The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County is hosting its second annual “Still Here, Still Native” Exhibition, created in partnership with the Cumberland County Schools Office of Indian Education, along with a series of cultural events in celebration of National Native American Heritage Month.

On Oct. 31, 2023, an official proclamation declared November 2023 to be National Native American Heritage Month–urging all Americans “to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities”–and the Arts Council has several plans to do just that.

According to the Arts Council’s own description of “Still Here, Still Native,” “this exhibition offers a remarkable glimpse into the rich and diverse art and cultural practices of indigenous tribes hailing from different regions across the vast expanse of North America.

Through a captivating blend of original artwork and traditional crafts, this showcase provides an immersive experience that celebrates the unique heritage and traditions of these tribes with great respect and authenticity.”

On Fri., Nov. 10, for the “Still Here, Still Native Exhibition Opening Reception” at The Arts Center, there was a private Artists Reception from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by a free Public Reception from 6 to 9 p.m. The opening featured live music and dance performances by the Cumberland County Culture Class, as well as light refreshments.

Most pieces on display will be for sale, and many prints may be ordered unframed at a reduced price. The exhibition will remain open to the public during normal gallery hours through Jan. 6, 2024.

This exhibit’s curator, Savanna Davis, shares her own aspirations for “Still Here, Still Native”: “I hope people walk through the exhibit and learn something, that they start having conversations with other people in the gallery whom they wouldn’t have an opportunity to talk to otherwise. I hope they rethink the story they’ve been told about the country they live in. I also hope they see that these are real people with real stories, and sometimes there’s real trauma that people have to unpack.”

Amidst this cultural exhibition of fine art and regalia, there will also be a resource wall, with QR codes linking to all types of Native-made content–such as books, movies, TV shows, and a podcast–to support other Native artists beyond just the exhibit.

On Sun., Nov. 19, the Arts Council will be hosting “Corn Husk Doll Make and Takes,” a free hands-on event where attendees will have the opportunity to learn about, make, and take home corn husk dolls.

Coinciding with that come-and-go event, on Sun., Nov. 19, the Arts Council will be hosting “Dr. Suzanne Cross Lecture on Residential Schools,” a free one-hour lecture/presentation in the Main Gallery between 2 and 3 p.m.

Dr. Cross is a featured “Still Here, Still Native” artist, so her work will be on display in the gallery, as well.

Her lecture/presentation is on a heavier topic, but the Arts Council is welcoming children to attend, as there will not be any graphic content. Dr. Cross has asked that no photos or videos be taken during her presentation.

From Nov. 20, through Dec. 1, the Arts Council will also be hosting the final leg of the “Indigenous Dress Tour”– organized by April Whittemore Locklear in honor of her mother, Sandra Whittemore. Fayetteville is significant to their family, because it is where Sandra Whittemore met her husband and settled down to live for more than 40 years.

Thirteen unique pieces of regalia, made by Sandra Whittemore over the years, will be displayed on mannequins in The Arts Center’s gallery during regular gallery hours (closed on November 23 and 24).

Finally, from 12 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 2, the Arts Council will be hosting a free craft-activity event.

During this come-and-go event, the craft will be “Lumbee Pinecone Patchwork Quilt Make and Takes,” and attendees will have the chance to learn about and make their own pinecone patchwork quilt squares. From 2 to 3 p.m., they will also be hosting a local Native storyteller.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                  ‘Twas the day after Thanksgiving, when all through downtown;                                                                                                                 everybody was whirling, through yonder roundabout.
                                                                                            Decorations hung by the streetlights with cheer, getting ready for Dickens Holiday that year.                                                                                             The people were dressed up in Victorian attire; with visions of hopefully not getting a flat tire.

For the last twenty-three years, A Dickens Holiday has been a yearly event for the people of Fayetteville.

Every year on the day after Thanksgiving, our historic downtown becomes abuzz with the sounds of canes clacking on concrete, town crier bells and Victorian era British accents.
Being a celebration of A Christmas Carol, the spirit of the holiday, and local business, the Dickens festival is an annual tradition in the town that aims at connecting the local community through good cheer and festivities.

This year, Up & Coming Weekly was able to catch up with Dr. Hank Parfitt, a founder of A Dickens Holiday, about this year’s upcoming celebration.

Speaking candidly, Parfitt was able to express those visions of sugar plums and holiday cheer that we all hope to look forward to every Christmas season.
With topics such as the future of the Dickens Holiday, ways to get the next generation involved, and the meaning behind A Christmas Carol, Parfitt shared with U&CW his views and history with A Dickens Holiday as well as his Christmas spirit.

A Dickens Holiday is a local event that takes place every year in Fayetteville the day after Thanksgiving as a pseudo-Christmas celebration for the town.
The theme and aesthetics of the festival are based on the Charles Dickens novel, A Christmas Carol.

Each year, people throughout the town dress up in era-appropriate attire, self-made costumes, and as characters from the book or movie to go around downtown Fayetteville and spread good tidings and cheer to those who choose to celebrate with them.

Many of the local shops take part in the event as well. While the size and scale of the event has fluctuated, the crowd has remained, and year after year the people around town continue to come out in support of A Dickens Holiday and each other.

This idea of Christmas cheer and communal support isn’t merely fiction, though. Parfitt spoke about how he felt the event gave people the opportunity to get to know one another and share in the spirit of the holiday.

But what does that mean, exactly?

Charles Dickens had what some believe to be a clear vision of the spirit of the holidays.

“It’s about a man who rediscovers his humanity,“ said Parfitt. “Charles Dickens was trying to show people that we need to treat each other with kindness and respect. There really is this magical feeling of Dickens. When we’re down here on A Dickens Holiday we really feel like a community.”

Having caught the Christmas itch, U&CW dove deeper in to the origin of A Dickens Holiday to find out how and where exactly it was started.

Finding that the first ever Dickens holiday took place in Broadstairs, England, U&CW was surprised to find that A Dickens Holiday is not just a single event our city puts on.
A Dickens Holiday is an international event that happens independently from one another all over the world.

Indeed, each year, at different places across the globe, towns, local communities, and other cities are putting on their own versions of the Dickens festival to celebrate together and spread the Christmas spirit, if only just for the holiday season.

In a way, when we celebrate together each year in our city, we are celebrating with communities, people and groups from corners of the world we’ve never seen.
Parfitt went on to talk about the attraction of the sense of community born from A Dickens Holiday that becomes shared with those who may only visit our city on the holidays to visit friends or relatives.

Parfitt noted that, because A Dickens Holiday is such a community driven event, the experience garnered here is completely unique and special to our city.

Truly, A Dickens Holiday is the after-Thanksgiving-meal-Christmas-dessert we should all be looking forward to.

However, now comes the hardest part about Thanksgiving dinners these days: putting down our phones.

With the growing concern for degrading communication skills in Generation Z and A, the question remains of how to address growing issues in these younger generations such as social anxiety, lack of sense of community, and lack of self worth.

Dickens Holiday, being a completely community driven event, aims to address these matters with the very core of its philosophy.

When asked about the advice he wanted to give to the youth in town who may be struggling with these issues, Parfitt had this to say.

“Best way to not be afraid is to get outside of yourself. Talk to someone who you may not know that well. Talk about some of the things you do have in common. You don't have to talk to someone long to find out you have a lot more in common than that which would set you apart.”

Parfitt continued, “A lot of us have forgotten how to talk to other people. It’s a skill, and, if you don’t practice, you won’t be any good at it! Don’t be afraid to get outside of yourself, talk to other people, find out that you do have a lot in common, and then you'll find you can share these experiences.”

This year’s A Dickens Holiday looks to have no shortage of entertainment either. Parffit also mentioned plans for many of the upcoming attractions, shows and enjoyment to be had
during the event.

Local llamas looking festive, musical performers, Nutcracker ballet performances from local children and a costume walk are all things to look forward to. There will even be members of the Downtown Alliance dressed up as characters from the novel.

With everything U&CW has been told is in store, we can’t wait to come out and celebrate the meaning of Christmas with all those attending.
For those inclined, the registration for new performances, volunteers, craft vendors and food vendors is still open.

If you are interested in applying for any of these options, or would like to know more, you can find more information on their website at https://www.faydta.com/adickensholiday/, or by email at shopdowntownfaync@gmail.com.

Wreaths Across America is preparing for its upcoming wreath-laying ceremony and awaits wreath sponsors and volunteers to line up for this event.

This annual event invites everyone to remember those who gave their lives for our country, honor veterans, and teach younger generations about the importance of those who fought to protect our freedoms.

The Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery wreath ceremony is set to take place on December 16 at noon at the Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery at 8220 Bragg Blvd. in Spring Lake. A ceremony will also be taking place at the Fort Liberty Main Post Cemetery.

Everyone of all ages and backgrounds is welcome and encouraged to tell friends and family about the opportunity to honor and remember our troops. This occasion mainly focuses on saying the name of every veteran aloud and laying Remembrance wreaths on their graves to keep our veterans from being forgotten.

In 2022, WAA had 3,702 participating locations and, with the help of their volunteers and more than 5,000 sponsorship groups, placed over 2.7 million veterans’ wreaths.

Founded by Morrill Worcester, Wreaths Across America started with a few surplus wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery and 30 years later became an annual ceremony held nationwide. WAA’s yearly pilgrimage, also known as “the world’s largest veteran’s parade,” travels from Harrington, Maine, to Arlington National Cemetery, Washington D.C., making multiple stops along the way to talk about Wreaths Across America and their mission to remember, honor and teach.

This nonprofit’s remembrance of veterans goes beyond this ceremony. Their mission lasts all year and encourages others to do the same for their community and America’s veterans.
Since 2007, Wreaths Across America has given back over $20 million to local groups. They continue to work with other nonprofits to raise funds for their community’s needs.

Their museum in Columbia Falls, Maine, displays thousands of donated items that help to provide insight and tell stories of those who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military.
WAA’s Remembrance Tree Program serves as a living memorial to loved ones lost. Replica dog tags are created and attached to the service branch of an evergreen tree in Maine, where the brush is later harvested and made into veteran’s wreaths.

Ann Provencher, a Wreaths Across America location coordinator who has been with the organization for nearly a decade, said, “I feel it is important to give the proper respect to those who went before us and sacrificed everything to defend our country to protect the rights and freedom that we are able to enjoy on a daily basis.”

Ann, who is a veteran, the spouse of a veteran, and the mother of several veterans, has successfully covered every grave in the Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery and helped the Fort Liberty Main Post Cemetery get covered as well.

When it comes to teaching younger generations about what all our veterans do, Provencher said, “When they can see how thankful a veteran is for being remembered, see how thankful a family is for their loved one is not forgotten, it makes an impact that can’t be forgotten. I encourage service hours [to] be spent doing things like feeding the homeless veterans, assisting the veteran home residents playing bingo, or bringing them care packages, etc.”

For those volunteering, Provencher reminds volunteers to bundle up for the cold and take their time placing each wreath.

“While I want them to enjoy coming out and placing wreaths, it isn’t about how fast they are placed. In fact, they are taught in the ceremony prior that they are to take their time, how to properly place the wreath, and to speak the name aloud of the veteran they are honoring and to thank them for their service.”

She reminds us that it’s only possible through teamwork and to be a part of that team, whether volunteering at a homeless shelter or donating a few bucks to a charity you care about.

“There are many ways people can help show support for our veterans. Anything from collecting supplies, making homemade items, helping get sponsorships, donating gifts that can be raffled off (to purchase wreaths), filling holiday stockings for single soldiers, adopting a family, adopting a single soldier, visiting the VA state nursing home and hospital to visit with residents and patients, send cards to them as well. Make care packages to be sent to those serving overseas and so many other ways.”

Provencher and her team thank everyone who volunteers and sponsors wreaths.

Each wreath is $17.00, but with their year-round three-for-two deal, you can purchase three wreaths for the price of two. If you buy a wreath for your loved one and tell the coordinators their name, that wreath is set aside for you to place on their grave.

If you are unable to make it to the ceremony, a volunteer will place the wreath for you.

 

To volunteer for this year’s wreath-laying ceremony, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org, where you’ll find the options to volunteer, sponsor wreaths and invite others to help out. To see the Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery WAA page, visit https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/16700/Overview/?relatedId=0

The Cumberland Community Foundation is having its annual Giving Tuesday, running from Nov. 20 to Nov. 29.. Each year, they award more than $800,000 in college scholarships to students from Southeastern North Carolina.

Giving Tuesday is a global day of generosity celebrated on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Every year, people across the globe come together to thank, help, give, show kindness and share what they have.

CCF works with charitable organizations in this compiled directory to make it easy for those to give to locals to support their important missions.
The funding is essential to enhance the quality of life across the Cumberland County area.

CCF manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations.

Most scholarships are selected by the CCF’s Scholarship Committee, and a few are selected by external selection committees at the individual high schools.

Donors go to the catalog online at CumberlandCF.org and choose which organizations they would like to support. CCF then processes the gifts and passes them through to each of their 79 participating nonprofits, along with matching funds.

Maddie Kellogg is the Donor Service Manager at CCF and speaks about the importance of Giving Tuesday. In past years, CCF noticed that local organizations were not participating in Giving Tuesday campaigns.

“Our nonprofits are doing important work in our community. The only problem is they are stuck in a constant hamster wheel of fundraising to support their important work. We noticed that our local nonprofits were not running Giving Tuesday campaigns.

"A lot of them did not have the capacity to do so. The community foundation noticed this and jumped into action. Processing gifts and managing funds is what we do. So, in 2020, we ran our first Giving Tuesday campaign to raise general operating funds for local nonprofits while providing matching funds, and the rest is history. In 2022, we raised almost $2.4 million for local nonprofits,” said Kellogg.

She speaks highly about her work with CCF, “I couldn’t be happier to be a part of the dream team at Cumberland Community Foundation. Being able to help donors create legacies that support charitable work forever is a gift. I get to see the best of Cumberland County every day.”

CCF would like to extend their thanks to Will Gillis, Elizabeth "Beth" Keeney, Daphne and Ray Manning, Carol and Sammy Short, Fayetteville New Car Dealers Association, Healy Wholesale, and anonymous donors for making the $550,000 match possible.

Cumberland Community Foundation will amplify gifts on Giving Tuesday with matching funds made by sponsors.

Visit their website to donate or to learn more about Giving Tuesday at www.cumberlandcf.org or by calling 910-483-4449.

The Cool Spring Downtown District announces they have scheduled their traditional and new holiday decor and interactive features to be installed in multiple spaces around the district’s footprint on or around Nov. 15.

“Our downtown residents, visitors, and business owners can expect to find quite an array of magical ‘District Winterscapes,’ as we’re calling them, spread throughout downtown this holiday season,” CSDD’s CEO Bianca Shoneman shares.

“We’re especially excited to be one of the first places in the state to welcome three augmented reality stations, allowing visitors to engage on the street level with AR impressions, creating memories through science and digital art,” Shoneman elaborates.

CSDD is welcoming the immersive art of Robin Vuchnich, who will use projection mapping to illuminate the Self-Help building with larger-than-life holiday winterscapes.
According to CSDD, their District Winterscapes will include the following:

Twenty-Two-Foot Carolina Fir Holiday Tree
Location: 301 Hay Street
Designer: Mosca Design
Sponsors: Cool Spring Downtown District; Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation

Holiday Alley
Location: 222 Hay Street
Designer: Downtown Safety and Engagement Ambassadors
Sponsors: Cool Spring Downtown District; Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation
Augmented Reality Station A: “Jack Frost”
Location: 116 Green Street
Designer: NOVABY
Sponsors: Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County; Cape Fear Valley Health; Cool Spring Downtown District; Fayetteville Public Works Commission

Augmented Reality Station B: “Hanging with My Gnomes”
Location: 222 Hay Street
Designer: NOVABY
Sponsors: Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County; Cape Fear Valley Health; Cool Spring Downtown District; Fayetteville Public Works Commission

Augmented Reality Station C: “For the Trees”
Location: 318 Hay Street
Designer: NOVABY
Sponsors: Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County; Cape Fear Valley Health; Cool Spring Downtown District; Fayetteville Public Works Commission

Letters to Santa
Location: 222 Hay Street
Sponsors: A Bit of Carolina; Cool Spring Downtown District
Eleven "Winterscapes" in total can be seen throughout downtown Fayetteville. Shoneman shares that she and her staff recognize many people start shopping and seeking places to take holiday photos with family ahead of the season, a motivation to begin decking out downtown as early as mid-November. In fact, Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation’s crew has already begun hanging the traditional holiday wreaths along downtown’s streets.

“Positioning our arts and entertainment district as a 'vibrant center of artistic, cultural, civic and commercial activity’ means our CSDD team is always exploring new ways to entice visitors here,” Shoneman explains. “This year, thanks to several generous sponsors of our District Winterscapes, we’re giving folks even more reasons to celebrate the season in Downtown Fayetteville.”

It goes without saying that North Carolina’s 16 electoral votes for president will, as usual, be heavily contested next year by the two major-party nominees, who are presumed to be Democrat Joe Biden and Republican Donald Trump.

I’m not yet ready to accept that presumption, by the way. I think it’s possible, for example, that President Biden will decide late, perhaps even after the 2024 primaries and caucuses, not to run for reelection — citing health reasons — and to release his delegates to support another nominee at the Democratic National Convention in August.

But here’s what I know for sure: North Carolina won’t just be a prime battleground in the presidential campaign. Our ballot will feature competitive and consequential races for many statewide offices.

I’ve already written about the gubernatorial race. If it pits Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein against Republican Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson, I expect it to be the most expensive campaign for governor in state history. Even if we see a different matchup, the victor is unlikely to win by a large margin. We don’t see that anymore in North Carolina.

With Stein and Robinson giving up their current offices to run, the races for attorney general and lieutenant governor are attracting high-profile candidates. In the former, two sitting members of the U.S. House of Representatives — Democrat Jeff Jackson and Republican Dan Bishop, both media-savvy and former state senators from Mecklenburg County — seem destined to clash in spectacular fashion.

For lieutenant governor, the Democrats are almost assured to coalesce behind state Sen. Rachel Hunt, daughter of former Gov. Jim Hunt, while Republican primary voters will choose among such candidates as former state Sen. Deanna Ballard, current state Rep. Jeffrey Elmore, Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page, former executive and congressional staffer Hal Weatherman, and Moore County pastor Allen Marshburn.

At least three other seats on the Council of State — state treasurer, labor commissioner, and state auditor — will be open in 2024. The treasurer race will likely pit two additional Mecklenburg lawmakers against each other, Republican state Rep. John Bradford and Democratic state Rep. Wesley Harris.

Rep. Jon Hardister of Guilford County, Raleigh attorney Luke Farley, and Union County activist Travis Wilson plan to seek the GOP nomination for labor commissioner.
The winner may take on Democrat Braxton Winston, a Charlotte city councilman.

As for state auditor, potential Republican candidates include former Greensboro city councilman Jim Kee, former UNC-Chapel Hill board chairman Dave Boliek, former legislative staffer Jack Clark, and party activists A.J. Daoud of Surry County and Charles Dingee of Wake County.

Though it won’t be an open seat, the race for state superintendent of public instruction will also be highly competitive.

Incumbent Republican Catherine Truitt will probably face Democrat Mo Green, former superintendent of the Guilford County Schools.

And now, a confession: I have, arguably, buried the lede. Another critical statewide race next year will feature Allison Riggs, incumbent justice on the North Carolina Supreme Court, against Republican challenger Jefferson Griffin.

Gov. Roy Cooper appointed Riggs to the court only a couple of months ago, after Mike Morgan resigned to launch a gubernatorial campaign. While she’s a political newcomer, Griffin is an experienced campaigner, having won a statewide election to the court of appeals in 2020.

If he wins, he’ll become the sixth Republican on a seven-member court. Democrats would have to win all three seats potentially up in 2028 in order to gain a majority.

Unless Republicans experience electoral catastrophe next year, they’ll continue to control the state legislature, very possibly with supermajorities.

Democrats desperate to block or overturn Republican policies on education, voting procedures, criminal justice, and other issues will have little recourse but to file constitutional challenges in state court.

Given the current composition of the state supreme court, their prospects for success are slim. This isn’t just a case of partisan affiliation working against them. The current GOP justices view novel interpretations of the state constitution with great skepticism. Jefferson Griffin will, too.

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

When I was a child in Fayetteville, all children in my neighborhood attended the only elementary school available, Haymount Elementary School on Hay Street.
Once we reached the 4th grade, we rode our bikes to school in a great herd. As far as I know, there were no other options.

When my own children reached school age, there were several other choices, mostly church-related schools and one academy, birthed in 1970 during the civil rights movement.
Since then, educational choice has exploded, and my head spins at the various options today’s parents are offered, many consider, and some take.

Homeschooling is up nationwide, 51 percent higher now than in school year 2017-2018, with some, but not all, that growth due to Covid. This is true in North Carolina as well.

Homeschooling numbers can be a bit sketchy, but estimates are that somewhere around 170,000 children are now homeschooled in the Tar Heel state. That is roughly 9 percent of our school-age children. If homeschoolers were an actual school district, it would be the largest one in North Carolina.

Homeschooling is not the only option available to parents.

They can also consider various charter schools, loosely regulated public schools, sometimes offering concentrations in various fields, such as STEM, the arts, foreign languages, and others. In North Carolina, these schools are increasingly operated by private companies paid by taxpayers with little public supervision.

There are also many private schools, often with religious bents, many of which operate on shoestring budgets and little to no curriculum oversight.
In addition, North Carolina and other states have begun offering what NC calls “opportunity scholarships,” taxpayer-funded tuition payments to private schools for students who have left public schools for whatever reason.

This smorgasbord of education choice is affecting traditional public schools, whose enrollment is down about 4 percent nationally, according to the Washington Post. Parents report taking their children out of public schools for all sorts of reasons, including bullying, not meeting their children’s particular needs, safety concerns, curricula with which they do not agree, and others.
Also affecting traditional public schools are the tax dollars that once flowed to them being diverted to charter and private schools.

All parents want the best for their children, and we all try to make the right choices for them. This mother of three with decades of schools, both public and private, under her belt has a few words of caution about school choice.

Free public education is not perfect, but it has served this nation well for nearly two centuries, and even with the various options now parents have, most American children are educated in traditional public schools and will continue to be for the foreseeable future.

It is in everyone’s best interest that children, our own and everyone else’s, receive high-quality basic educations. Siphoning tax dollars away from public education into private schools does not seem in the best interests of the overall common good.

When making choices for children’s schooling, be it in your kitchen, in a non-traditional charter, or in a private institution, make sure it is the highest quality you can find in your community.
Houses, cars, and most everything else can be replaced, but it is hard to undo, much less correct, an inadequate education. Education, whether it is excellent or poor, will follow and affect your child’s life after you and I are long gone.

In other words, caveat emptor—buyer beware.

 

This Veterans Day, we celebrated the best our nation has to offer. We extend our respect, our admiration, and our appreciation to all who have worn the flag of our nation on their uniform.
As the representative of the largest Army base in the world, my top priority is making sure our veterans, as well as our troops and their families, get the support they deserve.
I was proud to support the FY24 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which passed the House in July and fully funds veterans’ health care programs, benefits, and other critical VA programs.

I am especially proud this legislation contains my amendment to bring attention to funding the Veteran Crisis Line. I have fought for years to include this necessary funding that our military community deserves, reducing the stigma around mental health, and I was proud to secure these large wins for the thousands of veterans living in our community.
In North Carolina, Veterans Day is not just one day a year—it is a year-long call to action. With the suicide rate among our nation’s veterans being 2.5 times more than civilians, I’ve made it a mission to do everything I can to address this tragedy.

One effort that is making a difference on a national level is Warrior Call Day, which has gathered support from dozens of veterans organizations and seven former Veterans Affairs Secretaries. Earlier this year, I introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate November 12, as National Warrior Call Day for 2023.

I encouraged folks in our community and across the country to take National Warrior Call Day as an opportunity to check in on someone they know, active duty or veteran. I look forward to the day we get this resolution across the finish line and signed into law.

The Veterans Crisis Line acts as a critical tool to help our veterans in their time of need, and the number of annual contacts received—which include calls, texts, and chats—increased 15% between 2020 and 2022.
With this resolution, we are one step closer to addressing the challenges Veterans face head-on by keeping our promises made to them for their service and addressing the stigma around seeking help.
If you are a veteran or know someone who needs assistance, contact the 24-hour Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 or 988 and Press 1, text 838255, or chat online at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.

While we can never thank our active duty military, their families, and our veterans enough for their service, one thing we must do is improve the quality of health care we provide them. For example, Mastehr Sergeant Rich Stayskal, a resident of Moore County, served our country honorably and was wounded in combat. While stationed in our region, a missed cancer diagnosis changed his life. In response, I helped change federal law in 2020 so Rich and other military families who are victims of non-combat related medical malpractice while on active duty could receive support. However, the Department of Defense has failed to implement the law properly, stealing hope from Rich Stayskal and hundreds of military families who have been harmed by medical malpractice.

This year I was proud to introduce the bipartisan Healthcare Equality and Rights for our Heroes (HERO) Act to correct this wrong and give our nation’s heroes who are victims of malpractice from a DoD medical treatment facility the opportunity to take their claim to District Court.

Our servicemembers should have the right and opportunity to fight for the compensation and justice they deserve, and I will not stop fighting until they get it.
Our region is home to thousands of veterans, and it is my duty as their Congressman to ensure our veterans have access to the resources and benefits they deserve.

Too often veterans face bureaucratic obstacles at the Department of Veterans Affairs that hamper their access to care or benefits, and our office is here to help. If you or a veteran you know has experienced issues with the VA, please visit Hudson.house.gov or call our Southern Pines district office at 910-910-1924.

I continue to pray for the strength and safety of soldiers from our region who have been or will be deployed.

As your Congressman, it is an honor to represent so many men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform and who bravely answered the call to defend our freedoms on the front lines.
America’s servicemembers and veterans have given so much in the defense of our nation, and there are no words strong enough to express our sincere gratitude and deepest appreciation.
Until Next Time.

 

Editor’s Note: National Warrior Call Day is nationally held the Sunday after Veterans Day and began in 2021 as an initiative to help veterans who are in crisis. If you know a veteran in need, you do not need to wait until National Warrior Call Day 2024 to reach out to them. For more information, visit https://warriorcall.org/warrior-call-day

Christmas is coming! The holiday season has officially kicked off in Cumberland County.

Downtown Fayetteville is getting its annual holiday treatment with festive art installations popping up, white lights twirled around flag poles, and store window fronts getting the jingle treatment, displaying all the offerings of the season of giving.

The Gilbert Theater, a staple and downtown legend, is part of the kick-off with its annual production of A Christmas Carol. After a small hiatus — the theater ran It’s a Wonderful Life for several years during the Christmas season — the beloved classic is back… but with a twist.

This year, the theater is putting on an adaptation of A Christmas Carol written by veteran thespian, James Dean.

A Christmas Carol will start running on November 24th and run until December 17th.

The show will run every Friday through Sunday. Friday’s and Sunday’s shows start at 8 p.m. Saturday has two shows for the public to choose from, one at 2 p.m. and the other at 8 p.m. Ticket prices range from $18 to $20 and there is a group discount as well.

Patrons are encouraged to buy tickets early, as this is one show that is popular and well-loved. Tickets can be purchased online at gilbertheater.com or by calling 910.678.7186. Gilbert Theater is located at 116 Green Street, in downtown Fayetteville.

The Gilbert Theater has run A Christmas Carol since 2006, with a small break for a few years to give another timeless classic a chance to shine.

While most are familiar with the age-old tale of A Christmas Carol, in true community theater fashion, Gilbert Theater has decided to put on an adaptation of the play, written by long-time supporter and actor of the stage, James Dean.

With a name like that, the expectation for this adaptation is high. Dean has been working in theater since 1976 and played Scrooge in the theater's very first production of the show in 2006. A love for the stage and the art form keeps him coming back.

“I just do what I do. I’m not in it for money. I never have been. Money has always turned me off all my life. I was into commercial art until I realized you got paid for it, and people only wanted you to do what they wanted you to do in order to get paid for it and so… I do it for fun and because I love it,” he said.

“I wouldn’t have started doing it back then and now I’m 72 and still doing it. That’s a long time, but I’ve done a lot of good roles that I’ve loved. A couple of years ago I got to do All My Son’s playing Joe Keller. I got to do Big Daddy in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and funny I wrote a story about a guy who hasn’t got to do Billy Loeman in Death of a Salesman, which I haven’t got to do yet… and then he gets on stage to make his entrance and drops dead… so that’s it. There are no big things to tell."

This year he is reprising his role as Scrooge, making this year’s production all that more unique and magical.

For those who are fans of the original, the theater promises that while this adaptation is more condensed, it still carries the spirit of the original while adding new elements that create depth.
“In this version, Scrooge is telling the story… he breaks the fourth wall,” Dean said. Dean has made a name for himself as Scrooge here in Fayetteville, “It’s pretty natural and I’ve done it for so long I don’t like thinking about it too much. I just do it. I’ve been acting since the world began, something like that.”

With Dean’s adaptation, it’s up to Theater Artistic Director Lawrence Carlisle to make it work on stage.

“It’s always how to stage things… it tends to be a fairly elaborate show, usually with the trips to the past, the trips to the places in the present, visions of the future, so creative staging is always what we have to deal with to make sure we can tell the story and it makes sense.” This year’s production brings a few surprises, “I will hint that the spirits are a little different this year,” Dean said.

Gilbert Theater will also be in full effect at A Dickens Holiday in Downtown Fayetteville. Carlisle said, “We will have our GLEE kids… selling flowers, as they’ve done in years previous, and I’ll have one or two cast members out walking around in character… I’m trying to keep the ghost secret because it’s different than what's normally done.”

There could also be an opportunity to see some scenes played out during A Dickens Holiday at SkyView. There is no confirmation yet but make sure you are following Gilbert Theater on social media to stay up to date on all things A Christmas Carol.

The election cycle has come and gone. Out of the 152,096 registered voters, data from the North Carolina State Board of Elections reports that only 20,229 ballots were cast for the municipal elections. Though only ~13.30 percent of registered voters came out to cast their vote, their voices will have long-lasting effects on the future of Fayetteville and Cumberland County. These are the returning and newly elected officials chosen by the Fayetteville population.

Mayor

Incumbent mayor Mitch Colvin has once again retained his position as mayor of Fayetteville, securing a fourth term. With 11,469 ballots counted in his favor, Colvin secured ~65 percent of the vote over his opponent, Freddie de la Cruz. Cruz, having 6,089 ballots in his turn, could only secure ~34.5 percent of the vote. Lastly, 80 individuals wrote in their choice for mayor and took up ~.5 percent of the total votes for mayor.

District 1

Incumbent District One city council member Kathy Keefe Jensen has managed to maintain her seat on the council. Earning 1,088 ballots in her favor, Jensen claimed ~65 percent of the total votes cast for the District 1 race. Alex Rodriguez, however, could only inspire 584 ballots to be cast in his favor. Rodriguez took ~35 percent of the ballots cast for District 1 council seat. Finally, three people wrote in their choice for the District 1 seat and made up .18 percent of the total ballots counted for the city council seat of District 1

District 2

Coming in with 1,298 ballots cast in his favor, Malik Davis secured the majority of the vote at ~65 percent. This win will mark Davis’s first term as city council member for District 2. The incumbent, Shakeyla Ingram, only managed to have 690 ballots in her favor, leaving her with ~35 percent of the votes in the District 2 race. Then, 15 individuals wrote in their suggested choice for a council seat and were .75 percent of the total ballots cast.

 

District 3

Commanding a large majority of the vote at 75~ percent, Mario Benavente, the incumbent city council chair holder for District 3, was able to secure 1,670 ballots cast in his favor. However, Michele Arita Dillon had 535 ballots cast for her and, as such, garnered ~24 percent of the total ballots cast. Eight people wrote in their choice and made up .36 percent of the vote. 

District 4

Pushing his lead even further than others, D.J. Haire was able to amass a staggering ~81 percent of the total ballots cast for the District 4 race. With 1,443 ballots cast in Haire’s favor, ~18 percent, or 322 ballots, of the vote was seized by Stuart A. Collick. The remaining .9 percent of the vote came from 16 ballots submitted with write-ins.

District 5

In the second most contested race of the cycle, District 5 has elected Lynne Bissette Greene as the new city council chairholder for their District. Gathering 1,905 ballots cast in her favor, Greene secured ~60 of the vote against the incumbent, Johnny Dawkins. Dawkins, who had 1,261 ballots cast in his favor, was able to hold onto ~40 percent of the total vote in his run for re-election. A negligible .35 percent of the total ballots cast were those for miscellaneous write-ins.

District 6

Running unopposed, Derrick Thompson of District 6 secured 1,559 votes and ~96 of the total for his District. The other ~4 percent were made up of 66 write-in ballots.

District 7

Another single-person race, District 7, has chosen to elect Brenda McNair. With 1,554 votes, McNair won ~97 of the ballots cast. The remaining ballots consisted of 47 write-ins and amounted to ~3 percent of all ballots cast for the District 7 race.

District 8

In the final unopposed race, District 8, with ~97 percent of ballots cast in her favor, has chosen Courtney Banks-McLaughlin to represent them as the city council chairholder from District 8. Though small, the 38 write-in ballots represented ~3 percent of the total ballots cast in the District 8 race.

District 9

Lastly, 1,815 people came out to cast their ballots for the city council race of District 9. Deno Hondros has once again been re-elected by his constituents. With 1,209 ballots cast in his favor, Hondros managed to cumulate ~67 percent of ballots cast. Meanwhile, Fredlisha R. Lansana only obtained 596 votes. With ~33 of the total ballots cast going to Lansana, the remaining .5 percent comprised nine ballots cast in favor of write-ins.

With less than half the total estimated population of Cumberland County registered to vote, this is an opportunity to see that your vote matters and can determine the future shape of legislation, local infrastructure, and even widespread reform. For more information on this election, visit https://er.ncsbe.gov/?election_dt=11/07/2023&county_id=26&office=ALL&contest=0. If you want to know more about upcoming elections, if you qualify to vote in them or your current voter registration status, please visit https://www.ncsbe.gov/voting/upcoming-election for further resources. 

Calling all high school poets, now is the time to shine! Lost Voices Empire LLC presents in collaboration with the Fayetteville Arts Council and Cumberland County Schools, the First Annual High School Poetry Slam on Nov. 18th from noon to 2 p.m. at The Stadium Event Center, located at 421 Maiden Lane.

Special guest judges include Poetic Zae, Alexis Lawson, Suavethepoet, Nick Courmon and Jeremiah I’Shod. Tickets for the event are donation-based, give what you can.

This project is supported by a mini grant from the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County and, in part, by contributions from the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County and other community partners. The event is sponsored by MUG Photography and The Insurance Lady.

Bringing young poets together from across the county, the High School Poetry Slam is setting the stage to bring the brightest, newest talent to a big stage for an epic competition.

Poetry slams are a unique poetic experience, bringing a competitive element to a time-honored art form. Poets will perform original poems and judges will score each one based on the poem and performance. In the end, only one poet remains as the champion.

Andre Sansbury, CEO of Lost Voices Empire LLC and one of the judges, explains the slam setup.

“15 High School Students from Cumberland County Schools verbalizing their best poems, judged by 5 national poets, over 3 rounds until a winner is crowned,” he said.

 

Poets are asked to follow slam rules:

1. Material must be an original piece of work.
2. You do not have to memorize your poem. Phones and paper can be used during the slam.
3. Poets get 3 minutes to perform one poem with a 3-second grace period.
4. Poets will lose .5 points for each minute they go over given time
5. Poets may not use props, instruments or music while performing
6. The poem cannot include any hateful and/or offensive language to any person/persons.
7. The poet receives scores of 10 from 5 randomly selected judges.

The high and low scores are dropped and the middle three are added together, giving the poet a total score out of 30.

 

MC for the night is Soe the Monk with an opening performance by judge Jeremiah I’Shod. Intermission entertainment will be none other than Poetic Zae, the 5th-ranking poet in the nation. Closing out the evening will be best-selling author and multi-published poet, Sauvethepoet.

Registration ended October 22nd, and is officially full, a sign to Sansbury that this will continue to be an annual event.

“Judging by the sign ups and buy in already, I see this event becoming an annual opportunity for students to display their talents and vocalize their emotions through spoken word, something me and my organization actually teach in Schools through a program called ‘Purpose through Poetry’."

This program is currently in place at Ramsey High, Pine Forest, and Douglas Byrd and is supported by the Fayetteville Arts Council,” said Sansbury.

Last article (Oct. 25 edition of Up and Coming Weekly), I covered Medicare parts A and B and how the pitfall to the unwary is the lack of a maximum out of pocket. There are two ways to address this problem: Supplements and Medicare Advantage. The rules vary between states so I will only cover North Carolina rules.

Gertrude Stein said, “A rose is a rose is a rose” and the same can be said of a Medicare Supplement. Supplements are state regulated. The state decides which plans can be sold and the benefits do not vary between companies. No matter the source of your plan, the benefits remain the same.

A Plan G is a Plan G is a Plan G. Carriers only decide the premium and underwriting questions. Typically, the lower the premium, the more stringent the underwriting questions. Medicare Supplements, commonly called Medigap, are only guaranteed issue after age 65 and for the first six months of eligibility for Part B.

A supplement is filed in addition to Original Medicare and picks up the co-pays and charges left over. Which co-pays and charges depend on the letter of the plan. Plan G is the most comprehensive, only leaving the Part B deductible unpaid.

Supplement pros: no network — Providers accepting Medicare accept the Supplement, known costs are already calculated for the year, and it can be freely used while traveling inside the US.

Supplement cons: Expensive and price increases with age, no prescription drug coverage so it requires a drug card, does not cover dental, hearing, or vision, and it isn't a guaranteed issue outside the initial window which may preclude some people.

If you are on medicare due to disability, the premium skyrockets. As an aside, Blue Cross Blue Shield has a Blue to Blue program allowing clients to switch plans without underwriting.

Medicare Advantage isn’t filed like a supplement additionally to Original Medicare. It is filed in lieu of Original Medicare. Advantage plans are cheap and typically cover prescription drugs. There are many beneficial inducements offered with these plans.

MA pros: Guaranteed issue, cheap, most offer hearing, vision, and dental benefits as well as quarterly over the counter benefits. Some offer transportation, home service, gym memberships, and part B buybacks. Low co-pays, low maximum out of pocket, and no deductible are generally staples.

MA cons: Networks, remember Cape Fear Valley’s situation, and formularies are the two major things to pay firm attention to. Make certain all your providers and prescription drugs are covered or have suitable substitutes.

These plans can change by county and zip code so the plan your friend has might not be available to you. Benefits fluctuate annually and a good plan this year may be bad the next.

Travel is possible but requires calling your carrier for approved providers in your intended destination. When done well, by a professional, they are great. When done wrong, they are a nightmare.

This open enrollment, try to make an educated decision with a professional’s help. If you need one, I know a guy.

Since Republican lawmakers won majorities in both houses of the General Assembly in 2010, they’ve been reforming North Carolina’s tax system. They’ve broadened the bases of state taxes, reduced tax rates, diminished or eliminated special-interest tax breaks, and simplified the code.

As a result, virtually all North Carolinians are keeping more of what they earn to use as they wish. Our state has become a more attractive place to work, live, invest and create jobs.

The leaders of other states, motivated to compete with us, have reformed and reduced their own taxes, often emulating North Carolina’s practice of tethering scheduled rate reductions to revenue triggers in order to avoid any unforeseen budget problems.

The latest tax-climate study from the nonprofit Tax Foundation serves as an instructive record of North Carolina’s progress. The study examines five major categories of taxation: personal income taxes, corporate income taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, and payroll taxes (which fund each state’s unemployment-insurance system).

Before 2010, the Tax Foundation typically ranked our tax system as among the worst in the South for investment and growth, and far below the national average. By 2014, the conservative-led legislature had slashed sales and income taxes and initiated other reforms. North Carolina ranked 31st that year.

As the General Assembly continued to modify the system — with a particular focus on reducing marginal tax rates on personal and corporate income — the state soared in the Tax Foundation rankings. Last year, North Carolina had the 10th-best tax system in the country.

In the newest ranking, we improved to 9th. Most of these states either don’t tax personal income, don’t tax corporate income, or don’t tax retail sales. Utah is the exception. It has all five major forms of taxation, but fares well in the rankings because it applies relatively low rates to relatively broad tax bases.

So does North Carolina — but thanks to tax reforms already scheduled through the end of the decade, we are poised to eliminate entirely our tax on corporate income.

This is an excellent idea.

Corporations aren’t people. They’re bundles of contracts among people. So when government taxes corporate income, what it really does is reduce the incomes of shareholders (by reducing investment returns), employees (by reducing their wages), or customers (by increasing the prices they pay).

This is a foolish way to tax individuals. It was invented by Congress more than a century ago as a clever way to get around the federal constitution’s prohibition against personal income taxes. After the 16th Amendment was ratified in 1913, Congress gained the legal power to tax personal incomes directly — and immediately did so. It should have repealed the corporate tax. State governments should have done the same. Alas, they didn’t.

So we ended up with multiple layers of taxation, especially on investment, and a less-transparent system that obscured who was really bearing the burden of the corporate-tax regime.

Employees and customers had no idea that the corporate tax cost them money. And contrary to the progressives’ original goal, everyone ended up paying more — not just the wealthy. Millions of people own shares of corporate stock, directly or indirectly as savers and pensioners.

North Carolina is in the midst of rectifying this oversight. When our corporate tax phases out over the next six years, that will leave us an even more attractive place for companies to do business.

It is likely that these tangible benefits will also be reflected in a higher ranking on the Tax Foundation index. That’s not the purpose of enacting tax reform, of course. It is merely an indicator of how much North Carolina’s business climate is improving.

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

 

Data analytics is the exciting new process of analyzing data to uncover insights and make informed decisions.

It focuses on collecting, cleaning, and exploring data, building models, analyzing findings, and presenting them visually. Data analytics can help businesses and organizations make better decisions. It can also provide skilled users of these techniques with new and highly paid job opportunities.

Students begin their data analytics training at FTCC by taking BAS 120, Introduction to Analytics. In this course, students learn the basics of analytics and descriptive statistics using analytical techniques in Excel and then move on to applying the same concepts in Alteryx Designer.

This innovative data analytics and data preparation software is designed for business analysts and data professionals. In 2023, Alteryx was named Analytics Company of the Year by Data Breakthrough Awards.
It is popular among data analysts and business intelligence professionals and is used across various industries and organizations which ensures that anyone who can use Alteryx Designer will be in high demand on the job market.

Upon successful completion of the BAS 120 course, students have the following four certificates to add to their résumé: Alteryx Designer Core Micro-Credential: General Knowledge, Alteryx Designer Core Micro-Credential: Data Preparation, Alteryx Designer Core Micro-Credential: Data Manipulation and Alteryx Designer Core Micro-Credential: Data Transformation.

Students who complete their data analytics coursework at FTCC are qualified to sit for the Statistical Analysis System Examination. The average salary for a SAS certified worker is $92,000 per year. Data science jobs are expected to grow by 36% in the next ten years, making it one of the nation’s fastest-growing fields.

Students can complete data analytics courses at FTCC fully online. Students who take online classes are free to complete their classwork entirely from home. They also have the option to visit campus and use college computer labs, libraries, and gyms.

Are you ready to learn more? Please contact us today. We have campuses in Fayetteville and Spring Lake and a presence at Fort Liberty and are eager to help you start the next chapter in your life.

We’re currently registering students for spring semester classes. Spring classes begin January 16. We invite you to begin the new year with a new direction: focus on a high-tech career with great pay and exciting opportunities, such as the field of Data Analytics. It’s never too late to enrich your life and reimagine your future; your first, important step begins at FTCC.

For more information about Data Analytics and other Computer Information programs of study, contact Hana Seidi, IT/Computer Programming & Development/Database Instructor, at Fayetteville Technical Community College, 910-486-7349, or visit the Advanced Technology Center in Room 113H or Cumberland Hall in Room 377H at the Fayetteville campus.

We look forward to the opportunity to serve you.

It would be hard today to find an old-fashioned boardinghouse to spend the night and eat a meal with the other boarders.

Not impossible, but difficult, and yet less than a century ago boardinghouses covered the towns and cities where Americans came together for eating and sleeping.

Although most boardinghouses might be gone today, memories are firm.

Elizabeth Engelhardt, Kenan Eminent Professor of Southern Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has collected hundreds of them for her new book, “Boardinghouse Women: How Southern Keepers, Cooks, Nurses, Widows, and Runaways Shaped Modern America,”to be published by UNC press in November.

Engelhardt cites examples of how women escaped irrelevance and became accomplished and independent businesspeople as the owners and operators of boardinghouses in the nineteenth and early twentiethcenturies.

One of her examples, Julia Wolfe, ran the Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse in Asheville at the turn of the last century. The experiences in her boardinghouse formed an important basis for her son Thomas Wolfe’s novel, “Look Homeward Angel.”

Engelhardt writes, “So intertwined was her identity with the business, Wolfe did not allow herself to have even small luxuries in her own private quarters of the house. A ‘plain cot’ without a headboard and a ‘single chair’ were the only furnishings in her room. Julia Wolfe became the face of her boardinghouse and the driver of its operations — roles she played for the rest of her life.”

Another famous boardinghouse child, the late New York Times food critic Craig Claiborne, said that his love of food came from his experiences in his mother's boardinghouse.

Engelhardt has assembled scores of other examples where ambitious or desperate women struggled to make their boardinghouse business successful. She also shows how the boardinghouse experiences of women had an impact on the typical foods that we today call southern.

I have my own boardinghouse memory.

At Davidson College, when I was growing up, there were 12 fraternities. Each had a boardinghouse in town — for eating only. The boardinghouse woman in charge was called a housemother. Each fraternity also had a small cottage on the campus for formal fraternity activities. But the real activity centered around the boardinghouses in the town. In about 1957, the college built a brand-new fraternity court and brought the eating and social activities of the fraternities onto the campus centered in the new fraternity houses.

The housemothers moved from town, each into a comfortable apartment in the new fraternity house. Each one continued to supervise a staff and was in charge of preparing the three meals a day. It was a big operation. Not all the housemothers were happy. As a part of my temporary job as assistant dean of students, I was charged with looking out for the housemothers and doing what I could to make them happier.

I did my best.

About 20 years later when I was a Charlotte lawyer running as a Democrat for the U. S. Congress, I stopped by an apartment building in the Myers Park area of Charlotte to make a few campaign cold calls on some of the residents.

When I knocked on one door, a charming older lady greeted me, “Oh D.G., I am so glad to see you. When I was a housemother at Davidson you were so wonderful to me. You paid attention to us. You arranged for a meeting with the president and the dean. Things got better. I’ll always be grateful.”

I was thrilled with this encounter. Campaign workers were hard to come by and she would certainly be a supporter of my political efforts.

But when I asked her if she would help give out campaign literature in her building, she said, “Oh no, D.G., I would never do that. I'm a Republican.”

Another tough boardinghouse woman!

Editor’s Note: D.G. Martin, a retired lawyer, served as UNC-System’s vice president for public affairs and hosted PBS-NC’s North Carolina Bookwatch.

Wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs, mark your calendars because a splendid evening awaits you at The Sip Room, located at 106 Hay Street. On Nov. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m., The Sip Room will become a haven for wine lovers, promising an unforgettable wine-tasting experience.

Guests will have the unique opportunity to embark on a journey through various countries' finest wines, all within the welcoming embrace of this chic venue.

The Sip Room has earned a reputation for offering a cozy and refined atmosphere for wine lovers, making it the perfect setting for this event.

The main highlight of the evening is, of course, the vast array of wines on offer. From the rich reds of Italy to the crisp whites of New Zealand, the wine selection promises to tantalize the taste buds of seasoned oenophiles and those new to the world of wine.

The event will feature sommeliers and wine experts ready to guide patrons through the nuances of each wine, helping them discover new favorites.
To complement this elegant experience, The Sip Room has brought in the hottest DJ in the city to provide a lively backdrop of music throughout the evening. The vibrant beats and rhythms will keep the atmosphere energetic, ensuring that this is not just a wine tasting but a celebration of the senses.

Up & Coming Weekly caught up with the owners, Juawana Colbert, Tomeka Purcell and Santina Epps-Thomas to gain insight into the wine selection process.

“The wine selection process featured in our wine-tasting event at The Sip Room is a meticulous and passionate endeavor. We believe in offering our patrons a diverse and exceptional range of wines that represent different regions and embody the artistry and craftsmanship of winemakers worldwide.

 

"Our team of sommeliers and wine experts dedicate extensive time and effort to curate a selection combining classic and lesser-known gems,” they said.

So, what makes this wine-tasting event particularly special?

“Our wine-tasting event at The Sip Room is an extraordinary occasion for several reasons.

"First and foremost, it's an immersive experience where wine lovers and novices alike can come together in a sophisticated and relaxed setting. We encourage attendees to mark their calendars because this event promises an unforgettable evening of sophistication, flavor, and entertainment.

"It's a fantastic opportunity to expand your wine knowledge, socialize with fellow enthusiasts, and create lasting memories.”

For those eager to participate in this delightful evening, tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wine-tasting-the-sip-room-tickets-731143097687. Ensure you secure your spot in advance, as the demand for this wine-tasting event is expected to be high.

The Sip Room's Wine Tasting Event on Thursday, Nov. 16, promises an evening of sophistication, flavor, and fantastic music. Join them as they raise their glasses to exquisite wines and the joy of savoring life's finer things.

Ageism is defined as discrimination against older adults with predefined stereotypes. It begins around fifty years old, when an individual is being defined as growing old. We are inundated with ads targeted toward those growing old with how we look, dress, eat, live and maintain health.

I think info commercials are the worst with leading claims of countless gimmicks of how something changed someone’s life. Recently I had a man come to the house to discuss doing some work.
He proceeded to talk to me, with what he thought was a good sales pitch.

“You know people try to take advantage of 'Elderly People.'”

I rather found this offensive because by comparing the two of us it was obvious that I was in much better physical shape than he was, and he was not that much younger than me.

I said, “I hope you are not referring me to being elderly, sir, because I could kick you into next week!”

He began to backtrack his statement. He was not called back to be hired.

“Elderly” is defined as someone sixty-five years or older with silver hair. I guess we need to add sitting in a rocking chair to that definition.

The “young old” is approximately 65 to 74, “middle age,” 75 to 84, and “old old,” over 85. I refer to the definition of “elderly as a physical and cognitive capability,” and someone could be considered a state of “elderly” at a much younger age. The term “I am ageless” has a more positive approach to age, and let us face it, we begin aging the day we are born.

Today’s seniors are not the stereotypical images of our parents retiring and going home to rest. Who wants to rest? The modern senior enjoys life and knows how to do it.

They do not feel the need to be anything to anyone except themselves, are not governed by social status, and try to fit in, where they live or with what they have. Priorities are easier set and “no as an answer” has become part of our vocabulary.

“Been there done that” is a frequent go-to as part of a conversation. You have arrived at your stage of life. You know what you do and do not want, and you set your boundaries with gained confidence.

You have confidence because you know what and what not to say and often find that wisdom is a part of not saying anything or getting involved. Your circle of friends may begin to get smaller as you discover who is there for you and who is there for convenience.

Today's seniors are well-read, hip and many still work because they prefer to in the way of part-time employment or by volunteering. They are an asset to any work environment because they are dependable and have good work ethics.

They bring a wealth of knowledge to work because they simply have experience in life. Many companies are gearing toward older workers because of skills based on experience and are less likely to jump from one job to another because it does not suit them.

I work at a fitness center that caters to an older clientele, and as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, that is my preference for a client to work with.

The reason is that lifestyle is all about functional movement and the ability to continue an active lifestyle. It is not about the latest diet or being skinny, because health comes in all sizes. On any given day you will find that the “elderly generation” outperforms the younger ones.

Live love life with passion.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8

ADULT CRAFT: THANKSGIVING LUMINARIES

SPRING LAKE COMMUNITY LIBRARY

3 p.m.

 

November is here, and Thanksgiving is right around the corner.  You have the menu planned out but what about your holiday decorations? Looking to add some pizzazz to your Thanksgiving decorations? Why not craft a stunning Thanksgiving luminary using tissue paper and personalize it with a festive message of your own? Registration is required by calling (910) 483-7727 ext. 1459.

Registration & Event Link: https://bit.ly/3QCoD6p

 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER

FAYETTEVILLE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE

7 p.m.

 

FTCC Fine Arts is excited to present "Peter and the Starcatcher," a captivating play written by Rick Elise. This delightful production is based on the novel penned by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson and offers audiences a heartwarming origin tale of well-loved characters such as Peter Pan, Mrs. Darling, Tinker Bell, and Hook. Join us for a family-friendly experience that will transport you to a world of magic and adventure. All performances are free and open to the public and will take place in the Cumberland Hall Auditorium.

Facebook Event Link: https://bit.ly/46UE2EW

 

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER `10

SWEETS N' ART

SWEET FACTORY FAYETTEVILLE

6 p.m.

 

Join Sweet Factory Fayetteville for a fun and imaginative afternoon with the incredibly talented artist, Stephanie Mollett, at "Sweets n' Art" - an amazing event created specifically for children aged 6 and above. Embrace your artistic side, unleash your creativity, and savor delectable treats from Sweet Factory, all in a truly unforgettable experience! $15 Tickets include all arts and crafts materials, professional guidance from Stephanie Mollett, and a sweet treat from Sweet Factory.

Eventbrite Link: https://bit.ly/3FI4wgX

 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11

FTCC HOLIDAY BAZAAR

FAYETTEVILLE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE

10 a.m.

 

Join the FTCC Gaming and Digital Media Club for their FTCC Holiday Bazaar. This event will feature a total of twenty-seven vendors selling unique and handcrafted items, as well as five food vendors for attendees to enjoy. Come support local artists and creators!  Admission is free and open to the public. The bazaar will take place at Tony Rand Student Center, 2220 Hull Road.

Facebook Event Link: https://bit.ly/46VGgE7

 

 

 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11

RIDE FOR A WREATH

FORT BRAGG HARLEY DAVIDSON &

DIRTY WHISKEY CRAFT COCKTAIL BAR

8 a.m.

 

Join us for a ride and be a part of our mission to honor and remember our fallen U.S. veterans. All vehicles are welcome as we come together to raise funds for placing wreaths on the graves of veterans at both Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery and Fort Liberty Main Post Cemetery. It's an opportunity to teach your children the true value of freedom and show our gratitude to those who have served. REGISTRATION: Begins at 8:00am at Fort Bragg Harley Davidson (3950 Sycamore Dairy Rd.) $20 per bike - $10 per passenger

Facebook Event Link: https://bit.ly/3u3qEQ8

 

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12

DOG YOGA

PATRIOT K NINE TRAINING & BEHAVIOR

10 a.m.

 

Dog yoga, also referred to as "doga," is a type of yoga that entails engaging in yoga poses and exercises alongside your dog. It merges conventional yoga postures with movements and interactions that involve your four-legged companion. The objective of doga is to enhance the bond between humans and their canines while fostering relaxation, flexibility, and overall well-being for all participants. It can serve as an enjoyable method to spend quality time with your beloved pet while reaping the benefits of yoga. $20

Event Link: https://bit.ly/45RHM8J

 

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13

FRIENDSHIP DANCE WITH THE COHARIE TRIBE

HOPE MILLS COMMUNITY LIBRARY

5 p.m.

 

The Coharie Tribe is situated near the Little Coharie River in Harnett and Sampson Counties. They offer various tribal community programs aimed at promoting the health and wellness, community development, and cultural vibrancy of the tribe. Tribal members will be present to educate us about their tribe, as well as lead a Friendship Dance and engage in crafting activities. For more information about this program, please call (910) 483-7727 ext. 1435.

Event Link: https://bit.ly/45WpTpl

 

 

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14

TERRIFIC TUESDAY: RADICAL REPTILES

NORTH REGIONAL LIBRARY

3:30 p.m.

 

Interested in learning more about reptiles? Delight in entertaining and educational narratives, interactive activities, and creative projects centered around lizards, snakes, turtles, and other fascinating creatures with scales. Age Group: 6-11 years old. This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.  For more information about this program, please call (910) 483-7727 ext. 1450.

Event Link: https://bit.ly/3u00o9t

The new moon is fast approaching. For community members who are in sync with the moon's cycles, this new moon is significant, and Prima Elements Holistic Wellness Center, located at 124 Anderson Street in downtown Fayetteville, is hosting a New Moon Meditation on Monday, Nov. 13th from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at Eventbrite.com. The event will include guided meditations or visualizations centered around goal setting, and manifesting dreams and personal goals.

For those unfamiliar with meditation classes, Prima Elements explains,

“A New Moon meditation class is a specific type of meditation session that typically occurs around the time of the New Moon. The New Moon is associated with new beginnings and a clean slate in astrology and many spiritual practices. During these classes, participants often focus on setting intentions, releasing what no longer serves them, and connecting with the energy of new possibilities…We provide a structured and supportive environment for individuals to tap into the energies of the New Moon and align their intentions with it.”

Phases of the moon and how they affect the world are not a foreign concept for many, especially here in the South, where full moons are credited for full birthing centers and jails. According to Prima Elements, each moon phase carries a different energy to be tapped into.

“The moon phases have been a source of fascination and belief for many cultures throughout history. While the scientific evidence for direct, profound effects on individuals is limited, some believe the moon can influence human behavior and emotions.

“Here's a general overview of how moon phases are thought to affect us: 1. New Moon: It's associated with new beginnings and setting intentions. Many people use this phase for goal setting and planning.

"2. Waxing Crescent: As the moon grows, it's believed to bring energy and momentum. People often feel more motivated during this phase.

"3. First Quarter: This phase is often seen as a time for taking action, making decisions, and overcoming challenges. The moon's gravitational pull influences Earth's tides, a scientifically established phenomenon. If you find that moon phases positively impact your mindset and well-being, it can be a valuable tool for personal growth and self-reflection.”

Owner and military veteran, Hilda Burgos, founded Prima Elements Holistic Wellness Center in 2012, and runs the business with her son, Adrian Burgos, and his wife, Audriaunna Burgos, managing the day-to-day operations of the Center.

Prima Elements Holistic Wellness Center is not new to meditation. They offer a host of different and unique holistic treatments for community members.

“Prima Elements provides holistic services to stressed and ailing individuals in the community. Our wellness center offers caring, expert clinicians and staff that provide natural remedies, massage, and detoxifying natural cleanses.
With a focus on holistic care and prevention, our wellness center has personalized its services to each patient, incorporating the mind, body, and spirit,” Burgos said.

The holiday season is often considered the most delightful period of the year. However, for individuals facing food insecurity or experiencing difficulties in finding their next meal, it does not bring the same joy and happiness. Luckily, there are numerous resources available in our locality to provide assistance to those who require it.

If you are aware of someone who is experiencing difficulties, kindly share these available resources with them. Alternatively, you can also consider reaching out to any of the organizations mentioned below to make a donation or offer your time as a volunteer. Let's work together to spread happiness during this festive season.

 

 

Food Pantry:

 

Name:The Beatitude House Ministries of the NSRBA

Location: New South River Baptist Association, 2341 Downing Rd., Fayetteville

Hours:Thursday and Friday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Saturday - 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Contact: 910-496-0925

 

Name:Operation Blessings

Location: AAA Crisis Pregnancy Center/Operation Blessing, 1337 Ramsey St., Fayetteville

Hours:Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Contact: 910-483-1119

 

Name:Salvation Army of Fayetteville

Location: Variety of Locations

Hours:Clients seen Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. by appointment only.

Contact: 910-483-8119

 

Name:Catholic Charities - Fayetteville Regional Office

Location: 726 Ramsey St., Suites 10 & 11, Fayetteville

Hours:Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Contact: 910-424-2020  ext. 2601

 

Name:Cliffdale Food Bank

Location: 6427 Cliffdale Rd., Fayetteville

Hours: Assistance given outonce a month on a Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

See Dates Here: https://www.cliffdalealive.com/calendar

Contact:910-864-4911

 

Name:Jehovah Jireh Christian Church

Location: 1913 Harris St., Fayetteville

Hours:Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. by appointment

Contact: (910) 423-1600

 

Name:Abney Chapel Community Services Center

Location: 330 Old Wilmington Rd., Fayetteville

Hours:

Contact: (910) 483-4384

 

Name:FTCC Food Pantry

Location: Horace Sisk Building (HOS), Room 708, 2204 Hull Rd., Fayetteville

Hours:Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Monday – Thursday 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Contact:910-678-8214 / 910-678-8441

 

Name:Abney Chapel Seventh Day Adventist Church

Location: 2996 Rosehill Rd., Fayetteville

Hours:Days of assistance change monthly.  Call ahead

Contact:910-488-8146

 

Name: Galatia Presbyterian Church

Location: 8800 Galatia Church Rd., Fayetteville

Hours:Friday 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Contact:910-867-0656

 

Name:ALMS House

Location: 3909 Ellison St., Hope Mills

Hours:Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m.

Contact:910-425-0902

 

Name:Operation Blessing of Fayetteville

Location: 1337 Ramsey St., Fayetteville

Hours:Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Contact:910-483-1119

 

Name:Beatitude House

Location: 102 N. Main St., Spring Lake

Hours:Thursday and Friday 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m.

Contact:910-496-0925

 

Name: Christ United Methodist Church

Location: 3101 Raeford Rd., Fayetteville

Hours:Tuesdays 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Contact: 910-484-3340

 

Name:Epicenter Church

Location: 2512 Fort Bragg Rd., Fayetteville

Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Contact:910-485-8855

 

Name:Fayetteville Dream Center

Location: 336 Ray Ave., Fayetteville

Hours:1st and 3rd Thursdays 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Contact:910-568-3897

 

Name:First Baptist Church

Location: 302 Moore St., Fayetteville

Hours:3rd Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

Contact:910-483-6505

 

Name:Gray’s Creek Christian Center

Location: 3028 School Rd., Hope Mills

Hours:Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m.

Contact:910-485-3005

 

Name:Meals that Matter

Location: First Presbyterian Church, 102 Ann St., Fayetteville

Hours:

Contact: 910-483-0121

 

Name:Harry Hosier United Methodist

Location: 6201 Milford Rd., Fayetteville

Hours: 1st & 3rd Friday, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Contact: 910-864-6019

 

Name:Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church

Location: 118 Johnson St., Fayetteville

Hours:Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Contact: 910-868-2770

 

Name:Person St. United Methodist Church

Location: 509 Person St., Fayetteville

Hours: 1st and 3rd Saturdays from 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Contact: 910-483-4714

 

Name:Praise Fellowship Church of God

Location: 514 Adam St., Fayetteville

Hours:Available by appointment. Call for scheduling and availability.

Contact:910-483-6500

 

Name:Seth’s Wish

Location: 330 S. Cool Springs St., Fayetteville

Hours:Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Contact:910-476-6613

 

Name:Simon Temple AME Zion Church

Location: 441 Donray Dr., Fayetteville

Hours:Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Contact:910-867-1183

 

Name:St. Matthews United Methodist Church

Location: 202 Hope Mills Rd., Fayetteville

Hours:Tuesday 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Contact:910-425-0401

 

Name:True Vine Ministries

Location: 5301 Morganton Rd., Fayetteville

Hours:Tuesday and Thursday 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m.

Contact: 910-867-6762

 

Name:Veterans Empowering Veterans

Location: 325 B St., Fayetteville

Hours: Call for hours.

Contact:910-223-3213

 

Name:City Rescue Mission

Location: 331 Adam St., Fayetteville

Hours:Call for specifics

Contact: 910-323-0446

 

Name: The Food Pantry

Location: Reilly Road Presbyterian Church. 208 S. Reilly Rd., Fayetteville

Hours: Monday and Wednesday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Contact:910-867-5773

 

Name:Holy Trinity Episcopal Church

Location: 1601 Raeford Rd., Fayetteville

Hours:Monday - Thursday 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Contact: 910.484.2134

 

 

Food Banks:

 

Name:Fayetteville Urban Ministry

Location: 701 Whitfield St., Fayetteville

Hours:Monday thru Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Contact: 910-483-5944

 

Name:Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast NC

Location: 406 Deep Creek Rd., Fayetteville

Hours:Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Contact: 910-485-6923

 

 

Holiday Food Assistance Programs:

 

Name:Robeson County Church and Community Center - Brighter Christmas Program

Location: 600 West 5th St,, Lumberton

Hours:

Contact: 910-738-5204

 

Name:Thanksgiving Boxes of Love Drive

Location: All About Fitness, Inc.,  45 Treetop Dr., Fayetteville

Hours:

Contact:318-918-8580

 

Name:Operation Blessing of Fayetteville

Location: 1337 Ramsey St., Fayetteville

Hours:

Contact:910-483-1119

 

Name: Harvest Family Church

Location: 6575 Fisher Rd., Fayetteville

Hours:

Contact:910-433-3036

 

Name:Gethsemane Baptist Church

Location: 4300 Blanton Rd., Fayetteville

Hours:Wednesday 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Contact: (910) 488-8725

 

Name:Fayetteville Operation Turkey 2023

Location: 606 Johnson St., Fayetteville

Hours:Meals will be handed out November 23rd 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Contact: (866) 678-8751

 

 

Other Programs:

 

Name:Meals on Wheels

Location: Cumberland County Council on Older Adults, 339 Devers St., Fayetteville

Hours:Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Contact: 910-484-0111

 

 

Love is one of the most intense emotions that is supposed to make an individual feel good and feel safe. Domestic violence is not.

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that one in three women have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. That is why a Domestic Violence Awareness Exhibition Event will take place Saturday, Nov. 18, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the SIP room on Hay Street in downtown Fayetteville.

“The purpose of the event is to spread the knowledge of domestic violence awareness and to share resources for domestic violence awareness,” said Takieyah Mathis, founder of the Standing Light Foundation and event planner of the Love Shouldn’t Hurt Domestic Violence Awareness Exhibition event. “It is so important to know that there are other dynamics about domestic violence other than a male hitting a female or vice versa.”

Domestic violence awareness is significant to Mathis because she was a victim of domestic violence as well as her mother.

“My mother was in a nine-year domestic violence relationship and I went through my own domestic violence situation when I was 19-years-old,” said Mathis. “My situation was bad but it was not as bad as my mom’s.”
She added, “My mom is the reason I left my situation because I was like, I have to get out of this and I am not going to go through this for a long
period of time.”

The event will entail a diverse panel of speakers, domestic violence resources, poetry and art displays and a toast to the survivors and non-survivors of domestic violence.

“I have an author who will share how her partner abused her and her children, a woman who will teach how to use firearms and the proper steps to protect yourself, and I will share domestic violence resources,” said Mathis. “We will have poetry and art displays and I am going to allow people to share their domestic violence story.”

The effects of domestic violence can be long lasting or permanent and victims of domestic violence can suffer from serious mental health consequences.

“My mom’s situation caused me more trauma than anything,” said Mathis. “It really affected the dynamics of our household because it affected my mom’s mental health which meant that she could not be a mom and properly function for us.”

“I want to break the stigma of domestic violence, especially by being a mom of boys,” said Mathis.
“We have to teach our sons that there are other ways to channel anger and learn how to positively communicate our emotions.”

Mathis’ one wish is for more community leaders to read this article and be more in touch with the little people and join the cause for domestic violence.

The event is free and open to the public. Participants are asked to wear purple to the event.

The National Violence Domestic Hotline is (800) 799- 7233.

No one has a right to put their hands on you. Your last reprimand should have been when you were a child living in your parents’ house.

Please do not put your family in a situation where they have to plan your funeral. Take heed to this article and run for your life.

Welcome back to the wonderful world of Grimms’ Fairy Tales.

Watching the Republicans’ colorful method of choosing the Speaker of the House got me wondering if their method was just a simple circular firing squad or something darker, like cannibalism.

Always looking on the sunny side of life, I figured cannibalism was the better analogy. Who knows more about cannibalism than the Brothers Grimm with their rollicking medieval tales filled with gore, witches and evil stepmothers? Cannibalism was common during the Medieval period.

Sit back and return with us now to the thrilling days of Hansel and Gretel.

Once upon a time, on the edge of a dark forest there lived a poor woodcutter, his two children, and his wife, the proverbial wicked stepmother.

Things were tough all over. The woodcutting market was bad. Famine, like celery, stalked the land. The woodcutter’s family lived on the ragged edge of starvation.

Wicked Step Mom kept fussing at her husband that they would all starve to death if he kept trying to feed his kids. Her solution was to take Hansel and Gretel into the deep forest and leave them there to starve or be eaten by wild animals.
Dad did not want to do it but eventually gave in after days of endless nagging. Fortunately, the kids overheard the plan to dump them in the woods.

Hansel, a plucky lad, came up with a plan. The night before they were to be taken to the forest, Hansel sneaked out of the cottage to fill his pockets with little white stones.

He surreptitiously dropped the stones leaving a trail as they went into the forest. Hansel probably stole this idea from Greek mythology as Theseus left a string to find his way out of the labyrinth after killing the Minotaur.

In any event, the kids found their way out of the forest, showing up back home the next morning to the chagrin of Step Mom.
She pretended to be glad to see them but being a wicked Step Mom, she was faking it. She convinced their Dad to take them back into the woods.

She locked the cottage door so Hansel could not get out to gather stones to set the trail. Hansel switched to Plan B which involved leaving a trail of bread crumbs instead of rocks.

Alas, Plan B failed because birds ate all the bread crumbs Hansel dropped. They were stuck in the deep dark woods. After three days the kids were beyond hungry, borderline hangry.

Suddenly they spotted a white bird singing a cheery song. They followed the bird because what else were they going to do? Soon the bird led them to a beautiful cottage in a glade. The roof was made of cake, the windows were sugar, and its walls were made of bread.

The kids immediately started chowing down on the infrastructure. Yum.

A very old woman came out of the house and invited them inside saying: “Just come inside my little darlings, rest yourselves in my little box of treats. It’s as safe as houses!”

Pro tip: Anytime someone tells you something is safe without being asked; it ain’t safe.

The old woman was a witch. She fed them a hearty cholesterol and gluten heavy meal and tucked them into bed. The next morning, she grabbed Hansel locking him up in a cage in her She Shed.

She had been catching children, killing them, and eating them for many years. Hansel and Gretel were the next items on the menu.

Plot device: Witches are near sighted.

She wanted to fatten up Hansel by stuffing him with fried food like a hungry redneck at a Calabash seafood buffet. To determine if Hansel was fat enough, she made him stick his finger out the bars so she could see if he was a candidate for

Type 2 diabetes and the stew pot.

Hansel knew she had poor vision, so he stuck a chicken bone out for her to feel instead of his finger. He never seemed to gain weight for weeks.

Finally, she could wait no longer. She ordered Gretel to start a fire in the wood stove to cook Hansel.

She demanded Gretel climb into the oven to see if it was hot enough. Gretel pretended she did not understand, asking the witch to show her how. Like a Medieval Sylvia Plath, the witch stuck her head in the oven.

Gretel pushed her inside leading to the witch’s toasty death. Gretel freed Hansel from his cage. They scoured the cottage for jewels, liberating lots of loot.

They found a magic duck who gave them a ride across a wide lake and arrived back home with Dad. Wicked Step Mom had died while they were gone. Dad and the kids lived happily ever after on the witch’s jewels.

Moral: Never sleep in a house made of cake.

No actual stepmothers or witches were harmed while writing this column.

Without a doubt, news media is crucial for all cities and towns to keep them informed of local issues and, more importantly, keep a diligent eye on the goings-on in municipal governments. 

Anyone disappointed and skeptical of the effectiveness and competency of Fayetteville and Cumberland County elected officials, or are familiar with the recent corruption and fiscal mismanagement of the Town of Spring Lake, or has witnessed the chaos and grief that has resulted from the victimizing of the Hope Mills mayor and town officials by a small group of local discontents and social media trolls, can see the similarities.
What all three municipalities have in common is the absence of LOCAL media.

I cannot overstate the media's role in maintaining a fiscally healthy and well-managed city or town. This is why the news media is often called the Fourth Estate. (The three branches/estates of government: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial).

The Fourth Estate, news media, is the check and balance and informational conduit keeping citizens informed of what is happening in government. Through investigative reporting, local news media uncovers corruption, conflicts of interest, or misuse of power in municipal governments.

The effective use of news media is critical to preventing the abuse of authority. When elected officials are aware that we, the media, are scrutinizing their actions, they are more likely to be on their best behavior and make decisions that are in our best interests. Accountability helps prevent negligence or unethical behavior.
Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper works closely with the newly reformatted CityViewToday's daily electronic newsletter to inform Cumberland County residents in all nine municipalities of important news and information.

We applaud CVT for its commitment to bringing local news and issues to the forefront of the Fayetteville/Cumberland County community. Hiring former newspaper publisher Bill Horner III as CVT Executive Editor and, most recently, Fayetteville Observer's veteran reporter Paul Woolverton, is a massive step toward steering Fayetteville from becoming a "news media desert."

Talented and knowledgeable, these news media professionals bring industry expertise, integrity, and hard news reporting back to Fayetteville. More importantly, Woolverton retains local historical knowledge that's vital when making inquiries and contacts and connecting the dots on important community stories and events.

If you are still unclear on how important news media is to Cumberland County, consider media outlets like Up & Coming Weekly newspaper and CityViewToday newsletter's responsibilities to the community.

Together, we provide transparency and, whenever possible, serve as watchdogs, holding local city and county elected officials accountable for their actions.

We ensure transparency on essential decisions concerning projects, spending, and public funds allocation. A lack of accountability caused the criminal loss of hundreds of thousands of taxpayers' money and threatened the existence of the Town of Spring Lake.

Local news media encourages community involvement. It is vital to inform residents about important issues, meetings, and decisions that impact their daily lives. It enables and encourages citizens to participate in the democratic process.

One of the significant reasons voter turnout is so poor in Fayetteville and Hope Mills is that the voters are not informed or engaged. They do not know the issues or, more importantly, the candidates. Without this engagement, knowledge, and communication, the motivation to vote or participate in local government is nonexistent.

Additionally, and unfortunately, Fayetteville and Cumberland County have no local TV stations. In most communities nationwide, a local TV station and newspaper inform citizens about local issues, policies, initiatives, and events.

Without such means, disseminating crucial information to the public becomes virtually impossible. Without these local news outlets, residents lose their voice and cannot share their opinions, concerns, or suggestions regarding municipal matters.

Public input of this nature influences decision-makers and leads to more responsive governance.

Again, we welcome Bill Horner III to Fayetteville and Paul Woolverton back from the Dark Side (Just kidding, Paul!). The citizens of Fayetteville and all Cumberland County municipalities have our assurance that CityViewToday and Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper will continue to serve in the best interest of the citizens by being trusted media resources that bridge local governments with informed citizens, assuring transparency, accountability, and creating an engaged community.

The Fayetteville community deserves it.

Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

Health is wealth and the First Annual Integrative Health Fair aims to make that more achievable for the Fayetteville community. The fair will take place on Nov. 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Origins Naturopathic Health and Wellness located at 2529 Raeford Road.

“Integrative health aims for well-coordinated care among different providers and institutions by bringing conventional and complementary approaches together to care for the whole person,” Owner and Operator of Integrative MedSpace and Origins Naturopathic Health and Wellness, Kerry Dunn explained. “We aim to treat the whole person so that a person's health span matches as closely as possible with their life span.”

The health fair is the first of its kind and will be packed full of health and wellness experts, vendors and food trucks. Orange Theory, Fleet Feet, Pure Barre, Fit Lab, Drip Bar, Middleton Dentistry, Align Chiropractic, Planted Life Coaching, ZR Team Jiu-Jitsu and Radiant Reflections will round out the vendor list for the event. Vendors and providers who share the co-working space will also have tables available with giveaways during the fair. No fair would be complete without food, even a health fair. Household 6 will be providing a healthy meal for attendees and Vagabond Coffee will be in attendance. Children are also welcome at the event and will be able to enjoy an inflatable slide, face painting and a make-and-take granola bar with an informational session on sugar intake.

The fair will feature a raffle for baskets by co-op providers and gift cards amounting to more than $1000. All proceeds from the event will go to Falcon Children’s Home, tickets are $10 each. Because the fair will take place on Veterans Day, all Veteran attendees will be treated to free cryotherapy pain treatments. The first 50 attendees will receive a swag bag, that will include, promotional pricing and gift options that can be used in the upcoming Christmas season. 

Dunn feels the fair is important for the community.

 “The purpose of the Integrative Health Fair is to show our community how many allies they have that are focused on keeping them as healthy as possible. Fayetteville has a lot to offer in the health and wellness community, and as providers, we noticed that the majority of our patients thought they would have to travel out of town to find what they were looking for,” Dunn said. “ Our hope is to showcase local businesses and Health providers that are offering Integrative or preventative services to improve the health and well-being of our city.”

 Fair attendees will be able to ask providers questions and schedule future services. For health or wealth providers looking for a space, co-op space is currently available. Contact Kerry Dunn at info@integrativemed.space for more information on the event and co-op.