.08 Is the Law, but Impairment Starts Much Earlier

Laws reflect the moral values of society and impose limits in order to promote the greater good and to make our communities safer places to live.

Though progress has been made, impaired driving continues to defy solution and remains a serious local problem that tragically affects many citizens annually. When a person’s sensibility fails to restrain them from exceeding boundaries which have been established by the law, it becomes the responsibility of the judicial system to address the matter in a fair and rational manner; without bias or favoritism. Unwarranted leniency on the part of the system puts us all at risk.

In North Carolina, the offense of driving while impaired (General Statute 20-138.1) may be proved in one of two ways when an individual drives a vehicle (as defined by statute) on a highway, street or public vehicular area. Both of the following conditions do not need to be present in order for a conviction:

1. By showing that the driver’s physical or mental faculties have been “appreciably impaired” by alcohol, a controlled substance, or another drug/psychoactive substance. To convict on the basis of this prong, the amount of the impairing substance which has been consumed is not relevant.

2. By showing that the driver’s alcohol concentration is 0.08 or more at any relevant time after the driving. To convict on the basis of this prong, whether or not the driver showed outward signs of impairment is not relevant as clarified by the court of appeals in State v. Arrington (August 16, 2011), “It is not necessary for the state to prove that the defendant was appreciably impaired, uncooperative or driving in an unsafe manner in order to prove that defendant is guilty of a violation of N.C. Gen Stat. 20-138.1(a2). To prove guilt, the state need only show that the defendant had an alcohol concentration of 0.08.

Why then I ask, when I monitor Cumberland County’s traffic court, is it not uncommon to hear a “not guilty” verdict for defendants who have been shown to have an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or 0.09 by a valid test, administered in compliance with all statutory and regulatory procedures?

Is it the consequence of “good lawyering“, the result of weak prosecution or possibly an arbitrary desire on the part of the court to “not ruin” the defendants record in hopes they’ll take it upon themselves to change their ways?

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant which impacts, among other things, one’s ability to concentrate, multitask, see clearly and react at a concentration significantly below the current “legal” limit of 0.08. Well documented studies show substantial crash risks exist at an alcohol concentration of 0.05.

No one drives as well as usual after drinking alcohol, even though some people may look and act as though they are unaffected. So why then does the court appear to tolerate violations of this law?

I am not a prohibitionist and have limited objection to someone who drinks, but then follows a plan which does not place themselves behind the wheel of a vehicle. Years ago, I took less interest in the issue of impaired driving as it did not seem to concern me. However, that has all changed.

I now know first hand what it feels like to lose a loved one to a drunk driver. Hopefully you will never have to share the experience, but chances are you may if impaired driving is not more stringently addressed as the public safety hazard and potentially violent crime it is.

Take the TV show Dancing with the Stars, add swords, a father/son rivalry and people being forced onto the stage by family members and you have the powerhouse fundraising event, Dancing with the Fayetteville Stars.

Good-hearted volunteers have hurled themselves into the spotlight to raise money for the Center for Economic Empowerment and Development, which is hosting Dancing with the Fayetteville Stars on Saturday, April 14 at the Crown Expo Center.

This fun, energetic event was voted best fundraiser in 2011 by Up & Coming Weekly readers and has been an instant hit for volunteers, guests and entertainers alike since its inception.

This year, 21 couples have volunteered countless hours, choreographing a dance, rehearsing to perfection, creating costumes, planning the special surprises and guaranteeing a great time for the audience. If there is any doubt guests would enjoy themselves, these couples promise not to leave you wanting.

Mother/son duo Tracy Huff, director of the Art of Self Defense Academy and her high school son, Stephen Huff, bring their fully charged energy to stage with the fun pop song “Sexy and I Know It” by LMFAO. The dance promises to be entertaining from the first beat to the last. “Be ready for the unexpected,” Tracy Huff said.

Looking for something a little less pop but still high action, maybe a little Asian fusion? Richard Martin, chief catalyst at International Business Fuel/Shifu Taijiquan and Deb Belles, owner of Reliable Signs and member of Shadow of the Fire dance troupe, are adding a little excitement to their dance through the use of swords. According to Martin, the people who know him best think it’s hilarious he’s dancing; but he added that Belles told him he had to do it. Luckily, Martin shares Belles’ love for the community and agreed to participate. They would both like to take the same thing away from the experience … all of their appendages. But don’t let the promise of flashy music and exciting theatrics take away from the amazing dancing. John Hodges, retired Hope Mills police chief and Army veteran is dancing with his dance instructor, Lacy Kraft. Kraft has a special place in her heart for military men since both her husband and her dance partner are military. Hodges and Kraft share a love of dance, having danced and competed together for years winning numerous awards. Kraft explained that dance is an extension of the soul. In the music, a dancer is transformed. Although Hodges enjoys more saucy dances like the rumba or tango; however, they decided to go with something a little less expected. They are ready to dazzle the audience with a fun, playful routine.

Max Mahlke, a retired pharmacist and Jimmy John’s franchise owner, was described as a “ freak of nature” by his partner Marcy. “I took that as a high compliment thinking it meant I had a lot of energy for and old man. But maybe she just meant I’m not very mature.” Mahlke said. Either way Mahlke is taking away new friends and the satisfaction of doing something that will help CEED.

The participants agree, beyond the fellowship they are most excited to assist CEED in the lease to home mission.

Nadine G. Miller-Bernard, physical education teacher in the Cumberland County Schools explained that as an immediate past president of the local alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, her organization is a “sisterhood called to serve, transforming lives, and impacting communities,” and it is her pleasure to participate and help fundraise for CEED.

Jo Ann Ruff, business manager for Dr. J. Michael Ruff, Periodontics & Implants said, “I believe CEED is giving families a helping hand in our community and doing a great job.” Ruff is excited to dance for a good cause. “My family thinks it’s wonderful when I’m dancing and I’m not shopping, and my friends think dancing is a great way to stay young,” Ruff said.

Miles Norsworthy is attending school in Illinois this fall but not before he dances on stage with beautiful and talented women. Of course, he’s “happy to help out a good cause and to find the time to work on something more important than me.” Norsworthy doesn’t like the early mornings, but dancing is one of his favorite hobbies. “His mother has her own studio,” said Catherine “Cat” Bersh, his partner. She added that she is “thrilled to be using my talents to help the community and guarantees a professional routine that you would see on the show Dancing With the Stars.” While working hard to deliver that promise, she broke her finger in practice and had to be in a cast for the last three weeks. But that didn’t discourage her.

“It’s for a great cause and Sharon made me” is the reason Scott Epperson, retired police detective and professional Barney Fife impersonator/ actor signed up to participate in Dancing with the Fayetteville Stars. Participating in this event has his family thinking. “He’s a great entertainer but him dance?” Still, he’s not nervous a bit. “You should see some of the things I have done on stage, then again maybe not…” said Epperson. Whether he can dance or not, this entertainer is sure to put on a show.

When asked to participate, Jessica Elizabeth McCain, full-time student and model said, “Yes I’d love to. It’s more than helping a friend out, I’m dancing to give back to my community that I love and have grown up in.” McCain said the worst part of the experience has been finding a dress because they are all gorgeous.

“The hard work by the dancers, not only on their fabulous routines but by their fundraising efforts is what makes the Dancing with the Fayetteville Stars so successful and thankfully continues to grow each year,” said Teresa M. Dagaz, of CEED.

To date, the program has successfully helped 46 families become homeowners. With the money raised from the fundraiser, CEED hopes to rehabilitate and provide safe, affordable housing for families in need. The goal is to raise $160,000 at this year’s fundraiser.

People can vote for their favorite dancers by going to the www.ncceed. org and clicking on the Dancing with the Stars link that says VOTE. It will take you to a Facebook Page where folks can like CEED and see all of the dancers. People can continue to vote through the night of the event. It’s only $10 each to support your favorite dancer. All donations are tax deductible and all proceeds after expenses go directly to the Lease to Home program.

Photo, middle right: Local volunteers team up and dance to raise funds for the Center for Economic Empowerment and Development’s lease to home program. 

Drunk Driving In Cumberland County

Almost seven years ago my worst fear as a mother was realized on May 29, 2005, when two North Carolina state troopers came knocking on the front door of our home in the middle of the night. They asked to come inside, told me to sit down and announced to my husband and I, that our first-born son, Jackson, had been killed in a car crash in Charlotte, N.C.

I can attest that the memory of those troopers standing at our front door is a nightmare forever seared into my consciousness and will go with me to my grave. No parent should ever have to bury a child for any reason and certainly not for one of the most preventable and senseless crimes on the planet, drunk driving.

In the weeks that followed, we learned that the young man responsible for our son’s death had made the choice to drink heavily before getting behind the wheel. His blood alcohol concentration two and a half hours after the crash was 0.19 — more than twice the legal limit. Because of his impairment behind the wheel and reckless speed, Alec G. Proctor was eventually charged with felony death by vehicle, felony involuntary manslaughter and driving while impaired.

My family was suddenly confronted with dealing with the criminal and civil judicial system as we grieved the loss of our son. Having no experience with the legal system, I called the Charlotte office of Mothers Against Drunk Driving for advice. Victim advocate Cheryl Jones, who was also on the national board of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, became my family’s MADD advocate as we began the arduous task of seeking justice for Jackson.

In the months following Jackson’s death, we learned that Proctor was no stranger to the court system. He had already committed numerous speeding violations and had two prior alcohol-related offenses: one for DWI and one for alcohol possession while under the age of 21. Incredulously, his first DWI charge was plea-bargained to improper equipment/speedometer in Granville County and his underage possession charge in Mecklenburg County was dismissed after he attended TASC, a substance abuse program.

My husband and I began to question how the courts really handle impaired driving cases.

Almost one year to the day after Jackson’s death, Proctor was convicted in Mecklenburg Superior Court of felony involuntary manslaughter and DWI and sent to prison for a 16-20 month active sentence and supervised probation for 24 months. My husband and I were stunned to find out that this was actually a lengthy sentence for an impaired driving offense at the time. Our stunned reaction stemmed from the reality that drunk-driving fatalities are a socially accepted form of homicide.

Proctor served his mandatory 16 months in Nash Correctional Institution, mostly in medium security. Upon release from prison in 2007, Proctor’s 24 month supervised probation lasted only 10 months. I learned that he had been released from probation 14 months early... by mistake, and I personally had to request to meet with the top man of the N.C. Community Corrections in Raleigh to demand that Proctor go back on supervised probation. It’s noteworthy that Proctor had also failed to pay any probation fees during the 10 months of probation he first served.

It is difficult to not be angry when one’s child is killed unexpectedly by someone who was displaying all the warning signs of an individual with an out-of-control drinking and driving problem. The anger only grows when parents and families like ours are forced to deal with an arcane criminal-justice system which treats drunk-driving crashes as merely accidents. I turned to the Sandhills Mothers Against Drunk Driving to become involved and learn how I could make a difference, if not in the judicial system, at least for other victims.

The national MADD organization ran a victim advocacy training institute in Dallas and I attended in 2007. Slowly, calls started coming in from concerned citizens and victims’ family members asking for help in navigating the complex court process. In addition to advocating for victims, in 2009, I began monitoring Cumberland County District Courts where DWI cases are heard.

One of the first things I noticed in monitoring the courts is that some DWI cases were being continued for years. Two of the first DWI cases I ever monitored were for Daniel Homa, a young man with two pending DWIs from 2005 and 2007.

I called the DA’s office in April 2009 and asked why a 2005 DWI case would still be pending. A senior ADA under then District Attorney Ed Grannis told me there were many extenuating circumstances, such as military members being deployed for long period of times. Never mind that Daniel Homa was not in the military. As I soon found out, where someone with multiple DWIs is concerned, there are often multiple driving while license revoked charges involved as well. This was the case for Homa. Not only did Homa have multiple charges involving impaired driving and DWLR, he also had numerous orders for arrest for failing to appear in court.

No problem there.

His lawyers simply filed a motion with a different judge from the one who ordered his arrest and had the arrest warrant recalled the next day or soon thereafter. Motions for recall of arrest warrants are a serious issue in our courts and the public should demand answers as to why judges other than the one who signed the order for arrest are signing and allowing the recalls. This is one dirty little alliance that should stop.

As for Homa, he was finally convicted of his 2005 DWI after 1,305 days or three and half years on the docket. Sadly though, Homa was never convicted of the 2007 DWI. He was charged in 2009 with many counts of trafficking and has absconded.

Since beginning court monitoring in 2009, I have learned that Cumberland County is full of problem drunk drivers, some of them serial offenders.

Our new Sobriety Court, established in the fall of 2010, has been very beneficial in focusing on high-risk drunk drivers and intensively monitoring defendants with at least two pending DWIs awaiting trial. This court is also responsible for supervising and treating certain convicted DWI offenders of Level 1 and Level 2 DWIs who are on probation.

Judge Kim Tucker and Sobriety Court Administrator Kevin Hood run a very tight ship in monitoring these participants and it has made a difference in keeping the current 80 plus participants off the roads. We should all demand more money for its expansion to allow more participants because they are out there menacing our roads. Thus far, more than 160 defendants have participated in this court program.

But the bigger question remains. What can be done to address the continuance problem in order to ensure that those who break the law get their day in court?

In my opinion, a DWI specialty court, as implemented in many counties across North Carolina, could be the perfect complement to Sobriety Court. No longer would there be an excuse for defense attorneys to continue DWI cases endlessly. In a DWI specialty court, which would not need to run every day, but perhaps once a week, an honest, retired judge and special prosecutor could devote their attention to handling only DWI cases and companion charges.

Let’s put an end to the delays and let defendants have their day in court. This would save taxpayers money, stop defense attorneys from using our courthouse as a collection agency, and allow law enforcement to do its job of protecting the community rather than sitting in court all day.

As citizens of this county and state, you have a right to know how your courts are operating judiciously, and I invite you to join me and get involved.

Closing out another stellar season, Community Concerts welcomes the incomparable Patti LaBelle to theCrown on Friday, April 13.

LaBelle spent her early years singing in a Baptist choir. She launched her professional career in 1960 when she and Cindy Birdsong formed a group call the Ordettes. By 1962, the group, which was then known as the Blue Belles, had scored Top 20 pop and R&B hits with “I Sold My Heart to the Junkman.” That was the start of a hit-filled career that spans more than 50 years. From pop to funk to romantic ballads, LaBelle has made a career of wowing audiences. This concert promises a great ending to a spectacular season.

Community Concerts delivered another great group of performances this year with concerts by Darius Rucker, LeAnn Rimes, REO Speedwagon and the talented cast of Rock of Ages.

“This has been our biggest season so far,” said Michael Fleishman, attractions director for the Community Concerts series. “There are so many people throughout the community who are dedicated to this program and very supportive of our mission and I want to thank them for helping to make this such a great year.”

When the non-profit organization booked Patti LaBelle, event organizers knew she would be a hit, but they didn’t realize how big.

“Patti LaBelle is the consummate diva. She is bigger than life and fi res on all cylinders when she gets in front of the audience,” said Fleishman. “It looks like this is going to be the biggest concert of the season. In fact, I would recommend that anyone planning to see the show go ahead and buy their tickets because there aren’t that many left.”

In addition to providing great entertainment, Community Concerts is focused on doing good in the community. From music clinics and scholarships to supporting the Boy’s and Girls Club to the Fayetteville Hall of Fame, Community Concerts strives to continue to build on the momentum they’ve established over the last 76 seasons.

This year’s Hall of Fame inductees were Wesley Pritchard and Betty Howie. They were recognized for their contributions to the community and honored at the REO Speedwagon concert in January.

Wesley Pritchard is a two time Dove Award winner who has produced hundreds of gospel music projects for many regionally and nationally prominent gospel artists. An accomplished singer, bass player and producer, Pritchard is also the pastor and music minister at Fayetteville Community Church.

Betty Howie is an accomplished concert pianist, composer and music teacher to the children of the Fayetteville community. Howie’s dedication and work with the North Carolina Symphony, various Methodist College musical education and entertainment projects and her dynamic work with production and writing for area performances in both the adult and children’s venues are renowned for their quality, and demonstrate the wide scope of her gifts.

The Hall of Fame came about as a way to thank those who contribute to the music scene in Fayetteville. Past inductees include teachers and performers who invested time and effort to educate and entertain the community.

While the Community Concerts organizers are already hard at work planning next year’s concert season, Fleishman is excited to have one more chance to show the community a good time, and offer a great night of entertainment with a musical legend before this season ends.

“Patti LaBelle puts on an amazing show,” said Fleishman. “From the moment she walks onto the stage she offers a top-notch performance that covers a wide range of genres, from disco to funk to pop.”

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. There are a limited number of tickets still available.

Visit www.community-concerts.com to learn more about Community Concerts and the many programs offered to the community and the its surrounding area.

Photo: Community Concerts presents the legendary performing artist Patti LaBelle at the Crown on April 13. 

With more than 35 years as a critical care nurse, Mary Hall knows a few things about the profession and what is expected of nurses. When she was offered the opportunity to put together Methodist University’s nursing program — from scratch — she jumped at the chance.

Ask her if it is all a tad overwhelming and she doesn’t mention the stress or the work involved. Instead her face lights up as she talks about the many wonderful things she is looking forward to once the new building opens and how humbled — and thrilled — she is to have an opportunity like this.

“I try hard not to think about how huge this is, because it is just so big,” said Hall. “But the chance to build a program like this and to design and work in a facility of this nature — that’s exciting!”

It is no wonder Hall is excited. A tour of the partially completed facility reveals a well thought-out plan for hands on simulation-based training, to accompany all the book work that nursing students face, efficient high-tech equipment, an Americans With Disability Act-compliant and earth friendly establishment designed to benefit the more than 30 nursing students who will make up the first graduating class when the doors open in September.

The program has invested in six high-fidelity mannequins (two adults, a child and an infant) in addition to a number of medium fidelity mannequins. Not only will students learn to take blood and change colostomy bags, they can deliver babies, monitor medication doses and perform minor procedures on the mannequins which are programmed to respond appropriately to the care they are given. Instructors can program relapses, allergic reactions and other common, but unanticipated reactions to treatment.

Drawing on her experience, Hall presented a few examples of how the technology could be used to better train the nursing students.

“I’ve seen many new nurses in my time, I know what is expected of them and this program is designed to give them the skills they need to succeed and provide good care when they graduate,” said Hall. “There is a big difference in reading about something and actually putting it into practice. We want to send our graduates out with a higher level of hands-on experience.”

Say a nursing student is about to change shifts. It is 2 a.m. and they’re tired. They stop to chat with another nurse before leaving. The building is wired with 360 cameras that are monitored all the time.

“We can see this and using the technology between the mannequins and the computers so that we can simulate having one of their patients fall out of bed,” said Hall. “It will show them what it is like to have to function under stress while you are exhausted.”

While the nursing program is mainly concerned with producing nurses, there are plenty of opportunities to get creative and include other departments for some mutually beneficial training. The facility will be run like a hospital, complete with a reception area, which will be manned and run by health-administration students. The mannequins’ capabilities of exhibiting a variety of symptoms provide potential for a joint training exercise between the fitness training students and nursing students (picture an athlete injured during a game). Other scenarios include disaster relief (think last year’s tornadoes) and will include Methodist University’s Physician Assistant’s Program students.

The ADA-compliant building strengthens the program’s appeal to another local population, heroes who have already served once but are looking to continue making a difference. “The Wounded Warrior Program transitions soldiers and one of the programs they are offered is pre-nursing,” said Hall. “The circular driveway and the way the building is designed make this a safe and accessible facility for everyone.”

The N.C. Board of Nursing says the state is facing of shortage of more than 8,000 nurses right now and predicts a shortage of 32,000 nurses by the year 2020. Numbers like that make it clear that programs like this will make a difference — a difference in the state’s economy, education system and most importantly in the lives that will be saved because we have a source of well educated, well trained professionals.

Find out more about this and other programs at Methodist University at www.methodist.edu.

Photo: The new nursing building is scheduled for completion next month. 

Get ready for another great theatrical production as the Gilbert Theater performs As You Like It March 29-April 15.

This classic production was written by the famous English poet and playwright, William Shakespeare. Shakespeare is responsible for creating some of the most famous and well received plays in the history of theater production.

Born in April 1564, the famous writer created 154 sonnets, 38 plays, two long narrative poems, as well as several other poems. Producing most of his known works between 1589 and 1613, Shakespeare’s genre of plays ranged from comedies to histories and then later included tragedies. His works are discussed in many different literature and English classes and have been infl uential to the art of theater. Not only have famous and gifted authors, such as William Faulkner, Charles Dickens and Thomas Hardy, been infl uenced by his amazing works, but many painters as well as a vast number of musicians are linked to the works of Shakespeare as well. His expansion on the dramatic potential of the different areas of writing, such as language and plot, has made a lasting impression on theater production. Some of his famous works are Hamlet, Macbeth, Richard III, Romeo and Julietand A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream.

The Gilbert Theater is pleased to continue entertaining the community with interesting plays. The comedy As You Like It is no exception to the rule.

Directed by Jeremy Fiebig, the play focuses on the courageous Rosalind as she flees to the Forest of Arden to avoid being persecuted in the court by her evil uncle. Accompanied by her cousin and court jester, she happily encounters an interesting and new way of life.

“The play is about people falling in love and the interaction of new people,” Fiebig said. “It’s a collision of the world of the courts versus country life.”

Fiebig says that the audience is sure to enjoy the show and experience a more interactive production.

“This play is not a conventional production,” Fiebig explains. “We use the audience in a more active way and there is more interaction between the cast and the audience.”

The play involves dance and song, which is something that Shakespeare used in many of his productions.

“Shakespeare was known for including music in his plays but this particular play includes the most.” Fiebig says.

Fiebig is thrilled to direct a Shakespeare play. He said that it has been a while since the Gilbert Theatre has shown a production by the famous playwright. Fiebig added that rehearsals have been going well and the cast is very diverse. They contribute much of the success of the future production.

“Our cast has many different backgrounds and we use every bit of their talents,” Fiebig said. “We have a great group of folks that have made the process fun.”

Fiebig noted that the play is told in an interesting way that will be very entertaining.

As You Like It has continued to remain popular among audience members throughout the world and in different media such as radio, film and musical theater have adapted to Shakespeare’s work of art.

Founded in 1994 by Lynn Pryor, this theater has allowed the Fayetteville community to view many contemporary and classical plays and productions. The theater is unique in the sense that they cater to all walks of life. Diversity is vital to the Gilbert Theater. Local residents are given the opportunity to use the venue to produce and showcase their own plays and production for all to see. The theater has shown the works of many playwrights such as Edgar Lee Master, Dylan Thomas, and of William Shakespeare, to name a few. The theater has been an active member with excellent standing in the American Association of Community Theaters since 1999. Gilbert Theater also includes children’s puppet shows, staged reading, and they have even created a standing company of Commedia dell’Arte. The Gilbert Theater continues to entertain and service the diverse community.

For more information on ticket prices and show times for Shakespeare’s play As You Like It at the Gilbert Theater visit www.gilberttheater.com.

On Saturday, April 14, the March of Dimes hosts its third annual March for Babies event at Methodist University. This 2.5K walk is an exciting way for everyone in the community to get involved and help a great cause. The students of MU have made this a part of their yearly curriculum in an effort to help the MoD meet its goal of $100,000. You can help them meet this goal by being a sponsor, creating a family or corporate team or being an individual walker in the event.

Hilton Hutchens Jr., of Hutchens, Senter and Britton Law Firm, is serving as the walk chairman this year. The walk is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. following registration at 9 a.m. and the opening ceremony at 9:45 a.m.

The work of the MoD is made possible by millions of people and thousands of companies volunteering to help in the mission of the MoD. “Our mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality,” says Catherine Heindselman, director of the Cape Fear Division of the MoD.

There is a headquarters located in Fayetteville, N.C., and from here they service eight counties in the region. In 1970, the first ever charity walk was founded and now the organization hosts three signature events to bring our community together for one walk, one voice and one day to help babies be born healthy. Each year, the MoD chapter awards grants to external organizations across the state in order to address unmet maternal and infant health needs. These community grants are one way that the MoD pursues it mission.

Nearly 1,000 people are expected to walk in this year’s event and there will be activities for the kids and food and fun for the whole family. March for Babies is the largest fundraiser hosted by the MoD so they would like everyone to come out and be a part of something great. “We are so excited to continue our relationship with MU,” Heindselman stated. MU students coordinate the walk by handling the logistics, the route and all necessary equipment needed to make this a safe and fun event.

The students have created two sources to promote this event and for anyone to register early. You can also become a volunteer for the event if you visit the site on Facebook at MU March of Dimes Team or on Twitter @ MUMOD. The University is eagerly anticipating this wonderful event and preparing for the year to come in which the school newly inaugurated President Dr. Hancock will be the Fayetteville Regional March for Babies Chairman. This year’s Ambassador Family includes twins Brendon and Cameron Cooper. The twins were born at 23 weeks at the weight of 1.61 lbs and 1.75 lbs respectively. They were born at Cape Fear Valley Hospital’s Neonatal Unit to parents, Lauren and Beverly Cooper.

Find out more about the March of Dimes and its mission at www.marchforbabies.org.

Photo: Walkers prepare for the 2011 March for Babies walk at Methodist University. 

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Throughout the year, the Child Advocacy Centerencourages the community to play a role in making Cumberland County a place that prioritizes children’s healthy development and safety.

There has been much media attention on child sexual abuse for the past several months, particularly surrounding events at Penn State University. Sadly, as we learned again from that incident and others like it, silence among those in authority empowered an alleged child abuser. How can this sort of thing happen to children when somany well-meaning adults are around?

The fact is: Child abuse occurs when adults don’t take the necessary action steps to end the abuse and stop the offenders’ access to children. As awful as such news is, this sort of incident can serve as a teachable moment to empower adults to recognize the signs, have the courage to react responsibly and, ultimately, prevent child sexual abuse before it happens in the first place.

Children cannot be expected to protect themselves from sexual abuse. Research shows that child victims of sexual abuse fear that revealing the abuse will bring harm to them or those they love. Child sexual abuse is a crime that thrives in a climate of silence, secrecy, shame and fear.

Research also shows that most child sexual abusers don’t wear trench coats and lure children into dark alleys. Hundreds of thousands of children are sexually violated by adults they know and trust each year. That is why it is crucial for every adult in our community to become educated on how to prevent and recognize child abuse and how to make a report if abuse is suspected.

Here are some positive actions you can start doing today:

• Ask if the youth-serving organizations in your community have policies in place that govern how adults interact with youth.

• Do these organizations offer regular trainings for staff and volunteers so that no one is left wondering what their legal or moral obligation is when abuse is suspected?

• Do they know how to make a report and whom to call?

• Do they perform background checks on staff and volunteers? How do they monitor adult/youth interactions?

• Pledge to not keep silent if you see, hear, suspect or in any way become aware that a child is being abused. Contact your local department of Social Services. In Cumberland County, call 910-677-2450 or 911.

The Child Advocacy Center offers child abuse-prevention programs free of charge to the community. These programs include: Darkness to Light – Stewards of Children Child Sexual Abuse Prevention, Internet Safety 101 and Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse. The center will provide trainers for your group or organization. For further information, please visit our website at www.childadvocacycenter.com or call us at 910-486-9700.

Sadly we cannot change what has already occurred but we can learn from the mistakes made, and we can all pledge to become better educated and more aware of what goes on in our own community.

21 Jump Street  (Rated R) 4 Stars

21 Jump Street(109 minutes) is funnier than it had any right to be, considering that dumb gross Channing Tatum co-stars, and considering the overall cruddiness of Jonah Hill’s most recent “comedy” (The Sitter). Overall, directing team Lord and Miller manage to find the comedy inherent in sending 25-year-olds back to high school to play at being teenagers, a quality neglected in the classic 1980s crime melodrama. Let’s hope they manage to avoid screwing up the inevitable sequel.

The film doesn’t waste a whole lot of time playing exposition footsie, quickly introducing Morton Schmidt (Hill) and Greg Jenko (Tatum) and establishing their defining characteristics in short order. Schmidt is the nerd and Jenko is the jock who mocks him. Fast forward seven years later and both are trying to get into police training. One isn’t quite fit enough to get through the physical training and the other isn’t quite smart enough to pass the written test (guess which is which).

Schmidt decides that quietly forgiving Jenko will do him more good than working out his high-school scars and repressed rage in therapy, so they become best friends and end up as bicycle cops together. They screw up their first big bust, and get yelled at by Captain Hardy (my fictional husband, Nick Offerman). He then reassigns them to a recently revived undercover pro-gram led by Captain Dickson (Ice Cube) that places youthful police into high schools in an attempt to entrap underage students and infringe upon their First Amendment rights. Darn Patriot Act.

They stay with Schmidt’s parents and promptly mix up their identities, stranding Jenko with the Dungeon & Dragon’s players and honors students while Schmidt ends up goofing around in the academic B-track. They easily establish themselves as high-schoolers, despite having 5 o’clock shadow by noon. After a few minutes in class with Molly (Brie Larson from The United States of Tara), Schmidt finds the drug hook-up he is looking for. That is some remarkably quick detective work. Or possibly kids today hand out contact information for their drug dealers a lot more quickly than they did when I was in high school.

As the kids do, they text the dealer to score some dope. Naturally, the dealer immediately responds because dealers are nothing if not accessible to unknown buyers within minutes of being contacted. Of course, through the use of sitcom logic the two narcs are forced to dip into the drugs, and hilarity ensues. The track coach (Rob Riggle) nails them in the hallway, which leads to visions of his head melting. After their success in identifying the dealers, the two men-children begin hunting for the supplier. While the smart one is collecting cool kids like flies, the dumb one is getting Mary Kay Letourneau-ed by Ms. Griggs (a shamefully misused Ellie Kemper).

They decide to cement their in with the dealers by hosting a high-school party. This leads to a major breakthrough in the case and the two officers into a high-speed chase. Hilariously, they keep waiting for things to explode as seen on TV only to be repeatedly disappointed.

The writers manage to illustrate just how quickly high-school norms change, even if they then fall back in to high-school clichés that were new when Adam Sandler was still culturally relevant (see Billy Madison). Overall, the film works as a comedy, reminding me of Owen Wilson and Ben Stiller transforming Starsky and Hutch. Finally, kudos to Casting for digging original 21 Jump Streetactors Peter DeLuise and Holly Robinson Peete out of whatever TV movie grave they were taking a nap in; I thought they were dead.

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

Sirens blare, red lights spin, information streams from the radio and tension is high. When tension is high and the stakes are higher, Cumberland County Emergency Medical Services are there to take the call.

Think your job is high pressure? Thirty minutes into the 12-hour shift, para-medics Crystal Todd and Erin Daly have already made one trip to the hospital and are wheeling their second patient into labor and delivery so she can finish pushing and meet her first born in the hospital instead of the back of the ambulance.

Calm and confident, the paramedics comfort the patient while gathering necessary information on the computer, getting stats, while getting her exactly where she needs to be.

All that excitement happened before the paramedics even got their breakfast. But paramedics are used to an unpredictable and grueling schedule. The Cumberland County Emergency Management Services of Cape Fear Valley average about 10 calls per 12-hour shift. There are almost 200 employees supporting 14 trucks scattered throughout the county during the high-risk hours and nine during the hours that have proven to be less busy.

Not only are Cumberland County EMS members national award winners, they have proven their effectiveness in the field as well. When the tornados tore through Fayetteville and surrounding areas last fall, members of the EMS were there providing medical attention and hope for those affected by the devastation.

According to Daly, everyone pulled together during the chaos. People kept working far beyond their shift. One paramedic lost his house in the tornado, but he didn’t stop. He just kept working.

Todd explained it’s the camaraderie and the wonderful team that makes the demanding job easier.

“In this job you can easily get stressed and burn out, but the people we get to work with are awesome. Having the support of a family to joke around with and de-stress helps.” Todd said, adding, “A day without laughter is a wasted day.”

The friendships are only a small part of why these paramedics enjoy their job.

They agree that the adrenaline rush is a part of it, but the bigger part is the opportunity to use their brains in a creative way while treating someone and affecting their outcome.

“I like being on the road better, instead of confined to the four walls of the hos-pital,” Daly said. “You have a lot more independence — you have to think more often on your own because you don’t have a doctor with you on the road making those judgment calls and giving you the orders.”

The job requires fast-paced, creative problem solving.

“You have to be confident in your skills; knowing what you are looking at and what you are doing for patient care,” Daly said.

The paramedics compare what they do to putting the information available together like puzzles pieces EMS gathers the pieces and finds the missing pieces to help the patient.

“EMS saved me on my way to nursing school. I was in nursing school and I had gotten out. I was working upstairs in the hospital when I took basic and I loved it, something in my brain just snapped,” said Todd. “With EMS, this is our patient, this is what we do, what we see, how we fix it.”

There is a certain passion and instinctual skill set obviously needed to be a paramedic because each call is completely dif-ferent requiring different approaches and needs. Just halfway through the day, Todd and Daly had already helped five patients, ranging from assisting the police with a suicidal individual to responding to a patient experienc-ing chest pains. The paramedics quickly set up an EKG in the patients living room to determine if he was having a heart attack.

“You put the pieces of the puzzle together and then you have this aha moment when your patient says, ‘Oh, that’s better’,” Daly said.

“It helps that I enjoy coming to work every day. There are defi-nitely hard days but the good days far out weigh the bad.” Daly said. “It’s about “positive patient outcomes because of what you were able to do.”

Photo: Not only are Cumberland County EMS members national award winners, they have proven their effectiveness in the field as well.

Drunk Driving in Cumberland County

If you enjoy two or three brewskis at your favorite watering hole and then enjoy getting in your car and weaving your way home, Cumberland County is the place for you. Not that your likelihood of arrest and receiving a citation is less here than other jurisdictions, it’s just that arrest, appearance before a magistrate and a court date are about as far as it goes.

A case in point to support this thesis occurred Sunday morning, March 18, 2012. One Omar D. McEachern was driving drunk, wrecked and his passenger was killed. He has been subsequently charged with second degree murder. That charge will undoubtedly be pleaded down to vehicularhomicide, a much less serious crime. His license had been revoked due to a 2010 arrest for driving while impaired. His case was continued for almost two years. Had it been heard on a timely basis, and had McEachern received his just desserts, a young life would likely have been spared, certainly not his, but that of his young passenger.

A DWI charge anywhere should be serious business — but maybe not in Cumberland County. A DWI conviction surely affects your automobile insurance costs, your wallet and sometimes even your employment. But in Cumberland County, the offender only needs to retain a certain clique of local attorneys and then just sit back and relax.

The attorneys’ fees for handling DWI cases are significant, so the miscreant needs to take a rather large check to the attorney/client sit down. From there, a strategy is developed to circumvent the intent of the law.

And the assortment of available strategies can effectively keep someone charged with DWI out of a courtroom and facing a judge for years, if not forever. As of Feb. 25, 2012 there were 2,364 DWI cases in the Cumberland County court system, with some of them dating as far back as 1990, with 689 older than 2010. Many, if not most of those cases, will never be adjudicated. They will just drift into the night and fog of our county’s system of justice, as it applies to DWI cases.

In 2009 Dominic Tearry was speeding early one morning on Yadkin Road. He was traveling at a speed of more than 100 miles-per-hour in a 40 mph zone when he, as one would expect, wrecked. The wreck killed his cousin, a passenger. Tearry’s blood alcohol was about three times the legal limit, which is .08. The legal limit can be reached by the average adult after the consumption of just two beers, two glasses of wine or two shots of liquor within an hour.

He was charged with second degree murder. That sounds about right. But when Tearry’s case was heard in Judge Greg Week’s court, he was convicted of vehicular homicide, a lesser charge, with no explanation to the victim’s family from the district attorney’s offi ce. Superior Court Judge Weeks sentenced Tearry to 90 active days of incarceration. A young life, a husband, snuffed out and the penalty was 90 days. It gets more outrageous. Tearry may serve his time on weekends, and he may apply to his overworked parole offi cer to be excused from weekend jail time if it doesn’t fi t his schedule. So there you have it — in Cumberland County justice is not only blind, it is to drunken driving, inexplicable.

One might well ask what the district attorney’s role is in this misdirection of the justice system. Certainly the judges should not get all the blame, nor should the sly defense attorneys get all the credit, if credit is the appropriate word. Assistant district attorneys try district court cases and are often inexperienced and therefore sometimes outmaneuvered by seasoned and sophisticated defense attorneys. Another aspect of this problem of a dysfunctional criminal justice system in regards to drunken drivers is the judges who assumed their seats after a career as defense attorneys or as public defenders. It would seem that in too many instances they cannot disabuse themselves from the concept of defending the defendant rather than awarding a measure of justice to the people.

Consider carefully how, and for whom you vote for the judge seats up for election or reelection this year. Ask at public forums about the candidate’s position on DWI, repeat offenders and the clogged dockets, because judges leave court in the middle of the day and most importantly, why do they, if they are currently seated, grant continuances time after time?

DWI Victims and Advocates of Justice Speak Out

Many people are frustrated and are beginning to think that American justice is under siege. Politics, slick lawyers, inept court systems and big money seem to be influencing how justice is meted out at all levels.

Basically, our nation is slowly redefining the term illegal and the defi nition of justice. To many Americans, lady justice is no longer blind, and her scales are far from balanced. No place is this more evident than in our own community of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, where hundreds of families struggle with the consequences of being victims of someone charged with driving while impaired.

Here, the wheels of justice turn much too slowly for victims, families and friends of those devastated by these people. DWI victims suffer every day, not only from their injuries and cherished loss of life, but equally from the indignities served to them by a judicial system that seems to have reached an all time high in new lows for how it uses the law, lawyers and the court system itself to become advocates for the perpetrators and criminals. This leaves the victims and their families frustrated, without justice or closure, sentencing them to a lifelong purgatory of sadness, humiliation and unreconciled grief.

Over the next five weeks, you are going to hear from these victims and their advocates for justice. You will read first-hand accounts about their actual experiences in Cumberland County court. You will hear how they cope with a legal system that projects a greater advocacy for the crime and criminal than justice for the victim/plaintiff.

Our purpose? To make our community aware that this problem really does exist. It is also to acknowledge that as long as this injustice continues to be perpetuated on the residents of Fayetteville and Cumberland County, our children, residents, streets and communities will never be safe from the growing and impending danger of DWI violations.

During the next five weeks, we will try to find the answers to these questions and many more:

Why is the state considering moving the federal courtrooms to Raleigh where local traffic and DWI offenses on Fort Bragg would be heard more than an hour away? If you think justice is slow now, wait until this move becomes a reality.

Would this not further delay justice by creating hardships on the victims, their attorneys and the arresting law-enforcement offi cers by dragging out the adjudication process?

What responsibility do the district courts have in actually trying to hear a case, as opposed to simply continuing them or dismissing them for inexplicable reasons? And, why are more cases not being heard?

How much is it really costing Cumberland County taxpayers to have local police offi cers and North Carolina Highway Patrol officers sitting in a district court room needlessly for hours just because the case might be called? What is the cost in terms of loss of productivity, public safety and crime prevention as they spend most of a day doing nothing at taxpayer’s expense?

Have the above procedures become the standard practice for granting “no reason” continuances while stalling for time, hoping for dismissal because the arresting offi cer has fi nally left the force and cannot testify? No testimony… no conviction.

I hope you will read and study these accounts. Share them with your friends. Contact these victims. DWI is a very bad, bad, bad thing. DWI is not a victimless crime and it should not be made to look that way by a system that rewards the criminals, persecutes victims and makes a mockery of justice while slick lawyers get paid big bucks because they have learned how to manipulate our courtrooms like so many puppets on a string.

Do criminals have more rights than their victims? Here in Cumberland County … I’ll let you be the judge of that.

Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly. We love to hear from our readers. Send your letters and comments to us at editor@ upandcomingweekly.com. If there is something you would specifi cally like to share with me, you can always reach me at bbowman@upandcomingweekly.com.

The 61st running of Stoneybrook Steeplechase is scheduled for Saturday, April 7 at Carolina Horse Park in Raeford. Horse racing fans are in for a treat, but you don’t need to be an equine enthusiast to have a great time at the event.

It’s a good time for all ages and walks of life, according Nicole White, marketing and communications manager at Carolina Horse Park.

“We are thrilled to be experiencing growing crowds from Fayetteville and Cumberland County and want to extend a specific invitation to them for this year’s Stoneybrook,” said White. “This is one of the few events in our area that is this unique and is really for everyone. Stoneybrook brings together all walks of life. There is a great array of activities all day long and it’s fun to see all types of people come together and enjoy themselves.”

The day starts bright and early with registration for the Cancer CARE Fund Run for the Ribbons 5K and 1K. The race starts at 9 a.m. Proceeds from the event benefit local cancer patients. Last year more than 600 runners participated, and White is hoping for even more this year. Not only is it a good cause, it is a beautiful run.

“The race starts and ends on the race track, where mere hours later horses will be thundering by, and goes through portions of our 250 acres and the cross-country course,” White said. “Those who do the footrace get free admission into the event for the rest of the day,” she added.

The vendor area, known as Merchants Crossing, and the beer garden open at 10 a.m. With the Kid Zone, Merchant Crossing and the Beer Garden in the same area, you won’t have to travel far to find something fun to do.

Traditionally scheduled for the first weekend in April, Stoneybrook Steeplechase falls on Easter weekend this year and will feature Easter egg hunts and a visit from the Easter Bunny to entertain the younger guests.

“We have some new kid’s events this year including a John Deer/Quality Equipment tricycle race,” said White. “The winner gets to take home their tricycle.”

Other fun Kid Zone activities include pony rides, an appearance by Truman the dragon of Kidsville News!, pony rides, a climbing wall, bounce houses, a mechanical bull and more.

Merchants Circle promises to be a one of a kind shopping experience.

“We are looking at more than 40 vendors including food and retail … anything and everything from sponsor booths to frozen yogurt and hotdogs to specialty equipment and high end clothing will be available.”

The Huske Hardware House Beer Garden is located near Merchants Circle and will offer a variety of beers for the tasting and spaces for socializing throughout the day.

At 11:30 a.m., the contests begin. There will be a wine cellar tailgate contest, the Hawkins and Harkness Hat Contest and the Jefferson Inn Kids and Celebrity Stick Horse Race.

The opening ceremonies begin at noon and include the Turf Club VIP Luncheon, the raising of the flag and the singing of the National Anthem. Another highlight this year is the opening ceremony.

“We will have the Dugan Briggs Veteran Parachute Team — many of whom are current and prior Golden Knights,” said White. “They are going to jump in with the American flag, which will kick off the opening ceremonies.”

Fayetteville’s own Summer Collins plays a part in the ceremony as well, singing the National Anthem.

Following the opening ceremonies, contest winners will be announced, and at 1 p.m. it’s the call to the paddock as riders and viewers prepare for the races.

After the horses have run, there are Easter egg hunts for children 0-5 and 6-12 years old.

Gates close at 6 p.m.

This year Stoneybrooke Steeplechase has partnered with area Harris Teeter stores in Whispering Pines, Aberdeen, Fayetteville and Lauringburg. Stop by one of these Harris Teeter stores and purchase a general admission ticket with your VIC card and receive a 20 percent discount. This deal is good through April 6. Tickets are available at the customer service desk in the stores. Military members can receive a 20 percent discount on general admission and tailgate spaces by purchasing a ticket through Carolina Horse Park.

Tickets cost $25 in advance and $30 on race day. Find out more about tailgating options and other race day events at www.carolinahorsepark.com/stoneybrook.

Photos: (Middle right) The 61st running of Stoneybrook Steeplechase is scheduled for Saturday, April 7 at Carolina Horse Park in Raeford.  (Bottom left) Mad Hatters are always a big hit at the steeplechase.

 Window Box Gardening Cultivates Senior Interests

As March comes to a close, people are thinking of Spring and the beautiful flowers that burst into color. It forces thoughts of getting the planters ready for the porch or patio. Gardening is one of the most popular activities for seniors. But many can no longer get outdoors to enjoy this activity. That’s what makes simple pot or window gardening so appealing. Companionship, too, can help.

Q. My 82-year-old mother can no longer get outdoors much. She used to love to garden. What are ways that I can help her continue to enjoy this hobby?

A. How about a window box? They’re easy to assemble and your mother can watch flowers and even vegetables and herbs grow all year round.

According to the National Gardening Association, you can help your mom assemble a window box with the following tools and procedures:

• Use a container that’s at least eight inches wide and deep. Be sure the container has drainage holes or plan to drill your own. If mounting under a window, use a box that is a couple of inches smaller than the width of the window for best appearance.

• A sterile potting mix containing peat, perlite and other ingredients that improve drainage, aeration, fertility and water-holding capacity. Consider using a water-absorbing polymer to decrease watering frequency. Fill your window box about half full with the potting mix, and add water to moisten the mix if it’s dry. (Do not use regular garden soil.)

• Set plants about two to five inches apart in the box, depending on their mature size. Slip plants out of their pots without pulling on the stems and gently untangle any circling roots. Set the tallest plants, such as geraniums, in the back of the box. Let the trailing plants, such as lobelia, hang over the front and sides. Fill in with the fluffy plants, such as pansies or impatiens. Fill the spaces between plants with soil mix, tapping gently. Water thoroughly to settle the soil.

• Window boxes require frequent watering — often daily in hot, dry weather. Soak the soil completely at each watering. Use a water-soluble flowering plant fertilizer dissolved at one-quarter strength once a week or according to package instructions.

Making a window box-or more than onewill also be a fun bonding experience for you and your mom. For other project ideas, log on to the National Gardening association website at www.garden.org.

If you don’t have time to help your mom with these projects, consider hiring a companion. Many like to garden, too.

Photo: Making a window box with a loved one can be a fun bonding experience.

The Department of Defense continues to support the popular MyCAA program, with several key changes in eligibility and dollar amounts.

Here is a summary of the changes:

• Be available to spouses of active duty service members in pay grades E1-E5, W1-W2 and O1-O2 including the spouses of activated guard and reserve members within those ranks. Spouses of guard and reserve members must be able to start and complete their courses while their sponsor is on Title 10 orders.

• Offer a maximum financial benefit of $4,000 with a fiscal year cap of $2,000. Waivers will be available for spouses pur-suing licensure or certification up to the total maximum assis-tance of $4,000.

• Require military spouses to finish their program of study within three years from the start date of the first course.

• Be limited to associate degrees, certification and licensures.

The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program provides up to $4,000 (over two years) of financial assistance for military spouses who are pursuing degree programs, licenses or credentials leading to employment in portable career fields.

The MyCAA Benefit Details

MyCAA Financial Assistance pays tuition for education and training courses and licensing/credentialing fees. This includes state certifications for teachers, medical professionals and other occupations requiring recognized certifications; licensing exams and related prep courses; Continuing Education Unit classes including those offered through professional associations; and degree programs leading to employment in Portable Career Fields. MyCAA also pays for High School Completion courses, GED tests and English as a Second Language classes.

More Details

: • MyCAA does not pay for education and training programs that include com-puters (CPUs or laptops); application, graduation or membership fees; student activ-ity cards; child care; parking; transportation; or medical services.

• If a spouse enrolls in a course without an approved MyCAA Financial Assistance (FA) document, the spouse will be responsible for paying course costs.

• MyCAA does not provide reimbursements of any kind to spouses for any reason.

• MyCAA FA payments are made directly to schools using MyCAA’s electronic invoicing system.

• Unfortunately, Coast Guard spouses are not covered by the MyCAA Spouse Employment Congressional mandate: PL 110-417 Sec 582. The Coast Guard is a part of the Department of Homeland Security, not the Department of Defense.

The MyCAA Application Process

Eligible spouses can establish a MyCAA Account by visiting the MyCAA website https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa. Once spouse profile information is provided, MyCAA will verify spouse DEERS benefit eligibility. Eligible spouses will be allowed to create the Career and Training Plan and request FA within 30 days of course start dates. Additionally, spouses are responsible for applying to their selected school or program and enrolling in each course included in their approved MyCAA Career and Training Plan.

Military spouses can help themselves by:

• Visiting www.careeronestop.org to explore Portable Career Fields and find schools that have programs of study leading to licenses, certificates and degrees.

• Finding their school in the MyCAA website using the School Search function. If the desired school is not listed, follow the direc-tions shown at the end of the School Search.

• Establishing and managing their MyCAA Account at https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa, use MyCAA resources to create a Career and Training Plan, and apply for FA.

Photo: Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts provide tuition assistance to eligible military spouses.

Story telling is an art form like no other. Long before Twitter or newspapers, oral story telling wove words together to impart wisdom, provoke thought and draw out emotions of listeners to educate, inspire and entertain. To celebrate that rich tradition, the Storytelling Festival of the Carolinas will be held March 29-31 in Laurinburg, N.C.

The festival has been featured in Our State magazine and attracts people far outside the boundaries of the Carolinas. Last year, more than 4,000 visitors flocked to the event, traveling from as far away as Washington state and Texas.

“It is such a big hit, we found no one around here does it like we do,” said Brenda Gilbert, the chair of the Storytelling and Arts Center of the Southeast.

The festival features nationally renowned storytellers and published authors, but on a much smaller scale than the national festival. The smaller scale is attractive to a lot of people because of the intimate setting, Gilbert explains.

“Story telling is give and take,” Gilbert said. “Storytellers draw the energy from the audience and thrive off it. The crowd connects to the performer and draws in all the details.”

Both national and regional storytellers will host workshops as well as perform on different topics to share their talent and tips.

“We really have fi ne tellers, no one as ever been disappointed,” Gilbert said.

Eth-Noh-Tec, the San Francisco-based kinetic story theater group of Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo and Nancy Wang, will be on hand. The group brings precision choreography, lyrical word weaving, graceful, playful and poetic. Eth-Noh-Tec has created an exciting new blend of storytelling and physical theater.

Gene Tagaban, whose heritage is Cherokee, Tlingit and Filipino, shares contemporary and traditional Native American stories, bringing them to life with the use of traditional flutes, drums, dance, masks and regalia.

Donald Davis grew up in a family of traditional storytellers who have lived on the same North Carolina land since 1781. After 20 years serving as a United Methodist minister, Davis became a fulltime storyteller. Now he gives more than 300 performances a year.

Whether he’s singing about catfi sh, pontificating on possums or extolling the virtues of dandelions, Doug Elliott will take you on an unforgettable, multifaceted cultural tour of North America’s backcountry.

The Storytelling Festival of the Carolinas kicks off with a preview show on Thursday night at 7:30 p.m., at the Storytelling & Arts Center of the Southeast. The storytelling festival continues Friday and Saturday with one-hour storytelling sessions from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There will also be craft and food vendors on hand.

You’ll become instant friends with people, whether you come with a group or head out to listen to stories yourself. You are sure to have a good time.” Gilbert said.

Guests can register for one day or the entire weekend. For registration and more information visit www. storytellingfestivalofcarolina.org.

Photo: Thousands flock to the Storytelling and Arts Center of the Southeast in Lauringburg, N.C.,
annually to attend the Storytelling Festival of the Carolinas. 

Get ready! The East Coast Step Show is back, and even better, bringing Fayetteville captivating stepping at the Crown Coliseum on March 31.

Stepping, for those not in the know, is a form of percussive dance in which the participant’s entire body is used as an instrument to produce complex rhythms and sounds through a mixture of footsteps, spoken word, and hand claps. Though stepping may be performed by an individual, it is generally performed by groups of three or more, often in arrangements that resemble military formations. Historically, it is linked to the first historically Black Greek organizations, with the first mention of stepping occuring in the 1920s.

The East Coast Step Show dates back to 1998. It is one of the longest running step shows in the country and has attained glowing reviews since the event’s inception. Richard Smith, team coordinator for The East Coast Step Show, says that the first three years the step show was held at Fayetteville State University, but was eventually moved to a larger arena because of its growth.

“We had to move locations because the crowd got bigger and we needed more space,” Smith says, “We eventually came to the Crown Center and have been here ever since.”

The East Coast Step Show is performed in Rocky Mount, N.C., Florence, S.C., and of course, Fayetteville. The show has had the privilege of presenting teams from all over the country, showcasing their talents in the art of stepping.

Smith noted that the show is so unique because of the variety of step teams from all over the country that bring their style of stepping to the audience. They are competing with other teams from all over the county.

“It gives people the opportunity to view a wide range of step teams from all over that bring their own flavor,” Smith says, “It will be very eventful for everyone.”

There will be a panel of judges, as well, that will choose the best team in the country and on the east coast.

“It is kind of like American Idol,” Smith explains. “Our judges consist of alumni members and they will observe the team’s performance to make their final pick.”T

he winning step team will be awarded cash prizes. This money is given to help the teams give back to the community by donating to charities, mentoring youth and for community projects. Of course, the show is to bring entertainment to the community, but the step show has an even bigger mission.

“We want to bring about awareness through the culture of stepping,” Smith said. 

The step show will allow the audience to get closer to Greek Life and gain that unique experience by viewing some of the best step teams in their state. Some of the teams that will attend are from the University of Maryland, Clafl in University, Virginia State University, New Jersey, Florida, Virginia, Georgia and North Carolina.

“Each year we like to spotlight local elementary and high school step teams,” Smith adds.

This year the Legacy Step Team from E.E. Smith High School and the SWA Elementary Steppers in Lumberton will have the opportunity to showcase their unique steps. National recording artist Travis Porter will also perform.

“We always like to bring musical talent to the show,” Smith adds, “it’s something that we like to give back to the youth.”

The show starts at 6 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m. For more information, contact the Crown Coliseum at 438-4100 or visit www.atthecrown.com.

Photo: Step teams from across the East Coast compete for cash prizes at the East Coast Step Show.

Are you ready to hit the course and showcase your golfi ng talent? Well get geared up! The University of North Carolina at Pembroke’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) Chapter invites the Fayetteville community to come and out and enjoy the third annual Make Par for PR Golf Tournament on March 31. This fundraiser is being held at the Pinecrest Country Club Golf Course in Lumberton, N.C.

The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), one of the nation’s largest communities of public relations and communications professional, founded PRSSA in 1968. The reason for the creation of PRSSA was to encourage a relationship between students and public relations professionals that promotes beneficial opportunities. Through this organization, PRSSA aims to seek the expansion of careers in public relations through the advancement of student professionals. Networking and professional development are benefi ts for any student who becomes a part of the organization. PRSSA advocates academic standards for public relations education, the highest ethical principles and diversity in the profession.

The organization consists of 10,000 students and advisors and has been organized into more than 300 chapters nationwide, including one organization in Argentina. The group is headquartered in New York and is led by a national committee of PRSSA and PRSA members. UNCP’s PRSSA chapter is one of 10 chapters on North Carolina campuses. It is safe to say PRSSA is a major organization that is a part of many different campuses. It is beneficial for those students who are seeking a successful and fulfi lling career in the public relations fi eld.

Because of the success of the organization and the drive for student success, the Make Par for PR Golf Tournament fundraiser is an excellent way to support the students and keep the organization growing. George Harrison, faculty advisor for PRSSA, is thrilled about this up and coming fundraiser.

“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” Harrison explains, “It is a chance for members of the community to support our students by providing them opportunity for more future public relations endeavors.”

This is the third year for the fundraiser and preparations for the tournament are going well. The golf tournament allows individuals to play on teams, prizes are awarded for the top three teams.

There are different participation levels. Sponsorship levels are available too, and they range from Bronze which is $150 to Gold which is $500. Sponsors receive recognition in the event program and other great opportunities depending on sponsorship level.

Christopher Peterkin, president of UNCP PRSSA, says that the organization has raised $1,500 in sponsorship thus far.

“We raised $2,500 last year but we are looking to raise more money this year.” Peterkin says.

Peterkin feels that this year will be a great turnout and is encouraging everyone to come out and support the organization through this exciting and fun tournament.

“We will be accepting any donations or new teams all the way up to the day of the tournament.” Harrison said. “If you want more information about registration just visit the website and print out the brochure.”

All prices mentioned on the brochure are set prices and will remain that way through the day of the tournament. Registration includes an enjoyable dinner and refreshments, green fees, cart fees, range balls and a goody bag. Raffl e tickets and $5 mulligans will also be available for purchase at the tournament.

“All the proceeds from the tournament will go towards funding for future PR trips and to help send members to the different conferences,” Peterkin explains.The Golf Tournament tees off at 2 p.m. at the stunning Pinecrest Country Club. For more information about registration or joining UNCP PRSSA visit www.uncp.edu/prssa.

Photo: UNCP’s Make Par for PR golf tournament takes place in Lumberton on March 31.

A Peek at New Releases

This week in “The Buzz” we will look at some new music just coming out, check out a few new songs coming to Christian radio as well as two new movies heading to theaters this month. We will find out which art-ist is expecting their own bundle of joy!

Breathe In — Phillips, Craig & Dean

Made up of full-time pastors Randy Phillips, Shawn Craig and Dan Dean, Phillips, Craig & Dean just released their latest project Breathe In this month. The new album features several worship songs including “Great and Glorious,” “Great, Great God” and the hit radio single, “When The Stars Burn Down”.

The Christian Movie Scene

There is some buzz this week in the Christian movie arena. Provident films releases October Baby on March 23. This powerful film reminds us that every life is valuable. John Schneider (Dukes of Hazzard) and Jasmine Guy (Different World) co-star in supporting roles. Also, Christian comedian Ken Davis brings us a comedy concert for the whole family as Fully Alive hits the big screen locally on March 22 and 25.

What’s new with Jaci Velasquez?

Not only is she a wife, mother and co-host of a morning radio in Nashville, Jaci also has a new album out. Diamond’s release through retail garnered Jaci’s highest chart position (#11) in more than a decade. Her lead single “Give Them Jesus” achieved Top 20 status and showed her pres-ence is valued again within our community.

Look who’s having a baby!!

After attending the Grammy Awards last month as a nominee, Laura Story and her husband, Martin, announced that they are expecting their first child, due this fall. “What an amazing season this has been!” says Story. “Martin and I have been so thankful to find out that we are expecting, and then this Grammy surprise was the cherry on top! Thanks to all who are cel-ebrating with us.”

What’s coming to your radio?

David Crowder Band with “After All (Holy)” is the latest single from their final project, Give Us Rest or (a requiem mass in c [the happiest of all keys]). If nothing else, David Crowder is a rather unique individual but we will be singing his songs for years to come.

British worship leader Matt Redman released a new CD last year to rave reviews. If you’re a fan of the Passion projects or just like great worship music, 10,000 Reasons deserves consideration. The title track from 10,000 Reasons, should be playing on a radio near you very soon!

Photo: Phillips, Craig & Dean. Photo courtesy of breathecast.

Imagine you are in a car wreck. You are trapped and injured. In the distance, you hear sirens coming. Who do you hope is in that ambulance? If you are lucky, it is one of the men and women of the Cumberland County EMS of Cape Fear Valley. The paramedics who man the rescue vehicles that respond to homes and accidents all across Cumberland County are among the best of the best in the nation, as recently demonstrated when a team from Cumberland County took fi rst place in the 9th Annual Journal of Emergency Medicine Games in Baltimore, Md.

The annual competition draws teams from all over the United States and from around the world. This year 14 teams competed, including a team from the world-class New York City Fire Department.

“These are really the best of the best, and we won the competition,” said Brian Pearce, a member of the team and the director of Emergency Medical Services/Lifeline.

The team, comprised of Pearce, Lee Westbrook, Larry Smith and Joe Crowder, had to complete two separate timed events involving care of patients. The team was graded not only on their time, but on how well they treated their patients.

The first test was an obstacle course. The team was required to complete six stations, all while moving and treating a “patient.” The obstacle course started at the ambulance. The team then had to climb through a window with their gear to reach the patient, stabilize the patient who had a compromised airway, and then move the patient to safety. This required the team to carry the patient and all of their equipment up a set of stairs, across a small platform and then back down the stairs. During the transport, the patient gets sicker, and the team has to treat them again and again, until they make it back to the ambulance.

At each juncture, the professionals of the Cumberland County EMS were called on to treat the patient to a certain set of medical standards. The patient, a mannequin that is designed for training, tracks the level of care that the paramedics are providing and reacts to that care, either getting better or getting sicker.

In the second round, the team is randomly assigned a scenario and then asked to react to it. This year, the scenario was familiar to the paramedics. A tornado had just hit a town, and they had to set up and man a shelter to treat the wounded and the displaced. Westbrook, was among one of the first paramedics to respond to the Yadkin/Reilly Road area last spring when a tornado devastated parts of Fayetteville.

“We had seen this before,” said Westbrook. “We knew what to do.”

During the competition, the team had 20 minutes to treat as many people as possible. People entering the shelter had a wide range of injuries from shrapnel, electrical injuries and injuries sustained during building collapses — not to mention people who were simply in shock.

The team was graded on how appropriate their treatment was. In one scenario, a total of 62 points was available, with the Cumberland County EMS team earning 61. Pearce explained that the patient would have lived if you had treated 30 points, but that the level of care of the Cumberland County team was exceptional. Overall, the Cumberland County team garnered 349 points, with the second place team receiving only 209 points and the third place team earning only 190 points.

“The first year we competed, we were a little intimidated going up against guys from places like the NYFD,” said Pearce. “But now, we go in expecting to win. We know that the care we give the people in Cumberland County is as good as, if not better than the care given anywhere else. All of our paramedics pride themselves on that.”

Smith added that while there are only four people on the team, every paramedic on the Cumberland County Service has the same level of education and skill.

Pearce noted that winning this prestigious competition goes a long way toward validating the high-level of skill and dedication of the men and women of the Cumberland County EMS. The competition also allows the paramedics to attend world-class medical lectures where they learn the latest and greatest in progressive treatments. This year, the team brought home $20,000 in prizes that will be used in training and on the street.

Photo: The team from Cumberland County EMS of Cape Fear Valley, comprised of Larry Smith, Brian Pearce, Lee Westbrook and Joe Crowder earned top honors during the 9th Annual JEMS Games in Baltimore, Md. 

If you happened to be driving down Ray Avenue recently and saw a gaggle of pretty girls in beautiful dresses, walking through the Linear Park with their dolls, you may have thought they were on their way to a tea party or a play date. But they were not. The girls, all members of the cast of the American Girl Fashion Show, were doing publicity shots for the show.

That’s just one of the many duties the girls sign up for when they ask to be included in the show. They are also tasked with getting sponsors for the event, raising funds and attending tons of practices. At the end of the day, while they do have their moment in spotlight, it’s really not about them. It’s about the abused children who are helped through the Child Advocacy Center. And it is that idea, which keeps many of the girls returning year after year.

Cindy Huguley and Carol Jones have seen the dedication to help others in their own daughters and match it with their own tireless efforts in planning the annual event. This is their fourth year as cochairs of the event, along with Julia Adkins.

“I keep doing this because of the good cause, which is to help abused children in our community,” said Huguley. “I also keep doing it because the event is such a positive one for all the girls involved. Even at this young age, they learn that they can make a difference.”

“The American Girl Fashion Show is something my kids can relate to,” said Jones. “They have an opportunity to help other children and to participate in something that is fun for them.”

In its fifth year, the American Girl Fashion Show is one of the center’s largest fundraisers. Last year, the girls raised more than $37,000 through their efforts. They are on track to raise that much and more this year. And according to the staff at the CAC, ticket sales are also going well.

Each of the models is responsible for soliciting sponsorships and selling tickets. With four casts in place for the event, organizers expect to not only meet this year’s goal but surpass it. There are 129 models involved in the show and more than 50 parent volunteers. Work on the show begins the week after the show is over, and continues throughout the fall.

“We have a lot of fittings and rehearsals before the show, and the girls are really active through the end of March,” said Huguley.

The pay off is the fun of the event, and the joy it brings to so many other little girls from around thecommunity.

This year, the event is slated for the weekend of March 24-25 at the Crown Center Ballroom. The fun, engaging event showcases historical and contemporary fashions for girls and their dolls. The fashion show includes commentary, music and decorations. And if you bring your doll to a party, there has got to be tea involved. The tea party occurs throughout the fashion show and features a number of sweet treats, which can be shared by attendees.

Additionally, there will be a style salon on hand where dolls and girls can get their hair fixed. There is also a store, where you can purchase matching outfi ts for your favorite little girl and her doll.

“This is an extremely child-friendly event,” said Jones. “It’s all about the girls and it makes it a lot of fun for them.”

The show lasts about two hours, which includes an intermission.

“This is a very unique experience. There is really nothing else in Fayetteville that compares to it,” said Huguley. “It’s a great way to connect generations — grandmothers, mothers and daughters. The event really celebrates strong women, and in today’s society, it is really a good, fun thing to do.”

Shows are Saturday, March 24 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Sunday, March 25 at 1 and 5 p.m.

Tickets are selling at a brisk pace, and organizers would love nothing more than to sell out all four shows. One show is already sold out. Tickets are $35, with a limited number of $60 VIP seatsavailable. Tickets include elegant refreshments, party favors, raffles and door prizes. They can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or in person at the Crown Center Box Office. Facility fees and or Ticketmaster fees will also apply.

For more information or to order souvenirs, call 486-9700 or visit www.childadvocacycenter.com. The show is recommended for girls ages 6 and up.

Photo; The American Girl Doll Company provides non-profi ts the opportunity to raise funds through the unique American Girl Fashion Show. Models come from all over the community. 

As it turns out, Fayetteville is comprised of an impressive variety of folks. This variation can be seen daily by simple distinctions like hometown, race and ethnicity as well as more involved differences in education, profession, perspective and attitude. Fayetteville Young Professionals also happens to be made up of a wide range of individuals who bring their own unique backgrounds to the table. I would like to introduce you to a few of these folks in the first installment of FYP Jeopardy. I promise you that all of the quality individuals listed below are indeed up and coming. Send your answers to profdev@fayyp.org for a chance to win a $25 gas card, and don’t forget to start your answers with “Who is...” Reigning from the home state of former NCAA basketball champion Juan Dixon, this young gent works as a mechanical engineer at a local manufacturing plant. His employer is included in the Dow (see stock index) and has a laundry list of engineers on their payroll. After playing collegiate golf at his alma mater, Drexel, he regularly competes in amateur tournaments and is one of the premier golfers in Cumberland County. In his spare time he can be found roaming the outfield for the FYP softball team or helping students with intense robotics competitions.

At a height of 6’6”, this tall young portfolio manager has a background in the credit side of finance and puts it to good use from his office in downtown Fayetteville. A bona fide SEC football guru, he earned his stripes as a Razorback by graduating from the maroon clad school. He is probably the only person working in town that relocated from one Fayetteville to another Fayetteville. Through his involvement in FYP he has found an awesome and compatible girlfriend who creates that twinkle in his eye. Currently in a leadership position with FYP, he is consistently finding ways to help FYP achieve its goals.

Originating from the Eurasian country that doubles as a Thanksgiving Day staple, this young lady works in our great school system as a psychologist and expert problem solver. She has a penchant for traveling the world and would gladly contribute to any festive occasion. Lately you might find her spending time with her renowned attorney boyfriend or chipping in at school to help our youth reach their fullest potential. She also loves the color purple, and happens to be a Pirate. Arghhhhhhh!

A native of a North Carolina river town close to the famous Camp Sea Gull, this young man will not shy away from a good conversation or heated discussion. A financial adviser with one of the larger firms in town, he relentlessly pursues insightful strategies to create quality returns and improve stability. A graduate of N.C. State, he wears a lot of red and can often be heard reciting the customary “Go Pack!” cheer.

A military spouse and soon to be mother of one, this young lady resides in the Haymount area. Her home states’ abbreviation rhymes with another word for donkey, and their capital is home to the NBA team that wears green. As an accountant specializing in that dreaded three letter word, TAX, she is likely very busy at this very moment. You can usually find her enjoying our weekly Wednesday morning get togethers at the Haymont Grill.

Fayetteville native and avid Atlanta Braves fan, this gentleman works in the world of screen printing and customized promotional items. With a penchant for the beach and access to a floater with a motor, he has probably caught more fish in his life than you have eaten. He is one of the biggest ECU fans in southeastern North Carolina and wishes for their return to greatness on the gridiron every day. You may find him eating dinner at a certain renowned Italian restaurant on McPherson Church Road or at a local pub cheering for the Carolina Panthers on Sunday afternoon.

If none of these descriptions ring I bell, I invite you to attend an upcoming FYP event to meet them and the many others actively participating in our organization. Please check out our website at FAYYP.org for upcoming events and come join the fun. We really are blessed by a unique mix of military, education, industry and culture that brings people to town from all over and makes the Fayetteville area an ideal place to experience, learn and develop into more well rounded people. I encourage you to take advantage of our organization, and if you feel that you are too old or just not interested, please pass the news along to that friend, family member or colleague who is looking to broaden their Fayetteville horizons and mix things up.

Whether it is a toe-tapping, jazz-inspired tune or a slow-paced, moving ballad, people react to music on a primal level. The right song at the right place and time brings people to their feet, to tears … or to the cross. The Christian Classic Tour2012, which comes to Northwood Temple Church in Fayetteville on March 31, seeks to bring glory to God through classic Christian music that is worshipful and meaningful.

Dennis Fioravanti, event promoter, grew up listening to this kind of music and was frustrated by the fact that he couldn’t find these generational favorites in record stores and they weren’t being played on the radio anymore.

“I have a heart and a passion for this music and the message it brings,” Fioravanti said. “There is a lot of Christian music out there, but a lot of it seems to be missing depth and a theological message. Christian music isn’t immune to the bubble gum, pop-sounding, ‘let’s just sell records” mentality as opposed to ‘lets change hearts and lets change lives and win people for Christ.’ There has to be a difference.”

These legacy artists toured in 2011 and are back for another run in 2012. Stadiums were full all last season’s shows and Fioravanti expects the same this year, too. In fact, the tour has been so well received that he is putting together three more groups similar to this one that will join the Christian Classic Tour in 2013.

“We are planning to roll out with four foursomes,” said Fioravanti. “I wish I had names for you, but we are still working it out. We are talking to many artists, but pretty much if they were from the ‘80s and ‘90s and at the top of the charts, they are on our list. We are going from six cities in 2012 to about 100 in 2013.”

Steve Green, Twila Paris, Michael Card and Wayne Watson are headlining this year’s concert, which promises to be a concert/worship service that the entire family can enjoy.

Steve Green is no stranger to Christian entertainment; he’s been in the business for 27 years. Green has received four Grammy nominations, 13 number one songs and seven Dove Awards. 

Twila Paris recorded her first album in 1981 when she was just 20. Since then, she’s become a permanent part of the Christian music scene. With 22 albums, 33 number one hits, numerous Dove Awards and more than 1.3 million albums sold, Paris has made a mark in the industry.

Another mainstay in Christian music is Michael Card. His career has lasted more than 30 years and includes more than 31 albums. Card has also written or co-written more than 24 books and has authored 19 number one hits. “El Shaddai” and “Love Crucified Arose” are among many hits Card has authored.

Wayne Watson entered the Christian music scene in 1980 with his album Working in the Final Hour. Since then he has produced 23 number one singles including “Friend Of A Wounded Heart,” “When God’s People Pray,” “Almighty,” “Be In Her Eyes,” “Watercolor Ponies,” “More Of You,” “Another Time,” “Another Place” and “Home Free.” Watson is currently focused on new music and national touring.

The tour is excited to come to Fayetteville and entertain the community. “Fayetteville is part of thebuckle of the Bible Belt.” Fioravanti said. “You can’t get any closer to good solid values, and there is an awesome military community there, too. We have a 50 percent off discount for active-duty military and their dependents.”

There is a VIP meet and greet at 5:15 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert starts at 7 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.christianclassictour.com.

Photo: The Christian Classic Tour brings favorite musicians from the ‘80 and ‘90s to the stage.

Supporting a great cause is a good thing; having a fabulous time doing so, well, what could be better? On March 31, Better Health hosts A Touch of Class, an elegant 15th Annual Evening at the Theater.

Each year local performer and Better Health supporter, Cassandra Vallery spends hours creating a show for this fundraiser. When Better Health Executive Director, Judy Klinck first talked to Vallery about how to make the fundraiser better she was really just hoping Vallery would agree to sing a song during dinner. Instead, she got a whole show.

The theme is different every year, and the show is performed only once. Klinck describes the format as almost a cabaret show, in that there is not much talking and the performers move from one number right into the next. It’s always elegant, but this year, Vallery has focused on an especially sparkly time in entertainment history.

“What Cassandra wanted to do this year is go back to the early days of movies,” said Klinck. “She is highlighting the big-band era and the days of elegant movies where every starlet wore a fancy gown.”

While Vallery puts in the hours creating the show, there are several performers who donate their time and talent as well. This year, people attending the show can look forward to seeing local favorites Greg King, Jenny Beaver, Molly Griggs and Mary Mattison Vallery.

“This event has evolved over the years,” said Klinck. “Cassandra and a number of local performers have been so generous with their time. It is a one-night show, and as you can imagine, it takes many hours and they usually have other jobs … I am constantly in awe at the generosity of the community and the people who support Better Health.”

Held at the Highland Country Club, Evening at the Theater starts at 7 p.m. with heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. The show runs from 8-9 p.m. and is followed by coffee and dessert from 9-10 p.m.

Proceeds from this event benefit Better Health, whose mission is to provide for the unmet healthcare needs of Cumberland County residents through assistance, referral and education.

“We help folks in general who are uninsured or not fully insured,” said Klinck. “But our diabetes clinics are open to everyone, at no charge.”

Klinck pointed out that Better Health has been open since 1958. “We have been supported almost entirely by the county and it generous citizens — either through United Way or directly to us. In one way or another we have churches and businesses that support us, too. It all comes from the generous pockets of people and businesses in our community. I am always in awe of the generosity of the people in this community.”

Reservations can be made by calling Better Health at 483-7534 or at the website www.betterhealthcc.org.

Photo: Cassandra Vallery has put together an elegant show that shines a spotlight on the early days of moving pictures. The show features big band music. 

Marsha Howe describes herself as someone who cares a lot about food and sustainable living. When she moved to Fayetteville from San Diego, she searched the grocery stores for the local, organic food she had come to love, but according to Howe, “it was slim pickings.”

Instead of complaining and resigning herself to the status quo, she decided to start a movement to address the accessibility of sustainable, local food. The result was the Neighborhood Grange Network, which is scheduled to meet on March 25, at the Museum of the Cape Fear from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Howe says that Fayetteville is new to the idea of sustainability, citing the city’s relatively recent adoption of curbside recycling, and has a different type of soil and environment than what she was used to. She checked with the county extension office for more information on how to garden in her new surroundings, and the seeds of an idea were planted.

“I feel called,” she says. She got excited when she realized that she could be part of bringing the locavore movement to Fayetteville. Since she was learning, she thought, “what a great time to help others learn” about sustainability and local food.

In December, she first explored the idea of joining forces with like-minded people, and about a month ago, she set up a Meetup.com page for what she had come to call the Neighborhood Grange Network. According to the Meetup page, Howe was inspired by the rural tradition of farmers coming together in a community grange hall. According to Howe, about 12 people attended the first meeting, and now approximately 45 people are involved. “It has snowballed in a wonderful way,” she says.

The group’s goal is to share sustainable skills, resources, and support for backyard gardeners and our local farmers. Howe says that she wants people to have access to good, safe food grown in a way that is good for the community. Through the Grange Network, she hopes to educate people on what it means to eat in season. She says that, based on what is available in a typical grocery store, it seems that everything is always in season, so people are no longer in touch with what is actually seasonal. “When people eat in season, the nutritional value of their diet doubles,” Howe said.

In the future, Howe hopes that Grange Network members can support local farmers as well as educate themselves by participating in crop mobs, in which people volunteer to work at a local farm at a designated time. On the effectiveness of such efforts, she asks, “Do you know what a few people can do in an hour?” In addition to this, she hopes to establish a local Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, in which people purchase produce directly from local farms, and the group is actively working to get more Fayetteville restaurants to serve locally grown food. Eating sustainably and locally, she says, is “a great way to support local farmers.”

Howe has set up a booth for the Neighborhood Grange Network in the Transportation Museum on Franklin Street, and the Meetup page (www.meetup.com/NeighborhoodGrangeNetwork/) has more information for anyone who is interested in joining.

“It’s more than about food,” Howe says, “It’s about community, neighbors, and sharing.”

Photo: The group’s goal is to “share sustainable skills, resources, and support for backyard gardeners and our local farmers.”