially expected.
Three directors leading one play is another unique aspect that is not often seen. Cast member Izaiah Zapata explained that the team of Fiebig, Pommerenke, and Osnoe is working together really effectively. They each bring a different perspective and expertise that helps to create a cohesive and robust production.
Performance dates are as follows:
• King John: June 5, 7, 13, 15, 19, and 21
• Robin Hood: June 6, 8, 12, 14, 20, and 22
Tickets are available at sweetteashakespeare.com. Discounts are available for students, military, and seniors.

Cast your line at the Hope Mills Fishing Derby at Hope Mills Lake, 5766 Rockfish Rd. The event is Saturday, June 7, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine. Anglers of all ages are welcome to compete for prizes for the biggest catch. Registration began on May 18. The registration fee is $25, which includes a free T-shirt. Permit fees for boaters are waived. For more information, contact Town of Hope Mills Commissioner Joanne Scarola by phone at 910-308-1808.
Fishing eco-tourism offers a way to integrate economic development by attracting tourists who value sustainable practices and the natural environment. The approach can benefit both the environment and communities, creating jobs, promoting responsible fishing, and raising awareness about the importance of conservation. Ecotourism can help reduce the pressure on fish stocks that can be caused by unsustainable fishing practices. Ecotourism can bring revenue to local communities, which can be used to fund conservation efforts and improve the quality of life for residents. Ecotourism encourages stewardship of aquatic ecosystems, ensuring they remain unspoiled for future generations. Fishing can be a key attraction for visitors, promoting local seafood and a unique tourism experience.
Fishing provides multiple health benefits for physical and mental well-being. It can boost cardiovascular health, build muscle strength, improve balance, and enhance cognitive functions.
“The Fishing Derby displays Hope Mills Lake as a recreational and ecological asset, drawing attention to the town’s beauty. By holding an annual Fishing Derby, I hope it can become a signature event that will enhance community pride and help define Hope Mills as a destination for nature-focused recreation and sustainable tourism. More importantly, all proceeds from the derby go towards Artist Village, one of our non-profits,” Scarola said.
Scarola has a personal passion for fishing.
“I grew up on Long Island, New York and my dad was a clam boat fisherman on the Long Island Sound. I loved fishing! I always wanted to have a derby to share my love for the sport and hope other people can get the same pleasure I feel when I am out on the water with a fishing pole. This event is going to be a fun event. I was able to get a lot of donations for prizes and raffles so everyone will have an opportunity to win something. The prizes include kayaks, fishing poles, tackle boxes and other goodies.”
Join in on the fun at the first Hope Mills Fishing Derby, June 7, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, contact Commissioner Scarola at 910-308-1808, or visit https://bit.ly/4kaVCew

As the weather warms up, days get longer and the school year winds down. Many families will be on the lookout for fun ways to get outside. While there are a lot of options around Fayetteville and the surrounding area, one day in particular should be on families’ calendars: Sunday, June 8, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., the Kiwanis Club of Fayetteville will host their third annual Family Fun Day at the Kiwanis Recreation Center. This free event will have something for kids of all ages and their parents. It promises to be a great time to play, run, bounce, splash, and enjoy one of our city’s many fun parks.
On June 8, the park and splash pad at 352 Devers Street will be open as usual. But on this particular Saturday, there will be more fun activities going on. There will be a bounce house. There will be games, face painting, even a bubble station where children can try and create the biggest bubble. There will be fire trucks and police cars to see and explore, along with firefighters and police officers to meet and greet; there may even be an appearance from the Fayetteville Police Department’s K-9 unit. There will be popcorn, drinks, and snow cones. At last year’s Family Fun Day, over 600 snow cones were given away; this year, they are ready to give out even more.
Representatives from Cumberland County Library will be on hand with information about their summer reading programs, which always provide great incentives for kids and adults to read during the summer months. Also, the Cape Fear Botanical Garden will be there with information about their programs.
The Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center will host a blood drive during the event. The Blood Donor Center is our area’s only local blood donation center; all of the blood donated stays in our local community as Cape Fear Valley supports Cumberland, Hoke, Harnett, and Bladen Counties. Family Fun Day provides a great way to possibly serve the local community as well as having a blast with the family.
Pint Sized Pasture, a family farm located in Sanford, NC, will also be in attendance. This local attraction is a traveling petting zoo. On June 8, they are travelling to Family Fun Day with bunnies, goats, maybe even some chickens.
This free, family-friendly event is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Fayetteville. The Kiwanis Club is a global service organization that is “dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time," according to the Kiwanis International Facebook page. The Fayetteville chapter of the Kiwanis Club sponsors the Terrific Kids program, a student-recognition program that promotes character development, self-esteem, and perseverance for students. It reaches over 20,000 students in 44 schools and is the largest Terrific Kids program in the world. Kiwanis also provides over 4,000 books to Head Start and Chapter One programs each year as part of their Reading is Fun(damental) program, which works to promote early literacy.
For a club whose focus is service to children and families of our community, it is not hard to imagine that they would host a great event for families to enjoy time together, playing and exploring various organizations and services. All this excitement is free to enjoy at the Kiwanis Recreation Center at 352 Devers Street on June 8 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

“Oh, it's just a couple of steps," Breon Arzell says, laughing. "Dance is how we tell stories. That's how stories are told within our community. There's a fair bit of movement."
Arzell is both the director and choreographer for Cape Fear Regional Theatre's upcoming production, Once On This Island. Arzell is outspoken and full of laughs. He jokes around with the actors beside him and always seems to be smiling. Arzell has done many productions before, but usually as the choreographer.
"I stop and say, 'Oh right, it's my vision. Leading the ship,’" Azrzell laughs again, pretending to look behind him.
He says he always choreographed numbers that aren't usually choreographed. For him, movement is the story. He says he loves taking final numbers that don't include movement and figures out how to do it a little differently.
"Most people do a park and bark. Me being extra, I wanted to add some extra body and movement."
Beside Arzell is Kendall Stewart, who plays Ti Moune, the main character, and Gerard Williams who plays Agwe, a god in the production. This production is a sort of retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen version of The Little Mermaid but set in Haiti with deep roots in Haitian and Creole culture. For Stewart, she says she didn't know much about the culture before being cast.
"A lot of this process has been unlearning a lot of things about Haitian culture. The way Breon has set up this process with so much care... It is such a beautiful representation of Haitian culture," Stewart says.
Arzell can't help but break into this part of the conversation. The smile that has sat plumly across his face softens and fades into a more serious look.
"That has been a challenge for a lot of our actors,” Arzell says. "Taking away the Western ideas of what this culture is."
They say Arzell will often tell them to remove their Western ideas and understand that something doesn't mean what they think it does in this culture.
Kendall believes this is the perfect production and message for the residents of Cumberland County.
"I'm hoping they are going to take in a lot of learning about a place and people that they might not have known before. It spans and connects to everyone. This community seems like a very connected town. This community seems very connected. It will inspire them to feel love, compassion, family and community. I think it will hit home."
And of course, they say, the community will get time away from the cares of the world. Attendees will get a moment to be transported into a different story and fall in love with the culture, music and movement.
"I love audience members getting to depart from whatever is happening in the world at the moment," Williams says. "They'll get something extraordinary in this experience. It’s going to be a new discovery. They think they have an idea of what they are coming to see, but they are gonna get so much more. Just being a part of the island."
Once On This Island began May 15 and will run through June at CFRT’s temporary location at 1707 Owen Drive. Tickets range from $19 to $37. For more information, visit cfrt.org.
"It's one of the most beautiful scripts I have witnessed," says CFRT’s marketing director, Ashley Owen. "I have a visceral response to the music. You feel it in your bones and in your soul. It's exactly what everyone needs right now. It's so rich and vibrant and healing in a way."

(Photo courtesy of Cape Fear Regional Theatre)

Fayetteville is the birthplace and hometown of more than a few famous names. From music to sports to acting, the city has more than put itself on the map regarding talent. Josh Williams is the newest name to add to the list of famous people from the area.
From playing high school football to keeping his talent local and committing to Fayetteville State University, Williams' love for his hometown has been reflected in his career decisions. In 2022, he secured an NFL fourth-round draft pick to the Kansas City Chiefs and is now their starting cornerback. He has made a name for himself in the short time he has been playing, and this past week, he brought that notoriety back to Fayetteville to do some good at his Game Plan to Greatness event.
Williams wanted to pour back into the community that raised him and gave him the platform to shine. On Friday, May 16, he hosted a huge community cookout geared towards his youngest fans in the area.
He told ABC 11 leading up to the event, “It's like a blessing. You know, when you do those things, you want to be able to give back and shout out the city and, you know, do whatever you can to kind of represent where you're from.”
Game Plan to Greatness Community Day was a success, drawing in a large crowd, mostly the young fans that Williams was looking to give back to. The event had an incredible turnout with a preregistration of 752 people. During the event, supporting organizations were able to give 55 fresh free cuts to youth attending the event. Williams handed out swag bags and took time with each youth who came out to the event, provided a little advice about the game, photos and autographed swag. Attendees were treated to hot off the grill food, relay games, free haircuts, community resources, sweet treats, and as an added surprise, Williams brought fellow NFL player, Miami Dolphins, Kion Smith.
Several Fayetteville organizations came out and added to the fun and resources that were available for attendees. One of the biggest supporters of the community event was the local chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Beta Chi, which helped with the logistics of the big event and provided volunteers throughout to ensure a great experience for all attendees.
The event was proudly sponsored and supported by:
•Two Sisters, Two Suitcases
• Dick’s Sporting Goods
• Sam’s Club
• Michael Randall
• Sons of Hank Charitable Foundation
• Delta Gamma of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
• Tau Gamma Gamma of Omega Psi Phi
Fraternity
• Beta Chi of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
• The Friendship Resource Community Center
• The Suffs
• Two Six Project
• For the People
• The Barber Coalition
• Sweets & Meatz
• Forever Memories NDO FiLMz
• Exclusive Press
• Fast Water Ice
• Divine Diamond Mentoring Group
• JNicole Photography & Media
• 4151 BBQ
• RYU Taekwondo
• Therapeutic Solutions & Wellness
• Subject 2 Change
• Fizzy FRIENDZ
• Fizzy Bone
• Fay Today
• Watch Out, Fayetteville

City of Fayetteville
On May 12, City Manager Doug Hewett presented his recommended $312.5 million budget to the Fayetteville City Council.
Proposed details of the 2026 budget according to the City of Fayetteville include:
• A proposed total ad valorem tax rate of 44.95 cents per $100 of assessed value, reflecting a $0.13 decrease from FY 2025 but 6.19 cents above the revenue-neutral rate, generating $14.5 million in additional revenue for critical services.
• A continued commitment of $114 million to community safety, including $71.7 million for police and $39.7 million for fire, with resources allocated for the step pay compensation and a comprehensive public safety salary study.
• A 4% midpoint compensation increase for non-step employees and an added 1% 401(k) contribution for non-sworn personnel to remain competitive amid a tight labor market.
• Investment in infrastructure and service maintenance:
• $6.3 million for street and stormwater projects,
• Ongoing implementation of the new financial system
• No rate increases for stormwater or solid waste services
• $3.1 million in new program enhancements including 17 positions to strengthen construction management, marketing and communications, legal support, IT security, fire inspections and more.
There will be a public hearing on May 27, and final adoption is slated for June 30 to meet state law deadlines. The new budget will be implemented beginning July 1.

Cumberland County
On May 20, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners voted to allocate $1.38 million in American Rescue Plan funds to 63 nonprofit organizations. The nonprofits represented categories including health and human services, religious and faith-based services, public safety and emergency response, educational and youth development and arts, culture and community development. The nonprofits ranged from the United Way of Cumberland County, which received $10,000 to Legal Aid of North Carolina, which received $40,000.
Also, on May 20, the board directed County Manager Clarence Grier to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding with the Salvation Army to reopen the Pathway to Hope emergency shelter that closed in April citing lack of funding partners. The board asked that the contract not exceed $563,000 per year to fund shelter operations.
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners will host a series of in-person gatherings where residents can ask questions and learn more about County priorities.
“This is all about building stronger connections with our community,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere. “We want to hear from our residents, and we want them to know they’re part of the conversation when it comes to shaping the future of Cumberland County.”
The remaining dates and locations are as follows: May 27 at the West Regional Library, Cafe West and May 29 at the Town of Spring Lake Town Hall in the Grady Howard Conference Room. All meetings will take place from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided.
In other Cumberland County news
Effective July 1, the Cumberland County Tourism Development Authority will assume all responsibilities previously managed by the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, otherwise known as DistiNCtly Fayetteville. The purpose of the TDA is to promote increased travel, tourism, and use of lodging, meeting, and convention facilities in Cumberland County.
These organizations aim to best serve the interests of tourism and hospitality in the county and streamline efforts to attract visitors and drive economic growth.

About the Greater FayettevilleChamber
Advocacy is a cornerstone of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. Every week, the Chamber dedicates staff to attend City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County meetings as well as monitoring updates on the state and federal levels. We monitor legislation locally, statewide and federally to protect our community’s business interests. With 91% of U.S. adults recognizing a Chamber of Commerce's impact on growth, membership ensures a strong voice shaping policies, driving economic success, and building a thriving business community—together. To learn more, visit www.faybiz.com or email jmclaughlin@faybiz.com

(The Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau, known as DistiNCtly Fayetteville, will hand over responsibilities to the Cumberland County Tourism Development Authority beginning July 1. Photo courtesy of DistiNCtly Fayetteville's Facebook page)

I am not a Catholic, but I have always had an interest in the traditions of that faith, which now spans 2 millennia and the impact the church has had on world events during that very long time. Western culture would simply not be the same without the Catholic church, its teachings and its drama.
The world just witnessed one of its most dramatic traditions, the election of a new pope, following the death of the sitting pope. We have seen this before and relatively recently as the last pope, Pope Francis, was elected by his fellow cardinals in 2013. This month’s election of Pope Leo XIV, the 267th pope, was especially riveting for Americans because he is one of us.
An American man is now the leader of 1.4 billion people around the world.
Perhaps citizens of other popes’ home countries have been enthralled by the backgrounds of their native sons who became popes. For us Americans, Pope Leo is the first and we can’t seem to get enough of him, probably because few Americans, even Catholic Americans, saw an American pope coming.
Born Robert Prevost, called Rob by his family and raised in Chicago, Pope Leo is the youngest of 3 sons of an educator and a librarian. His maternal ancestors had roots in New Orleans with Haitian and Dominican backgrounds.
The Prevost home was in a section of Chicago where, decades later, a young Barack Obama worked as a community organizer. Brothers Louis and John are still around to see their baby brother become pope, in Florida and Chicago respectively, an event Louis has described as “mind-blowing,” and which I can hardly imagine myself.
Following Pope Leo’s election, middle brother, John, consented to an interview with the Associated Press during which Pope Leo telephoned his brother, and John addressed the pontif as “Rob.” The brothers have made it clear that Pope Leo supports the White Sox, not the Cubs. He also plays Wordle, probably much better than I do.
He has voted in both Democratic and Republican primaries. He voted in most general election cycles since 2000, except 2016 and 2020.
Sounds all-American to me.
The brothers also say the family had an inkling that young Rob would choose a career in the church. As a child, he “played priest” with his brothers and served communion with what the Prevost family had on hand, Necco wafers.
All said, young Rob, now Leo XIV, apparently did want that career in the church. From high school through seminary, he was schooled in Catholic institutions and ordained in 1982. Shortly thereafter, he was sent as a missionary to Peru.
After a few years back in the US, he returned to Peru, where he became a bishop and then a cardinal in 2023. He is fluent in Spanish and Italian and knows Latin from his church work, as well as his native tongue, English.
Speculation abounds as to what sort of pope the first American to hold the job will be. Conventional wisdom has it that Leo will continue much of his predecessor, Francis’s, emphasis on social justice, climate change, and peace, as well as seek to bridge tradition and contemporary issues. He also has a reputation as a peacemaker and is expected to be involved in international issues to promote openness and communication.
However Leo’s papacy unfolds, our American brother is a mere 69, youthful by papal standards, and may have several decades to put his stamp on one of the world’s most impactful and enduring institutions.

Roy Cooper will reportedly make some headlines next month. I have no idea whether he’ll announce a run for the U.S. Senate in 2026. If he does, the former governor will present a formidable challenge to incumbent Sen. Thom Tillis. If he doesn’t run, it will be at least partly because Cooper believes he’ll win — and the prospect of spending the next six years in Washington may fill him with more dread than delight.
There’s one thing I know for certain, however. If Roy Cooper runs, Republicans will make sure voters remember the worst policy decision the Nash County Democrat ever made during his decades-long tenure in public service: keeping North Carolina’s public schools closed for far too long during the pandemic.
When the National Assessment of Educational Progress conducted its last pre-COVID battery of reading and math exams in 2019, North Carolina’s public schools performed comparatively well. Indeed, adjusted for student background, we ranked 7th in the nation in performance, behind only Massachusetts, Florida, New Jersey, Indiana, Mississippi, and Georgia.
Then disaster struck. COVID-19 was a deadly plague, killing some 1.2 million Americans — including tens of thousands of North Carolinians. I counted some of them as friends. Perhaps you did, too.
Some of the policy responses to it, including decisions made by then-Gov. Cooper, were prudent and reflected the best-available evidence at the time. But closing day care centers and educational institutions for more than a few weeks wasn’t one of them. It was already evident that the risks of serious illness and death were strongly correlated with age, and that young people weren’t a major driver of infection.
Lengthy school closures were ill-advised. Some of us argued as much at the time. Most policymakers in the United States — and in other countries — fully reopened their schools either in late spring or during the first few months of the ensuing 2020-21 academic year.
North Carolina didn’t. Even as late as May 2021, most of our school districts were operating in hybrid mode. In neighboring South Carolina and Georgia, most had returned fully to in-person instruction months earlier.
When NAEP administered its next exams, in 2022, North Carolina suffered a significant drop in performance. Other states with lengthy school closures did, too. Two years later, some bounced back a fair amount. Alas, North Carolina’s recovery from COVID-era learning loss looks more lackluster, especially in reading. The NAEP scores of our fourth-graders ranked 32nd in the nation in 2024, after adjusting for student background. South Carolina ranked 8th, Georgia 12th. Among eighth-graders, Georgia ranked 3rd, South Carolina 14th, and North Carolina 32nd.
Harvard University’s Education Recovery Scorecard project puts the matter starkly: “Average student achievement in North Carolina remains almost half of a grade level below 2019 levels in math and three quarters of a grade level below in reading.”
By comparison, South Carolina students are about a quarter of a grade level lower in math than they were in 2019, and a third of a grade level in reading. That’s still bad news. Unfortunately, our news is much worse.
Did our lengthy closures at least provide offsetting health benefits? Nah. Some COVID-era mandates do appear to have moved the needle on excess deaths but school (and business) closures aren’t among them.
The likes of South Carolina and Georgia did experience higher death rates than we did during the pandemic, but that’s largely explained by lower vaccination rates.
Yes, vaccination was strongly associated with reductions in serious illness and death. The evidence for vaccine efficacy is at least as solid as the evidence for COVID-era learning loss. I’ve read it. Don’t bother writing me unless you’ve done the same.
North Carolina educators and policymakers recognize the gravity of our learning losses and are working hard to remedy them. That’s the right approach. We can’t just accept learning losses as a fait accompli. But we also need to hold policymakers accountable for past decisions. On this issue, Cooper blew it.

Editor’s note: John Hood is a John Locke Foundation board member. His books Mountain Folk, Forest Folk, and Water Folk combine epic fantasy with American history (FolkloreCycle.com).

Cape Fear Regional Theatre's production of Once on This Island is a vibrant and heartfelt rendition of the Caribbean-infused musical by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. It is a sort of retelling of the Hans Christian Anderson story of The Little Mermaid but with Haitian cultural flair. The show was Breon Arzell's directorial debut, although he has choreographed his production before. This adaptation brings to life the
story of Ti Moune, a fearless peasant girl who embarks on a journey to prove that love is more powerful than death.
The cast delivers compelling performances that resonate with authenticity and emotion of the overall storyline. The ensemble's energy is palpable, drawing the audience into the island's rich cultural tapestry through both music and dance. 
Here, Arzell wears both hats—as director and choreographer—with success. The choreography is dynamic and expressive, incorporating traditional dance elements that reflect the cultural setting of the story. The movement is not merely decorative but integral to the narrative.
Kendall Stewart's standout performance is portraying Ti Moune with captivating and poignant innocence and determination. Raquel Jennings, Gerard Williams, Dee Jones, and Myles McMillan also give standout performances as the four gods who are ever present throughout the story. McMillan was brilliant as the God of death.  
The cast and crew utilized their space effectively, with the set evoking the essence of a tropical island through minimalist yet evocative elements. The use of lighting and projections gives credence to the elements of a tropical island that sometimes has many storms, transitioning seamlessly between scenes and events and underscoring the emotional beats of the story. The simplicity of the set serves the production well,
allowing the focus to remain on the performances and storytelling.
The real showstopper in this production is the absolute beauty of the music woven throughout. The cast and crew bring the story alive with vibrant energy and precision through the music. The percussionists complement the cast's vocals, infusing the production with the rhythmic pulse of the Caribbean. 
Cape Fear Regional Theatre's Once on This Island is a testament to the power of storytelling through music and movement. The production successfully transports the audience to a world where love, fate, and the divine intersect, leaving a lasting impression with its heartfelt execution and cultural richness.

Shop Cursive, formally known as White Trash & Colorful Accessories, is thrilled to mark its 20th anniversary, a milestone that speaks volumes about its commitment to creativity and community. Over the past two decades, this unique gift shop has carved out a niche for itself in downtown Fayetteville by offering goods that encourage personal expression and bring a sense of fun and connection.
The owners, Molly and Bruce Arnold, have been instrumental in the revitalization of downtown Fayetteville, making significant contributions not just through Shop Cursive but also by owning the building in which it is located and the popular Rude Awakening Coffee House on Hay Street. Their dedication to the community is evident in the shop's longstanding success and loyal customer base.
“After buying 227 Hay St., saving it from demolition, and opening Rude Awakening, Elinor Luse of the Fayetteville Partnership convinced me to buy the condemned building at 223-231 Franklin Street and save it from demolition,” Molly said. “She reminded me of my firm, and often stated, belief that Fayetteville would never have a successful downtown if all we had was Hay Street. In May of 2005, Bruce fell off a ladder while removing some old telephone lines dangling from the front of the building and was out of work, and we had our first lease tenant at the far end. We opened up a Pop-Up Shop that I named White Trash & Colorful Accessories to attract more tenants and for Bruce to sell my inventory of shabby chic style furniture, outdoor metal furniture, and art, and collect unique decor and gift items. I added some greeting cards because cards are a love of mine, and I enjoy mailing them. After we gained other tenants and he went back to work, the store remained.”
Molly talked about the reasons behind the store’s name change, offering a thoughtful explanation of what prompted the decision and how it reflected the evolving vision of the business. She also delved into the factors that have contributed to the store’s remarkable longevity, sharing insights into the values, strategies, and community support that have enabled it to thrive and remain successful for over 20 years.
“A few years ago, we renamed it to Cursive. The original name (White Trash) was tongue-in-cheek for the original peeling paint and rusty metal shabby look that we started selling. Later, it was not as relevant to what we were selling. I chose Cursive because so many of our products have words on them, allowing artistic expressions in your home decor, accessories, and garden/porch/patio. And although the word has no association with cursing, we do shed caution that we feature ‘Vibrant Language,’ and it was my play on words. Our products all make a statement about who the person is- Being Yourself. Unapologetically, Authentically, YOU. It's the authenticity of our store that resonates. I still bring in things curated from my personal collection and unusual finds.”
To thank their customers for two decades of support, Shop Cursive is rolling out exclusive promotions and daily discounts throughout the month-long celebration. Each day will feature special deals on some of their favorite artists and products, making it the perfect time to find unique gifts and treasures.
As part of the anniversary festivities, Shop Cursive will be holding weekly giveaways, providing customers with a chance to win exciting prizes. With every purchase of $20 or more, customers will be entered into a drawing to win a 'Tote of Goodies’, featuring a different prize each week.
Winners will be drawn on Sundays, adding an extra layer of excitement to the shopping experience. The month-long celebration will culminate in a grand finale on May 31. This special event will feature a celebration with snacks and drinks, providing a festive atmosphere for customers to enjoy as they shop and mingle.
Shop Cursive invites everyone to join them for this memorable occasion, which will be a fitting end to a month of fun and rewards. It's the perfect opportunity to celebrate the shop's 20 years of success and look forward to many more years of creativity and community.
Molly is hoping that the block on Franklin Street offers a home to small businesses and their customers for 20 more years.
“Cursive is one of five stores on Franklin Street fulfilling my vision of offering a small business the affordable opportunity to bring their vision to life. The stores occasionally change, but the synergy and fabulousness of the block stays intact. Cursive's current neighbors are Years Gone By Antiques, The Promise, a retail space available for rent, and, opening soon, a bookstore. We have convenient parking and invite you to visit and explore the specialness of Franklin Street Place.”

(Photo courtesy of Shop Cursive's Facebook Page)

Fort Bragg Harley-Davidson is revving up for Memorial Day weekend with its annual All-American Weekend, a high-energy celebration designed to bring together veterans, service members, and the community through motorcycles, music, and patriotic fun. Hosted at the dealership’s Sycamore Dairy Road location from May 23 to May 26, this four-day event coincides with Fort Bragg’s All-American Week, paying tribute to the spirit of service and the start of riding season.
With stunt riders, live bands, military tributes, and giveaways, the All-American Weekend has become one of Fayetteville’s most anticipated celebrations. While it runs independently from Fort Bragg’s official events, the timing and theme make it a natural extension of the week’s patriotic atmosphere.
“Come celebrate all-American style with us,” said Jennifer Motley, events coordinator at Fort Bragg Harley-Davidson. “We want you to come out and have a good time.”
The festivities kick off on Friday with food trucks, vendors, and thrilling stunt rider performances. That evening, the dealership will host its first official Bike Night of the season from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The night includes food, drinks, raffles, and the chance to mingle with fellow riders and community members.
Saturday offers a packed schedule with paratroopers, additional stunt performances, and the crowd-favorite International Bikini Bike Wash Girls. Harley-Davidson enthusiasts can also test ride new models, earning a $20 gift card in the process. Attendees can spin the prize wheel, enter raffles, and participate in the dealership’s “money booth” experience for a chance to win Harley-Davidson merchandise and up to $500 in giveaways.
The event continues through Sunday and into Memorial Day Monday, making it a full weekend of community appreciation, motorcycles, and American pride.
Motley emphasized this event serves more than just Harley fans—it’s also a way for the dealership to honor its close ties to the military.
“We work with veteran groups and businesses like Kraken- Skulls, and nearly 90 percent of our staff are veterans,” she said. “We’re proud to support the active duty and veteran community. We even offer special discounts for them.”
Though the event schedule varies slightly each day and isn’t strictly timed on the dealership’s website, Motley noted that the team intentionally keeps the details fluid.
“We don’t want people to just come for one show,” she explained. “We want them to come out and enjoy the whole experience.”
The All-American Weekend underscores Fort Bragg Harley-Davidson’s longstanding role as a gathering place for military families, motorcycle enthusiasts, and Fayetteville locals. The dealership’s close connection with Fort Bragg makes it a go-to destination for events that align with the military calendar, and Memorial Day weekend is no exception.
Beyond the flashy stunt shows and high-octane entertainment, the All-American Weekend is an invitation to reflect, celebrate, and connect. It’s an opportunity for civilians and service members alike to engage in a shared expression of national pride and local camaraderie.
Whether you’re a long-time rider, a military family member, or just looking for something exciting to do this Memorial Day weekend, All-American Weekend promises to deliver a mix of adrenaline, appreciation, and all-American fun.
Fort Bragg Harley-Davidson encourages attendees to follow updates through their Facebook event page and website, FortBraggHarley.com, for more information.

Despite a century-long list of iterations and much time spent vacant and in disarray, the iconic Prince Charles Hotel is about to see yet another change that may restore it to a community classic.
Initially a hotel, then a boarding house, and then hotel again, by the time developers with 1st and Main purchased the space, it had been sitting vacant for about 5 years. According to Rory Dowling, owner of 1st and Main Development out of Durham, NC, and redevelopment partner at the Residences at the Prince Charles, they purchased the building and began redevelopment around 10 years ago.
“We bought it with the intention of either doing residential or maybe going back to a hotel at the time, but we pretty quickly zeroed in on doing a mix of residential with retail,” he explained.
The decision was influenced by the need for housing in downtown Fayetteville, the team’s previous experience with similar projects, and a trend in people wanting to live in walkable communities.
Construction commenced toward the end of 2017 and units opened to residents in 2019, but executing the complete redevelopment vision has been far from straightforward.
“The residential units were very well received from day one, and have always been pretty well occupied,” Dowling shared. “The commercial side has had a little bit more difficulty.”
Not long after the units were made available to rent, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. With two leases signed by tenants intending to occupy the majority of the first floor and a lease signed with an office tenant intending to occupy the historic ballroom, plans halted overnight. Dowling and his business partners had only one option.
“We had to let the tenants out of leases when COVID hit, for obvious reasons, since nobody was going to restaurants and nobody was going into the office,” Dowling said.
The only exception was The Coffee Scene, which has been there since the beginning and is now under new ownership. Dowling described them as a “tremendous tenant” and one that they’re “super excited to still
have after 5 years.”
Within six months of opening, the COVID-19 pandemic left 1st and Main with roughly 10,000 square feet of unused commercial space.
“That was a pretty big blow,” Dowling explained. “We obviously waited it out for as long as we could, but those concepts never came back.”
Over the last several years, they’ve pursued discussions with a variety of potential tenants. Some were interested in creating event spaces, others in a cigar and jazz club. Though many ideas never came to fruition, the discussions weren’t futile: “We are very close to announcing some pretty exciting news,” Dowling affirmed.
The exact tenants remain confidential until negotiations are complete, but Dowling described the concept as a “unique food and beverage event space” that will occupy the space surrounding The Coffee Scene as well as a new concept and tenant in the Historic Ballroom on the top floor.
The yet-to-be-detailed development is poised to energize the downtown area as 1st and Main initially intended.
“That area of downtown in particular has not fulfilled the vision we initially had,” Dowling lamented. “We always saw that new plaza and the interest of the stadium and everything happening around it as becoming the new center of downtown. I think by increasing food and beverage and events and space there, that will have a tremendous impact in creating that sort of vibe that we wanted initially.”
Dowling says the developments will also lead to significant job creation as the new tenants hire employees. But it’s not only the economic impact that Dowling is excited to see. There will also be a social impact.
“Hopefully it brings the community back into these spaces that were once so important to [them].”
Community members have shared memories of high school proms held in the historic ballroom, weddings, and several well-known accounts of spirits and ghosts that haunt the eerie halls. Accounts of Fayetteville’s storied residents and visitors will remain embedded in the walls of The Prince Charles regardless of any revisions to its structure, and it’s that very legacy that Dowling hopes to honor.
“We're really excited to open those spaces up again to the public, because they are just such iconic, historic spaces.”
Within the next 3-4 months, he says, there will be “some really pivotal and fantastic announcements associated with that building, and then things happening around that area that will really start to activate the vision that was always planned for.”
Despite the unexpected and tumultuous road preceding the announcement, Dowling is optimistic about what’s ahead.
“We're just happy that it's still standing and still represents what it once was, and are hopefully going to take it to the next level and really allow the public to revisit these spaces.”

(Photo courtesy of The Residences at the Prince Charles)

Fayetteville Young Life is thrilled to bring you a fresh take on America’s newest and favorite sport: pickleball! Join them on May 31 at 10 a.m., at Rowan Park on 725 W Rowan St. Registration begins at 9 a.m.
This isn’t just any ordinary tournament; Fayetteville Young Life is turning up the excitement with music, delicious food, giveaways, and incredible prizes for the winners! Their mission is to raise funds that support Young Life in the Fayetteville and Fort Bragg area while creating a fun-filled day for everyone in the community.
This tournament is designed for all ages and skill levels, from those looking for a friendly game to those who aim to dominate the competition. The goal of the day is to have fun!
Since its inception in 1947, Young Life has been a beacon of hope and support for youths navigating the complexities of today’s world. The organization has trained compassionate leaders dedicated to mentoring young people, walking alongside them to navigate through life’s challenges. Young Life creates welcoming spaces where high school and college students can come as they are.
At the heart of Young Life is a commitment to sharing the teachings of Jesus, instilling hope in these teens about who they can become. Through meaningful relationships and genuine mentorship, they help young individuals understand that life is lived abundantly through a relationship with God. It isn’t merely about establishing programs; it’s about fostering deep connections and building a robust network of support throughout Fayetteville.
Preston Griffin, Founder and Area Director of Fayetteville Young Life, is a testament to the power of faith and community, rooted deeply in his childhood experiences. Fayetteville Young Life began with a simple prayer, one that echoed the desires of a fourth grader who had no idea how significant that moment would become. Growing up as an Army brat with a chaplain father, Preston was accustomed to change and relocation. Yet, as he left Fayetteville for Leavenworth, Kansas, he felt an inexplicable pull toward the city he was leaving behind.
Fast forward seven years and multiple moves later, Preston found himself back in Fayetteville and ready to graduate high school. God had instilled a longing for this city within him long before he could articulate it.
Upon returning, however, Preston faced a bittersweet reality: while he was thrilled to reconnect with old friends, he mourned the vibrant Young Life community he'd left behind in West Point, New York. Instead of succumbing to disappointment, he channeled his energy into creating something new at his high school—a “wannabe Young Life” culture where faith flourished among peers during spirit week festivities.
His leadership blossomed as student body president; through this role and newfound friendships steeped in faith, incredible transformations began to unfold within their high school community. This foundation laid the groundwork for what would come next—attending Messiah University, where Preston received formal training as a Young Life leader.
After marrying Bailey—the love of his life—they dove headfirst into ministry together in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Their work, intertwined with the U.S. Army War College, allowed them to connect military families with local resources and support systems while fostering relationships that would eventually lead many back to Fayetteville.
The leaders who came alongside Preston offered invaluable truth and mentorship that shaped his future aspirations. Inspired by this experience, he pursued a degree in Marketing and Business Strategy, eager to give back to the community that had given him so much.
After establishing a successful program in Carlisle, Preston felt a calling to return home to Fayetteville, as his heart was set on creating an environment where every high school student could experience the same support he did. Since then, it has been nothing short of amazing to see the community rally around Young Life’s mission. His vision is clear: reach every kid in the city.
Young Life is devoted to reaching out to every corner of our city because every child deserves hope and guidance amidst life's challenges. By investing in the lives of our youth today, Young Life is not only shaping their futures but also enriching our community as a whole.
It isn’t just about establishing programs; it’s about fostering relationships and building a network of support throughout Fayetteville.
“As the Founder and Area Director of Fayetteville Young Life, my journey has been deeply personal and profoundly transformative. Having spent eight years on staff with Young Life, including the past five leading this initiative, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of mentorship and community engagement,” Preston shared.
Join in for an incredible day of pickleball where participation helps Fayetteville Young Life reach more teenagers in our area with love and hope. Team entry costs $70 per team ($35 per person), and sponsorship opportunities range from $250 to $2,500.
Let’s rally for a cause and have an unforgettable day doing it. Your participation helps connect teens with caring mentors and life-changing experiences. To register or get more information, visit their website at www.younglife.org and grab a paddle and a teammate.
Fayetteville Young Life would like to thank their incredible sponsors for their support - Chick-Fil-A (Skibo Rd Location), Dream Finders Homes, Hubbard Supply, Immanuel Baptist Church, A-Bomb Energy, Dogwood Bank, Hill Top Family Dentistry. Sponsorship is still available. Contact Preston Griffin at 719-761-4866 or email: pgriffinyl@gmail.com.

"Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!" Not in Oz, mind you, but less than an hour up the road in the Town of Cameron, animal adventures await. Featuring everyone’s favorite wild beasts, farm critters, woodland creatures, prairie pals, reptiles and more, Harnett County’s Aloha Safari Park is a year-round attraction for all ages.
Founded in January 2010 by Lee Crutchfield as an animal sanctuary for unwanted, mistreated and injured animals, Aloha Safari Park was purchased by Scottie and Kim Brown in July 2021. The animal enthusiasts also own Zootastic Park in Troutman, North Carolina. While Aloha is still in the business of providing a caring home to its animal inhabitants, sharing animal encounters and education with the public and creating fun for all ages, it is not solely an animal sanctuary any longer. Animals come to Aloha Safari in many different ways.
Zookeeper Chloe Saylor explained more. “Most of our animals come from other zoos, whereas previously we brought in only rescue animals,” she said. “We still have some of those animals that somebody got as a pet and realized, oh, maybe I cannot keep a tiger in my backyard. Our bear actually came from a truck stop. He was like a truck stop attraction. We also have animals from zoos that shut down. People also donate animals to us. Just the other day, someone donated three rabbits. Sometimes, we unfortunately have to say we cannot take the donated animals right now, but we still rescue if there is a need.”
The 60-acre park houses 600 animals—300 unique species. While the lion in the trilogy is not in this multitude, a tiger, bear, and many others are. Guests experience pot-bellied pigs, friendly giraffes, donkeys and llamas, alpacas and alligators, iguanas and geckos, capybaras and hyenas. There are Jacob sheep and Burmese pythons, bison and zebra. If you like monkeys, swing in to see Aloha’s squirrel, spider, Colobus and Capuchins, plus lemurs of the ring-tailed, black and white ruffed and the red ruffed varieties. Wild cat lovers go wild over the exotic serval, caracal, cat-meets-mongoose cross, the genet. The roll call of animals is nearly endless. And the memories zoo visitors make? Priceless.
Facebook reviews of the park reveal how much. Jodylynn Jordan, visiting from Myrtle Beach. S.C. wrote, “Absolutely amazing time, lots of animals both walking and on the safari drive. That’s the coolest thing I’ve ever done: feeding all the animals from my Jeep. I’ve been to many zoos, but this is by far a great experience! We hope to return soon!”
Madison Taylor of Sanford said, “Such an amazing fun zoo. Love the drive-thru part of the experience.” Hannah Young has great things to say about her September visit: “What an awesome day spent at Aloha! My husband is in law enforcement, and they offered free admission today. How awesome that an establishment appreciates our first responders and military?! The drive-thru safari was easy and fun. Walking through the park and getting to feed animals was great too! Plenty of shady spots and food truck options.”
Kate Smith from Charleston is a repeat guest. She wrote: “I visit Aloha every time I travel from Charleston, SC, to NC. The kids and adults have a blast interacting with the animals, especially the giraffes! Each visit, the animals look healthier and happier than the time before, and the staff is super friendly. I highly recommend supporting Aloha Zoo! It's a great time every time!”
The comments reveal some of the most popular aspects of a visit to Aloha. Park admission includes the chance to walk around and also drive through the park. Drive-through participants can either have their windows all the way up to view the animals or down to have more up-close encounters. More exotic animals are featured in the walking portion, while larger animals and hoofstock are the drive-through stars. Both options are recommended. Barnyard grain and carrots for the giraffes—gentle giants you won’t want to miss feeding and get selfies with—are sold in the gift shop, along with toys, stuffed animals and various souvenirs.
Concessions are also available à la carte.
“Right now, we have a concession trailer with ice cream, popcorn and shaped ice, and then a food truck with chicken tenders, chicken nuggets, hot dogs, hamburgers, pretzels and other small foods,” Saylor shared.
Many recall the safari tram rides that were formerly a park staple. The fun transport is still available for group tours, field trips and birthday parties, for a minimum of 20 guests. Schools, churches, scout groups, camps, daycares and senior citizen groups come to Aloha often and on repeat, and birthday parties are a roaring success. Group tours include the ride, an animal talk with a zookeeper and close encounters with the zoo’s friendliest creatures. Picnic grounds and playgrounds sweeten the deal.
If seeing, petting and experiencing cute and interesting animals isn’t enough, special events at Aloha are another reason to make the trek to Cameron. From the zoo’s Easter Egg Hunts, held on four dates this year with the added highlights of face painting, bounce houses, arts and crafts and more, to its Fall Festival, Christmas Lights with Santa visits, Teacher Appreciation Days providing free admission for educators and their families and more, Aloha Safari events are just “purr-fect.”
Now is a great time to visit the zoo to see the spring babies born to many animals. Check out Nigel, Aloha’s new little Watusi bull calf, which graces the zoo’s page cover at https://www.facebook.com/alohasafaripark. This spring, the zoo has welcomed a baby joey, kid goats and newborn antelopes are expected soon. Stay tuned for more fun with the soon-to-be-offered Animal Encounters.
Come to Aloha to experience all these exciting animal adventures and more. Open six days a week (closed on Tuesdays) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and located at 159 Mini Lane in Cameron, Aloha Safari Zoo is “where memories begin.” Learn more at https://www.alohasafaripark.com/.

(Photo: A giraffe looks down at the camera during a photoshoot at Aloha Safari Park. Photo courtesy of Aloha Safari Park)

As summer approaches in Fayetteville and Cumberland County, the stage is being set for a popular, local tradition that blends live music, community fellowship, and support for education and literacy in Cumberland County. Produced in conjunction with Greg Adair of Rivermist fame and the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre, the Gates Four Summer Concert Series is back for its fifth successful season, promising an exciting lineup of A-list North Carolina-based bands, good food, door prizes, and family-friendly activities, all in the natural beauty of one of the most prestigious golf country clubs in the Cape Fear Region.
Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper was the first to suggest the free concert series idea to Gates Four, and it has steadily grown into one of the area’s most anticipated summer musical events. What started as a modest idea to promote live music and showcase local talent while bringing quality live entertainment to the area has evolved into a large-scale celebration of live music, local and statewide talent, and community togetherness.
At the heart of the Concert Series' success is the vision to create accessible, high-quality entertainment free to local residents that brings people together from all walks of life. According to Bill Bowman, publisher of Up & Coming Weekly newspaper and one of the concert series’ key organizers, the idea was simple: provide a luxurious and safe space where families, friends, and neighbors can enjoy live musical performances, without having to travel long distances.
“We wanted to bring live quality entertainment to Cumberland County, especially the Hope Mills area, while providing local and regional bands an opportunity to showcase their talents,” said Bowman. “By partnering with Gates Four, we’ve created a free outdoor entertainment venue for their club members, homeowners, and the general public.”
The combination of exceptional music and a picturesque setting has created something unique and special about this concert series. Gates Four Country Club provides the perfect backdrop for this musical experience with its manicured landscaping, rolling greens, ample space, and country club amenities that greatly enhance the outdoor concert-going experience.
The 2025 concert series is set to feature four high-energy shows, each offering a different musical experience and drawing in a broad audience. This season has something for everyone: rock, classical fusion, and tribute bands. Here is what to expect:
• May 24: The series kicks off with Guy Unger Band, known for their Southern rock flair, followed by Joyner, Young & Marie, who blend R&B and soul into crowd-pleasing performances. Both bands are local legends in the Southeast.
"We are incredibly excited to play this series, especially with our friends from Joyner, Young and Marie! We have had respect for each other's musicianship and professionalism for years," said Guy Unger. "We don't often get to see each other play because we are both so busy playing at different locations. So getting a chance like this is a treasure. I think it's going to be an epic night."
• June 28: The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra takes the stage with a unique “Symphony Jam” that merges classical sounds with jazz, pop, and several fun interactive musical bingo games with prizes. This innovative performance will appeal to both traditional and modern tastes.
• July 12: Classic rock lovers will enjoy Beggars Banquet, a tribute to The Rolling Stones, bringing timeless hits and the spirit of the '60s and '70s to life.
• August 8: Closing the series is Shoot to Thrill, an all-female AC/DC tribute band that delivers electrifying performances and raw rock energy, ensuring the summer ends on a high note.
Each concert begins at 7 p.m. and concludes around 10 p.m., with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for free general seating. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, limited VIP and reserved seating tickets are available for the Gates Four covered pavilion via the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre website, www.fayettevilledinnertheatre.com.
While the music is the main attraction, organizers have taken great care to ensure there is something for everyone at this family-friendly event. This year, Fayetteville’s premier family fun entertainment center, Main Event, will be on hand providing fun activities, prizes, and surprises for adults and children in a designated children's area.
Food lovers will enjoy a wide selection of cuisines from two popular local food trucks, Bobby Jackson’s Ragin Rooster, and Gates Four's favorite, RollingTaco. There will be two cash bars available serving favorite beverages, free parking, and indoor restrooms. Pets are welcome to join in on the fun. No outside food and beverages are allowed.
“We’ve made some exciting new changes this year,” Bowman noted. “Most of the concerts this year will take place on Saturdays, allowing more families to attend. And now, with Main Event on board, we’re making it even more fun for the children.”
Beyond the fun and music, this concert series serves a higher purpose. A portion of the proceeds from VIP ticket sales and reserved seating go toward supporting the Kidsville News! Literacy and Education Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that promotes education and childhood literacy in Cumberland County. This organization was founded in 2011 to combat low literacy rates and encourage reading among young students. The Foundation raises money to create, purchase, and distribute educational materials, creating literacy-rich environments for children in underserved communities.
None of this would be possible without the generous support of Gates Four and the generosity of local businesses and community partners. In addition to Gates Four, Jay and JJ Dowdy of All American Homes, the Larry Parker family of Certified Heating & Air Conditioning of Parkton, and Mac Healy of Healy Wholesale have been supporting the Concert Series from the very beginning. This year, the Servpro Zubricki Team has signed on as a title sponsor. The Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce and the entire Beasley Media Group, and many other prominent businesses and organizations have stepped up to ensure the Gates Four Concert Series remains free and open to the public.
“Our community sponsors are the heartbeat of our success, making this all possible,” Bowman said. “They understand the importance of community and are willing to invest in experiences and events that bring people together.”
The Fayetteville Dinner Theatre and Up & Coming Weekly newspaper play key roles in the marketing, promotion, planning, and logistics to ensure each concert is well-attended and smoothly executed. Gates Four Golf & Country Club, General Manager Kevin Lavertu, and the J.P. Riddle family continue to be gracious hosts, allowing use of their gated community and facilities for the benefit of the Fayetteville/Cumberland County community.
As the concert series marks its fifth year, organizers are reflecting on how fast the event has grown and what lies ahead. Each year has seen growth in attendance, enhancements to the concert experience, and deeper community involvement. There’s already talk of expanding the series in future years to include more dates and a wider range of performances.
“The Gates Four Summer Concert Series has really taken on a life of its own,” Bowman reflected. “We’ve created something meaningful, not just a music concert, but a tradition that brings people together. And we’re not done yet.”
General admission is free, open to the public, and all concerts take place at Gates Four Golf & Country Club, 6775 Irongate Drive, in Fayetteville. VIP and reserved seating can be purchased online, and early reservations are encouraged due to high demand. For more information, visit the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre website at www.fayettevilledinnertheatre.com or call 910-391-3859.
Longtime fans and first-time guests are invited to attend the Gates Four Summer Concert Series to enjoy good music, good food, and good company, all while supporting a great cause.

(Top photo courtesy of Guy Unger Band's Facebook page. Bottom photo courtesy of Joyner, Young & Marie's Facebook page)

The Healing Power of Equine-Assisted Therapy
Equine-assisted therapy has been recognized as a powerful tool in promoting mental and emotional healing. By building a connection with horses, participants can experience reduced anxiety, improved emotional regulation, and enhanced social skills. Horses have a unique ability to mirror human emotions, providing immediate feedback that can help individuals understand and manage their own feelings.
The non-judgmental presence of a horse offers a safe and supportive environment for individuals to process their experiences and emotions. This can be particularly beneficial for veterans who may be dealing with the aftermath of their service, such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
How Prancing Horse Supports Veterans
Prancing Horse Inc., located at 6100 Hoffman Rd, Hoffman, offers a specialized program for veterans called Freedom Reins, which is based on natural horsemanship methods. This program is designed to help veterans build relationships with horses.
“Freedom Reins at Prancing Horse is a veterans program based on natural horsemanship methods and building relationships with our equine partners. During our lessons, veterans learn to recognize horse behaviors through grooming, ground work in the round pen, and leading and longe line work in the arena,” said Susan Price, director of Veteran Services. “Participants learn that horses are constantly communicating with us through their body language, and in return, we can communicate with them through our body language and emotions. As our participants progress through the lessons, they demonstrate reduced anxiety not only while they are working with the horses but also in everyday life.”
Freedom Reins offers a hands-on alternative to conventional clinical therapies, providing a unique approach to supporting mental health and well-being.
Success Stories from Freedom Reins
Many veterans have experienced significant improvements in their mental health and overall well-being through the Freedom Reins program. For example, participants have reported feeling more relaxed and less anxious, both during sessions and in their daily lives. The bond they form with the horses often translates into better relationships with family and friends.
One veteran shared, “Working with the horses has been a transformative experience. It’s helped me manage my anxiety and given me a sense of peace I hadn’t felt in years.”
“This is the first program I’ve experienced that really works. The horses, teachers, and volunteers helped ease me back into a normal world,” said Rob, a veteran.
“It is a time and a place where you can come and relax and forget about the stressors in your life. I have participated in the program, and now I am enjoying volunteering with the program,” said James, a veteran and PH volunteer.
These success stories highlight the profound impact that equine-assisted therapy can have on veterans.
The Science Behind Equine-Assisted Therapy
Research has shown that interacting with horses can lead to a range of psychological and physiological benefits. The act of grooming and caring for a horse can lower blood pressure and reduce stress hormones. Additionally, the rhythmic movement of riding can help regulate the nervous system, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.
Studies have also found that equine-assisted therapy can improve mood, enhance self-esteem, and boost overall mental health. These scientific findings support the effectiveness of programs like Freedom Reins in providing meaningful therapeutic benefits to veterans.
Getting Involved with Prancing Horse
Veterans and active-duty military members interested in participating in the Freedom Reins program can do so in several ways. In partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project and PATH Intl, individuals can attend weekly hour-long sessions to work with a horse and a certified instructor at their own pace. Additionally, organizations can arrange for group sessions, allowing participants to experience the benefits of working with horses in a supportive community setting.
“Participants may register through the Wounded Warrior Project to participate free of charge. For individual participants, they work one-on-one with me and their horse. For group sessions, there is a volunteer to help with each horse as well as 2 PATH Intl certified therapeutic riding instructors. Prancing Horse has been in operation for over 40 years. Freedom Reins and the veterans’ program have grown over the past 10 years. Anyone interested in participating can reach out to me at veterans@prancing-horse.org,” says Price.
Get to know the herd—each of the beautiful horses that call the farm home and play an important role in the Freedom Reins program. Every horse has its own unique personality and story, contributing to the special atmosphere of the farm. You can meet these wonderful animals and learn more about their backgrounds and how they support the mission of Freedom Reins by visiting their website at https://prancing-horse.org/meet-the-herd-2/.
Prancing Horse also welcomes volunteers and donors who wish to support their mission. By getting involved, you can help ensure that these valuable services continue to be available to those who can benefit from them the most. For those interested in making a donation can visit https://prancing-horse.org/planned-giving/ and those interested in volunteering can email ed@prancing-horse.org.

(Photos courtesy of Prancing Horse)

A new pathway through high school, community college, and university is about to open for students of the construction trades. Fayetteville State University and Fayetteville Technical Community College have partnered to create a Construction Project Management degree program, which, pending accreditation by the SACSCOC, will be open for fall 2025 enrollment.
Previously, there wasn’t a seamless way to transition from FTCC’s technical associate degree offerings in construction trades to a four-year degree. Susan Evans, Associate Vice President for Instructional Programs at FTCC, shared her excitement about the development.
“It's a new thought process in higher education to take technical associate degrees and create pathways from the community college to a bachelor's degree,” she explained. “These two worlds are now one world. That’s a long time coming in higher education.”
The changes serve both new and returning students. For adults already working in construction trades with an associate's degree, the program is accessible because they won’t have to move or change jobs to pursue continuing education through FSU.
For others as young as high school students, FTCC’s High School Connections Program allows students to take college classes for free and obtain certificates that will prepare them for this upcoming pathway. One such example is FTCC’s one-semester “Introduction to Building Construction Technology Certificate,” the credits from which are fully transferable.
“You're developing a pathway for a student who, for whatever reason, doesn't think they want, or doesn’t even know if they want to go to college,” Evans said.
She explained that the High School Connections Program gives high school students an opportunity to experience community college and builds their confidence. From there, they can decide whether to pursue an associate's degree and seamlessly continue to a bachelor's degree at FSU without losing any time or credits.
Partnerships with regional companies will provide students with work opportunities while still in college. Metcon Buildings and Infrastructure, a general contracting service, will offer internships for students, an opportunity which Evans says will “make them employable early through the internship, and help them complete that bachelor's degree.”
She said that the partnership will have a significant workforce impact, making it possible for local employers to identify and train potential employees early.
“I hope it serves as a model for all of the industries in our region that are looking for employees,” Evans highlighted, adding that they expect additional partnerships will form with other regional employers as the program develops. “I hope they will connect with the community college.”
While FTCC’s Construction Technology associate’s degree prepares graduates for entry-level construction-trade positions in architecture, engineering, industry, and government, Evans shared that many certifications and licensures require a bachelor’s degree, making the program a perfect fit for those who want to pursue more competitive job opportunities.
“We have people who probably completed our two-year degree in the past five or 10 years, who will find out about this cooperative relationship and go back to finish their bachelor's degree.”
Though the program is not enrolling new students yet, Evans said inquiries can be directed to Pam Gibson, Dean of Engineering and Applied Technologies at FTCC: gibsonp@faytech.edu
“We really appreciate the partnership with FSU,” Evans shared. “Making things easier on students is exactly what we want to do.”

Memorial Day, May 26, marks the unofficial start of summer and the opening of all the pools at Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation Centers. Whether you're a resident or visiting, there's no better way to kick off the season than by taking a refreshing dip in one of these fantastic pools.
With the pools opening on Memorial Day, Fayettevillians can expect them to be fully operational from Tuesday through Sunday until Labor Day. This gives you plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water and make the most of your summer.
If residents can't wait until Memorial Day to cool down, the good news is that the splash pads are open now! Splash pads are a great way for families to enjoy some water fun without the need for a swimming pool.
The splash pads are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. During school sessions, the operating hours are adjusted at certain locations to accommodate students. Best of all, access to the splash pads is completely free.
Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation is committed to ensuring that all members of the community have access to fun and safe recreational activities. At the Massey Hill Recreation Center Splash Pad, aquatic wheelchairs are available for checkout during center operating hours for onsite usage.
This initiative ensures that participants with mobility needs can enjoy the splash pad just like everyone else, making summer fun inclusive for all.
Splash Pad Locations
• Eastover Community Park, 2721 Ball Park Road, 910-323-0707
• E. Melvin Honeycutt Elementary School, 4665 Lakewood Drive, 910-433-1435
• Gilmore Therapeutic Recreation Center, 1600 Purdue Drive, 910-433-1569
• Gray's Creek Park, 5151 Celebration Drive, 910-433-1015
• J.S. Spivey Recreation Center, 500 Fisher Street, 910-433-1572
• Kiwanis Recreation Center, 352 Devers Street, 910-433-1568
• Lake Rim Recreation Center, 1455 Hoke Loop Road, 910-433-1175
• Linden Little River Community Park, 5010 Loop Road, 910-980-0119
• Mable C. Smith Park, 1367 Shadbush Lane, 910-433-1547
• Massey Hill Recreation Center, 1612 Camden Road, 910-433-1569
• Myers Recreation Center, 1018 Rochester Drive, 910-433-1570
• Spring Lake Recreation Center, 245 Ruth Street, 910-433-1350
• Wade Community Park, 4060 Church Street, 910-485-3502
• Willie J. Burnette Park (Godwin), 4924 Markham Street, 910-980-1000
FCPR pools will be open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with operating hours from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Keith A. Bates, Sr. Pool has special hours from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. when school is in session.
For residents, the cost is $3 for ages 12 and under and $4 for ages 13 and up. Non-residents will be charged $6 for ages 12 and under and $8 for ages 13 and up.
Safety is a top priority at all FCPR pools. Only Coast Guard-approved flotation devices are allowed in the pools for the safety of all swimmers.
Prohibited items include water wings, inner tubes, rafts, noodles, flotation suits, or any other non-Coast Guard-approved devices.
Pool Locations
• Keith A. Bates, Sr. Pool, 4945 Rosehill Rd, 910-433-1382
This location has a kiddie pool, a larger lap pool with six lanes and a 24-foot enclosed water slide.
• Ronnie "Chase" Chalmers Pool, 1520 Slater Ave, 910-433-1137
This location has a 6-lane lap pool, a wading pool and a water playground area.
• Lake Rim Aquatic Center, 2265 Tar Kiln Dr, 910-433-1456
This location features a wading pool, in-water playground, six lane pool and 18-foot-high water slide.
• Westover Aquatic Center, 266 Bonanza Dr, 910-433-1383
This location has an 8-lane pool, a wading pool, and 12 12-foot-high water slides.
Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation Centers not only have a number of splash pads and pools, but they also offer some great aquatic programs.
Lifeguard Certification Program
Through a unique program, students aged 15 and older can participate in free lifeguard certification courses. This initiative aims to equip young individuals with essential skills that can lead to rewarding summer jobs and beyond.
Participants will learn a variety of skills, including water rescue techniques, CPR, first aid, and how to use an automated external defibrillator. The course also covers important topics such as pool safety protocols, communication, and teamwork. To gauge readiness, participants must pass a pre-qualifying assessment before enrolling in the course.
Not only does this program offer free training, but it also provides a pathway for employment with the City of Fayetteville. This is an invaluable opportunity for students to gain professional experience, earn money, and contribute to the safety and enjoyment of their community pools and aquatic facilities.
For students, obtaining lifeguard certification can enhance their resumes, open job opportunities, and instill a sense of responsibility and confidence. It is a stepping stone to numerous career paths in recreation, health, and safety industries. For more information, call 910-433-1329.
Swim Camp
These camps are designed to teach basic swimming strokes and increase overall water competency, ensuring that children feel confident and secure in the water.
The swim camps provide a fun learning environment where children can make new friends, build teamwork skills, and enjoy a healthy outdoor activity. With experienced instructors and a well-planned curriculum, parents can rest assured that their children are receiving top-notch training and care.
The swim camps are thoughtfully divided into age groups of 5-10 years and 11-17 years. Younger children can learn the basics in a comfortable setting, while older children can focus on refining their techniques and building endurance.
Each age group is provided with tailored instruction that meets their developmental needs and skill levels. From beginners to advanced swimmers, children will find a program that suits their abilities and helps them progress.
The swim camps run from June to August, with sessions held from Tuesday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. This schedule allows for consistent practice while leaving plenty of time for other summer activities.
The cost for residents is $120 per camp, while non-residents can join for $240 per camp. For more information call 910-433-1329.

In today’s America, the term Black fatigue has evolved far beyond its original context. Initially coined to describe the emotional weariness experienced by Black Americans in the face of systemic racism, the term has taken on a new and controversial dimension. Increasingly, Black fatigue is being used to describe a growing frustration among both white conservatives and conservative Black Americans—though for very different reasons.
White Americans, especially those with traditional values or conservative viewpoints, are voicing exhaustion from being labeled racist or bigoted for expressing dissent from liberal talking points. Whether it's opposition to critical race theory in schools, concerns over crime, or support for law enforcement, their views are often instantly dismissed as rooted in hate. They are fatigued not by race itself, but by the constant accusation of racism for daring to think differently.
But perhaps more notably—and more painfully—conservative Black Americans are experiencing their own version of Black fatigue. And theirs is not directed outward. It is inward.
Many conservative and traditional Black voices are tired of the narrative that portrays Black America as perpetually oppressed, helpless, and devoid of agency. They’re weary of the cultural silence when it comes to addressing the internal issues plaguing our communities—issues like absentee fathers, rising drug use, spiraling youth violence, and the devastating toll of Black-on-Black crime.
It is exhausting to watch videos of young Black teens ransacking stores or engaging in brutal fights, only to have the blame redirected at vague notions of systemic injustice without ever confronting the destructive choices being made. Black fatigue, for these individuals, stems from watching the same cycle repeat itself while being told that any effort to promote accountability or traditional values is “anti-Black” or “respectability politics.”
I’m tired of watching our culture get hijacked by ignorance. We blame the system, but we’re glorifying thug life in our music, disrespecting education, and shaming anyone who tries to rise above it.
There’s a difference between acknowledging history and being held hostage by it. Many conservative Black Americans understand that racism exists, but they also believe it cannot be the scapegoat for every social ill. At some point, there must be room for tough love—where we confront our own failings with the same intensity we direct toward systemic critique.
This isn’t about shaming the Black community—it’s about loving it enough to demand more. More accountability. More responsibility. More leadership.
As Fayetteville continues to face its own challenges with youth crime, educational disparities, and economic instability, the conversation around Black fatigue must include more than blame. It must include solutions. That starts with honesty—about where we are, how we got here, and what we must do differently.
Black fatigue isn’t just real. It’s a warning. One that says if we don’t start changing the narrative from victimhood to victory, from reaction to responsibility, we will continue to wear ourselves—and our community—into the ground.

Right now you are probably asking yourself: “Self, what would Shakespeare think about our modern-day Romeo and Juliet story of Bill Belichick and his lady love Jordon Hudson?” Shakespeare might say.
“What is so rare as a Jordon in June?”
The biggest news this Spring was not the appointment of a new Pope, but the elevation of Bill Belichick’s girlfriend to be the face of the UNC football program. Friends, Tar Heels, Countrymen, lend me your ears while UNC raises the price of football tickets at Kenan Stadium.
Tar Heel football is providing bread and circuses instead of gridiron greatness on a scale reminiscent of the most decadent stages of the late, great Roman Empire. Today’s column is a Shakespearean salute to Jordon Hudson, who has proved that love conquers all.
In a mangled version of Marc Antony’s funeral oration at Caesar’s passing, I come to praise Jordon, not to bury her. She may have come in third at the Maine Miss USA pageant behind the winner, Miss Bangor, but she remains number one in the hearts of Tar Heel fans everywhere. She has single-handedly made the Tar Heel football program the number one sports story. How do we love her? Let us count the ways. Her rise to prominence began with her December/May romance with our very own Coach Belichick. Coach is 73, Jordon is 24. A mere 49-year difference in ages is no barrier to true love.
Coach Bill was engaged in a TV interview when some CBS smarty pants talking head had the nerve to ask Bill how he and Jordon met. Jordon, sitting off-screen, interrupted and sternly announced: “We’re not talking about that.”
Coach Bill clammed up per Jordon’s orders. As Marc Antony said: “The evil that men do lives after them/ The good is oft interred with their bones.” How Bill and Jordon met remains more secure classified information than a Pete Hegseth text about a military attack on Houthis and the Blowfish.
Cry-babies in the sports media and Saturday Night Live assumed the top-secret nature of how our love birds met meant something nefarious was going on. How wrong can they be? Their initial meeting was likely at an innocent church picnic where Bill was grilling burgers and Jordon was teaching the children cheers and baton twirling. It is beyond churlish to presume otherwise. As Mr. Antony said: “O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts/ And men have lost their reason.” The sports world’s repugnant fascination with the story of Jordon and Bill defies all reason.
The next tiny little event that was blown way out of proportion was the fake news report on ESPN that our heroine Jordon had been barred from entry onto the Carolina football stadium and related gridiron environs. To those who spread this scurrilous rumor, I say: “Fie on you, thou cream-faced loon. A pox on your throat. Degenerate and base art thou. There is no more faith in thee than in a stewed prune. You beetle-headed flap-ear’d knave,” stop slandering our beloved Jordon. We need her to lead the Heels to gridiron glory.
Shortly after the fake news that she had been banned from UNC’s football facilities, the University put out an official statement refuting Jordon’s alleged banishment, saying: “While Jordon is not an employee of the University or Carolina Athletics, she is welcome to the Carolina Football facilities. Jordon will continue to manage all activities related to Coach Belichick’s personal brand outside of his responsibilities for Carolina Football and the University.” If UNC says it, I believe it. And that settles it. Jordon Rules! Long may she reign. Fake Media take back your lies: “Away you starveling, you elf skin, you dried neats-tongue, bull’s pizzle, You Stock fish!”
You scurvy fellow travelers of the lying media. “Thou tongues outvenom all the worms of the Nile.” Your lies about Jordon are of the “rankest compound of villainous smell that ever-offended nostrils.”
Jordon is here to stay in command at UNC. Unless, of course, she enters the transfer portal and takes up with the Oracle of Omaha, the recently retired Warren Buffett. A 94-year-old multi-billionaire with an old heart might tempt any young lady with a desire for some real NIL money. Carolina football fans: Fasten your seat belts, it’s gonna be a bumpy night. Don’t put your faith in stewed prunes. Jordon will be with us unless she gets a better offer. As Andy Griffith would say: “What is was, was football.”

(Illustration by Pitt Dickey)

You’ve heard it as often as I have: “we don’t make things here anymore.” It reflects the widespread belief that domestic manufacturing and other goods-producing industries have cratered since the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in the mid-1990s and China’s entry into the World Trade Organization in 2001.
It’s a myth. The output of American manufacturing is higher than ever, even after adjusting for inflation. In our state, manufacturing output in dollar terms is higher today than it was in the 1990s, though it remains a bit lower than it was before the Great Recession of 2007-09.
Why is the myth so prevalent? Because it’s readily apparent that some manufacturers have shrunk, or disappeared entirely, and that has sometimes been the result of competition from abroad. What’s not so readily apparent is that other manufacturers have grown or been birthed during the same period.
Moreover, there really has been a decline since the 1990s in manufacturing employment. In 1997, some 800,000 North Carolinians held manufacturing jobs. Today, that number is about 460,000. The primary story here isn’t foreign competition driving manufacturers out of business. It’s the use of automation and other technology to make our manufacturing more efficient — producing more goods per hour of labor.
We’ve been through this before with another goods-producing industry: agriculture. When my great-grandparents were born, they and most other North Carolinians were agricultural laborers, either running family farms or working for other enterprises that grew, harvested, or processed food and fiber. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as new machinery, seeds, fertilizers, and agriculture techniques proliferated, farmers came to produce vastly more output for each unit of input. Carolinians then migrated from farm labor to manufacturing, construction, retail, and other professions.
Last year, North Carolina’s agriculture and forestry sectors produced $7.4 billion in economic output. As far as I can determine, that’s higher than ever before. Of course, our state is much more populous and developed than it was a century ago. Agriculture makes up a smaller share of our gross domestic product — and a much smaller share of employment — not because it has atrophied but simply because other sectors and occupations have grown faster.
Manufacturing exhibits the same pattern. The sector produced $108 billion worth of goods in North Carolina last year. That’s 24% higher than in 1997, adjusted for inflation.
Now, the composition of the sector certainly changed. The dollar value of non-durable manufacturing is lower. But durable-goods manufacturing has more than made up the difference. In dollar value, North Carolinians produce far more machinery ($8.6 billion worth), computers and electronics ($7.4 billion), fabricated metal products ($5.2 billion), vehicles and auto parts ($3.4 billion), and other transportation equipment ($4.6 billion) than we do textiles and apparel ($2.6 billion).
North Carolina firms produced $2.4 billion worth of furniture and wood products in 2023. That’s down 34% since 1997. In the same year, 2023, North Carolina firms produced $28.9 billion worth of chemicals, plastics, and rubber products. These are vastly larger industries in our state, and have been either holding their own or growing over time.
More broadly, goods-producing sectors in North Carolina — agriculture, manufacturing, resource extraction, and construction — had a total output last year of $159 billion. That’s up 23% in real terms since 1997. Why might one think otherwise? Because the output of private services rose still faster, more than doubling to $548 billion (government services comprise the rest of GDP).
As our employment base shifted toward services, did we get poorer? Not at all. Personal income averaged $64,855 per North Carolinian in 2024, up 48% in inflation-adjusted terms since 1997.
I’m not saying everything is hunky-dory. Federal, state, and local regulations make it costlier than necessary to farm, manufacture, mine, and build. And too many North Carolinians lack the skills required to perform these tasks. That’s a telling fact, though: in goods-producing industries, our current challenge isn’t a labor surplus. It’s a labor shortage.

Editor’s note: John Hood is a John Locke Foundation board member. His books Mountain Folk, Forest Folk, and Water Folk combine epic fantasy with American history (FolkloreCycle.com).

Mac's Speed Shop has been a cornerstone of the Carolinas' barbecue scene since it first opened its doors in Charlotte, North Carolina, in May 2005. What began as a wild idea among five friends with no restaurant experience, a smoker from Texas, and a lot of heart, has evolved into a beloved local institution. Over the past two decades, Mac's has grown from a single location to a chain of nine restaurants across North and South Carolina, with two more in the works.
Co-founder Hall Johnston reflects on the journey, saying, “We never imagined we’d still be cranking out barbecue 20 years later. It’s all because of the people who walked through our doors.”
Mac's has become more than just a place to grab great barbecue; it's a gathering space that brings people together. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Mac's Speed Shop is hosting a series of events and activities
across all nine locations in North and South Carolina, including the Fayetteville location at 482 North McPherson Church Road. The festivities kicked off on May 16, National Barbecue Day, and will run through May 28, National Brisket Day, culminating in Mac's popular Bike/Jeep/Speed Night.
Throughout 2025, Mac's will continue to celebrate with activations, including a social series, "20 Stories for 20 Years", which spotlights longtime employees, loyal fans, and unforgettable moments. Be sure to check these out on their social media channels. Follow @macsspeedshop on Instagram and Facebook. The celebration continues later this fall with a special Pig Pickin’ event on Sunday, Oct. 19, hosted in partnership with the Carolina BBQ Festival.
Mac's Speed Shop is known for its mouth-watering barbecue and a wide selection of beers. Their signature dishes include Texas beef brisket, smoked wings, BBQ pulled pork, ribs, sausage, and smoked chicken. They emphasize slow-smoked meats with various sauces, including their famous Carolina BBQ sauce.
The restaurant boasts over 50 draft options and 100 bottles and cans of beer, including local craft beers. They also offer a full liquor menu specializing in cocktails, bourbon, and scotch whisky. During the anniversary celebrations, guests can look forward to food and drink features, limited-edition merchandise, and a throwback pop-up brunch with a special menu.
Mac's Speed Shop has always been committed to giving back to the community. Over the past two decades, they have supported various causes that reflect their fun, family-friendly,
community-first spirit. Current and past initiatives include donating 100% of hush puppy sales to local youth organizations, hosting Community's Cue Nights where local schools receive 10% of proceeds, and offering a 25% discount year-round for first responders, teachers, healthcare workers, and military personnel with valid ID.
As part of its 20th-anniversary campaign, $1 from every pork sandwich sold between May 16 and May 28 will be donated to the North Carolina Community Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund. This fund provides grants to nonprofit and charitable organizations in North Carolina communities impacted by disasters, including those affected by Hurricane Helene.
“The average restaurant lasts three to five years—we’ve lasted 20,” said co-owner Wynn Davis. “That’s a testament to our team, our customers, and the way Mac’s brings people together. We’ve had NASCAR legends, rock stars, military and local softball teams all sharing beers and BBQ at the same place. That’s the kind of experience we set out to build.”

Dear Volunteers and Community Partners,
As we approach the end of the school year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the incredible support that surrounds our students and schools each day. Cumberland County Schools is deeply grateful for the unwavering dedication of our nearly 1,500 Community Partners and more than 9,000 volunteers who have helped us move our mission forward throughout the 2024-2025 school year.
Whether you’ve dedicated a few hours or made a consistent weekly commitment, the time, talents and resources you’ve shared have had a profound impact. From reading with students and leading classroom activities to organizing supply drives, offering professional expertise and showing up at events to cheer our students on – you’ve shown us what it truly means to be a ‘true partner in education.’
This year alone, you’ve provided countless hours of service, and your contributions go far beyond time. You’ve given generously through financial gifts, in-kind donations and personal investments. Thanks to you, our schools have the resources needed to create safe, enriching and nurturing environments for all students. You’ve supported teacher appreciation efforts, hosted family engagement nights, served on advisory councils and spoken at career days. You’ve helped build connections that show our students just how many people believe in their potential.
One area where your impact has been especially visible is in Career and Technical Education. Through job shadowing, internships, mentorships and classroom presentations, you’ve opened doors to real-world learning experiences that inspire students to pursue their goals with purpose. You’ve helped students explore career paths, gain industry certifications and understand the skills needed to thrive in the workforce. Your partnership has truly bridged the gap between education and opportunity.
Your presence matters. Students feel encouraged when they see familiar faces return week after week. Staff feel supported when volunteers show up to lend a hand or brighten the school day. Families feel connected when community partners offer resources and support. The work you do, both behind the scenes and in front of the classroom, does not go unnoticed.
This collective impact reminds us all that it truly takes a village to educate and support every child. The efforts of our volunteers and partners strengthen our schools, empower our educators and help create a brighter future for students across Cumberland County.
As we move into the summer months, we encourage you to take pride in the role you’ve played this year. Because of you, students have learned new skills, gained confidence and built relationships that will carry them forward. You’ve helped lay the foundation for their success – not just academically, but personally and professionally.
And the story doesn’t end here.
Next month, we’ll focus on ways we can continue Keeping Learning Alive throughout the summer. Opportunities for involvement and enrichment don’t stop in June, and with your continued support, we can ensure students stay engaged, curious and ready to start the next school year strong.
For now, we want to extend our sincere thanks to each and every community partner and volunteer who has contributed to our CCS family this year. Your belief in our students and staff fuels the work we do – and we are better together because of you.
Not yet part of the CCS village? We invite you to get involved, make an impact and help shape brighter futures – one student at a time. Visit ceo.ccs.k12.nc.us to discover how