Everyone loves a good nail set. TikTok and Instagram are full of design inspiration and nail artists taking the craft to the next level. From acrylic to gel, sculptured to traditional, squared to coffin tip, there is something for everyone and every occasion.
Those looking to learn the craft and start their journey as a nail tech journey can look no further than Claws by Vee School, Fayetteville’s premier private nail school located at 594 S. Reilly Road.
Owner Verace Granberry started her journey as a nail tech five years ago, expanding from the chair to owning her salon. The school has been open for about 6 months. The 4-month program has already seen success in offering day and night classes and tuition payment plans to accommodate anyone interested in attending no matter the circumstance. Claws by Vee School offers Gel X certification and nail art workshops. Potential students can schedule tours on the school's website at https://clawsbyveeacademy.as.me/schedule.php.
Granberry has always known she wanted to expand far beyond salon ownership. Opening the school was a dream come to fruition, even with some minor changes. Claws by Vee is the first black-owned full-time nail school in Fayetteville, a fact that Granberry was fully aware of when planning her vision for the school and what she wanted it to look like.
“It was tough because I started out with this vision that I wanted a big school. We were originally supposed to be downtown, but it was a lot with construction and engineers, and I just ended up having to turn around and just do a whole different outlook. But it was a good feeling. I have a lot of positive things to say about that more than negative. It’s a really good feeling because [we are ] creating history so this journey has been nothing but great so far and I’m praying that stays that way,” Granberry said.
Her time as a salon owner more than prepared her to start the school, and as an entrepreneur and mom, she knows the importance of support.
“My salon really molded me to be able to work with people, understand the way people think, understand how to respond and not respond. Understand self-control, understand you know that my tone affects people and just understand how to cater to people because we all need each other … My school is more of an intimate place. Is more of a sisterhood … What if they want to create content, or if they want to have their own product line, or they just want to own their own salon? They get to see each aspect. I’ve worked in a salon. I’ve got my own product line. I’ve done a lot of different things so they can learn from somebody who has walked in those footsteps,” she said.
Granberry has also started her own nail product line, including acrylic, nail charms, nail tips, and anything else nail techs need.
“My products are very high-quality. They’re very beginner-friendly for everything from acrylic EMA monomer, nail art, charms, files, nail tips, glue, pretty much everything you need to just start up and start practicing,” she explained.
She hopes to open a storefront soon, but in the meantime, those interested can purchase products at the school during business hours.
As a working mom, Granberry relies on the support of her mother and fiancé to balance the life of owning a nail school and home life. “[I would like to thank] number one, God. My mother, my fiancé, he’s a big help when it comes to our family and our children. Being able to be at the school, holding the house down. My team. I say that all my school-owner friends, all my friends that connect with me and we own schools. We get together and we help solve any problems we might have. We find solutions to help each other.” Granberry said.
The school offers clinical hours Monday-Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. This is an opportunity for students to practice their skills and for the community to get services for a discounted price and help future nail techs. Book an appointment by calling the school at 910-850-5339.

Indoor rock climbing is an excellent way to improve your physical fitness. By engaging various muscle groups, climbing builds strength in your arms, legs, and core. Each climb requires you to reach, stretch, and move your body in ways that enhance your flexibility.
Additionally, the continuous movement involved in climbing provides a great cardiovascular workout, increasing your heart rate and improving your cardiovascular health. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced climber, the physical benefits of indoor climbing are substantial and can contribute to overall fitness.
Climbing is not just a physical activity; it also challenges your mind. Each route or 'problem' you encounter requires careful planning and problem-solving skills. You need to think several steps ahead, deciding where to place your hands and feet to progress efficiently.
This mental engagement enhances your focus and concentration, making climbing an excellent cognitive workout. Successfully navigating a challenging route can also boost your confidence, as you overcome obstacles and achieve your climbing goals.
The combination of physical activity and mental focus in climbing can lead to significant stress relief. Engaging in a climb releases endorphins, the body's natural 'feel-good' hormones, which can help reduce stress and improve your mood.
Moreover, the immersive nature of climbing requires you to be fully present and focused on the task at hand, providing a mental break from daily stressors. This unique blend of physical exertion and mental engagement makes climbing an effective way to manage stress.
One of the significant advantages of indoor climbing is its accessibility regardless of weather conditions. Unlike outdoor climbing, which can be dependent on favorable weather, indoor climbing gyms provide a controlled environment where you can climb year-round.
This means you can maintain a consistent exercise routine and continue to enjoy the benefits of climbing, no matter the season. The convenience and reliability of indoor climbing make it an excellent option for those looking to stay active and fit throughout the year.
Climbing gyms are more than just places to exercise; they are vibrant communities where individuals come together to share their passion for climbing. The supportive environment in these gyms encourages climbers to push their limits and achieve new heights.
As you overcome climbing challenges and improve your skills, your confidence grows. Additionally, the social interaction with fellow climbers fosters a sense of belonging and community, making the climbing gym a welcoming and motivating place to be.
Fayetteville has two great locations for indoor climbing. The Climbing Place, located at 436 W Russell Street, has something for everyone from beginner to more experienced climbers. Rock climbers can also try indoor top rope climbing or bouldering. Their friendly and professional staff are ready to assist you with all of your climbing needs. They provide all the equipment, or you are welcome to use your own. Walk-ins are welcome. Hours of operation are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For information on pricing visit https://www.theclimbingplace.com/prices
The Triangle Rock Club is located at 5213 Raeford Road. This facility has 8,500 square feet of climbing surface including top roping, lead climbing, auto-belays, and top-out bouldering. Climbing routes and bouldering problems are rotated weekly. Climbers of all ages, experience and backgrounds are welcomed. Walk-ins are welcome, and equipment can be rented for those who don’t have their own. For information on becoming a member visit https://trianglerockclub.com/membership/

Prepare for a winter of suspense and mystery as Sweet Tea Shakespeare invites audiences to step into the captivating world of Agatha Christie with their adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express. This highly anticipated production, skillfully adapted by renowned playwright Ken Ludwig, is set to take place at the Arts Council of Fayetteville/ Cumberland County, with performances running from Jan. 23-26 and Jan. 30-Feb. 2. Evening shows will commence at 7 p.m., while matinees are scheduled for 2 p.m. on Jan. 27 and Feb. 3.
Set against the backdrop of the luxurious and iconic Orient Express train, the story plunges viewers into a high-stakes, enigmatic journey, where the sudden murder of a passenger brings the tranquility of train travel to a chaotic halt. The passengers, all strangers with secrets and hidden motives, are ensnared in a deadly web of deception. Enter Hercule Poirot, Agatha Christie's legendary detective, whose keen intellect and unparalleled observation skills are tested as he endeavors to unravel the truth shrouded beneath layers of lies.
Under the direction of the talented Ayana Washington, the production promises to keep the audience on the edge of their seats, guessing and pondering the various possibilities until the very final moments. In a previous conversation, Washington addressed the creative challenges of adapting such a complex narrative.
"The brilliance of Christie's storytelling lies in its intricate complexity and character depth," she explained. "Our mission is to honor her remarkable plotting while simultaneously immersing the audience into the theatrical experience. With our intimate staging, we strive to make attendees feel like they are passengers on the train, actively engaged in Poirot's investigation."
Washington emphasized the unique fusion of traditional and modern theatrical techniques that Sweet Tea Shakespeare employs. This innovative approach infuses contemporary energy into their performances, creating an experience that, while firmly rooted in the 1930s setting, resonates with a modern audience. This not only ensures a suspenseful and atmospheric performance but also deeply engages the audience on multiple levels, leaving them intrigued and excited.
The production transforms the Arts Council's indoor space into a lavish train compartment, creating a strikingly immersive environment that reflects the glamour and tension in Christie's narratives. This immersive setting, coupled with the themes of justice, morality, and the quest for truth that thread through the storyline, invites viewers to contemplate more profound philosophical questions beyond just the criminal mystery itself, making them feel transported and engaged.
In true Sweet Tea Shakespeare fashion, Murder on the Orient Express will feature signature elements such as live pre-show music, enhancing the overall atmosphere and setting the mood for the thrilling adventure ahead. Additionally, audiences will have opportunities to interact with cast members after the performance, creating a unique connection between performers and viewers. This interactive element ensures that the audience feels connected and involved in the production.
Tickets are priced between $15 and $25 and can be purchased online or at the Arts Council box office. Special discounts are available for students, military personnel, and seniors. Prospective attendees should note that the production includes content warnings for depictions of blood, violence, and graphic descriptions of murder and is recommended for audiences aged 12 and older.
With its captivating staging, compelling performances, and dynamic storytelling, Murder on the Orient Express promises to deliver an unforgettable evening of thrilling entertainment and intellectual engagement.
For more information and to secure your tickets, please visit Sweet Tea Shakespeare's official website at https://sweetteashakespeare.com/

“Big Thinking Precedes Great Achievement”
— Wilfred A Peterson

Hope Mills’ celebration of the opening of Phase 1 of Heritage Park was a rainy day on Nov. 20, 2024. This was the physical manifestation of a sustained vision.
Chancer McLaughlin, Town Manager, Hope Mills, shared, “We are here to witness something never before in the history of this town. We are here today at the opening of a park dedicated to the history of Hope Mills. We are also here today because of the challenging work, dedication, vision, and most importantly the desire of citizens and Hope Mills to come together.”
Lamarco Morrison, Parks and Recreation Director, Hope Mills shares the process and challenges.
“The fifteen-year journey from concept to opening involved several other entities before Parks and Recreation became heavily involved. The conceptional plan began in 2010 with the Hope Mills Historic Preservation Committee and students from the Landscape Architecture Department of NC State. The students, with heavy input from HPC, developed the first conceptual plans, which became the basic framework for the adopted Master Plan. The master plan process did not begin until the fall of 2019 when the town contracted with McAdams to complete the master plan document. The challenges were funding the project and convincing the Town to move forward with the Master Plan and construction documents,” Morrison said.
“The Board of Commissioners needed to commit to the design phase of the project, public education about the approval process for construction, bid documents, and permitting. Fortunately, in 2019, the Board agreed to fund the design engineering phase of the project and move forward to applying for grants to help fund the projects. Public hearings were held for community support for the proposed park elements. The Board of Commissioners adopted the Master Plan.
"The adoption of the master plan created eligibility for a Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. The Town of Hope Mills was required to have to match dollar for dollar with the PARTF grant. The Town was awarded $300,000 for seed money to address engineering drawings and matching funds as part of the fiscal budget. ARPA funds were used to address escalating costs during COVID. The funding sources were PARTF grant funding, matching funds from the Town of Hope Mills, a Division of Water Quality grant to fund a flume storm water feature, and EPA grant for Storm Water Management.
"The Town received over 740,000 dollars in grant funding for Heritage Park. The rich history also proved a challenge. The construction of the park was delayed for 8 months for archaeological recovery according to guidelines of the State Historic Preservation Office.”
Morrison shared the rationale for the State Historical Preservation participation in the Heritage Park Project.
“Hope Mills was once a settlement known as Rock Fish Village. This remained the name of the village until the village including the mills were burned during the Civil War in 1865. In 1872, the mill on Heritage Park was rebuilt and renamed Hope Mills. In 1891, after much rebuilding of the village and the mills, the settlement was incorporated and named Hope Mills,” he said.
“This rich history is a recognition of distinction and economic development factors for Hope Mills,” Morrison stated. “The intent of the park initially was to display the Town’s rich history. The centerpiece of the park, the flume, is one of a kind, unique feature that has gotten state-wide attention to ingenious design. A visit to the park consists of interpretative signage telling the story of the site. The historic flume’s unique and beautiful design is a topic for conversation and research. What we did not expect is that the park's open space would be sought after as an outdoor venue for weddings, performances, plays, fitness classes, and musical performances. The potential is limitless.”
Future plans for Heritage Park include an expansion of the concept of an outdoor venue.
Hope Mills administration also is taking initiatives in the area of flood control. The innovative solution to this environmental issue is the flume. Morrison expounds on the concept.
“The flume was restored and transformed to a storm water feature. Heritage Park site is highly prone to flooding, with proximity to Little Rock Fish Creek and Lake Hope Mills. Since the installation of the stormwater feature, there has been no flooding. A second crucial factor in the design is stormwater is now filtered through the soil, and plant materials in the flume to filter runoff water before it reaches the creek,” he said.
“My appreciation is that so many artifacts were preserved and re-purposed in an area where so many historic structures have been destroyed. Heritage Park creates the public experience of the historic flume, the turbine, the pump house, refurbished flood gates, the winch, and the millstone. When I visit the park and observe the artifacts, the average age is at least 300 years old. It gives me a better appreciation of history and the Town,” Morrison said.
Visit Heritage Park, Hope Mills, and experience history. Heritage Park is located at 5445 Lakeview Road, Hope Mills, 28348. For more information about Heritage Park, contact Lamarco Morrison, Parks and Recreation Director, at 910-426-4109.

(Photo: Heritage Park is Hope Mills' newest park; a lovely new space dedicated to sustainability and the people of Hope Mills. Photo courtesy of Hope Mills Parks & Recreation)

As an authentic elementary school principal, I make a statement about “stranger danger” every Friday during the morning announcements. I tell my babies to not talk to strangers online or in person and don’t take any money, food, candy, or other items from strangers. I also tell them not to help any stranger look for their pet and if someone grabs you, yell just as loud as you can, “This is not my mommy, this is not my daddy.” It is disenchanting to have to say this to our future leaders on a weekly basis, but this is the current state of our world today and I am going to do all that I can to protect my babies.
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The theme is “Be Their Voice: Stop Human Trafficking, Speak Up.” Cumberland County consistently ranks #1 in North Carolina for human trafficking and being close to the I-95 corridor makes it easy for traffickers to move in and out with their victims.
“I started the first human trafficking court here in North Carolina,” said Toni King, chief district court judge in Cumberland County for the 14th judicial district. “Our court focuses on those individuals that find themselves caught between being a human trafficking victim and having picked up charges due to their trafficker’s force or coercion.”
She added, “So what our court tries to do is identify these individuals and provide them with help and treatment. If we can dismiss the charges or minimize the exposure of the charges, that is what our goal is to do while giving them treatment, rehabilitative services and safe housing.”
Human trafficking victims experience all kinds of dismal horrors such as drug addiction, physical and sexual violence, sexually transmitted diseases, inhumane conditions, memory loss, traumatic brain injuries and layers of mental, physical and emotional trauma. Traffickers seek individuals who have something that is missing in their lives, are shy and have low self-esteem.
“Human trafficking is not being done by just strangers,” said King. “They are being trafficked by family members or people that they know.”
King added that it typically starts off with people that they trust or have developed a relationship with.
“I have had mothers and daughters trafficked by their husband and father, and professionals and juveniles that have been trafficked,” said King. “The common thread in all of this has been that they all have longed for something, been trafficked by someone who they trusted and ultimately all of them have had issues with substance abuse.”
King added, “People need to understand that everyone is susceptible to being trafficked and social media is a big way of how traffickers recruit and groom individuals.”
“We have several different organizations who are combatting human trafficking in Cumberland County,” said Faith Boehmer, prevention and volunteer coordinator of the Child Advocacy Center. “One government agency is WORTH Court which stands for ‘We Overcome Recidivism Through Healing’ and it was brought here by Judge Toni King.”
Boehmer added, “They work with victims and learn about their situation in which they may have to move them to a safer place.”
“One of the things that we are going to be doing in January is we have created an Amazon wish list where the community can see it,” said Boehmer. “They will be able to click on the item to order it and the item will go directly to the victim.”
The items range from sanitary products, jogging suits, shoes, underwear, soap, deodorant and more.
“This is a way that people in the community can become aware and invest in a way to assist,” said Boehmer.
The Child Advocacy Center works with clients who may come in for an interview and may be a victim of human trafficking.
“We are a place where children come to share their story of being physically or sexually abused,” said Boehmer. “When they come there may be other things coupled with that such as drug endangerment or human trafficking so all of those other things can be factors in that one case.”
“The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department has a couple of detectives that are specifically assigned to work in the human trafficking arena,” said Boehmer. “They also work closely with WORTH Court, Gate Beautiful and there is also a therapist from Healing Minds who will provide services to those clients.”
She added, “ACS, Army Community Services, from Fort Liberty, have partnered with The Child Advocacy Center and they want to provide support, awareness and education to the community.”
“Be Their Voice” is the theme that the Child Advocacy Center has adopted for prevention awareness for the whole year for everything they have planned.
“The reason we want to be their voice is because we want to be able to bring education and awareness to our community,” said Boehmer. “Whether it is to the children in the schools that can be impacted directly themselves, to their parents, the faith community and other professionals in the community so that they know the things that need to be put in place.”
Boehmer added, “They need to know they need to have their staff trained, how to be aware and what steps to take. Maybe the members of our faith community need to be aware of what that looks like.”
The first kickoff event for National Human Trafficking Month is “Wear Blue Day.” Show your commitment to fighting human trafficking by wearing royal blue for National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on Saturday, Jan. 11. Use your social media to post pictures and use #wearblueday.
On Wednesday, Jan. 15, there will be a community-wide forum at the Kiwanis Parks & Recreation Center at 352 Devers Street at 6:30 p.m. The speakers will be Bill Woolf and Brittany Dunn.
“They will be moderating the panel discussion, and we will have different people from the community on the panel,” said Boehmer. “We will have a Child Advocacy Center staff member, Judge Toni King, a human trafficking survivor and other professionals in the community.”
Thursday, Jan. 16 is a one-day conference at Temple Baptist Church in Eastover, NC from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
“It will be broken into two sessions and the morning session is ‘Empathy and Action: Trauma Informed Approaches To Human Trafficking,’” said Boehmer. “The afternoon session is ‘Shield of Trust: Trauma Informed Approaches To Suspected Human Trafficking In Military Communities.’”
On the evening of Thursday, Jan. 16, Faith Community in Action will be held at the Kiwanis Parks & Recreation Center at 6:30 p.m.
“We will be reaching out to churches in the community and asking them to come and hear Bill and Brittany share what the faith community can do about human trafficking,” said Boehmer. “They need to be aware and to encourage their members and parishioners to be a part of making a difference.”
There will be a “Be Their Voice 5K Run” on Saturday, Jan. 25 at Methodist University at 9 a.m.
“This is the third year that we have done this,” said Boehmer. “It is our goal to have 300 people at the event this year.”
“We, as a community, need to speak up and be the voice for human trafficking,” said Boehmer. “We need to provide them safety, an education, teach them interview skills and help find them a job so they can be successful citizens in the community.”
The events are open to the public. For more information or to volunteer at the Child Advocacy Center call 910-486-9700 or visit www. https://www.cacfaync.org/.

(Photo: The FAST Transit system advertised National Human Trafficking Awareness Month in January 2023.)

Save the date and grab your tickets for the 2025 Runway Extravaganza Fashion Show presented by An Affair to Remember. Join the fun and pageantry of one of the biggest annual fashion shows in Fayetteville at the Crown Complex on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 7 p.m.
Highlighting not only prom, pageant and formal wear, but women’s empowerment and impact, this fashion show elevates what it means to celebrate HER. Tickets can be purchased online and range from $25 general admission to $70 premiere row and table tickets, which include entry into the $250 raffle (must be present to win) and a $25 voucher for An Affair to Remember.
Proceeds from the event go to CEED for Women in Business for 2025's HER Week held in March. Attendees will enjoy a fabulous fashion show featuring the latest in pageant wear, formal ware, mother of the bride, mother of the groom, and evening wear, as well as a Giavonni Couture trunk show, a Giavonni Mother of the Bride show, and a prom trunk show.
Nothing marks an event's success more than its longevity and ability to bring in a crowd year after year. That’s exactly what the Runway Extravaganza Fashion Show has been doing for 15 years now, drawing an attendance of around 800 each year. Kathy Keefe Jensen, owner of An Affair to Remember and Fayetteville City Council Member of District 1, holds the helm of this production and is the visionary of its conception.
“This is number 15. It was fully grown about 18 years ago. Caroline Swain [from the Crown], said, ‘you know we really want to do a fashion show’. Some other local business people called me in and said, ‘we have this great idea to do this big fashion show.’ I’d been doing little fashion shows, it was so much work and it was a lot,” Jensen said. “They said this is what we want to do. We’ll do the decorations, we’ll do this, we’ll do that. I’m like, okay, I can do this. But I have to be prepared. I’m not going to just throw it together. It took me about two years, [I] had to talk to my vendors, my designers, and tried to figure out how to make it happen. We had our first one in the hospitality room at the Crown. I’ve had some partners and I learned that our business is such a niche, that maybe we needed to do it on our own and so we just continued to do it … It has been an experience.”
Every year has seen growth for the event including the models that participate, growing from 25 to now 120 and still growing. Models for the show are customers of An Affair to Remember and members of The Women of Power, a nonprofit organization founded by Jensen that recognizes and “is a celebration of women that have demonstrated leadership by contributing to the community through volunteerism, entrepreneurship, or public service.”
The fashion show goes far beyond the glitz, glam and dresses. It’s a night to celebrate the empowerment and impact of women and raise money to pour back into the organizations that bring resources to women.
CEED has received $25,000 from proceeds raised by the event.
“Our proceeds go to the Women in Business for HER Week. We give out grants and started the HER Pitch. That name started because we did it at the baseball park … We’re setting little seeds and getting women involved and is one of my greatest things about women of power,” Jensen explained.
The Runway Extravaganza is a full production and Jenson could not do it without sponsors, including Mercedes Benz, the community, her staff at An Affair to Remember, this year’s professional choreographer, Freddie Lee from Raleigh, and of course, her husband and sons, who take on the heavy lifting and emotional support.
Jensen is excited about this year and for the future of the event and its impact and empowerment of the future generation of women in the community.

(Photo: A model during a Runway Extravaganza poses at the end of the runway at the Crown Complex.)

The CARE Clinic is hosting its 28th annual Week of Care. One of their yearly fundraisers, the Week of Care is a collaboration with several local food services to provide takeout meals that community members can purchase to support the CARE Clinic. All funds raised will directly support the Clinic.
Aiyana Lynch, Development and Marketing Director at the CARE Clinic, said that because they don’t receive government assistance, fundraisers like this are particularly important to keep the Clinic running.
“We rely mainly on donors, grants and these annual fundraisers,” she explained.
The Clinic offers medical services for uninsured and low-income individuals in Cumberland and surrounding counties.
According to Lynch, their services include basic medical care for adults, dental extractions, chronic care (Diabetes management), specialty services (PT, ortho, nutrition), medications ordered during clinic visits, clinic-ordered laboratory tests or x-rays, education, and referral to other resources.
Lynch said that potential patients must meet several criteria before being seen:
• Be an adult resident of Cumberland or surrounding counties.
• Have no insurance, including Medicaid or National health insurance (Ex. ACA)
• Meet an income requirement – household income within 200% of the federal poverty level.
• Must provide household proof of income.
• Must have a valid NC DMV or homeless photo ID.
• Must call on the phone to make an appointment.
Statistics provided by Lynch demonstrated the healthcare need that the CARE Clinic seeks to meet. Approximately 9.3% of North Carolina residents are uninsured, with Cumberland and surrounding counties exceeding that number. The approximate number of uninsured residents in Cumberland County is 9.8%. Rates of uninsured residents in surrounding counties are as follows:
• Robeson County: 13.3%
• Hoke County: 11%
• Bladen County: 10%
• Sampson County: 15.8%
• Harnett County: 10.4%
• Moore County: 11.7%
At the CARE Clinic, patients who would otherwise have to pay out of pocket for medical expenses can receive medical care and access the on-site pharmacy free of charge. Lynch said most of their patients come from Cumberland County, with the next highest percentages coming from Hoke and Robeson. In the 2023-2024 fiscal year, the Clinic provided 1,062 primary care visits, 35 nutrition visits, 139 Diabetic visits, 121 specialist visits (Ortho, PT, & Dermatology), 696 dental extractions, 4,733 prescriptions, and 540 lab tests.
This service track record is in keeping with the CARE Clinic’s history and vision. Operating since 1993, the acronym CARE stands for compassion, assistance, referral, and education — tenets that the Clinic still adheres to.
Currently, a 19-member board of directors leads the Clinic. It boasts four full-time and six part-time staff members and a constantly fluctuating number of volunteers.
“We're always accepting volunteers for various things, whether it's medical staff or front office staff, committee members,” Lynch said.
Information provided by the CARE Clinic described volunteers as “the foundation of all we do,” adding that volunteers support the clinic’s day-to-day function by caring for patients and helping with other essential clinic tasks such as scheduling and cleaning. Lynch said that community members interested in volunteering can call the main office number to speak with the volunteer coordinator.
Beyond volunteers, the Clinic depends on the generous financial support of community members and organizations to keep its doors open.
“All the money that comes from meal purchases and sponsorship purchases goes directly to the cost of running the clinic.” Lynch shared about the upcoming Week of Care Fundraiser, which has a $80,000 goal.
She explained that the local participating restaurants seemed excited to collaborate with the CARE Clinic on this fundraiser, saying, “The restaurants have been great.”
In the past, this particular fundraiser was called “Evening of Care.” After the COVID-19 pandemic, they restructured the event to span an entire week, allowing participants more flexibility. This year, Dorothy’s Catering 2, Luigi’s Italian Chophouse & Bar, and The Coffee Scene are collaborating with the CARE Clinic to “...offer a variety of take-home meals you may purchase for pick-up on a designated night of the week. The meals will feed 6 to 8 people depending on varying appetites and all of them are freezer friendly.
Meals available through Dorothy’s Catering 2 will include a Frozen Chicken & Spinach Lasagna Meal, a Frozen Meat Lasagna Meal or a Frozen Vegetarian Lasagna.
Meals available through Luigi’s Italian Chophouse & Bar will include: Family Style Chicken Marsala (Dinner), Family Style Spaghetti (Dinner), Chicken Marsala Meal (Lunch), and Family Style Spaghetti (Lunch).
Meals available through The Coffee Scene will include: Bacon Quiche Meal, Crustless Sausage & Pepper Quiche Meal, and Vegetarian Quiche Meal.
The CARE Clinic suggests purchasing a meal “for a busy night that allows a special Valentine family gathering, a lake or beach trip, or to provide to the elderly who may need extra help,” adding that uses for this year’s lunch options are limited only by your creativity!
The Week of Care will run Saturday, Feb. 1 to Saturday, Feb. 8. Community members can place orders from Jan. 1 to 26. Lynch recommended placing meal orders early, as there are limited spots available.
To sponsor the fundraiser or order a meal, call 910-485-0555, email admin@thecareclinic.org or visit www.weekofcare.com.

Monique Jackson McMillan, who is halfway through her second term as an elected member of the Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors, has missed seven meetings in a row since spring and could be removed from office.
She told CityView on Tuesday and Wednesday this week she wants to stay in office and resume her duties.
The supervisors on the Soil and Water board meet 10 times a year — monthly, but skipping January and July — Soil Conservationist Mitch Miller said. The supervisors oversee government programs that give landowners money and other resources to protect waterways and prevent soil erosion.
Three of its five members are elected by the general public in nonpartisan elections and serve four-year terms. Two members are appointed by the state Soil and Water Conservation Commission. McMillan was first elected in 2018 and was reelected in 2022.
Service on the board is part-time, and the office has no salary. Supervisors can be reimbursed for mileage and expenses they incur while carrying out their duties, board Chair C. Wayne Collier Jr. said.
At the Soil and Water Board’s Dec. 12 meeting, Collier told the board the agency had attempted to contact McMillan.
“We can’t get up with her in any way, both from her old job, and from here,” Collier said. “And so we’re going through the steps to figure out how to replace that supervisor.”
The Cumberland board has contacted the state Soil and Water Conservation Commission about the situation, Collier said.
North Carolina law says the state Soil and Water Conservation Commission can remove a supervisor “for neglect of duty, incompetence or malfeasance in office, but for no other reason.” The commission has to provide notice of the removal effort and hold a hearing, the law says.
The state commission can then fill the vacancy.
McMillan had been a regular, active participant on the county Soil and Water board before she disappeared, Collier told CityView.
“She was a good supervisor. She was very thoughtful, and she helped us with some of our employees, as things have gone on,” he said.
McMillan wants to stay in office
CityView this week found that McMillan’s telephone number for her job was not working, and calls to her last known cell phone number were met with a recording that says the phone is not accepting calls.
In an effort to find McMillan, CityView this week contacted McMillan’s employer, the North Carolina League of Conservation Voters, and Democracy North Carolina, where she has had a part-time position. CityView also sent a message to McMillan via her LinkedIn page and sent a direct message to her election campaign’s Facebook page.
She called CityView on Dec. 17.
McMillan was unaware that the board had begun taking steps to replace her, she said.
A crisis in McMillan’s personal life led to her absence from the Soil and Water Board, she said. She does not want to publicly disclose the specifics, she said.
“I’ve been having a tough year,” she said. “I had a lot of personal issues that have been going on in my family this year, that caused me to have to … prioritize those things over everything else recently.
“But I do plan on continuing my work on the board if I can, and getting back to a healthy balance so that I can be present, back present at the meetings again.”
Conservation is a passion of hers, McMillan said, and she understands she has an obligation to the voters.
Board members sworn in, officers elected
In addition to discussing McMillan’s absence, the Soil and Water board held a swearing-in ceremony for newly elected member Josh Ballard and for Collier, who was re-appointed to one of the two appointed slots by the state Soil and Water Conservation Commission.
Ballard defeated incumbent Lena Simmons in the November election in a three-way race that also included candidate Kristal Watts.
“I appreciate it, thankful for the opportunity to serve my community, thankful for the county for putting their trust in me,” Ballard said after he took office.
The board voted 4-0 for Collier to be the chair, for Supervisor Kevin Riddle to be vice chair, and Supervisor Ellison L. Ellison to be secretary-treasurer.

(Photo: From left: Cumberland County Commissioner Henry Tyson, N.C. Court of Appeals Judge John M. Tyson (Henry’s father), and Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisors Josh Ballard, Ellison L. Ellison, C. Wayne Collier Jr., and Kevin Riddle. Judge Tyson conducted a swearing in ceremony for Ballard and Collier on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024.Photo courtesy of Cumberland County Soil and Water Facebook Page)

Even the most curmudgeonly of Scrooges can’t help but tap their toes when they hear the first few notes of the modern masterpiece “Mary’s Little Boy Child.” For that, we can all thank the North Carolinian who so memorably paired calypso and Christmas — though that was not his original intention.
The joyfully named Jester Hairston was born in 1901 in the community of Belews Creek, located at the point where Forsyth, Stokes, Guilford, and Rockingham counties meet. After a tragic accident claimed his father’s life, he spent much of his childhood in the company of his grandparents, former slaves whose compelling tales and memorable songs inspired young Hairston to find ways to preserve such a rich heritage.
After completing musical studies at Tufts University and the famous Julliard conservatory, Hairston joined Harlem’s Hall Johnson Choir in the late 1920s and performed in a number of Broadway shows. When a movie adaptation of one of the shows brought Hairston to Hollywood, he met a Russian émigré named Dimitri Tiomkin, then working as a film composer and pianist.
Tiomkin liked what he heard. The two began a longtime partnership, with Hairston collecting and arranging songs that Tiomkin used for film and stage scores. While Tiomkin went on to write scores for such classic films as Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, It’s a Wonderful Life, and High Noon, Hairston supplemented his earnings from music by acting in some 30 motion pictures of his own, ranging from Tarzan adventures to The Alamo, To Kill a Mockingbird, St. Louis Blues, and In the Heat of the Night.
Indeed, you may know Jester Hairston more as an actor than as a musician. Ever see the 1980s sitcom Amen? He played character of Rolly Forbes. As it happens, Hairston also helped to popularize the traditional gospel song “Amen” by arranging it for the Sidney Portier film Lilies of the Field.
But let’s get back to Hairston’s contribution to Christmas lore. Earlier in his career, he had a roommate who decided to throw a birthday party. The man asked Hairston to write a song for the occasion. Because most of the attendees would be from the West Indies, he chose a calypso beat for the tune, entitled “He Pone and Chocolate Tea.”
Later, another composer named Walter Schumann (he wrote the iconic Dragnet TV theme, for example) asked Hairston to write a Christmas song for his Hollywood choir. Hairston reworked his earlier calypso tune and added suitable lyrics. When Harry Belafonte heard the choir perform “Mary’s Little Boy Child,” he asked permission to record it, first in 1956 and then in longer form the following year.
Belafonte made the song a hit. Subsequent performances and cover versions by the likes of Mahalia Jackson, Andy Williams, the Bee Gees, and Harry Connick, Jr. have made “Mary’s Little Boy Child” a seasonal standard. It isn’t just the calypso syncopation that makes the song so memorable. Hairston’s use of dialect and idiom lent the lyrics a charming distinctiveness. The first verse goes like this:

Long time ago in Bethlehem,
So the Holy Bible say,
Mary’s boy child, Jesus Christ,
Was born on Christmas day.
Hark, now hear the angels sing,
A new King born today.
And man will live forevermore
Because of Christmas day.
Trumpets sound and angels sing,
Listen what they say:
That Man will live forevermore
Because of Christmas day.

Jester Hairston spent the next 40 years embodying the Christmas spirit: touring America and the world as a goodwill ambassador, collecting traditional folk songs and composing new spirituals, nurturing new generations of performers and arrangers, and acting in such films as Finian’s Rainbow, Lady Sings the Blues, and the 1999 picture Being John Malkovich, his last role.
Hairston died in Los Angeles the following year, at the age of 98. For his contributions to American song and entertainment, this self-styled “song catcher” from North Carolina deserves our praise. For his contribution to Christmastime, he deserves a hearty “amen.”

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

(Photo: Jester Hairston, a native North Carolinian, had a long career as an actor and a composer. Image courtesy of jesterhairston.com)

Howdy Buckaroos and Buckarettes, it’s time to climb into Mr. Peabody’s Way Back Machine for the annual January celebration of a year that is just turning 100.
Today’s birthday boy is 1925. Stick around to learn about the wild and wacky things that made 1925 the lovable special kind of year it was.
Unfortunately, 1925 was also a big year for emerging dictators with both Mussolini and Hitler becoming upwardly mobile. Let the show begin.

January 3: Benito Mussolini dissolved the Italian Parliament declaring himself the dictator of Italy. He remained in that position until he found himself hanging around upside down near the end of World War II.

January 6: Leon Trotsky got booted out of the Russian government by Stalin after losing the contest to replace Lenin. Leon was later axed a question he could not answer by Stalin’s assassins at Frida Kahlo’s house in Mexico.

February 2: The origin of the Iditarod Dog race was born when relay teams of dog sleds took a vaccine from Anchorage to Nome to fight a diphtheria outbreak. If RFK, Jr. takes over Health and Human Services, smuggling vaccines by dog sleds may come back into style. Buy Kibbles.

February 21: The first issue of New Yorker magazine appears setting the stage for countless cartoons that may or may not be funny.

March 4: Silent Calvin Coolidge is inaugurated as President. His most famous Zen quote was: “The chief business of the American people is business.” People are still puzzled by what this koan means.

March 13: Tennessee passes a law making it illegal to teach evolution. This resulted in the famous Monkey Trial which convicted John Scopes in July of teaching evolution.
This also allowed Spencer Tracy and Fredric March to star in the very sweaty movie “Inherit the Wind” about the trial.

April 10: F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby is published, making it one of the most famous novels people have heard about but seldom, if ever, read.

April 25: Paul von Hindenburg is elected President of Germany, thus becoming the first President anywhere to be named for a blimp. It also led to Blimpy in the Popeye cartoons to invent credit purchases by promising “I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today.”

June 1: NY Yankee player Lou Gehrig gets his first hit in his streak of playing in 2,130 games in a row until 30 April 1939.

July 10: Avatar Meher Baba begins 44 years of not speaking which lasts until he died in 1969. Many husbands secretly wish their wives would follow Mr. Baba’s example.

October 1: The idea of carving Mount Rushmore is announced leading to the establishment of 4 giant Presidential Heads and a lovely gift shoppe in the Black Hills of South Dakota
October 16: Not to be outdone by Tennessee, the Texas State School Board bans the teaching of evolution in schools.

October 27: Water skis are patented by Fred Waller making possible 1978’s sequel movie “Jaws 2” in which a beautiful lady person water skier is chased and eaten by an angry shark.

November 9: In keeping with 1925’s Festival of Bad Dictators, Hitler’s Nazi Party forms its SS paramilitary wing. No one seems to notice the ugly pattern that is forming.

November 9: Meanwhile in Madison, Wisconsin, Robert Millikan speaks to the National Academy of Sciences announcing that cosmic rays from outer space bombard the Earth. This allows for the creation of multiple Sci-Fi horror movies.
The worst movie ever made- “Plan 9 From Outer Space” features aliens using Cosmic Rays to re-animate corpses to take over the world.

November 28: The Grand Ole Opry’s first live broadcast on radio is heard as the WSM Barn Dance. Goo Goo Clusters candy bar (a chocolate treat consisting of marshmallow nougat, caramel, and peanuts) was a proud sponsor of the Grand Ole Opry from 1966 until 2006.

December 12: Arthur Heineman creates the term “Motel” by combining the words Motor and Hotel when he opens the Motel Inn in San Luis Obispo.
This leads to Frank Zappa’s immortal movie “200 Motels” about the lives of rock stars in 1971.
Now you know all about the Year of Our Lord 1925. You are now free to roam about the country. If you still write checks, remember to use 2025 from now on. Happy New Year.

(Illustration by Pitt Dickey)

2024 was an “unprecedented” year because almost every news article used the word “unprecedented.” Americans navigated a year marked by intense media scrutiny, social media targeting, and political division. News outlets and social media platforms played pivotal roles, sparking debates about their influence on public opinion and the fine line between fact-checking and censorship. Families and friendships faced challenges, and “unfriend” became a verb dividing long-time relationships.
Since the beginning of the election cycle, news outlets have been tripling down on fear of Trump winning. Here is what didn’t happen. The economy did not collapse. There has been no global destabilization. There has not been a mass exodus of people despite the numerous celebrities who promised to go but did not, and no real civil unrest erupted.
What did happen in 2024? Starting in January, many believed the US was on the verge of Civil War II after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Biden Administration’s efforts to remove concertina wire at Eagle Pass, Texas. It is estimated that three million illegal/undocumented people entered the US. This includes an estimated 375,000 who now call NC home.
On June 6, Joe Biden publicly stated that he would not pardon his son Hunter Biden if convicted on gun and federal tax-related charges.
On June 27, the Trump-Biden debate took place. Despite Biden’s insistence that his memory was fine, he performed poorly during the debate, which brought into question his mental and physical fitness.
On July 13, America watched 20-year-old Thomas Crooks fire eight shots at Trump, hitting him in the head and killing two others. Moments after a sniper killed Crooks, Trump stood up in defiance, raised his hand, and yelled, “Fight, fight, fight!”. A few days later, Trump accepted the Republican nomination.
On July 21, President Biden announced that he was officially withdrawing from the Presidential election and endorsed his Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.
On September 27, Hurricane Helene moved Western North Carolina from 2024 to 1914 in hours by knocking out power and cell service the size of the state of Massachusetts. Helene caused the worst flooding in state history. The storm brought 30 inches of rain, compounded by earlier heavy rainfall that saturated the ground and swelled rivers. The disaster claimed 103 lives, with others still missing, and caused $53.6 billion in damages. Over 16,000 miles of roads were washed away, and 2,000 landslides were reported. At its peak, the Nolichucky Dam in Tennessee saw water flows twice that of Niagara Falls. Relief efforts continue as Americans rally to support the region's recovery.
On November 5, Donald Trump swept the election over VP Harris. He won the Popular Vote and Electoral College. Republicans secured control of the Senate and House, while the NC gubernatorial election was an exception, with Democrat Josh Stein winning by a 14.8% margin. This will undoubtedly help democrats later, showing what a political roller coaster ride North Carolinians enjoy.
On December 13, Trump reached a settlement with ABC News for defamation by anchor George Stephanopoulos for $15 million and an apology. According to news reports, Trump has more lawsuits on the way.
Despite his promise, on December 1, President Biden issued a full and unconditional pardon to his son Hunter for “ANY” federal crimes that Hunter Biden may have committed between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024. Why 2014, and not just for his convictions? In 2014, Hunter Biden joined the board of Burisma Holdings, a Ukrainian energy company. While some Americans think Biden is slipping, he covered his bases in case Hunter comes up with any crimes or undiscovered offshore accounts. As of this writing, the United States has obligated $130 Billion and paid out $86.7 billion to Ukraine in its defense against Russia.
As we step into 2025, the future brings hope and challenges. A new administration promises significant policy shifts, focusing on self-reliance, immigration reform, and economic deregulation. Advances in artificial intelligence will continue reshaping the job market, opening doors for some while closing them for others. In Western North Carolina, rebuilding efforts offer opportunities for growth and renewal but also serve as a reminder of the resilience and strength of those most affected.
If I had one prayer for the new year, it would be for the country to remember the people of the mountains. Many still struggle to rebuild homes and livelihoods despite the harsh winter.
For many there, 2024 is still 1914.

In 2010, Anthony Elonis made a series of online social media posts which allegedly threatened his ex-wife, his former co-workers, students at a local elementary school, and members of law enforcement. Elonis claimed that his comments were rap lyrics and wrote, “Art is about pushing limits. I'm willing to go to jail for my constitutional rights. Are you?”
On Dec. 8, 2010, federal authorities arrested Anthony Elonis and charged him with five counts of making terroristic threats over the internet. A jury subsequently found Elonis guilty on four of the five counts and sentenced him to 44 months in prison.
Elonis appealed his conviction, arguing that he was an artist, not a terrorist and that he never threatened anyone. He pointed out that he even included the disclaimer “this is not a threat” in several of his allegedly threatening posts. Elonis, and his lawyers, argued that he should not have been found guilty because while some readers found his comments upsetting, the prosecution failed to prove that Elonis intended his comments as threats. Elonis believed that since prosecutors did not prove that he intended to threaten anyone, he was not guilty of making terroristic threats and should be released from prison.
In an 8 - 1 decision, the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of Anthony Elonis. Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. stated that the prosecution failed to show that Elonis intended his social media posts as threats and that Elonis was therefore wrongly convicted. The court found the objective, reasonable person standard, which was used by the trial court, did not go far enough to differentiate accidental conduct, which is protected by the 1st Amendment from illegal threats. The Supreme Court held that in Elonis’s case, an objective standard would risk punishing an innocent person who engaged in controversial, but not illegal, speech. Today in our increasingly online world, Elonis v. US is more relevant than ever.
You are invited to participate in an enlightening presentation at Fayetteville Technical Community College’s Tony Rand Student Center on 2200 Hull Road, March 11 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. for the premiere of FTCC’s educational film, “How Far is Too Far?” about the Elonis v. US decision. After playing the short film, experts from our community will share their thoughts about the case. Members of the expert panel will then answer audience questions. The event is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome. Free refreshments will be provided while supplies last.
Questions about this FTCC event may be directed to Mary DiRisio, Dean of Library and Student Learning Services, dirisiom@faytechcc.edu, 910-678-7351. To learn more about FTCC, we invite you to visit our website at faytechcc.edu or visit with us face-to-face at our Fayetteville and Spring Lake campus locations. FTCC recruiters (recruiters@faytechcc.edu) are also available for scheduling tours.

The anticipation for the 2025 Golden Globes is palpable as the nominees have just been unveiled. This year's awards season promises to be an exciting one with a diverse array of talent being recognized across film and television. The ceremony, scheduled to air live on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, will be hosted by the charismatic Nikki Glaser. The film and TV nominees were officially announced on Dec. 9, setting the stage for what is expected to be a memorable event.
Leading the pack with the most nominations is Netflix's Emilia Perez, making history with ten nominations—the most ever for a comedy or musical film at the Golden Globes.
On the television front, FX/Hulu's The Bear stands out with five nominations, showcasing its strong storytelling and powerful performances. Both Shogun (FX/Hulu) and Only Murders in the Building (Hulu) have earned four nominations each.
The Golden Globes have undergone significant changes in response to industry-wide backlash over ethical lapses and a lack of diversity. Last year, the organization introduced a new voting body and ownership structure. The awards are now organized by Dick Clark Productions, and the voting panel has been expanded to include 300 journalists from around the world, replacing the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
These changes aim to bring a fresh perspective and greater inclusivity to the awards, ensuring that the Golden Globes continue to be a respected and relevant institution in the entertainment industry. This new era marks a commitment to transparency and diversity, aligning the awards with contemporary values and expectations.
Also new to the Golden Globes, introduced in 2024, is the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement category. This award recognizes films that have not only achieved critical acclaim but also significant box office success, honoring films that have garnered extensive global audience support and demonstrated cinematic excellence. To be eligible for this category, a film must have grossed $150 million, with at least $100 million earned in the U.S., or have achieved comparable digital streaming viewership.

Film: Best Motion Picture-Drama
Let's explore the prestigious nominees for Best Motion Picture - Drama category and discover the various streaming platforms and theaters where these acclaimed films are currently available for viewing.
The Brutalist from A24 follows the story of László Tóth, a Hungarian-Jewish architect, who separated from his family in World War II and immigrated to America. The movie stars Adrien Brody and was set to release in the theatres on December 20.
A Complete Unknown(Searchlight Pictures), based on the 2015 book Dylan Goes Electric! by Elijah Wald, has Timothee Chalamet portraying Bob Dylan as a 19-year-old in 1961 in New York. This movie will be in theatres on Christmas Day.
The Pope is dead and now it is Cardinal Lawerence's job to lead in one of the world's most secretive events, selecting a new Pope. This is the description of Conclave starring Ralph Finnes as Cardinal Lawerence. Conclave is available for streaming on Peacock.
Dune: Part Two (Warner Bros. Pictures) is the second installment in an epic science fiction film adaptation of Frank Herbert's book Dune. It follows Paul Atreides and his rise to popularity and power among the Fremen. Timothee Chalamet also stars, and this film can be streamed on HBO.
Nickel Boys follows the friendship between two young African American men as they both navigate the trials of reform school together. It stars Brandon Wilson as Turner and Ethan Herisse as Elwood and opened in select theaters in New York and Los Angeles on December 14 and 20. It is set to be released nationwide in January.
September 5 from Paramount Pictures and starring Peter Sarsgaard as Roone Arledge is a movie about the true story of the broadcast coverage of the terrorist attack at the 1972 Olympics in Munich. This film was released into the theatres on Thanksgiving and is still in theatres for viewing.
For a list of all the film nominees visit the Golden Globe website here: https://goldenglobes.com/nominations/2025

TV: Best Television Series-Drama
The critically acclaimed TV shows nominated for Best Television Series-Drama at the Golden Globes represent must-watch entertainment for any serious television enthusiast.
Eddie Redmayne is a for-hire assassin and is now on British intelligence's radar. The Day of the Jackal is the perfect cat-and-mouse spy drama and can be streamed on Peacock.
The Diplomat, now in its second season on Netflix, follows the ambassador to the United Kingdom amid an international crisis. Keri Russell stars as US diplomat Kate Wyler. Both seasons can be streamed on Netflix.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith can be streamed on Amazon Prime. Donald Glover portrays John Smith while Maya Erskine plays Jane Smith - two spies assigned by their organization to pose as a married couple sharing living quarters as they both begin new careers as spies.
Shogun won 18 Emmy Awards in 2024, the most ever for a show in a single year. One of the most acclaimed shows, it is a historical epic based on James Clavell's 1975 novel. It follows Englishman John Blackthorne (played by Cosmo Jarvis) after he became shipwrecked in Japan. Shogun can be streamed on Hulu.
Based on Mick Herron's Slough House series of novels, Slow Horses is from Apple TV+ and is now in its fourth season. This series, starring Gary Oldman, follows a team of dysfunctional M15 agents.
Desperate participants take up a challenge to participate in childhood-inspired competitions for an enticing reward, but failure means death. This is the storyline of Squid Games on Netflix. Season two debuts on Dec. 26.
For a list of all the film nominees visit the Golden Globe website here: https://goldenglobes.com/nominations/2025

When it comes to celebrating New Year's Eve, there are many exciting options to make the night memorable. From popping bottles of classic Champagne and sparkling wine to mixing up festive cocktails, there's a perfect drink choice for every taste preference and party style to ring in the new year. Elevate your New Year's Eve celebration with these festive and unforgettable holiday cocktail ideas.
Sparkling Delights: Champagne and Beyond
No New Year's Eve celebration is complete without the pop of a Champagne bottle. However, there are many other sparkling options to explore. Prosecco, Cava, and sparkling rosé offer delightful alternatives to classic Champagne.
For a creative twist, try a Champagne cocktail. A classic French 75, made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and topped with Champagne, is always a hit. Or, mix up a Kir Royale by adding a splash of crème de cassis to your bubbly.
Classic Cocktails with a Festive Twist
Elevate your favorite classic cocktails with a festive twist to match the celebratory mood. A Cranberry Margarita adds a seasonal flavor to the traditional lime and tequila blend. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for an extra festive touch.
Another option is the Pomegranate Martini, which combines vodka, pomegranate juice, and a touch of Cointreau. It's a vibrant and refreshing choice that looks as good as it tastes.
Warm and Cozy: Hot Holiday Drinks
For those celebrating in colder climates, warm holiday drinks can be a cozy addition to your New Year's Eve festivities. Mulled wine, made with red wine, spices, and a touch of brandy, is a classic choice that fills the room with a delightful aroma.
Hot toddies, made with whiskey, honey, lemon, and hot water, offer a soothing and comforting option. Alternatively, spiked hot chocolate or warm apple cider can provide a sweet and indulgent treat for your guests.
Fruity and Refreshing New Year Sips
For those who prefer a lighter, fruitier drink, there are plenty of refreshing options. A Pomegranate Prosecco is a delightful blend of pomegranate juice, Prosecco, and a touch of orange liqueur, making it both festive and delicious.
Another option is a Mango Bellini, which combines mango puree with sparkling wine. If you want to keep it simple, a classic Mimosa with fresh orange juice and Champagne is always a hit. These fruity cocktails are perfect for ringing in the New Year with a touch of sweetness.
Non-Alcoholic Options for Every Guest
Ensure all your guests feel included by offering a selection of non-alcoholic beverages. Sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice garnished with fresh fruit can be a refreshing and festive option.
Mocktails, such as a Virgin Mojito or a Non-Alcoholic Sangria, can also be a hit. These drinks provide the same celebratory feel without the alcohol, making them perfect for designated drivers or those who prefer not to drink.
Tips for a Perfect New Year's Eve Bar Setup
A well-planned bar setup can make all the difference in ensuring your New Year's Eve party is a success. Start by stocking a variety of spirits, mixers, and garnishes to cater to different tastes.
Garnishes can elevate your cocktails and impress your guests. Fresh fruits like berries, citrus slices, and pomegranate seeds can add a vibrant touch. Herbs like mint, rosemary, and thyme not only look great but also add an aromatic element.
For a festive flair, consider sugaring the rim of your glasses or adding edible glitter. Skewering fruit on decorative picks can also add a touch of elegance. These simple garnishing tips can make even the simplest cocktails feel special.
Consider setting up a self-serve bar station with clear instructions for making popular cocktails. This not only adds an interactive element to your party but also allows guests to customize their drinks. Don't forget to include plenty of ice, glassware, and bar tools like shakers, strainers, and stirrers.

Looking for a new way to ring in the New Year? Feel the fresh air and sunshine on Jan. 1 with a First Day Hike.
The tradition of a First Day Hike started in Massachusetts in 1992, and the idea has gained traction over the years. First Day Hikes are now being promoted around the nation by state parks and the National Association of State Park Directors. The efforts promote healthy lifestyles and an appreciation of natural resources. The hikes throughout the nation vary in difficulty, and several include a guided tour from a local ranger. In 2025, more than 1,000 hikes have been made available to those looking to get some exercise on the first day of the New Year.
Raven Rock State Park, 3009 Raven Rock Rd., Lillington, NC will have a First Day Hike beginning at 9 a.m. Hikers should meet at the picnic shelter in the first parking lot. This one-hour, half-mile hike will be led by Ranger Lindsay Baker, who will talk about some of the nature in the Piedmont area.
"This short hike is great for kids and adults alike. There is a self guided hike along this trail that features various points of interest. Walk along the headwaters of Little Creek and explore the banks for water bugs and reptiles. Be on the lookout for woodpeckers and box turtles along the trail," Ranger Baker said.
The trail at Raven Rock is not ADA accessible, and Ranger Baker requests no strollers be brought on the trail. Friendly dogs are allowed to participate as long as they stay leashed.
"I want visitors to come ready to start off the new year on the right foot, by embracing and being in the outdoors," Ranger Baker said. "I try to talk about many things on hikes including Raven Rock specific information, but also how visitors can incorporate the concept of being present, grounding, mindfullness and engaging with their senses and curiosity while out on hikes in nature."
For more information, call 910-893-4888, or email raven.rock@ncparks.gov or visit https://bit.ly/4iH66lj
Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve in Southern Pines will also be participating in the first-day hike tradition. There will be three different tracts participants can enjoy.
The Boyd Tract will begin at 9 a.m. and is an easy, one-mile hike through a longleaf pine forest. Weymouth Woods boasts the oldest known living longleaf pine tree in the world, and a ranger will be showing off the beauty of the area during this one-hour hike. For a map of the hike, visit https://bit.ly/4govzic
The Weymouth Tract will begin at 1 p.m. and is a two-mile hike through different habitats located within the state park. Rangers request participants come dressed for the weather and to wear comfortable shoes.
The Paint Hill Tract hike will begin at 3 p.m. and covers 1.5 miles of trail. This hike will be centered around a rare plant called the Sandhills pixiemoss which blooms in winter. This hike takes off from the parking area at the Stoneyfield Drive access.
For more information about the Weymouth Woods Nature Preserve hikes, call 910-692-2167, or email weymouth.woods@ncparks.gov.
For those looking to get a bit further out of the greater Cumberland County area, Jordan Lake in Apex, NC is holding a two-hour first-day hike, beginning at 9 a.m. This hike will feature animal silhouettes on the trail, and the ranger guiding the hike will talk about the different species found in the area and their special adaptations.
For a full list of First Day Hikes available in North Carolina, visit https://www.ncparks.gov/events-list Start the New Year off with a walk through some of the best nature North Carolina has to offer while enjoying the fresh, crisp air and a chance to stretch your legs.

The Dining Guide this month will explore great places to eat on Ramsey Street. Great ready for an eclectic collection of venues.

RAINBOW RESTAURANT
3708 Ramsey Street
Tues.-Fri. 6 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Sat. 6 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sun. 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
910-822-0431
https://www.rainbowrestaurantnc.com/
From fluffy, homemade pancakes drizzled with maple syrup to crisp garden vegetables and perfectly seasoned, char-grilled ribeye steaks, the Rainbow Restaurant offers delicious home-style cooking for every palate.

SCRUBOAKS CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN PUB
5780 Ramsey St., Suite 108
Wed. and Thurs. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sat. 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
910-884-3072
https://www.scruboakspub.com/
ScrubOaks food is seasonal, selective, and special. Their menus undergo regular updates to showcase the finest produce and seafood available during each season. The portions are generous and satisfying, ensuring great value for diners.
Every dish is carefully prepared only after you place your order, going straight from the grill, fryer, or broiler to your table, guaranteeing the freshest possible dining experience.

ROCKIN CRAB SEAFOOD BAR
4743 Ramsey St.
Sun.-Thurs. 11:30 a.m.-9:40 p.m.
Fri.-Sat. 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
910-339-9887
https://rockincrabonline.com/
Savor the finest selection of seafood delicacies, crafted with premium, hand-picked fresh ingredients sourced daily.
Their restaurant offers a modern dining space with sophisticated decor and intimate lighting, creating an inviting atmosphere perfect for experiencing genuine culinary masterpieces. The attentive staff ensures each dish arrives at your table steaming hot, expertly prepared using top-quality ingredients and refined cooking techniques that enhance every flavor.

HECKLER BREWING COMPANY
5780 Ramsey St., Suite 102
Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
Sun. Noon-7 p.m.
910-339-5505
https://www.hecklerbeer.com/
Heckler Brewing Company is a charming microbrewery dedicated to crafting exceptional locally brewed beer and serving delicious hand-crafted cuisine. Their welcoming establishment takes pride in offering an extensive menu that features artisanal pizzas, flavorful wings, gourmet sandwiches, hearty subs, and tempting appetizers, all prepared with the finest ingredients in their newly expanded dining space.

CRAB DU JOUR
3660 Ramsey St.
Sun.-Thurs. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri.-Sat. 11:30 a.m.- 11 p.m.
910-920-3148
https://crabdujourfayetteville.com/
Crab du Jour infuses creativity, dedication, and zeal into its dining establishment.
They have developed a venue where guests can savor exceptional cuisine, attentive service, and a relaxing ambiance. While crab is their specialty, their menu features diverse seafood options including oysters, octopus, fish, and shellfish, accompanied by carefully selected sides that enhance each entrée perfectly.

LITTLE CHINA RESTAURANT
3837 Ramsey St.
Tues.-Thurs. 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Fri. and Sat. 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Sun. 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
910-482-8998
https://littlechinanctogo.com/
Indulge in the finest authentic Chinese cuisine at Little China, where traditional recipes meet modern flavors. Experience a feast for your senses with their generous portions and expertly crafted dishes that satisfy every craving.

MI CASITA
3837 Ramsey St.
Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Fri. 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Sat. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sun. 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
910-822-8396
https://micasitarestaurants.com/
Mi Casita Mexican Restaurants has been enriching Fayetteville's dining scene for 34 years, offering an extensive selection of genuine Mexican cuisine. Visitors to Mi Casita experience exceptional hospitality in a welcoming environment that radiates liveliness and charm. The restaurant's menu caters to all palates, featuring an impressive selection of distinctively flavored Margaritas alongside their food offerings.

FREDDY'S FROZEN CUSTARD & STEAKBURGERS
4825 Ramsey St.
Sun.-Thurs. 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri. and Sat. 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m.
910-433-0805
https://www.freddys.com
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers stands out from typical hamburger joints with its mouthwatering menu.
Their perfectly grilled steakburgers deliver an unforgettable taste that keeps customers coming back. But save room for dessert - their signature frozen custard is churned fresh throughout the day, creating a silky smooth texture that surpasses both traditional ice cream and frozen yogurt in richness, density and creamy indulgence.

BROOKLYN PIZZERIA
4411 Ramsey St.
Sun.-Wed. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Thurs. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
910-491-4585
https://tinyurl.com/ckh9dstz
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Brooklyn Pizzeria. Whether you prefer dining in, carrying out, requesting delivery, or planning a catered event, they've got you covered.
Using only the finest Italian ingredients and traditional preparation methods, Brooklyn Pizzeria proudly serves pizza enthusiasts genuine Brooklyn-style pizza that captures the true essence of New York.

NEW TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD

PHO & GRILL HUT
6257 Raeford Rd. #1
Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sun Noon-7 p.m.
910-491-0701
https://tinyurl.com/ep984r7e
Pho & Grill Hut takes immense pride in delivering genuine Vietnamese culinary experiences to local food enthusiasts.
The restaurant's carefully curated menu showcases Vietnam's rich gastronomic heritage through an array of authentic dishes that transport diners straight to the streets of Hanoi.

BUS STOP MELTS FOOD TRUCK
https://www.facebook.com/BusStopMelts/
Bus Stop Melts, focusing on gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches made panini-style, launched in mid-July. Owner Kerry Washburn, 44, previously ran the former Fayetteville Pie Company, which shut down last year.
Bus Stop Melts currently serves from the identical vintage school bus that once offered the previous establishment's sweet and savory pies.

STONER'S PIZZA JOINT
3035 Legions Rd., Suite 110
Mon.-Sun. 11 a.m.- 1 a.m.
910-900-0420
https://tinyurl.com/22db4thj
Stoner's Pizza Joint specializes in delivery and takeout, offering dishes made with premium, fresh ingredients that are prepared daily on-site with quick turnaround times.
Their signature recipes include custom pizza dough, sauce, and cheese combinations. The menu features specialty pizzas, calzones, strombolis, sandwiches, house-smoked chicken wings, garden-fresh salads, and oven-fresh desserts.

2024 is nearly in the rearview mirror and 2025 will soon spring upon us. Here at Up & Coming Weekly, we’ve had a busy year, working hard to bring to the community events and news that only a local publication such as ours can provide.
I took over as editor in Sept. of 2023, and it has been a point of pride to be the editor of the only truly community newspaper left in Fayetteville. Local journalism is important, and our community is full of things to do (despite the rumors that there is nothing to do here).
The year started off with a bang, from the very first edition. Air Supply graced our cover on Jan. 3, and Dr. Shanessa Fenner wrote a piece about the band that came to the Crown as part of the Community Concerts series. Now celebrating their 89th year, the all-volunteer, nonprofit Community Concerts works to bring big-name acts to Fayetteville and has been doing so since 1935. They are responsible for bringing in two other big acts who took center stage on our cover this year: Billy Ocean (published Oct. 9), and Kansas (published Nov. 27), with articles written by Erin C. Healy.
Community Concerts weren’t the only ones responsible for our musical covers. On Jan. 17, we celebrated the Carolina Country Music Awards with a piece written by Amber Little. Held at the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, this country music celebration brought in the best musical acts the Carolinas offer. Fayetteville’s Christy Andrulonis, also known as “Sweet Tea,” helped create the CCMAs with her husband, Jeffrey. 2025 will be their 9th year holding the event.
Amber Little helped UCW honor another musical icon: CeCe Winans. Published on Feb. 28, “The Goodness Tour comes to the Crown Theatre” detailed Winans’ vast, three-decade career, and talked about her new album. Winans has been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Nashville Music City Walk of Fame, and has a space on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. As Little wrote in the final paragraph of her article, “There is no sign of Winans slowing down anytime soon... There is nothing this woman of God can’t do.”
On yet another important musical-themed cover, UCW showcased the Child Advocacy Center’s Ultimate Lip Sync Showdown, published on April 10 and written by Max Atkeson. The Lip Sync Showdown is a fundraiser for the Child Advocacy Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse. Karen B. Tisdale, CAC’s Lip Sync Committee Chair, said this to Atkeson: “Our job as a community should be to constantly work to make Fayetteville a better place to be. What better way is there to make our community better than to serve and protect children? They really are our future.”
Fundraisers for our local nonprofits always make great stories, and what better way to raise money than to go Over the Edge? United Way of Cumberland County’s unique fundraiser appeared on our April 3 cover, and Dr. Shanessa Fenner wrote the article. This annual event allows participants to rappel down the Medical Arts Building in Downtown Fayetteville. Rappelers earn funds through sponsors and donations, and those who raise the funds get to hop down the 50-foot building. Fayetteville community leaders get quite involved in the event, with participation from Police Chief Kemberle Braden, County Commissioners and Court Judges. Fort Liberty gets in on the action too; Sgt. Maj. Greg Seymour from Garrison Command made the descent. And of course, UCW’s own Linda McAlister has gone Over the Edge as well!
Fayetteville’s fundraisers come in many forms. At Legends Pub, Holly Whitley has what she calls a “party with a purpose.” The annual Legends Spring Fling is over 30 years in the making, and every year, a new cause is celebrated by the Gypsy Women. This year, the Spring Fling raised funds for Wreaths Across America, a group that sponsors wreaths to lay on veterans’ graves every holiday season. Katie Herring wrote the May 22 article.
Our festivals in Fayetteville are impressive, and they are only getting larger. In the April 24 edition, Crissy Neville wrote an article about the Dogwood Festival, Fayetteville’s premier downtown event. This two-day affair showcases acts on the main stage at Festival Park. Hay Street is covered in vendors and food trucks, and the community comes together to celebrate the North Carolina state flower: The Flowering Dogwood.
Newer to the festival circuit in town, Juneteenth has begun to gain traction as a major festival. In our June 5 edition, Amber Little wrote about the various events around Fayetteville. Skip Marley came to Festival Park as part of the Juneteenth Jubilee put on by Cool Spring District and the City of Fayetteville. Book Black Women held a three-day celebration with lectures and a film. Hope Mills and Raeford held their own events as well. 2025 promises to be an even bigger event, with Book Black Women receiving a grant from the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County.
A perennial favorite of the Fayetteville community, A Dickens Holiday is held the day after Thanksgiving. In our Nov. 20 edition, Anna White wrote about downtown Fayetteville transforming into a Victorian village. Characters from A Christmas Carol roam the streets while carolers serenade festivalgoers. The candle lighting ceremony at dusk is one of the most special events of the day. This festival is truly something extraordinary for Fayetteville.
Downtown Fayetteville sees a transformation at another yearly festival: The International Folk Festival. During the 46th Annual Folk Festival, the promenade to Festival Park turned into the International Cafe, where festival goers could sample food from all over the world on their way to the main stage. Musical and dance acts took place on the performance stage during the event. Amber Little detailed the Parade of Nations in our Sept. 18 edition, talking about the different countries represented in the march along Hay St. This event is proudly put on by the Arts Council, which had a large milestone to celebrate this year.
In our May 29 edition written by Amber Little, UCW celebrated the Arts Council’s 50th anniversary.
“It’s a year-long celebration. We aren’t just doing a one-event type of thing. We really feel that the Arts Council has taken a black and white world, in its near beginnings in the '50s and '60s, to a very colorful, exciting world that engages all people in our community,” Robert Pinson, President, Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, told Little during their interview.
The Arts Council is responsible for many festivals, concerts, events and our art scene throughout Fayetteville thanks to their grants and newer mini-grant program. The Arts Council also made a push for their public art sculptures that grace downtown Fayetteville (including an installation in front of the UCW corporate offices on Rowan St.).
Editor’s Picks
Three covers this year have stayed with me. A combination of beautiful design work from Courtney Sapp-Scott and Brooke Parker and solid writing from our great team of writers contributed to making these last three cover stories my favorites of all 52 editions of 2024.
In our Feb. 21 edition, Kathleen Ramsey wrote an article about the Grand Kyiv Ballet’s performance of Giselle at the Crown. The story followed Katryna Kukhar and her husband and fellow principal dancer Alexander Stoyanov. In addition to the poignant tale of Giselle, Kukhar and Stoyanov talked about their real-life experiences practicing the performance in Ukraine, with sirens and air alarms going off several times a day.
“We had plans for our children’s lives. We had plans for our life. When it started, all our plans disappeared,” Stoyanov said. “We now live just for the near future. We don’t know what will happen with the world tomorrow.”
For now, the duo plans to remain in the United States with their two children and continue doing ballet. The hope is to share Ukrainian culture, art and with that, ballet.
“We would like to bring some positive emotion for people,” Stoyanov said.
Crissy Neville wrote about Fayetteville Technical Community College’s new state-of-the-art Swift Water Rescue Training Center in our June 26 edition. This incredible training center is the first of its kind on the East Coast. Equipped with a 140,000-gallon indoor water tank that can simulate water flow up to 7 knots, this training facility is going to be a game changer for training first responders in our community.
“Now, we have an indoor facility where we can control all the variables. We control the speed of the water, the height of the water, the temperature of the water, we can make it night, we can make it day, I can make it rain, thunderstorm lightning, everything inside this building. I'm not at the mercy of the water level of the Cape Fear River. This facility has revolutionized our training methods and has inspired us to push the boundaries of our teaching,” said Steve White, FTCC Fire, Technical Rescue & Water Instructor.
Jamie Bishop wrote about the 9th Annual Man22 Suicide Awareness Run, published on Sept. 4. Man22SAR is a 2.22-mile run followed by 22 pushups to raise awareness for the 22 veterans who commit suicide every day in the United States. The local nonprofit Through Tragedy Comes Light puts on the event every year, organized by “Ranger Rick” Murillo.
“I couldn’t just sit back and let this happen to more people... I knew I had to do something to honor my friend’s memory and help others in the same situation,” Ranger Rick shared with Bishop.
This year has been a lively one for UCW, and we are excited to see what is in store for 2025. On behalf of the wonderful staff at Up & Coming Weekly, Happy Holidays!

By the time Miller Molnar was 18 months old, his mother, Kim Molnar, knew something wasn’t right. The delays in his development culminated in an official diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder when he reached 3 ½ to 4 years old.
As a licensed speech pathologist, Kim knew about the need to develop a life-long plan for Miller’s care and education. At the time, resources and clinics serving the developmentally delayed weren’t as prevalent as they are now.
She brought him for testing to a pediatric neurologist at the University of North Carolina and to a renowned autism specialist at Vanderbilt University. She read articles and books at night, searching for the best treatment plans for Miller, including early intervention, speech therapy, occupational therapy, verbal behavior therapy, applied behavior analysis, relationship development intervention and pivotal response treatment, among others.
The years of trial and error produced not only a plan for Miller, but Kim developed a passion for helping all developmentally challenged children. As her husband, Karl writes, “She has become an advocate for special needs kids, a mentor to therapists, and a consultant to teachers and parents statewide.”
In February of 2023, Kim and Karl opened Miller’s Brew Coffee Shop (https://millerscrew.com/millers-brew-coffee-shop), a non-profit coffee shop staffed by Miller’s Crew (https://millerscrew.com/), the part of the organization that trains special needs students the skills needed to hold down a job. Over 50 teenagers and young adults a week circulate through the Miller’s Crew training, with 35 on the waitlist. Miller’s Brew coffee shop is the training ground. The café’s tagline is “purpose in every cup.”
“We believe God gave Miller to us,” Kim said. “Our purpose has never been more clear.” Kim knows why Miller is here and what her purpose is: “To teach and train young people for families like ours.”
Kim remains grateful that the autism specialist she saw at Vanderbilt offered her guidance throughout the challenges she and Karl faced raising Miller. At one point, he told her she would need to “teach him.” The way he phrased it or the way she heard it prompted a mind shift in her. She began to teach Miller in the way he learns: visuals and lots of repetition. Once he got it, though, he retained it. This knowledge remains one of the top things Kim looks for in the people she hires to help train. First, they need to see the kids not as a diagnosis, but as people. Nobody keeps track of who has which disorder. Second, the trainers need a knowledge of cognitive ability, how people learn and retain information, and be able to teach in a style that works best for each individual.
The young people cycle through the training in groups of eight. They stay on the job for however many hours each can handle, some an hour, some an hour and a half, some three hours. Wednesdays are reserved for intensive training.
The kids handle the daily operations of running a coffee shop: they greet customers, run the cash register, count back change, make coffee, milkshakes and smoothies, wash dishes, prepare cups and sleeves and assist the baristas. The only task that is limited by ability is the espresso machine because of the 180-degree temperature involved. Sometimes the day’s training focuses on social skills that fully adapted people take for granted, like reading a customer who might be standing expectantly before a crew member. Were they greeted? Was their order taken? Are they waiting to pay? Sometimes the training might be about the appropriate personal appearance for work.
The unemployment rate for developmentally challenged adults is 87 percent. Kim wishes more places of employment would hire these young people, but she understands that it takes hard work, patience and extra training to get one of Miller’s Crew members up to speed at an establishment. She mentioned that one trainee has worked at a Jersey Mike’s Subs for three years. That is because the wife of the owner of that particular franchise is a speech therapist who understands the commitment necessary to make such a hire work.
Approximately eight months ago, Cumberland County officials approached the Molnars to see if they were interested in running the cafe that was built into the West Regional Branch Library at 7469 Century Circle. The intent was to have the café staffed by disabled individuals, but since 2010, the space remained unoccupied. What Miller’s Brew does costs money and requires lots of good people; it’s not a money-maker the way a profit-driven operation might be. This space is perfect.
“It’s just been waiting for us all this time,” Kim said.
The Haymount location (1401 Morganton Road) is labor-heavy presently as they train staff for the opening of the expansion location in February. The same branding, brightly colored murals and décor of the original location will be replicated at the library café.
The Molnar’s' two other sons, Guy, the eldest, and Davis, the youngest, know that as their parents age and pass on, they will care for Miller. The boys arrived at adulthood with a deep understanding that not everyone is the same. They can either embrace challenges or slip into self-pity. It’s better to join into the philosophy of helping others be better, Kim said. She exudes a quiet faith.
“We live right.”
So, she doesn’t talk much about when she prays or when she doesn’t. She and Karl simply live their devotion to God by their example and by being in God’s purpose for their lives. Obviously, the community senses this because they are supportive of the Molnar’s’ efforts with their faithful visits to the shop.
“It helps that we have good coffee,” Kim said, smiling. “But we don’t have to say much or be loud about it.”
The best compliment she gets is when someone comes in the shop, observes what’s going on, and says, “Oh, I see what you’re doing here.”

(Photo courtesy of Kim Molnar)

Unlock your potential and turn your dreams into reality with a vision board tailored for 2025. Discover how you can create a vision board that not only inspires but also helps you manifest your goals.
Vision boards are not just a trendy pastime; they are powerful tools for realizing your dreams. By visualizing your goals and aspirations, you create a tangible reminder of what you aim to achieve. This constant visual cue can help keep you motivated and focused on your objectives.
Studies have shown that visualization can significantly impact your ability to achieve your goals. When you consistently see your dreams represented visually, it reinforces your commitment to making them a reality. The act of creating a vision board can also be an empowering and clarifying process, helping you to fine-tune your goals and prioritize what truly matters to you.
Before you dive into creating your vision board, it's important to gather all the necessary materials. Start with a solid foundation like a corkboard, poster board, or even a large piece of paper. You'll also need scissors, glue, markers, and a collection of magazines or printed images that resonate with your goals.
Other useful materials may include stickers, washi tape, and decorative elements that can make your board more personalized and visually appealing. Don't forget to have a clear space where you can spread out and work comfortably. Having all these materials at hand will make the creation process more enjoyable and efficient.
Start by setting a clear intention for your vision board. What do you want to achieve in 2025? It could be related to your career, personal life, health, or any other area. Once you have your goals in mind, begin collecting images, words, and phrases that represent these aspirations.
Next, arrange your selected items on the board. There's no right or wrong way to do this—let your creativity guide you. Once you're satisfied with the layout, start gluing everything in place. Take your time with this step; it's important that your vision board feels right to you. Finally, place your completed vision board somewhere you'll see it daily, as this will help keep your goals at the forefront of your mind.
To enhance the effectiveness of your vision board, incorporate mindfulness and visualization techniques into your daily routine. Spend a few minutes each day meditating on your vision board, visualizing yourself achieving the goals depicted on it. This practice can help deepen your connection to your aspirations and reinforce your commitment to them.
Another useful technique is to write down affirmations related to your goals and read them aloud while looking at your vision board. This can help reprogram your subconscious mind to align with your objectives, making it easier to stay motivated and take action toward your dreams.
As you progress towards your goals, it's essential to keep your vision board updated. Regularly review it to ensure that it still reflects your current aspirations. If your goals change or evolve, don't hesitate to make adjustments to your board. This will keep it relevant and aligned with your current objectives.
Consider setting aside time at the beginning of each month or quarter to review and update your vision board. This practice can help you stay focused and motivated throughout the year, ensuring that your vision board continues to serve as an effective tool for manifesting your dreams in 2025.

Being multi-talented is a gift, and profiting from those talents is a blessing. There was a time when working a 9-to-5 job that may or may not be fulfilling was the norm and an accepted lifestyle. Over the decades, that has changed, with each generation inching out of the traditional work environment.
According to The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, entrepreneurship has been at an all-time high in the United States since 2022. Fayetteville is a hub for small businesses ranging from doctor's offices to restaurants, to hair and nail salons. The area supports small businesses.
One local woman is carving out her piece of the American pie and setting a new standard for what it means to be a black female entrepreneur in 2024 and beyond. If Hasani J is a name you are not familiar with, prepare to be acquainted. Barber, R&B recording artist, and podcast host, Hasani J is raking up the titles and has the education to back it up. She’s no stranger to the hair world, growing up the daughter of a master barber and shop owner.
“I grew up in the hair world. I learned in the barbershop. [I] started out sweeping the floor for my stepdad, Mac, who is the owner of Skibo Barbershop on George Owen Drive. Both of my brothers fix hair. My birth father cuts hair as well, but hairstylists and barbers are something that my family does,” Hasani explained.
During the week she holds a seat down as the only female barber at Barber Kings located off Hope Mills Road. During her time at the shop, she’s grown her skills and added some degrees to her walls.
“I am a Master Cosmetologist. I’m a Master Barber. I am getting my doctorate in the barber field. I’m certified and right now I’m also about to go take my instructor's class to get my instructor's license. We have a classroom here, so I’ll be doing some classes here,” she said.
In what has been a male-dominated field, Hasani J has made her mark and earned the respect of her counterparts without much pushback.
She said, “It’s actually easier when you are a woman because we know what WE like to look at. So I learned from looking. I’m a cosmetologist first, so I learned from my peers in the industry and I was taught well. Everybody wanted to help me. So then being female in the industry it’s a plus.” To book an appointment visit her booking site at https://hasanijcutzllc.as.me/schedule/cbbef6cd.
Hasani J’s talent doesn’t stop at her skills with the sheers and clippers, she’s also a talented R&B artist. Her music can be found on several streaming platforms including Apple Music. She’s performed her music live at several local events around the city, most recently the boxing match held at the Crown Complex.
Her smooth voice, spicy lyrical wordplay, and island-flavored sound are perfect additions to any playlist.
“I do R&B music, love music, grown music, for grown folks. Right now I’m working on my first EP, but I do have a nice catalog right now. They are out on all musical platforms so you can go check that out. And I do have my latest single which came out about a month ago. That’s for the ladies,” she said.
She also uses her voice to host her podcast, Ova Ya Head, where she discusses weekly topics ranging from marrying a narcissist to marketing your small business. To watch an episode or subscribe visit the YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@ovayaheadhasanij.
While her accolades and talents are many, she has never stopped giving back to the community that raised her. She is the secretary of Cut My City, a nonprofit founded by Barbadian natives and Barber Kings owners Dr. Sundiata Morris and Dr. Lumumba Quow.
Cut My City brings haircuts to the neighborhoods in need here in Cumberland County and surrounding areas. Their famous cut bus (equipped with a generator, barber chairs, and a small waiting area) can be found at community events and supporting nonprofits.
They also host an annual Christmas toy drive to support local nonprofits in their efforts and have a year-round partnership with the Cumberland County Health Department. Through these continuous efforts and her donations to a single mother once a year, Hasani J proves her love for the city that made her and supports her. With all her success in her many endeavors, Hasani admits that she couldn’t and cannot continue to do it without the people around her, saying, “All my family. All of my fans with my music from day one, who come to my shows, that stream my music. Shout out to my kids. My grandkids. I would like to shout out my Barber King fellas. My mother and my stepfather, my father, my brothers and sisters. Just family and friends and everybody that supports all of my businesses as far as music and as far as cutting hair.” To stay up to date on all things Hasani J, follow her on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028020619162.

(Photo courtesy of Hasani J)

The City of Fayetteville-Cumberland Human Relations Commission is currently accepting nominations for its 2025 Community Awards. The Community Awards seek to promote positive human relations within the Cumberland County community.
A luncheon to honor the winners will be held Feb. 13 at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden at 11 a.m. Applications for nominations will be accepted until Jan. 10 by 3 p.m. Mailed applications must be postmarked by the deadline. Winners will be notified Jan. 14 and will receive two honorary tickets to the luncheon.
The FCHR requests that those who match multiple categories be nominated for the most appropriate category description. Nominators can only nominate one person, and they cannot nominate themselves. Nominees need to be residents of Cumberland County for the year they have been nominated. There are nine award categories.
The Youth Award is given to a student who is 21 years or younger. This student must have provided outstanding human relations service. The Humanitarian Award honors individuals for their outside humanitarian and volunteer activities.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is granted to an individual who has demonstrated human relations efforts through a body of work of 20 years or more. The Individual Award is given to an individual who exhibits constructive concern for oppressed people and speaks out on issues affecting the lives of economically disadvantaged people.
The Industry/Business Award is given to a business or industry that has an Equal Employment Opportunity program. The Educator Award is given to an educator who has been involved in worthy human relations throughout the school year.
The Military Award is given to an active duty or reserve military member, military unit or organization that promotes better human and race relations through activities and programs.
The Religious Leader Award is granted to a religious leader who promotes better human and race relations. The Organization Award is given to a commission, board, or organization that provides training, orientation and workshops about equal opportunities.
For a full description of each award and to submit a nomination, visit www.fayettevillenc.gov/city-services/human-relations-4154
The mission of the FCHR is to “serve as an innovative, proactive, and project-oriented public service department promoting equal opportunity and positive community relations to facilitate the protection of human and civil rights in Fayetteville and Cumberland County via the City’s Human Relations Ordinance.”
The department serves the Fayetteville/Cumberland County community by responding to requests for assistance and listening to residents’ concerns. They work closely with the Fayetteville Fair Housing Board to provide the community with workshops providing equal employment opportunity and fair housing.

In September, the Cape Fear Botanical Garden received a $50,000 grant toward their Heritage Garden Revitalization Project, awarded by the 2024 Kubota Hometown Proud Grant Program with support from Linder Turf and Tractor. The $50,000 will aid several aspects of revitalization, including the Heritage Garden’s ultimate purpose of connecting the past, present, and future of horticulture and agriculture in North Carolina.
According to information published by CFBG, the Heritage Garden Complex is a 1900’s era interpretive experience including a Farmhouse, General Store, Corn Crib, Tobacco Barn, and garden spaces:
• The Carter – McCauley – Snider Farmhouse: Built by Alexander Carter in 1886, this farmhouse was initially located near the entrance to Baywood in Eastover and was relocated to CFBG in 1996. It boasts original mantels, woodwork, ceilings, floors, lattices, and some original doors.
• General Store: Originally located on the same site as the Carter—McCauley—Snider Farmhouse and operated by the Carters, the general store now sells farm implements and hosts educational programs.
• Corn Crib: Originally located on the same site as the Carter—McCauley—Snider Farmhouse, the corncrib serves as a storage space and antique machinery shelter.
• Tobacco Barn: Built in the 1930s and donated by Mrs. Lill Geddie, this building was added to the Heritage Garden in 2000. It is considered a rare remaining element of pre-industrial tobacco farming.
• Garden Spaces: Completed in 1999 and maintained by the Master Gardeners of Cumberland County; the garden spaces include a vegetable garden used for therapeutic gardening programs.
Sheila Hanrick, Director of Marketing, Programs and Visitor Experience at CFBG says they’re deeply aware of the need to preserve and teach North Carolina history, especially Eastern farm life, to students in surrounding counties. They feel the Heritage Garden is uniquely positioned as an educational resource. As an approved NC field trip facility with written programming that meets the NC State curriculum standards, they hope to foster a “sense of connection, education and just an appreciation of the history of the North Carolina farmer,” according to Hanrick.
Hanrick said the Heritage Garden has been maintained by CFBG volunteers over the years, with many volunteers having a military background, making the Kubota “Hometown Proud” Grant Program a perfect fit.
“That was sort of a natural connection that we made with some of our volunteers and with what Fayetteville in Cumberland County is known for,” Hanrick explained.
Cape Fear Botanical Garden originally heard of the grant program from a cohort at another local nonprofit, who forwarded the
information to Harnick.
“Nonprofits in our area are very much known for partnering with each other and looking out for each other,” Harnick said.
After reviewing the grant application and discussing the opportunity, Harnick said they decided to move forward.
Local Kubota dealer Linder Turf and Tractor agreed to support CFBG in the application process by being interviewed. Linder Turf and Tractor has an ongoing relationship with CFBG providing equipment and repairs, and while they had no say in the outcome, their contribution to the grant application was an essential part of the process.
“It’s a really neat circle of how we all helped each other,” Hanrick commented.
After an initial phase where twenty applicants received $10,000 each, community members voted on which ten would ultimately receive a $50,000 grant.
“It was up to us to rally the community to vote,” Hanrick explained, “praise the Lord, they did!”
Chris Hoffman, CEO at Cape Fear Botanical Garden, says they’ve already received several proposals for portions of the revitalization project requiring contracting with local businesses.
According to information provided by CFBG, the current Heritage Garden Revitalization Project has three phases:
Phase One included analyzing conditions, programming, and defining project phases. This phase has seen the successful and ongoing renovation of pathway drainage and surface materials, irrigation systems, ongoing weed remediation, soil improvements, and expanded garden plots.
Phase Two includes replacing a non-compliant pedestrian bridge to fit ADA standards, installing educational signage, installing raised “seat” beds that allow children, guests with motility issues, and volunteers to sit on the edge of raised garden beds as they work, installing arbor structures, and reconfiguring lighting and irrigation systems.
Phase Three depends on funding and includes the completion of phase 2 elements plus the conversion of a Farmhouse room into a functional workspace for staff/volunteer use and water service reconnection to sink and restroom.
Hoffman said that eventually, funds could additionally support programs that take place in the garden. CFBG hopes to rebuild relationships with military volunteers, retirees, and therapeutic court programs who could use the Heritage Garden complex as a space to learn about gardening, growing food, and well-being.
Though the funds may not be sufficient to complete all phases of the project, Hoffman described the grant as an “incredibly important part of helping us get the ball rolling” in their efforts to preserve the Cape Fear area’s agricultural history.
He described CFBG’s response as “humbly grateful,” adding that he was “just so thankful that they saw us as a worthy candidate.”

(Photo: The Cape Fear Botanical Garden's Farmhouse, built in 1886, was relocated to the Garden in 1996. It has original pieces all throughout the structure, and is part of the Heritage Garden Complex.)