Your Fayetteville FireAntz Hockey Team begins the last month of the regular season in the hunt for a playoff spot. It has been an exciting season on the ice and off, thanks to the different promotions that the FireAntz have had at each of their games. It looks to get even better in March.

Friday, March 14, it is the FireAntz vs. the Louisiana Ice Gators. The FireAntz meet the Ice Gators for the fourth time this season and continue their late-season push toward the playoffs. It’s Faith and Family night with the FireAntz. There are group rates available at the FireAntz office, if you have a large group that you would like to bring to the game.

On Saturday, March 15, the FireAntz take on the Louisiana Ice Gators. The FireAntz host Louisiana for the second game of a weekend doubleheader. It’s Ray Price of Fayetteville Bike Night. Everyone who rides a motorcycle to the game will get one free ticket, per bike, courtesy of Ray Price of Fayetteville. Also, the FireAntz will wear specialty jerseys that will be auctioned to fans after the game. Be sure to get there early.

Tuesday, March 18 the team plays the Knoxville Ice Bears: This game is to make up for the one originally scheduled on Feb. 11. Fans may use tickets for the Feb. 11 game at the Box Office and they will be accepted. The game is brought to you by ERA Strother Real Estate. There will also be a live performance by Nashville recording artist, Trae Edwards, brought to you by Cape Fear Heroes. Go to any local Kangaroo gas station and get a voucher for a $2 ticket at the Crown Box Office, courtesy of Coca Cola.

Friday, March 21 the FireAntz face the Peoria RiverMen: This is the second to last home game of the season and you won’t want to miss it. The FireAntz will battle hard for a playoff spot and the action will be intense. Check the FireAntz website for more information on special pricing and details.

Saturday, March 22 the team plays the Peoria RiverMen: Don’t miss the last game of the regular season. There is a lot going on at this FireAntz game. It’s Race Night featuring the local dirt track and drag racers and their vehicles. There will be a display of local race cars in the parking lot for fans to see, up close and personal. It’s also Scout Night. Scouts who come in their Class “A” uniforms will get a scout patch and free admission to the game! Group rates for the game are available, in advance.

It’s an exciting final month of the regular season for the FireAntz. Find out more about the FireAntz and purchased tickets at 321-0123 or www.fireantzhockey.com.

Photo: Forward #7 John Clewlow

Photo Courtesy Carter/ Groves Photography

On March 22, Community Concerts closes out its 78th season of stellar entertainment with a bang as Joan Rivers takes the stage. A world-renowned comedienne, Emmy-award-winning television talk-show host, Tony-award-nominated actress, bestselling author, playwright, screenwriter, film director, columnist, lecturer, syndicated radio host, jewelry designer, cosmetic-company entrepreneur and red-carpet fashion laureate, Rivers is the perfect choice for ending this season on a high note. Joan Rivers is a high-energy entertainer and a great option for grown-ups looking for a fun night out. “I do want to caution that it is an adult show,” said Michael Fleishman, attractions director for Community Concerts. “She uses adult language, but most people know who she is and the kind of show she puts on. She is hilarious. She is 80 and has more energy than two 40 year olds.”

Finding and bringing great shows to Fayetteville is a fun job and something the all-volunteer organization does with enthusiasm each year. While the Joan Rivers show is sure to be a ꀀrecracker of an evening filled with humor and spunk, overall the season was well balanced and offered a variety of entertainment choices.

The season opened in October with Earth, Wind and Fire. It was a celebration of the group’s versatility and showcased many fan favorites in genres like soul, funk, gospel, blues, jazz, rock and dance music.

Mannheim Steamroller kicked off the holiday season with a Christmas concert in November with the one-of-a-kind sound that audiences look forward to each holiday season.

In December, Honor Flight celebrated the Greatest Generation with a tribute to World War II vets. Governor Pat McCrory attended the event. Local residents Ginny and Dean Russell donated a check to The Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery to upgrade the committal structure at the facility. The state matched the contribution, which brought the Friends of the Sandhills State Veteran’s Cemetery closer to the $350,000 goal that will fund the entire project.

“The high point of the season was Honor Flight. This was a show we were especially proud of, along with the Music Hall of Fame induction,” said Fleischman. “We were glad to be able to say a big thank you to our military.”

Kenny Loggins cut loose at the Crown on Feb. 4, and entertained the crowd with more than four decades worth of his creative works. The rock-n-roll icon is known across generations for his talent as a performer, and he did not disappoint at this concert. “Kenny Loggins was a big success. Everyone loved that show,” said Fleishman. “He was fantastic. This has just been an excellent season,” said Fleishman. “Earth, Wind and Fire was a smash hit. Mannheim Steamroller was a classic that drew an enormous crowd and the Honor Flight program was new and different and special.”

While Community Concerts is all about “bringing the finest in top-notch entertainment to Fayetteville,” the organization has a much broader reach than some might realize. The Fayetteville Music Hall of Fame was founded in 2008 and honors citizens who have brought musical distinction to the community. This year, the 82nd Airborne All American Chorus was inducted into the Fayetteville Music Hall of Fame at the Kenny Loggins Concert. “This was the first group we have inducted,” said Fleishman. “The 82nd Airborne All American Chorus has done a lot for Fayetteville. They are good-will ambassadors for Fayetteville and the country. We wanted to honor them and this seemed like the perfect way to do that. They performed several songs and the audience loved it.”

The chorus is an a cappella group that performs at events, sometimes as often as 500 times a year. It is composed of 26 paratroopers and represents all the units in the 82nd Airborne Division.

Community Concerts brings amazing talent to Fayetteville each year, but the organization is alsoserious about showcasing local talent. Voices of the Heart, students from Linda Kinlaw’s School of Dance and the 82nd Airborne All American Chorus have opened for Community Concerts performers in the past.

The organization also offers college music scholarships to local high school graduates. The program was established in 2004. Since then, Community Concerts has awarded more than 22 scholarships.

Because not everyone can afford tickets to local music-related events, Community Concerts provides opportunities for groups ranging from kids to seniors to attend music events. The Vision Resource Center, Fayetteville Urban Ministry, the Sunshine Center, high school students, military members and local police and fire departments have all benefited from the generosity of Community Concerts.

“We are always looking for new ways to keep this fresh and different — and new ways to put the community into Community Concerts,” said Fleishman. “We have done a lot to do that in the last couple of years. We gave away more than 1,000 tickets to kids in the community to attend Honor Flight for free. We also featured the Cumberland County Schools All County Band as part of the performance. We do the Hall of Fame and give tickets to groups and seniors. We do a lot more for the community than just host concerts.”

While Community Concerts audiences beneꀀt from the groups commitment to low ticket prices and reinvesting time, talent and energy in the community, throughout the year, the dedication of the volunteers is commendable. “Putting on shows is an enormous undertaking,” said Fleishman. “It takes about 10,000 man hours and it is a year-long process to plan and host a Community Concerts season.”

It’s not too late to get tickets to see Joan Rivers. Visit www.community-concerts.com to learn more about Community Concerts and to purchase tickets.

Photo: Joan Rivers is set to close out the Community Concerts season at the Crown on March 22. 

Scooby-Doo fans are in for a treat — Scooby-Doo and the gang are coming to Fayetteville on March 28.They have been travelling all around the country solving mysteries, and now they have come to help Fayetteville. The theatre is haunted and a ghost is causing some big trouble. No one knows what is happening, and it could ruin the show. Luckily, Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. Gang are here to solve the mystery and save the day with clues and lots of Scooby Snacks.

Moms and Dads, don’t miss out on the hijinx as the gang kicks it into high gear to solve the mystery. This show is great for families. The fun and excitement of the show is great for kids, parents and anyone who loves Scooby and his funny friends. Laugh as they unravel the mystery and the enthrall the audience in standard Scooby style.

The entire gang will be on the job. Scooby, Shaggy, Fred, Velma and Daphne will all be here. They are even bringing the Mystery Machine with them. Even though it is a new show, it’s the same old gang and the same hilarious antics. There are also a few new characters that will premiere in this show. While solving the case, the gang will meet all kinds of new and quirky people.

This show is like any other Scooby-Doo episode with the fun and adventure, but it is a completely new story line. One of the fun features in this production is that it is set to music. While they search for the ghost, the cast will sing songs like the theme song that so many know and love — “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?” and “We’re Mystery Inc.”

Audience members are invited to tap their toes and sing along to familiar songs with their favorite characters. Even the new songs will be fun for everyone.

For more information visit http://www.lifeliketouring.com/scoobydoolive. Lifeliketouring is based in Australia and has produced high-quality live entertainment for international audiences for more than 10 years. Other Life Like Touring productions include Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer Live! Search for the City of Lost Toys (Asia, Australia, Egypt, Middle East, New Zealand, Russia, Spain and United Kingdom), Dora’s Pirate Adventure (Australia, India, Singapore) Cartoon Network’s Ben 10 Live: Time Machine (Asia, Australia, South Africa, Middle East, Egypt, India and New Zealand), Scooby-Doo Live! Musical Mysteries opens starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com or by calling 1(800) 745-3000. They will cost between $14 and $68 depending on the seats. The show will be at the Crown Coliseum at 1960 Coliseum Dr.

A long-time entertainment venue, the Crown Center has a new look and is rebranding. Come check out the brand new logo on Thursday, March 27 ,from 1-8 p.m. There will be an open house for the public to take a tour and check out the rebranding efforts in the facility and have some fun while doing it.

“This is an open house that is free and open to the public, “said Katie Mikos, director of marketing at the Crown Center. “We will be offering a wide variety of activities throughout the day that are family-friendly.” Mikos added that they are showcasing their new management and some of the changes that they have made since they have assumed their new leadership role.

The fun-filled event includes taking a tour of the facilities and a big scavenger hunt. The scavenger hunt entails receiving a map of the facility. Guests then have a chance to visit the starred areas, booths and other spaces in all of the buildings in order to get your game card stamped. Each area will stamp your card. Once a is card completed, participants are entered to win a four-day trip for two to Las Vegas that will be announced at 7 p.m.

Visitors can also enter to win two tickets to every event for a year at the Crown Complex. The winner will be announced at 7:30 p.m. Various bands will perform on three stages throughout the main coliseum. The entertainers specialize in urban, country and other genres of music. Centerplate will showcase some menus items. Free prizes will be given away all day. There will be a children’s area in the Expo Center that will feature a performance stage sponsored by Kidsville News!Look for a varoety of games, activities, live karaoke and a kid’s band for the whole family to enjoy.

The Crown Center is the entertainment hub in southeast North Carolina. It consists of 관ve facilities — the coliseum, expo center, ballroom, theatre and arena — and can accommodate most any type of event. The Crown vision is to be recognized as the most professional, respected, and well-managed entertainment and sports complex in the region while providing safe, convenient and accessible facilities with an atmosphere that creates memorable experiences for all. The team strives to provide excellent customer service and the highest level of professionalism.

“We would love for everyone to come out and enjoy the day,” said Mikos.

“We want you to have a positive experience and feel welcome when you come in the building because this is your community facility.” For more information call Katie Mikos at 438-4117.

Photo: Don’t miss the Your Town, Your Crown event on March 27, as the Crown introduces its new look to the community. 

Well into the 2013-2014 season, Cape Fear Regional Theatre opens August Wilson’s The PianoLesson on March 6 for a run that will last through March 23. The Piano Lesson, a modern day classic won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1990 and was a 1990 Drama Desk Award winner for Outstanding New Play.

The story is set in 1936. Boy Willie, played by J. Alphonse Nicholson, arrives in Pittsburgh in a beat up truck loaded with watermelons. He’s just come from the South and has an opportunity to buy land down home. He needs money to make it happen. He decides to sell the old piano that has been in his family for generations. The problem is that he shares ownership of the piano with his sister — and the piano is in her living room. Previous attempts to buy the piano have been rebuffed because the piano is covered with beautiful carvings that tell the story of the family’s rise from slavery. Boy Willie is determined to get his sister to sell the piano. His sister is determined to keep the treasured heirloom in the family. Like many productions at Cape Fear Regional Theater, there is story, but there is so much more in this piece.

Director Jade King Carroll comes to CFRT with a long list of accomplishments including Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Portland Stage); A Raisin In The Sun (Juilliard & Perseverance); Seven Guitars (People’s Light and Theatre & Point Park University); King Hedley (Portland Playhouse); The Etymology of Bird (CitiParksSummer Stages); Cherry Smoke (Theatre Row); Sex on Sunday(BE Company @ Urban Stages); The Basset Table (Adelphi); Marisol (NYCDA); Black Girl, You’ve Been Gentrified(Joe’s Pub); Radio Golf (Penn State); The History of Light, Samuel J&K and The Summer House ( Passage Theatre). She sees the play as an opportunity for the audience to connect and start a conversation.. “It’s exciting to watch this piece evolve. Everyone will walk in with different experiences to draw from. It is a chance to share a space and an experience with someone you might not have otherwise.”

Nicholson, who is no stranger to CFRT performed in The Parchman Hour on his last visit to town. Other recent credits include A Raisin In the Sun (Playmakers Rep); Blood Knot (Street signs), and The Brothers Size (Manbites Dog). He sees the play as a realistic look at people and at life. “There are no good guys and no bad guys in this story — just people. Family. We all have families and we have all said and done hurtful things and had to deal with hard decisions that cause strife and pain between people. I think everyone will be able to relate to that.”

Lawrence Hamilton has performed in several CFRT productions over the years including Big River, Dream Girls, Ragtime, Driving Miss Daisy. Hamilton carries the role of Wining Boy. “Coming to CFRT is like coming home,” said Hamilton. “I was always interested in being in a play by August Wilson. To be asked to do an August Wilson play is an achievement.”

Hamilton debuted on Broadway in 1979 in Timbuktu. Hamilton is a 2003 inductee into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame, a 2005 inductee into the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame and a recipient of the 2004 Little Rock Arts and Cultural Alliance Award.

The Piano Lesson is part to of the CFRT 18th Annual Classic Theatre Series play, providing more than 1500 students from Cumberland County free tickets to see this American masterpiece. “We are partnering with Cumberland County Schools to bring this to local 11th grade students at no cost,” said CFRT Marketing Director Leslie Flom. “The students are reading the book in their English classes. There are a limited number of performances and two shows have already sold out.”

Visit www.cfrt.org or call 323.4233 for find out more or to purchase tickets.

Till Terrific! Good Decisions

As other North Carolina counties continue to struggle with how to make up lost school days caused by North Carolina’s freaky back-to-back snowstorms, Cumberland County School Superintendent Frank Till and his administrative staff wasted no time in examining the many options at their disposal.

Working as a team, they made a plan to implement the right solution for making up lost school days — all while keeping the children’s best interest at heart. A decision, no doubt, that will not be pleasing to everyone but yet one that will not damage or interrupt the educational development of our children.

Tough, tough decisions but logic and common sense prevailed. Saturdays are it! Year round schools will attend three Saturdays in order to fulfill the North Carolina state mandatory attendance requirements while traditional schools will attend classes on Good Friday and two Saturdays. The good news is: Make up school days will be shortened by a couple hours. Even though these arrangements may be inconvenient for some, the fact remains that our children’s welfare and education must come first.

So ball practice, dance classes, part-time jobs and trips to the mall will need to take a back seat to the first priority and that is to educate our children and keep them on par with their constituents throughout the state and nation. This situation and decision also serves as another indication of solid, smart and competent Cumberland County management and leadership.

These types of decisions are not easy; however, it is good to know that Dr. Till, his staff, teachers and support staff are working hard in the best interest of our children.

Thanks for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

It’s unlikely that anyone would argue the value that Fayetteville Technical Community College brings to the community. From general education credits to continuing education programs and certìcations, FTCC plays a huge role in making sure that the local workforce is educated and well-trained for whatever challenges they face. After a recent economic impact analysis, FTCC can attach numbers and dollar amounts to the ways that the institution positively impacts the community.

The economic analysis measured the impact of college operations, the impact of the spending of students who relocated to the county and then the impact of the increased productivity of former students that were employed in the regional workforce during the time of the study.

The analysis is for the 2012-2013 ̀scal Year, and found that during that time the college employed 973 full-time and part-time faculty and staff, 87 percent of whom lived in Cumberland County. The total payroll at FTCC was $58.5 million. Much of this was spent in Cumberland County on things like groceries, dining, clothing and other household expenses. As a consumer, FTCC spent $44.5 million on goods and services to cover its expenses for professional services, facilities and supplies. Just from its day-to-day operations, FTCC generated $75.7 million.

A little more than 10 percent of FTCC’s students relocated to Cumberland County to attend college during the 2012-2013 ̀scal year. If FTCC did not exist, these are students that would not have moved to Cumberland County. Out-of-county students spent $34.1 million while attending FTCC. They spent this money on groceries, rent for accommodations and transportation, resulting in $13.8 million in income for the local community.

Once students leave FTCC, the community really starts to benèt from the education and training of local residents. Thousands of students have passed through the halls of FTCC and left with newly acquired skills that they used to further themselves and the community. Thousands of them still reside and are employed in Cumberland County. As students put their new skills to use they are typically rewarded with higher incomes. Their efforts and skills add value to local businesses and increase productivity, which results in higher pròts for local enterprises. These higher incomes and increased pròts are spent locally, which benèts the community. For the 2012-2013 ̀scal year, FTCC’s students currently employed in Cumberland County added $440.8 million to the local economy.“

Approximately 88 percent of FTCC’s students remain in North Carolina upon completing their educational goals,” said Dr. Larry Keen, FTCC President. “As our students earn more, they and their employers pay higher taxes through increased output and spending. Over the students working lives, state and local government in North Carolina will collect a present value of $234.2 million in the form of higher tax receipts. Additionally, as our students earn more because of the skills and qualìcations they acquire at FTCC, employers will earn more as their businesses become more productive. Over their working lives, the FTCC student population will generate present value of $2.5 billion in added income in the state of North Carolina. For every dollar that state and local tax payers spend on FTCC, society as a whole in North Carolina will receive a cumulative value of $41.90 in benèts for as long as our students remain active in the state work force.”

To find out more about the FTCC 201-2013 regional economic impact analysis, call 910.678.8373.

Spring is in the air and Ducky is on the move as the 4th Annual Fayetteville Duck Derby approaches. A newly sanctioned Dogwood Festival event, The Duck Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, at Campbellton Landing. The Duck Derby mascot, Ducky, is busy attending local events to get the word out about the race. While the race is still weeks away, there are many ways to participate beforehand. This event is designed to be fun — the grand prize is a 2014 Toyota Scion XD. There will be prizes for second and third place, as well. In the end, everyone wins because the money raised goes right back into the community.

Brandon Price, community liaison at Fayetteville Urban Ministry, is excited about how much The Duck Derby has grown and the many ways that this event has helped the community. “Four years ago, two young ladies stepped up to put on The Duck Derby. We are so grateful for their efforts and for the many ways this event has benefitted the community,” said Price. “Each year we send multiple thousands of rubber ducks down the Cape Fear River. We are looking to make this a banner year and to raise as much as we can on behalf of the community we serve.”

While the event is hosted by Fayetteville Urban Ministry, this is a chance for all local nonprofits to benefit their respective causes. Nonprofits and area schools have already registered their teams at www.fayettevilleduckderby.com. The public is invited to visit the website and purchase a duck — or several ducks — to enter in the race. Each team receives $1 per duck registered to that team. “We are really excited to partner with Cumberland County schools this year, too,” said Price. “We have several schools registered already and Dr. Till (Superintendent of Cumberland County Schools) has been very supportive. We are excited to welcome them on board this year. Nonprofits and schools are signing up daily. The sooner they sign up, the sooner they can start generating funds for their agency.”

Corporate teams are also encouraged to participate. A separate corporate race is scheduled for the big day as well. This is a chance for local businesses to step up and support nonprofits of their choice. The winner of the corporate race gets bragging rights for a year and a year-long presence in the Fayetteville Urban Ministry newsletter. Last year’s winner, Bizzy, from BizCard Express, will be in attendance to defend his title. Another fun aspect of the Corporate race is that the ducks are a little bit bigger and the teams are encouraged to decorate them for the race.

Between now and race day, the public is encouraged to stop by Fayetteville Urban Ministry, purchase a duck and send pictures of Ducky to the event Facebook page. People can adopt ducks using Duck Papers (available at Fayetteville Urban Ministry) or by going online. In previous years, pictures from around the world were submitted leading up to the event.

On race day, the public is invited to Campbellton Landing for an afternoon of fun. There will be live entertainment, food vendors and a Kids Zone where youngsters can play and enjoy activities for free. Many of the nonprofit teams will be on hand to share information about their causes and answer questions. The event starts at noon and ends at 3 p.m. The Corporate Duck Race is at 2 p.m. and is followed by the main event.

While Fayetteville Urban Ministry takes the lead on this fundraiser, one of the reasons Price loves being a part of it is that it is a time when the community works together to benefit those among us who need it most. “We are not the only nonprofit out there, and for this event we all come together as a team. We are all looking for ways to save and serve the community as best we can. That we are able to change lives through this program is what I love best about the Duck Derby.”

Proceeds from this event that go to Fayetteville Urban Ministry are used to support all four of the outreach programs at the organization. “Although I feel like Fayetteville Urban Ministry is the most unique nonprofit in Fayetteville, it warms my spirit when we get to connect with other local nonprofits and schools doing good work in our community. I feel like Fayetteville Urban Ministry is the most unique due to our four programs: Adult Literacy Program, Emergency Assistance Program, Find-A-Friend Program, and Nehemiah Home Repairs Program. We serve people from all type of backgrounds. We serve a number of veterans, active military service members, single parents, grandparents, dual parent households, and the list goes on. Not everyone we serve is poor or a single parent. Many of the people we serve are in crisis, or they moved to our area due to natural disasters from different parts of our country. Fayetteville Urban Ministry is a place people come to when they simply need some help. We give a hand up not a hand out. We are able to do all of what we do because people continue to support The Fayetteville Duck Derby. Everything we do, whether it is teaching someone how to read, tutoring or mentoring a child, helping with food or clothing, or helping to make homes safer…we do it 100 percent free of charge. Johnny Wilson, our Executive Director, has a vision is to touch every community in Fayetteville through time, talent or treasure. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.”

Fayetteville Urban Ministry thanks its annual funding partners, The Re-Store Warehouse (205 Forsythe St), United Way of Cumberland County, Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, the City of Fayetteville, and The Fayetteville Urban Ministry Board of Directors.

Find out more about Fayettville Urban Ministry at www.fayurbmin.org. Sign up a corporate team or purchase ducks at www.fayettevilleduckderby.com. It costs just $5 to adopt a duck and the money goes right back to the community.

Photo: Each year, thousands of ducks are dumped into the Cape Fear River to race to benefit local nonprofits.

Music has always been one of the most important forms of art. According to scripture, it was a giftheld by the angels even before the creation of man. As a boy, David used it to soothe the raging heart of Saul, Israel’s first king. Throughout the ages of Wolfgang Mozart, Duke Ellington and John Williams, it has served as a relevant barometer to reflect the zeitgeist of an era. Now, it returns to Methodist University with an invitation for all.Join the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra Sunday, March 9, at 4 p.m. as it hosts this year’s Youth Concert. Held at the Huff Concert Hall (formerly known as Reeve’s Auditorium) on the beautiful campus of Methodist University, this performance is sponsored by the Arts Council and other Cumberland County community fundraisers. It is free of charge and will be an enchanting time for those in attendance. The concert includes many great classical pieces including two from winners of the Harlan Duenow Young Artist Concerto Competition. Performing Franz Liszt’s “Piano Concerto #1” is the 2012-2013 winner, Hannah Wang. From Charlotte, this 16-year-old is talented beyond her years and shows great promise with her instrument. The 2013-2014 winner, Mary Catherine Cox, will perform Peter Tchaikovsky’s “Violin Concerto.” The 21-year-old virtuoso was also the winner of the East Carolina University Concerto Competition.Also in the concert will be an original piece arranged and performed by the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. Conducted by Maestro Fouad Fakhouri, the orchestra will perform “Carolina Folk Dream” along with “Overture to Nabucco” by the great Giuseppe Verdi. Featured with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, the Cumberland County Youth Orchestra will be conducted by Kristin Stiteler. Performing the patriotic pieces “America the Beautiful” and “The Star-Spangled Banner” are students of the Music Makers Program conducted by Susan Grzesnikowski and Amalia Hutchinson.Julia Atkins, Orchestra Personnel and Marketing Manager of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, is very happy to be a part of this concert. She said, “My expectations are fabulous. I hope that the students have a great experience.” Atkins plays an integral part in making the event a success each year.Founded in 1956, the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra enjoys a prestigious history of enriching the minds and culture of the Fayetteville and surrounding areas. It is the goal of the FSO to inspire and educate the citizens of the greater Fayetteville are — and they do just that each time they perform. For more information, call Julia Atkins at 910.433.4690.

Photo: Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra Maestro Fouad Fakhouri.

If fun entertainment for the whole family is what you’re looking for, you need go no further than the Crown Center this March.

The Harlem Globetrotters, who combine basketball, comedy and theatre, make a stop in Fayetteville on March 20 for a fun-for-all-ages show that is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Not a fan of basketball? Don’t worry! Dizzy Grant, Globetrotter guard and the first pro basketball player to ever hit a four-point shot, says that’s what makes the show so special. “You don’t have to be a fan of basketball to be a fan of the Globetrotters,” Grant said. “Expect a lot of high-flying dunks, and some of the best ball handling you’ve ever seen in your life.”

The Globetrotters’ stop in Fayetteville is part of their 2014 Fans Rule Tour. Show goers are encouraged to visit the Globetrotter webpage (www.harlemglobetrotters.com/rule) to vote for their favorite, craziest rule. The winning rule will be put into play during the March 20 game. Rules up for vote include:

•Hot Hand Jersey – A player wearing this jersey gets double the points when scoring.

•Make or Miss – The quarter starts with two players on each team. When a team scores, a teammate may enter the court. When they miss, a teammate must leave the court.

•Trick Shot Challenge – The team’s challenge each other to make trick shots, with five points awarded to a team that makes a trick shot, and five points given to the opposition if the shot is missed.

One of the great things about the Globetrotter show is that it is appealing and appropriate for all ages. Grant calls it one of the few forms of entertainment you can bring the whole family to. “Everyone is going to be having a good time.”

Originally known as The Savoy Big Five, the Globetrotters’ history is remarkable. When the Savoy Ballroom opened in Chicago in November 1927, the team was hired to put on shows and play exhibitions before concerts and dances there. Since then, they have played more than 22,000 games and have traveled to 121 countries. Known worldwide as the “Ambassadors of Goodwill,” the Globetrotters’ initiatives include The ABCs of Bullying Prevention, a community outreach program designed for 6- to 12-year-olds on ways to stop bullying.

One of Grant’s favorite things about being a Globetrotter is being able to entertain the troops, which makes coming to Fayetteville especially important. “Anytime you have a chance to play in front of service men and women is special,” Grant said.

Ticket prices are $23, $30, $39, $46 and $66, with military ticket prices of $18, $31, $46 and $66 with valid military ID. Discounts are available at the Crown Box Office only. Tickets are available online at Ticketmaster.com, in person at the Crown Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets or by phone at 1.800.745.3000.

Photo: Harlem Globetrotter Dizzy Grant is not only a stellar basketball player, he is also a great entertainer.

Fayette-NAM or Fayette-FAM?

by JENNIFER WHITE GRADNIGO

A long-time advocate for the Fayetteville area, Bill Bowman yields this space to guest writer Jennifer White Gradnigo this week.

Allen’s selection for an Air Force ROTC detachment command allowed us to choose our next assignment. We chose Fayetteville primarily because of Allen’s expected impact at Fayetteville State University. However, we also chose Fayetteville due to its proximity to Washington, D.C., where I lived for 20 years, and also because it is central to so many wonderful cities we want to explore. Because of its beauty and access to both the ocean and the mountains, North Carolina is in the top four states for our possible retirement home so we thought we’d give it a test run.

Unfortunately, a lot of what I read and heard prior to moving to Fayetteville was negative. I had deployed from Fort Bragg in 2004 but hadn’t seen much of the area and only remembered the “strip,” which wasn’t a lot to remember. As recently as last month, when asked how I like the area I replied that we really like it. I was told, “Oh come on, you can be honest.”

No, I’m not a fan of strip malls, but downtown Hay Street reminds me of Old Town Alexandria. Cute shops, plenty of outside dining, and unlike the DC area, free and plentiful parking. Allen and I are definitely ready for more date days and nights. We’ve already been to numerous restaurants downtown with great food and service, and many are also kid-friendly which is a plus for us since we have a 3-year-old daughter.

We stumbled onto some of these restaurants because of location. We were looking for outdoor dining on a fall-like day, and decided to give them a try. Our waiter at a local Italian restaurant was incredibly friendly and told us what a great place Fayetteville is to raise a family. Many of the other restaurants we’ve enjoyed were noted by fellow Fayetteville Regional Chamber members.

One of the top items on my agenda when we moved here six months ago was to join the local chamber. From my very first networking breakfast to being accepted into Leadership Fayetteville, I’ve had fruitful experiences. As Woody Allen said, “Eighty percent of success is just showing up.”

After one event, I decided to make copies of my company’s fact sheets. Not finding a Kinkos online, I pulled out the business card of a person who I had just met at the Chamber breakfast. I walked in the door of the copy store where he works and was approached by one of the friendliest people I’ve encountered since we arrived, and what great customer service! He sat next to me through the entire process to ensure I received what I expected. I found out later that he owns the store.

Because of the warm and friendly people I’ve met through the Chamber and elsewhere, my community feels smaller, in a good way. Allen and I were becoming tired of the congestion and noise of the big city. We were excited about spending the next two or three years at a slower pace with our daughter. We wanted to feel a better sense of community and family and we’ve found it in Fayetteville.

From bumping into a Leadership Fayetteville teammate at a Hay Street restaurant to one-on-one business planning sessions at a local business development center, I already feel like I can reach out to my neighbors for assistance or lunch. With lovely people like the woman at the weigh station who told me my husband was just there when she recognized the photo of our daughter on my credit card, and the caring staff at an upscale day spa, we definitely live in Fayette-FAM, a place with some big city luxuries along with a warm embrace.

Photo: For years Fayetteville was known as Fayette-nam, but that is no longer the case. Once a trouble spot, Hay Street is now a family-friendly place to visit.

You can tell a lot about a society by the way it treats its most vulnerable members. Partnership for Children of Cumberland County’s mission is to build partnerships with families and the community so that all children have the opportunity to succeed in school and be prepared to contribute to our social and economic future. Partnership for Children’s tag line is “The support you need to help children succeed,” and it is not just for parents. “Our customers are parents, caregivers and teachers in early childhood,” said Partnership for Children of Cumberland County President Eva Hansen. “We partner with other organizations that serve kids, too, like the Autism Society, the Boys and Girls Club and the March of Dimes. Our focus is to work with families, service providers and policy makers to have the best outcomes for children.”

On Saturday, March 8, Partnership for Children of Cumberland County is set to host its signature fundraising event of the year — The Soirée. The theme is the Roaring Twenties and period attire is encouraged, dress is semi-formal/black tie optional. Ladies, put on your flapper dresses and headbands. It’s time to dust off those dancing shoes and boogie the night away. “The food is going to be fabulous,” said Hansen. “The menus will reflect the type of foods of the era — the type of food that would be served at an elegant party in the 1920s. The Waldorf salad is just wonderful. There will be an amazing tender pot roast with truffle mashed potatoes along with a couple of choices for fantastic desserts. It will be truly elegant from the décor to the food to the band. Several guests have said they will come in 1920s attire. As an extra bonus we are having a game room so people can keep up with the UNC/Duke game that night.”

Before guests make it through the front door, they will be met by paparazzi as they step out onto the red carpet. “We will have a car from the 20s era at the entry and paparazzi will be there,” said Hansen. “We will also have a photo area set up so people can take formal photos with 20s backgrounds or use fun props to do creative photos. The photos will be available to take home that evening. It will be an opportunity to enjoy fine dining, great conversation and a party atmosphere.”

The entertainment includes 13-piece jazz band Orchestra Casablanca. With a song list that includes more than 300 tunes that cover several genres and features works by musical greats like Count Basie, Woody Herman, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton, and contemporaries Thad Jones and Harry Connick, Jr., this is an event you won’t want to miss. Guests can dance to period and contemporary music throughout the evening.

In addition to great entertainment and a five-course dinner, guests can look forward to a raffle that has some impressive offerings. “We have great raffle prizes that include a trip to Savannah, a trip to Disney, jewelry, a stay at the Embassy Suites in Raleigh and a Hilton Head package,” said Hansen. “The Wine Café is putting together a downtown date night package and A Little Panache is doing some cool things, too. It should be a swanky and decadent night — very Great Gatsby. We chose the 1920s theme because we are celebrating our 20th year and we knew we could have fun with it.”

The Soirée is sure to be an elegant night to remember. The fact that it is for a great cause is a bonus.

Partnership for Children of Cumberland County has a vision for local children — a community committed to the health, safety, happiness and education of all children and their families. Based on decades of research that shows the first five years of a child’s life are critical to their development, Partnership for Children of Cumberland County focuses a lot of time and energy on providing ways to improve child health, family support, and access to high quality child care and education. Programs are built around the organization’s four primary goals: advancing the well-being of children and making sure they are healthy and prepared to succeed when they enter school; strengthening families by helping caregivers, nurturers and teachers help kids prosper; raising the quality of early care and education and building partnerships by providing options, resources, and support collaboratively to help children and families reach their full potential. Partnership for Children of Cumberland County works with many businesses, government organizations and other nonprofits to bring the most current and useful resources to the community.“

Our theme for the year is 20/2,000 — 20 years championing the first 2,000 days,” said Hansen. “That is the time between a child’s birth and when they start kindergarten. Ninety percent of a person’s brain development happens in the first 2,000 days of life. Children will learn and grow no matter where they are. The question is, what are they going to learn and how are they going to grow?” Additionally, a persons brain develops more rapidly in the first five years of life than in any other time in life — 700 neural connections are formed each second. Children in low-income families understand 3,000 words by the age of four compared to children from higher income families who understand more than 20,000 words by the same age.

Partnership for Children of Cumberland County has seen many milestones in helping area kids, including recognition as a best practice model of Smart Start. Partnership’s KidStuff at the Dogwood Festival is an effective outreach to the community at large. In 2011, Partnership for Children was one of three nonprofits recognized by the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits as exemplary stewards of the public’s trust and resources. The organization’s child care resource and referral services help families find quality child care. Partnership for Children of Cumberland County is one of the first organizations in the state to implement the N.C. Pre-Kindergarten program previously known as More at Four. Fundraisers like The Soirée have helped to raise more than $300,000, increasing private sector investment in the community. More than 375 total volunteers have contributed to Partnership for Children of Cumberland County. The creation and full ownership of the Partnership for Children Resource Center is a resource where 16 like-missioned organizations with more than 80 programs serve children, families, early childhood educators and service providers.

While the impact of Partnership for Children of Cumberland County is substantial, the money raised at The Soirée is earmarked for two outreach projects — the government and military affairs program known as Forward March and the Partnership for Children of Cumberland County’s Kidstuff area at the Dogwood Festival. Both are important projects with a broad reach.“

Our government and military affairs is about the advocacy and education on early care and education for policy makers and the Forward March Conference held in conjunction with Snyder Memorial Baptist Church and Southern Regional Area Health Education Center,” said Hansen. “This helps professionals inside and outside the gates to be better equipped to serve and support military families and veteran families who have been involved with 12 years of deployments. This will be our fifth year for the Forward March Conference.”

The Kidstuff area at The Dogwood Festival is a favorite for many young families because it offers a fun space to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the festival, which can be overwhelming for kids under five and their families, too. “Kidstuff is focused on very young kids and their families,” said Hansen. “It provides interactive activities for the kids. It is free, and we use this opportunity to get surveys from parents telling us what their experiences are and what their needs are. We use that to plan activities and confirm if we are on the right track. It is a huge outreach and a way to share resources in a way parents are receptive to. It is one thing to distribute flyers, it is another to have the kids come and families have fun experiences together. The parents can talk to our partners about resources like the Autism Society, Army Community Services and Cumberland County Library programs. We’re excited the PNC Grow Up Great interactive exhibit is again available. Many of our partners have fun activities and information and booths there. Summer camp and summer activity information will also be available. A lot of times parents say ‘I had no idea these were available!’”

Like many nonprofits, the joy that comes from making a difference is priceless, but there is always more work to do at Partnership for Children of Cumberland County. There are many ways to help, though. Make a monetary donation, volunteer, support the organization online, reach out and share your experience and attend local events like the Soirée. Find out more about Cumberland County Partnership for Children at www.ccpfc.org or call 867-9700.

Photo: The Soirée is sure to be a fun-filled night. Last year the event raised more than $100,000 for Partnership for Children of Cumberland County.

This week’s buzz once again centers on Winter Jam. We will look at the tour’s history, check in onthe success it is having this year, and hear from an artist new to the lineup — Lecrae.

Since its formation by NewSong in 1995, The Winter Jam Tour Spectacular has featured many of the top names in Christian music, including TobyMac, Third Day, Newsboys, Steven Curtis Chapman, Skillet and more! Originally called January Jam, Newsong has been bringing this high-energy tour to Fayetteville for nearly 20 years now. When NewSong began Winter Jam, it was based on the idea of removing cost barriers, so more people could attend, be encouraged by the music, and hear the gospel. That continues to be the emphasis to this day.

It has become so successful that Winter Jam has been the most attended tour in the world for the first quarter each of the last three years! Earlier this month the tour was attended by around 18,000 people in both Knoxville and Greensboro, and was enjoyed by more than 30,000 people at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

New to Winter Jam this year is hip-hop artist Lecrae. Recently featured on the My Hope America project produced by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Lecrae loves to tell his story everywhere he goes.

He recently shared how some of his friends responded not long after he decided to give his life to Jesus. “My friends said, ‘You are just changing. I don’t know what’s going on with you. You want to do the right thing all the time.’ And I was like, ‘I don’t know what to tell you.’ And they were like, ‘Man, I can’t wait til the old Lecrae comes back.’” Lecrae continued, “I’ll never forget hearing that sound. They were scared they had lost me. And they were like, ‘Man, you’re giving up everything!’ And I was like, ‘Actually, I’m gaining everything!’”

About the Winter Jamtour, Lecrae says “It’s awesome! It’s slowly becoming a little family as we get to know each other better. Myself and another artist, I won’t mention his name, have even started to do some collaborative work together. It’s been a blast just being able to hang out. I just give God the glory.”

Lecrae joins headliners the Newsboys along with Tenth Avenue North, Thousand Foot Crutch, Plumb, Newsong, Colton Dixon, Love & The Outcome, Everfound and Derek Minor as Winter Jam comes to the Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville on March 13th. The cost is only ten dollars at the door.

Get all the details you need at www.jamtour.com.

Photo: Lecrae

Healthcare has always been a field that is both challenging and rewarding. As technological advances in medicine are made, healthcare fields are broadened, and eventually, new disciplines are created. Most people are familiar with branches, such as nuclear medicine or radiography; however, many have never heard of Respiratory Therapy.

Respiratory Therapy focuses on the respiratory system. But what is not always understood is that the respiratory system does much more than take in oxygen to be distributed throughout the body and help the body by exhaling waste gases. When an individual has problems with breathing, such as asthma, this condition disrupts the state of internal balance, or homeostasis, which in some cases can be life threatening. Aside from an understanding of the respiratory system, the respiratory therapist must also consider many aspects of the cardiovascular system, which involves how oxygen is taken to the rest of the body. The relationship between the heart and lungs is so significant that some hospitals refer to the respiratory therapy department as “cardiopulmonary.”

Fayetteville Technical Community College’s Respiratory Therapy program equips graduates with the skills to work within this expanding branch of healthcare. Through a combination of lecture, laboratory and hospital clinical rotations, students learn the basic physiology of respiratory therapy needed for patient assessments, oxygen therapy, diagnostic procedures and ventilator management. Graduates will have an in-depth understanding of the anatomy and pathology of the respiratory system for identification, treatment, management and rehabilitation of diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema and interstitial lung disease — just to name a few. Through the program, students will have the opportunity to enhance their critical thinking skills for troubleshooting and equipment manipulation.

After earning an associate of applied science degree with a concentration in respiratory therapy at FTCC, students are qualified to take the required national boards, the Certified Respiratory Therapist and Registered Respiratory Therapist exams. Graduates who successfully earn CRT certification may then apply to the state agency for licensure and begin work in most states. The advanced credential of Registered Respiratory Therapist involves a two-step examination process that may be attempted after the CRT certification is obtained. The RRT credential is not only a professional achievement but also a monetary benchmark. According to salary.com, a CRT’s median annual salary in the Fayetteville area is around $52,000, while RRTs earn approximately $4,000 more per year.

If you are an ambitious problem-solver who is looking for a challenging, exciting, and dynamic career in healthcare and are team oriented and enjoy helping others, then respiratory therapy may be the profession for you.

Visit our website at www.faytechcc.edu to learn more about the Respiratory Therapy program as well as other opportunities available to you at Fayetteville Technical Community College. Email hollomaj@faytechcc.edu with questions about the training at FTCC that can lead to your future career in Respiratory Therapy.

Photo: Fayetteville Technical Community College’s Respiratory Therapy program equips graduates with the skills to work within this expanding branch of healthcare. 

Babe Ruth hit his first home run as a paid professional baseball player in Fayetteville. Yes! George Herman “Babe” Ruth’s first home run as a paid professional baseball player happened in Fayetteville during an intra squad game as a Baltimore Oriole on March 7, 1914, in which he played shortstop. He was only 19 years old.

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Babe Ruth’s home run in Fayetteville, the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex has planned a re-dedication of the 1952 historic highway marker honoring the Great Bambino’s home run.

Catch the “Fayetteville Baseball Fever” when it strikes on March 7 with the re-dedication of the highway and a vintage baseball game on March 8. The re-dedication will take place at 558 Gillespie St. at Southern Ave. at the DOT facility, and the vintage game will take place at Arnette Park, located at 2165 Wilmington Hwy,.

Local and state officials will hold a ceremony to re-dedicate the historic highway marker on March 7 at 2 p.m. Opening on March 7, to accompany the museum’s baseball programs, is an exhibit entitled Sports in the Sandhills. It is a collaboration between the Museum of the Cape Fear and the Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum and features two visits Babe Ruth made to Fayetteville (one in 1914 and one in 1935). The exhibit also features another baseball player by the name of Jim Thorpe, who also spent a short time in Fayetteville. On March 8, at 11 a.m., baseball re-enactors will converge at Arnette Park and play a Vintage Baseball double header.

“Vintage Baseball is done by baseball re-enactors,” said Leisa Greathouse, curator of education at the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex. “They are like Civil War re-enactors, but they play baseball. They play by rules from 1864, so we’re talking about the mid 19th Century. They’ll wear uniforms like the ones used during that time period, so this is like the early-early beginnings of baseball.

“The rules are a little bit different. The hitter, as he is known today, was known as the striker — for striking at the ball. They played barehanded — no gloves, because the baseball was made a little differently, and Arnette Park had a field that met the regulations for the distances between the bases that were common during the mid 19th Century, when baseball was being played.

“The games will continue until the double header is complete and Arnette Park will have concessions that day, so it’ll be just like going out to a baseball game.”

Quoting Babe Ruth, as told to writer and commentator Bob Considine in 1948, Greathouse read, “Late in that game, I hit the first professional home run of my life as I hit all the others: by taking a good gander at the pitch as it came up to the plate, twisting my body into a back swing and then hitting it as hard as I could swing. The ball cleared the right field fence and landed in the cornfield beyond. I don’t have to tell you what it did to me inside, but the effect on Dunny (Manager Jack Dunn) and the others was easy to see, too.”

Led by the Museum of the Cape Fear, the Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum, the N.C. Dept. of Transportation, the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Fayetteville Parks and Recreation, and the City of Fayetteville have stepped forward to provide these programs at no cost.

“The Sports in the Sandhills Exhibit can be seen during the museum’s regular operating hours,” said Greathouse, covering all the bases (pun intended!) in regard to the planned centennial events.

For more information, visit www.ncdcr.gov/ncmcf/Events.aspx; www.BabeRuthFayettevilleNC.com, or call 910-486-1330. JOSE´GREEN, Intern, COM-MENTS? Editor@upandcomin-gweekly.com.

Habitat for Humanity is an amazing force within the Fayetteville community. This organization provides a platform for individuals to work together to benefit individuals as well as the community in one. Tammy Laurence the Executive Director is excited about the many ways Habitat for Humanity helps the community. “Just in the last year, the Habitat homeowners paid $150,000 in property taxes. This money would not have gotten back into the community without Habitat owners having their own home for the first time.”

This year delicious cake can also be added to the list of benefits the organization offers, with the Have Your Cake and Eat it, Too Luncheon and Cake Auction. All proceeds will go to support building a home for a family in the community.

This luncheon and cake auction is the first fundraiser of its kind in Fayetteville. Ruthie Dent the Director of Communications and Volunteer Services explained what to expect. “People will be able to walk in and look around at all the cakes. The cakes are donations from area bakers. We are going to have some pretty yummy cakes from home bakers and churches. People will be able to look wine in hand. They will have cards to write down their top picks. Then the Hill Top house will serve lunch and the attendees will talk to the people at their tables and unanimously decide on their top three cakes. The tables will act as a unit. Then they will pool their money in the envelope. Then habitat for humanity staff will go around and sort through the bids. The top five bids will win their cake and it will be brought to the table and served. The rest of the cakes will be divvied up and we will all eat desert together. Then individuals can bid on three cakes to take home with them. They won’t be eaten that day. There will also be a brief presentation from the habitat homeowner, who is actually the beneficiary of this auction. The proceeds will be going to provide her and her children with a home. This is going to be a great and moving show. This event is a great place for people to have fun, mingle and network, but this is also about providing a home and that is what Habitat for Humanity is about.”T

his auction is an illustration of how a community can come together to do great things and help provide stability for a family. All of the cakes, as of now 22, were donated from bakers in the community. Everyone from professional bakers to amazing home cooks have provided for the auction. Even the logo was donated. It was designed by a local student of graphic design at Methodist University. “People hear about it and are ready and willing to donate,” Dent said.

The luncheon will be held on March 12 from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., at the Hilltop House. The Hilltop House is located at 1240 Ft. Bragg Rd. To reserve a seat call 483-0952. Tickets are $25 per person, but corporate tables are available. Dent said, “Tickets include lunch at the Hilltop House, dessert, wine and champagne. I think we will all have a great time. This event is geared a little more towards women leaders in the community so we wanted to make them feel like their time is well spent.”

Thank You PWC and First Responders for Keeping Us Safe

Well, there’s nothing like back-to-back snow storms to prove the mettle and patience of any community. As you read this editorial, the weather is probably mild, over 50 degrees and sunny with absolutely no hint or residue of the treacherous snow and ice storm that recently plagued our community less than a week ago.

Ah, life in the south. Where else can you play golf one day and be covered in snow the next? As I listened to the regional, statewide and nationwide reports on how these devastating storms were affecting our nation, I could only think of how proud I was of the way Fayetteville and the Cumberland County community responded to the nastiness of this dangerous and freaky winter weather.

Our local government officials, both city and county, were at the top of their games making quick and timely decisions that put the safety and welfare of our residents as their highest priority. From opening up shelters to the timely closing of schools, government offices and businesses, our leadership made all the right decisions at the right time.

As damage from wind, frozen rain, heavy ice and snow generated reports of fallen trees and downed power lines leaving tens of thousands of people without electricity and heat, Fayetteville and Cumberland County suffered no such travesty. And, for this, we must give thanks and credit to the dedicated men and women of our local PWC and our fearless, relentless hard working first responders. Police officers, utility linemen, snow plow operators, firemen, EMS personnel all working together in concert to keep our community safe. No doubt these organizations were prepared and at the top of their game.

Some will say that Cumberland County was really lucky not to have been ill affected by this recent storm. However, many more will say that Fayetteville and Cumberland County made its own luck by having those smart, dedicated leaders and loyal hard working people all in the right place at the right time to help us forge ahead and react to what could have been a very tragic situation.

We also need to thank Cumberland County Schools Superintendent Dr. Frank Till and school officials for making wise decisions about closing schools and keeping our children safe. There was some rumbling in the community about the school closings, but those questioning the decision do not see the big picture. Our county schools serve children who live in remote areas of the county, many of which did not see sand or salt trucks until several days into the storm. Dr. Till must look at the safety of all the children in the community – not just those who live in the city proper. These were smart and prudent decisions that again prove good leadership perpetuates itself.

Stay safe and enjoy reading your Up & Coming Weekly.

Photo: Fayetteville first responders did a great job keeping people safe during last week’s snow storms.

Home owners and renters alike are sure to find something to love about this year’s Carolina Home Show. With more than 60 vendors offering the latest in home-related trends and technologies, there is plenty to see and do at this weekend-long event. Mark the calendar for Feb. 22 and 23 and come out and enjoy the day.

“This is our 15th year,” said Natalie Fryer, executive officer at the Home Builders Association of Fayetteville. “Not only will we have all the vendors that people look forward to each year, we are also excited about adding the Healthy Living Expo to this event.”

The show has a reputation for bringing in vendors that offer the latest products and best information about trends in the homebuilding industry and routinely draws visitors from as far away as Raleigh, Wilmington, Pinehurst and Columbia, S.C. The vendors love it, a fact that is proven by the high return rate. “I believe in homebuilders and they believe in the show,” said Kevin Shortridge, chairman of the Carolina Home Show. “I think it brings good publicity to our area, it brings in several visitors to the show and it gives businesses a chance to show what they can do.”

The visitors love it, too, if attendance is any indicator, along with the fact that admission to the event is free. “Usually 3,000 – 4,000 people come through the doors, which is great,” said Shortridge. “Homeownership is the largest investment you will make in your life and people are always looking for the newest technology or ways to make it look better. Landlords tend to look for products that will help keep the value of the home up, people looking to sell usually look for things they can do to add value to the property before they sell it, people who are planning to stay in their homes are often looking to personalize it and make it their own and renters usually gravitate more to garden projects and things like that — and we have things here that will accommodate all of these groups. And then this year we also have the Healthy Living Expo, as well, which is one more thing that people can enjoy while they are here.”

The Carolina Home Show vendors offer the latest innovations and design trends that include cabinetry and countertops, flooring, sunrooms and additions, energy efficiency, heating and A/C, windows and exterior products. Each day also features speakers that offer tips and information about gardening and lawn maintenance.

On Saturday, the Healthy Living Expo, sponsored by Beasley Broadcasting, runs from 10 a.m. to 6p.m. Roger Mercer will speak about Camellia breeding at 11:30 a.m. followed by George Quigley at 12:30 p.m. Quigley is scheduled to speak about low impact lawn maintenance. Don’t miss Charles Allen at 2 p.m. for a talk about ground covers for hard to grow areas. Myra Norton talks about container gardening at 3:30 p.m. and outdoor living design at 5 p.m.

Mercer returns on Sunday at 11 a.m., to discuss tactics for choosing hardy foliage. If you can’t make Quigley’s presentation about low impact lawn maintenance on Saturday, it is offered again at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. Allen presents plants for fencing alternatives at 2p.m. and Quigley closes out the presentations for the event at 3:30 p.m. with smart tree planning tips.

While the Healthy Living Expo is a new addition to the event, Fryer and Shortridge are both excited about it and see it as a bonus for people who come out to the event. “The Carolina Home Show is already a one-stop-shopping kind of event and it just makes sense to build on that and add to it where we can,” said Shortridge.

Whether you are in the market for new products, researching a special project or upgrade, considering what to plant this spring or looking to get out and enjoy something different, you are sure to find something interesting at the Carolina Home Show. Vendors offer give-aways, demonstrations and more. It’s free to get in. The Carolina Home Show is Feb. 22-23 at the Crown and is open Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.carolinahomeandgardenshow.com/attendees.html for more information.

Photo: The Carolina Home Show is a great place to check out the latest trends and technology in all things home and gar-den related. The event features more than 60 vendors, exhibits and educational sessions as well as free admission to the Healthy Living Expo.

Fayetteville State University will host the 4th Annual Frederick Douglass Debates on Monday, Feb. 24 at 11 a.m. in Seabrook Auditorium on the campus of Fayetteville State University. The university will debate Hampton University.

“It is a public debate series that started four years ago at FSU,” said William Thomas, lecturer and director of debate at Fayetteville State University. “We invited another debate team from another university to come in and debate on three issues of social significance to tie in partially to Black History Month and issues that Frederick Douglass may have been interested in.”

Thomas added that they wanted to bring two historically black colleges and universities together for the debate.

The significant topics debated include the stand-your-ground law, prayer/religion in school and other public areas and the Affordable Healthcare Act. Stand your ground is a type of defense law that gives individuals the right to use deadly force to defend themselves without any requirement to evade or retreat from a dangerous situation.

Prayer and religion in school entails that in the United States, school prayer is proscribed in accordance with the establishment clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution which provides the foundation for the separation of church and state.

The Affordable Health Care Act puts consumers back in charge of their healthcare. Under the new law, a new patient’s “Bill of Rights” gives the American people the stability and flexibility they need to make informed choices about their health.

“The debate team decided that we wanted to do something to service our community,” said Thomas. “We could use the skills that the students have in debating to help educate the community about issues that are important and timely to the community.”

Special guest judges are Mayor Chris Rey of Spring Lake, Dr. Karla Holloway, professor of Duke University and lawyer Katherine Hudson from Legal Aid of North Carolina.

“We invite community judges that people will recognize and that will help draw in an audience so they can come in and learn more about the issues,” said Thomas. “Winning the debate is not really the point.”

Thomas added that the winning team will receive a glass bowl trophy.

Invitations were sent to all of the schools in Cumberland County in order to bring students to see the debate.

“Please come out and support the debate,” said Thomas. “Most people feel that debates are boring but it will be full of energy and it is a really entertaining event.”

The event is free and open to the public. For more information contact William Thomas at wthomas3@uncfsu.edu.

Photo: The 4th Annual Frederick Douglass Debates are scheduled for Feb. 24 at Fayetteville State University.

Youth for Christ will host a fundraising event to benefit the youth of the Fayetteville community onFeb. 28. The event is set to take place at New Life Center, Haymount United Methodist Church.

The event features Bob Stromberg, a clean comedian and inspirational speaker who grew up in the Allegheny Mountains of rural Pennsylvania. He has traveled the world starring in the megahit theatrical production Triple Espresso; a production that can only be described as a highly-caffeinated comedy. Triple Espresso has been seen by nearly two million people in dozens of cities ranging from Seattle to the West End of London, and has become the longest running stage production in the history of San Diego, Minneapolis and the entire state of Iowa. Stromberg is also known for his many appearances on the award winning TV comedy Bananas.

“Stromberg has done this kind of work with Youth for Christ chapters throughout the country,” said John McIntyre, executive director at Youth for Christ. “He’s a comedian by trade, but what’s neat is the reason he likes to work with Youth for Christ chapters is that when he was a young man, people came in and helped influence his life. So this is part of his story.”

Aside from the theatrical productions and TV comedy shows Stromberg is featured in, he is known for several books such as Finding the Magnificent in Lower Mundane, the award winning, beautifully illustrated family story The Miracle at Stinky Bay and the best selling Why Geese Fly Farther Than Eagles. Stromberg has been delighting audiences of all ages with his perfect blend of standup, story and shtick for more than 30 years. He’s always clean and his presentation is a disarming healthy blend of knee-slapping comedy and a whole lot of wholesome encouragement.

“This event is a fundraiser,” said McIntyre. “We are nonprofit and we exist on the generosity of folks who love the mission and really get behind it. This event is a neat way to say, ‘Thank you,’ to those people who give, and it’s going to be a solid hour of comedy, man.”

“This guy is hilarious. We want folks to have a good time. We want people that don’t know about us to hear about us — and hear about some good things that are happening and feel good about supporting it.”

“A lot of events are built around personality or groups, depending on what those people are known for,” said McIntyre. “Like when the Crown brought in Bill Cosby, or when people go see other comedians or whatever show they go see. There’s something that they know they’re going for, and Bob is one of the few comedians who has a similar heart [as Bill Cosby] and wants to support the mission of Youth for Christ.”

“We love this kind of event and we hope to make this event an annual one,” said McIntyre. “We’ll obviously need to rotate comedians because people want to see different acts, but as people have the same mindset, the same heart and the same purpose — we’ll see how it goes as we move forward.”

Tickets are on sale now! For more information, or to purchase tickets, go to www.yfcfay.org, or call (910) 433-5630.

Photo: Comedian Bob Stromberg is set to perform at  Haymount United Methodist Church on Feb. 28.

Love is a beautiful emotion that is supposed to make you feel good, but sometimes the person you allow in your heart can cause so much pain. The Crown Center presents the latest Tyler Perry Production, Hell Hath No Fury Like a Woman Scorned on Thursday, Feb. 27 –Saturday, March 1.

Tyler must have written this play about me. The play is about Anita Lincoln, a single, successful woman who has a great job, family and friends but cannot seem to find a loving man. Anita meets Randy online and he appears to be loving and charming, but things change during a trip to Las Vegas.

“I play the character Anita in the play and I am the woman who has been scorned,” said Cheryl Pepsi Riley. “Anita is in her 40s, an overachiever, has a good heart and has always tried to do the right thing when making decisions in her life.”

Riley added that Anita has a best friend who sets her up on an online date and with a little hesitation she decides to go on the date with the guy. As always, it is too good to be true and from there the story gets really good.

“It is a story that all women can relate to,” said Riley. “Women should bring their significant other with them to the show as well.”

Riley added that women need to be wiser in their counsel about relationships because the flesh can sometimes make decisions that spiritually we would not do.

Riley is best known for her number one hit 1998 ballad, ‘Thanks for My Child.’ After a hiatus from the music industry, she reemerged as a star in a number of gospel plays for playwright Tyler Perry. She has started “Black Velvet Mondays” which is a platform for up and coming artists which is her way to pay it forward for the next generation.

“Everybody knows someone that has dealt with some not so wonderful relationships,” said Riley.

“You really get the complete ride on this show and the cast is amazing.” Riley added that the singing is phenomenal and people will laugh, cry, think, question and ponder as they watch the show.

Show times are Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., and Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are $41.50 for Thursday’s show, $47.50 for Friday’s show, $48 for the 3 p.m. show on Saturday, and $51 for the 8 p.m. show on Saturday. Tickets are available online at Ticketmaster.com, the Crown Center Box Office, and all Ticketmaster outlets. For more information call 1-800-745-3000.

Though February is the shortest month of the year, it is packed full of exciting events. Besides Valentines Day, this February will also have a 4th Friday celebration on the 28th. Downtown Fayetteville is a lively destination every day of the week, but on 4th Fridays the activities extend into the night.

4th Friday fun will start a little early this month with the 7th Annual Bread and Bowl’s event. In support of Operation Inasmuch, the Hay Street United Methodist Church offers an opportunity to support the community and enjoy a hearty meal of chicken Brunswick stew. Operation Inasmuch helps the church reach beyond its walls to help those in need. There are two options for meals. A $20 meal is served in a handmade pottery bowl created by local artist Greg Hathaway and other talented local potters. The Inasmuch volunteers also serve a $10 meal in a freshly baked bread bowl. Each meal includes chicken Brunswick stew, a brownie and tea or coffee. Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. The dinner hours, which are 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., allow patrons to go directly from dinner to the fun of 4th Friday, which begins at 6 p.m. The Hay Street United Methodist Church is located at 320 Hay St. Tickets and more information are available at www.FAOIAM.org or by calling 433-2161.

Fascinate-U is a gem in downtown Fayetteville, and a must-see for any 4th Friday participants with kids. This museum is focused specifically on children and provides a fun and educational experience. Every 4th Friday, Fascinate-U also offers a free event for families to enjoy. Beginning at 7 p.m., Fascinate-U will host Family Fun Maracas. Children are invited to create their own maracas with the provided supplies and can bring them into the museum for some musical fun. Fascinate-U is located at 116 Green St. For more information visit www.fascinate-u.com or call 829-9171.

The artistic culture in downtown Fayetteville is also on display during 4th Fridays. There are multiple galleries downtown, and they are all open late.This month, the exhibit at the Arts Council, a staple in Fayetteville visual art, celebrates African American culture and artists. The exhibit is entitled The Pilgrim-age: A Lifetime of Collection by Dr. James and Juanita Pilgrim. The exhibit is generously on loan from Dr. James and Juanita Pilgrim. All of the art work was created by African-American artists, and pays homage to their great skills and passionate representations. Some of the featured artists are William Tolliver, Jonathan Green and Paul Goodnight.

“The Army Ground Forces Band’s Freedom’s Groove will play at the Arts Council during 4th Friday this month from 7 to 9 p.m. We’re calling our program a A Celebration of Dance,” said Mary Kinney, marketing director of the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County. “We are excited to have members from two dance groups, Cape Fear Ballroom Dancers and Swing Dance Heritage Club, who will help get the crowd going during 4th Friday. They will mingle on the dance floor to keep everyone swinging and moving to the music.” Admission to the Arts Council is free. The museum is located at 301 Hay St. For more information, visit www.theartscouncil.com.

For those interested in history, stop by the Market House, which is in the center of downtown. This beautiful building also acts as a museum. It has a rotating exhibit for each month that focuses on an aspect of the area’s history that includes a permanent exhibit called View from the Square, which explains the history of Downtown Fayetteville. The Market House is located at the convergence of Hay, Gillespie, Person and Green Streets.

Each 4th Friday the Downtown Alliance, in conjunction with downtown businesses, offers a Fanatics Card that offers discounts, prizes and more. Stop by the Downtown Alliance and pick one up. They are free.

Photo: Stop by Hay Street United Methodist Church for a warm bowl of soup in a custom painted bowl before heading to 4th Friday.

For centuries the circus has captured the imagination. The daring shows of agility and strength combined with amazing and exotic animals are enough to make everyone from children to adults smile. The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey names are some of the oldest and most famous in the circus business, and for good reason. On Feb. 27-28 and March 1-2, this famous travelling entertainment venue is coming to Fayetteville to present the Super Circus Heroes show.

One of the main attractions of this event is the Lopez family. This tight-knit family of 12 has been wowing crowds for years, and this is their second year with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. They specialize in a high-wire performance and another crowd favorite, the motorcycle globe. The hollow steel globe is the smallest of its kind in the United States. It is only 12 feet in diameter. This makes their act even more challenging and thrilling when they cram motorcycles into it and they zoom around inside at dangerously fast speeds. “There is room for 1-2 cycles only but they wanted to do more crazy and cool things,” said Maria Dominguez, a performer in the Lopez Family Troupe. “It takes a lot of practice and focus. For me, I have to focus because it is hard to [manage] the speed. You can’t go too fast or too slow but if you like the job it is fun and gives you good adrenaline.”

The high-wire act performed by the Lopez Family is just as daring. They perform acrobatic stunts and even sword fight 25 feet in the air and without a net. It takes copious amounts of practice and years of experience to master. The performers practice on average 1-2 hours a day, and many of them grew up in the circus. “My family is from Chile. My dad got a contract in Mexico and I knew my dad worked in the circus. In 1997, I went to Mexico to be in the circus, too, and I never got home,” Dominguez said. She has 14 years of experience on the high wire now.

The high wire and motorcycle globe are breathtaking, indeed, but the there is still more to enjoy. There are traditional acts like trained animals and acrobats. There are also some newer things like karate performances. At this circus even the most traditional acts are thrilling and given a new edge.

Before the show even begins, there is a lot of fun to be had. “Every ticket has entry to the preshow where people can come and meet all the performers and take pictures. You can try on the costumes and see the motorcycles. You can also meet the Lopez Family and try the low wire that is one or two feet high. We can teach people how to do the low wire. We open the back stage area and all the families can go back and see the animals and the performers and what it takes to put the show together. That part is very fun because you can see behind the scenes and how they do everything for the show,” Dominguez said. Patrons can also take pictures and ask all the performers questions.

Feb. 27-28, the shows start at 7 p.m. March 1 will have performances at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m. March 2 will have shows at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. All performances are held at the Crown Coliseum located at 1960 Coliseum Dr. Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information visit www.ringling.com.

Photo: Ticketholders are invited to a preshow event where they can meet the performers, try on costumes, see the animals and even learn a few circus tricks -- like how to walk on the low wire.

Is Government Expansion the Answer?

The City of Fayetteville’s planning retreat, held this past week, ended on a high note, but has me wondering if our new city council and staff members are aware of the myriad of organizations, businesses and institutions that are already serving this community to encourage local economic development.

This question arises after the introduction and discussion surrounding a proposal recommendation by Deputy City Manager Rochelle Small-Toney to create a new city department. According to Small-Toney this new Department of Economic and Business Development would focus specifically on local citywide economic development.

Hmmmm? In my opinion, this seems like an intrusion of local government into those things best left to the expertise of the private sector. No doubt progressive, healthy economic development that leads to the creation of good high-paying jobs goes hand-in-hand with keeping any metropolitan city’s crime rate low and its unemployment rate under control. Having low crime and unemployment rates lead to a better quality of life. Fayetteville is no exception. However, you would think that after at least four decades of implementing “on-again off-again” economic development plans, programs and strategies in this community (all with limited success) it’s amazing that with this idea, what is old is now new, again.

When it comes to coordinating economic development efforts, recruiting industry and retaining and expanding local businesses in Fayetteville and Cumberland County you would think we would have learned to leave that to the professionals. We should know by now that government employees and full-time bureaucrats have a miserable track record navigating the private sector. So, why go there? Again.

But according to Small-Toney there is a desperate need. She states, “We have a gap and now we have an opportunity to close that gap.”

Really? A gap? Where is this gap and what is it? Can it be defined and quantified? It begs the question whether our new city staffers are even aware of all the current services and programs offered here through organizations like FTCC, Fayetteville State University, Methodist University, Fayetteville Regional Chamber of Commerce and CEED (the Center for Economic Empowerment and Development). Many of these organizations are supported by the City of Fayetteville. I think Small-Toney would be impressed if she sat down with people like Chamber President Doug Peters, Russell Rogerson, vice-president of the Economic Development Alliance or Lexi Hasapis or Sylvia Ray of CEED to find out just what services they provide the citizens of Fayetteville. I think she would come away with a new found understanding of what they are collectively doing to address the issues and concerns she has.

As a matter of fact, I think she would be pleasantly surprised to find that their missions are identical to the ones she would like to see addressed with her proposal, i.e. the need to focus on minorities, women-owned enterprises, startups and small businesses. Interesting that there was no inclusion or mention of assisting our military veterans. A concerning omission.

Councilman Jim Arp and other council members should be concerned about creating “duplication of services.” Fayetteville residents and city taxpayers are already contributing heavily to this process. And, the council will already be challenged to find the funding for Police Chief Harold Medlock’s $5 million plus plan to increase his ranks to fight Fayetteville crime making the community safer place for all of us to live, work and play. The people have spoken. Crime is the #1 priority now and we must support Chief Medlock with our time, talent and money. Yes, it will take money. Tax dollars. So, there is no place for duplication here. We just can’t afford it.

There are other issues with this idea. Besides funding, there’s another more subtle concern with Small-Toney’s suggestion of creating a new in-house city department for economic development. This is that we would again be widening the cooperation and communications gap between city officials, Cumberland County Commissioners, the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development officials. Why would we want to do that? Successful, economic development comes from having everyone at the table when strategizing a development plan. Fayetteville Mayor Nat Robertson and many other council members actually campaigned on the issue and notion that they wanted to achieve greater levels of cooperation, harmony, teamwork and foster better working partnerships between the city, Cumberland County and supporting agencies. So, this idea of Fayetteville “going it alone” just doesn’t seem like it is in sync with the collective ideals of the council.

This is in no way an attack or criticism of Deputy Small-Toney and it’s not to say I don’t appreciate her initiative. From all accounts, the comments I have heard about her performance have been very complimentary noting that she is extremely smart and competent and is making worthwhile contributions to our city as part of Ted Voorhees’ management team. This being said, one wonders from who or where is she getting her information? Obviously, not from someone who is informed and in tune with the important and pressing issues of this community. The last thing our city needs at this sensitive and critical stage is the introduction of a “community organizer” mentality micro-managing the future of our city.

Now, addressing her idea about the need to market the city’s available business parks and redevelopment areas, well, isn’t this what our local, regional and statewide commercial realtors and economic developers do? Again, why try to compete with the private sector?

Fayetteville does not need to add to the expansion of government bureaucracy by creating a new city department, adding a department director, three new staff members, an administrative assistant, a business recruiter and development recruiter.

Nor do we needlessly need to spend hundreds of thousands of taxpayers’ dollars to promote and duplicate the business and industry development process when it is already a coordinated effort between the city, county and region. It will not work and we can’t afford to create or take ownership of a failed economic stimulus package of our own creation. This economic-development strategic plan is not well thought out. There are no guidelines or pro forma for the money, yet, the purpose would be to provide business loans to entrepreneurs and business owners and provide down payments for private funding by providing working capital. Then, this newly created department would advertise, market and promote these services to those residents in need and the local business community. What does this sound like? Community organizing! It is not enough to just make a general statement that the city isn’t doing enough to attract economic development. Nor is it fair or prudent to ignore the conditions of our economy, our tax rates, unemployment rates, incentive programs or lack of, the lasting effects of the recession, ever changing technology and the changing demands and qualifications of the American work force.

So, tell me, what is not working? Can it be defined specifically? I don’t think so. Small-Toney said her idea isn’t to duplicate services but work in partnership to provide people with information and services to start and develop small businesses here in Fayetteville. Well, look around. Not only do we have these services and organizations (CEED, Chamber etc.) but they are currently being supported by taxpayer dollars. So, if the real concern is that taxpayer-funded economic development responsibilities are relegated to outside organizations and they are not being accountable to the city, make them accountable! The city is the client. They are working for the City of Fayetteville. However, it is the city’s responsibility to step up and understand the complexities of the process. This would be a very exciting and worthwhile job for the Deputy City Manager. I’m sure after a full year of this kind of involvement we all will hear a more realistic story about the state of our local economic development affairs and, hopefully, how to deal with them. We’ll see.

Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

Photo: Deputy City Manager Rochelle Small-Toney

The Real Housewives of television fame have nothing on Georgia Rogers Farmer when it comes to entertaining. Farmer headlined Better Health’s Annual Evening at the Theater last year and was such a hit that she’s been invited back to perform at the fundraiser again on Feb. 22.

A singer, actress and variety show performer, Farmer has a spot-on delivery as well as remarkable sense of humor. The fact that she loves singing and performing helps, too.

“I started singing when I was really young. I have always loved to sing,” said Farmer. “I got into musical theater after college. I stumbled on cabarets when I worked on a cruise ship 14 years ago. They were looking for someone to fill in at the last minute, so I was like ‘well, I’ll do it.’ That is how the whole cabaret thing got started with me. It was really fun.”

The variety and freedom that a cabaret show offers the performer is perfect for Farmer. This form of theatrical entertainment, consisting mainly of political satire in the form of skits, songs and improvisations, provides great opportunities to engage the audience, which is something Farmer loves to do.

“I always make crafts and prizes for the audience. I make stuff that is really fun,” said Farmer. “I always enjoy this gig. I did it last year and there are three musicians who played that I had never met until I rehearsed with them. They are great — incredible. That is very exciting for me. I was very nervous last year because I am used to playing with the same people. It was perfect. They all really played fantastically. The band includes Steve Menendez on piano and Steve Boletchek on bass.”

“We are out of our minds with excitement,” said Robin Sledge, program manager and director of exercise programs and Eat Smart Move More. “We know how funny and talented she is. I went last year and fell in love with her act.”

One of Sledge’s favorite bits was a number about a meek little mild girl who finds the perfect place to live. “She loves it because it is so calm and sedate and it even has a window seat where she can sit and read,” said Sledge.

“Then an opera singer moves in downstairs so she switches to operatic voice. The meek girl starts talking about the opera singer and goes back and forth between them switching voices flawlessly. Then a jazz singer moved in upstairs. She juggled all three back and forth between the three voices seamlessly.”

Last year’s performance also included a song about bacon. “She came out into the audience with a tray of bacon cupcakes and started handing them out,” said Sledge. “She is so funny and so talented. We all had the best time.”

The theme this year is Real Housewives and it promises to be entertaining. Farmer took her inspiration from the Real Housewives television series. “I am a big fan of the real housewives, reality shows, which are ridiculous,” said Farmer. “I though ‘As much as I watch them, I am going to try to make it work.’ I decided to take a shine to them and really bring it home and show what a real housewife does. It is more real reality. I thought it was a catchy title, though.”

Better Health Executive Director Judy Klinck is excited to have Farmer back for a second performance. “Anyone who saw it last year will know why we are having her back. She has a variety of material and we wanted more. We are in a new venue this year at SkyView on Hay. We are excited about that but we are using the same format as last year. When guests arrive they will have hors d’oeuvres and drinks andget to socialize for an hour. Then we watch the show, which is about an hour and we have dessert and coffee afterwards. It’s a good variety show and that is one of my favorite kinds of entertainment. We don’t have this kind of entertainment in our area. I think this a unique opportunity for a fun night out.”

Klinck credits Cassandra Vallery for bringing such a fun show to the area. “We really thank Cassandra Vallery, who has been producer of our shows for seven years and has been magnificent in her part in the show,” said Klinck. “She is helping in several ways. We owe her everything for this show being so wonderful. Georgia is amazing but it was Cassandra who introduced us to her.”

This event is the main fundraiser for Better Health and the proceeds support many of the programs at the organization. Like the name implies, Better Health’s mission is “to provide for the unmet healthcare needs of Cumberland County residents through assistance, referral, and education.”

Founded in 1958, Better Health offers a variety of programs to the public free of charge. The Emergency Medical Assistance program offers help with prescription medications, tooth extractions, orthotics, medical equipment, gasoline assistence for out of town medical appointments and disposable incontinence supplies, ostomy supplies, testing strips, syringes and more for qualified clients. Medical equipment loans are available for free for up to six months. Items include walkers, canes and crutches, wheelchairs, bathroom aids, bedside commodes and hoya lifts. Hospital beds or scooters are not available. Diabetes services include diabetes monitoring clinics with education sessions three times/week, take Charge of Diabetes 7-week self-management class, glucometer training, exercise classes for diabetics, diabetes and blood pressure screening, diabetic supplies (limited), foot care clinics, vision screening for eye disease and medication review. The Eat Smart Move More childhood obesity prevention program is “A four part educational program to provide children with the skills to improve eating and physical activity behaviors to achieve a healthy weight. Eat Smart, Move More is offered in schools, churches, summer programs and other groups at no charge. The program consists of four sessions of approximately 45 minutes each, including a healthy snack.

Better Health is a United Way agency. Find out more about this organization at www.betterhealthcc.org or call 483-7534..