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  • 13 ftccAt Fayetteville Technical Community College, you can have lots of fun while majoring in electronics engineering technology. One of the courses offered, ELN-133 “Digital Electronics,” provides the opportunity to have fun programming gate arrays. Field Programmable Gate Arrays are electronic components used to perform a specific task or tasks. One really cool aspect of using these devices is that you get some great hands-on experience with both coding,  or software, and implementation on a development board, or hardware.

    Want to create a really neat calculator? Use the toggle switches to represent 1s and 0s for your input numbers and LEDs for your output result. As an added bonus, you get to learn binary numbers. Want to implement a stopwatch to time how long it takes you to do 10 push-ups or 10 sit-ups? Use a push-button switch to perform the start or stop operation and the seven segment displays to show how many minutes and seconds have elapsed during your workout. Want to write a fun message for your friends? The seven-segment displays will allow you to accomplish this.

    In addition to using the development board, you can also run simulations on your design on the computer. This process allows you to make sure your stuff is working right. Simply provide the inputs you desire and validate the outputs. For example, if I perform 2 + 2 on my calculator, do I get 4? Does my stopwatch start when I press the push-button and display the elapsed time? Is my message what I expected or did I make a typo?

    How about using the seven-segment display to count in hexadecimal? Show your friends how cool you are because you know both binary and hexadecimal.

    FPGAs are a great application of electronics engineering technology. They provide a fun way to learn about different aspects of the field of study. Let’s use the calculator as an example. You learn about the theory of how computers do arithmetic using 2s complement. You learn how to program in a language called VHDL as well as doing schematic capture. You gain valuable hands-on experience doing both simulation on the computer and verification on the development board. Learn more about all of these things at FTCC.

    In addition to this single course, the Electronics Engineering Technology program at FTCC offers many more classes, which prepare you for a career as a technician or for further study in the field leading to a bachelor’s degree. Classes in computer programming, programmable logic controllers, microprocessor applications, robotics as well as others provide fun ways of learning about electronics.

    Visit our website at www.faytechcc.edu and enter “electronics engineering technology” in the search tool for more details about the Electronics Engineering Technology program of study:
    www.faytechcc.edu/academics/engineering-applied-technology-programs/electronics-engineering-technology/

  • 22 01 jessica waltonJessica Walton

    Douglas Byrd•Tennis/basketball• Senior

    Walton has a 3.9 grade point average. She is a member of the Academy of Finance, National Honor Society and the Key Club. She volunteers weekly with Feeding 5,000. She plans to attend North Carolina A&T and major in business administration.


    Michael Jurado

    Douglas Byrd•Soccer•Senior

    Jurado has a 4.24 grade point average. He is captain of the soccer team. He is a member of the Academy of Green Technology and the National Honor Society. He plans to attend North Carolina State University and major in electrical engineering.
     
    22 02 michael jurado
     
  • 10 Veterans Day Parade The Cumberland County Veterans Council is sponsoring the Fayetteville Veterans Day parade this year on Nov. 9 at 10 a.m. in downtown Fayetteville.

    According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2018, 8-9.9% of the adult population of North Carolina was made up of veterans. Across the nation, and especially in a town so near to Fort Bragg, honoring the sacrifice of military service members is important.

    This year, the parade’s theme is “Celebrating Gold Star Families.” “(For themes,) we’ve done female veterans, we’ve done gold star mothers, we’ve honored our veterans and thought it was time we honored the families,” said Penny Cacoulidis, president of the Cumberland County Veterans Council and the parade director.

    “A gold star family is one that has lost a loved one, be it a father, a mother, a brother, sister, son, aunt or uncle — a family that has lost a loved one due to protecting this nation and our freedom,” she explained.

    Although the theme is centered around gold star families, the event honors all veterans. The Council plans the event, but hosting an event like this one in Fayetteville requires help beyond what the Council alone can do. With the help of the city of Fayetteville, several Cumberland County departments and an abundance of volunteers, veterans can be honored at the ceremony. More volunteers are still needed for the event.

    The grand marshall of the parade will be a gold star mother. The people walking in the parade will represent 114 organizations. These groups include Sons of the Revolution, bike organizations and high school bands and more.

    Businesses will not advertise in the parade so as to keep the focus on the veterans.

    “They are all veterans organizations,” Cacoulidis explained.

    Established in 1919 and originally called Armistice Day, Veterans Day was started by President Wilson to honor soldiers who died while serving their country.  Wilson said, “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”

    Cacoulidis urged, “It’s time we go out and say to our nation, ‘The strength veterans showed by joining the military, whether they were called up in the draft or they joined out of their own will — they do it to support our nation.’”

    Heroes Homecoming will host a variety of events that weekend.

    “We’re attempting through the council to do a sponsorship for the Gold Star Dinner which will be on October 8. We are hoping to get the sponsorships that we are needing,” Cacoulidis said.

    Volunteers are going to go through the crowds and pass out signs that say “thank you” that people can hold.

    The parade route begins at the intersection of Hay Street where Bragg Boulevard and Robeson Street meet, by the U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum, and proceeds down Hay Street around the Market House, and ends on Cool Spring Street.

    For more information on the Veterans Day Parade, visit the website at http://www.fayveteransdayparade.com/ or call Penny Cacoulidis at 910-200-7242.

  • 20 01 jalestyTo say the Gray’s Creek Bears have dominated volleyball play in the Patriot Athletic Conference this season is an understatement.

    Through games of Tuesday, Oct. 15, the Bears are 21-0 overall, 16-0 in the league, and have already clinched the regular-season title. To date, they’ve lost just three sets.

    Regardless of how they fare in the conference tournament, they are assured the No. 1 berth from the league in the upcoming state tournament.

    Early projections by WRAL-TV’s High School OT have the Bears as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern bracket, although official state tournament pairings won’t be out until all conference tournament play is over.

    Head coach Jalesty Washington clearly isn’t surprised the Bears have done this well coming off a 17-5 record last year that saw them finish one game back of Cape Fear in the Patriot Athletic Conference standings.

    20 2hailey “I feel like they are mentally stronger this year,’’ she said. “I only lost two seniors last year and they want it more than anybody this year.’’

    Washington thinks the key to success in volleyball is to have a strong defense, a smart setter and a solid front row to put the ball away. She also believes in keeping the ball moving and controlling the game.

    She credits much of the team’s success this season to her senior captains, Hailey Pait and Summer Powell. Pait plays the libero position while Powell is a defensive specialist.

    “Hailey is focused on passing and keeping the team straight,’’ Washington said. “She tries to keep them together. She’s a mature leader.’’

    Washington calls Powell the glue on the team. “She’s the goofy one who keeps everybody laughing,’’ Washington said. “She’ll call you out and let you know you did something wrong and she’ll let you know if you did something right. She’s the vocal leader.’’

    20 03 summerThe one thing Washington can’t control is the quality of competition Gray’s Creek faced during the regular season. Washington thinks her team has gotten good tests from teams like Union Pines, Scotland and Harnett Central along with conference rivals Terry Sanford and Cape Fear.

    “I always tell the girls, we haven’t lost yet so there’s no need to start now,’’ Washington said.

    Pait and Powell are also anxious for a rematch with Conley.

    “I think we run everything faster and we have better energy,’’ Pait said. “We don’t get down as much. Even when we are down we come back, and it’s a lot more fun this year.’’

    Powell said the Bears know how good they are this year and are anxious to make a much deeper run in the state playoffs.

    “I feel like we have a better chance,’’ she said. “We have more drive this year. The farther we get in the playoffs, the better we’ll play. We’ll want it more because we’ll be so close.’’

    Pictured from top to bottom: Jalesty Washington, Hailey Pait, Summer Powell 

  • 02 sven scheuermeier XCBW03rNaNQ unsplashIf you have a television, you may have noticed that not all is peaceful and bright in the world. Each day is filled with the active ingredient of televised depression. As the noted attorney Jackie Chiles pointed out on Seinfeld, the state of the world is “… outrageous, egregious, preposterous. The world is totally inappropriate, it’s lewd, lascivious, salacious, outrageous.” We have troubles not only right here in River City but all over the world.

    At the time of the writing of this column, Dear Leader had just pulled out of Syria, leaving the Kurds to the tender mercies of the Turks. No telling what fresh horrors have occurred in the 10 days after this column escaped from the word processor. Pondering the abandonment of our former allies — the Kurds — I am reminded of a scene from “Animal House.” Remember when Flounder lent his brother’s car to the frat boys of Delta House for their road trip? After the trip, the car is pretty banged up. Flounder is distraught. Otter puts his arm around Flounder and tells him: “You screwed up. You trusted us. Hey, make the best of it.” The Kurds screwed up. They trusted us. They need to make the best of it. The occupants of the evil Middle East Omega House; Russia, Syria, Iran and ISIS are happy as Dean Wormer was when he revoked Delta’s double secret probation. Turns out Dear Leader revoked the Kurds’ double secret probation and welcomed the hungry Turks in.

    Way up north on I-95, Congress is having impeachment fits. There is not a version of Kum Ba Yah to be heard in Washington, D.C. Crankiness abounds. If you watch the impeachment news on TV, after each depressing story you are treated to a series of depressing prescription drug ads for dreaded diseases. The diseases range from the usual suspects of old reliable diseases to brand new exotic diseases that have just been discovered by Big Pharma. The new diseases coincidentally come in tandem with new expensive drugs recently approved by the FDA.

    The ads all have the same format. First, you see happy, peppy people doing all sorts of athletic and fun things despite their crippling diseases. A soothing voice comes on to tell you that this medication will make your symptoms and cares go away. You may even find true love if you take our pills. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis swing happily on trapezes, doing back flips with perfect dismounts due to a new wonder drug. Everyone is a vitamin duck in the ads. No one is sick. No one has any side effects. Then the soothing voice speeds up a little and begins to recite the ugly side effects of the drug. If you take our drug, you may get tuberculosis, cancer, toenail fungus, bad breath, be last picked for the basketball team or possibly suffer a fatal event. You pays your money. You takes your chances.

    I have a modest suggestion. In the interest of fairness, while the soothing voice is telling you all the possible nasty or fatal side effects from the medication being pushed, the ad should show people actually suffering from said possible hideous side effects. Instead of showing people enjoying near Olympic athletes’ levels of fitness, having fun, going on vacation and riding bikes, show people who got actually developed bad side effects from the medication. Make the Sackler’s company Purdue Pharma show the side effects of Oxycontin by running ads with opioid addicted patients dying in back alleys from overdoses of Oxycontin or its street replacement drug heroin. Side effect ads might result in the sale of smaller amounts of brand name opioids. Realistically, the strength of the drug industry lobby will make such ads showing side effects yet another impossible dream. So, what is a mother to do?

     Like the two main characters in Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot,” we are all waiting for something that will never happen. Godot will actually arrive before Big Pharma has to show ads complete with side effects. Shall we just curse the darkness instead of lighting a candle? Perhaps not. There is hope. The answer to televised depression comes from John Prine’s great song, “Spanish Pipe Dream” in which John wrote: “Blow up your TV, throw away your paper/ Go to the country, build you a home/ Plant a little garden, eat a lot of peaches/ Try and find Jesus on your own.” Not everybody is going to move to the country. But even if you are not willing to blow up your TV, you could watch it less often. You don’t have to worry so much about The Fayetteville Observer as it continues to be the incredible shrinking newspaper. You could plant some tomatoes. You could try to find Jesus.

    Gentle reader, allow me to leave you on a positive note by quoting the late, great singer Warren Zevon who wrote these lines: “Don’t let us get sick/ Don’t let us get old/ Don’t let us get stupid alright/ Just make us be brave/ And make us play nice/ And let us be together tonight.”

    You are now free to turn off your TV. Dare to eat a peach.
     
  • 04 history centerIn my recent column titled “History Center: Another Hijacking Underway,” I referred to questions that had been sent to Mayor Mitch Colvin and all nine members of Fayetteville City Council. In reporting responses, it was indicated that Councilman Dan Culliton did not respond. After reading that column, Culliton called me to say that he did respond. I did not receive his initial email. He was kind enough to send it again. The eight questions, along with his responses, follow.
     — Karl Merritt
     
     1. Has Council (or is it planning to) held events that, in an unbiased fashion, inform citizens as to the reasons so many people view this project as good not only for Fayetteville, but for the state and even the nation? At this time, I do not know of any such events council has officially established or discussed. Any forums that I know of so far have been orchestrated by private individuals. However, I believe we should. If or when we do, it should be done in a manner that includes accurate information as to the intent and scope of the project as well as the various funding sources (exactly where and how Fayetteville’s 7.5 million portion comes from), its continued operation funded by the state and the projected $20 million dollar economic impact it’s to have annually to our city. This will allow folks to form a more educated opinion on the project and hopefully dispel some of the misinformation that is being bandied about.

     2. What steps are being taken by Council to accurately determine the magnitude of opposition to and support for this project? None that I am aware of; further, I do not recall the same amount of attention or concern for public input directing council policy on other projects like the MLK Park, Segra Stadium, etc. Although a proper gauge of public opinion is vital, I do not believe there is ever a project that garners 100% support without any opposition.

     3. Given that a previous council approved the funding and organizers have substantially moved ahead depending on that funding, do you have concern that pulling the funding will cause future distrust of Fayetteville government? I cannot speak for the entire council but it is a grave concern of mine. Business and other economic investment interests, to include the state, federal and private, need to know we can and will follow through on our commitments, otherwise they will look past us.

     4. If the $7.5 million is withdrawn, how will it be used? What will be the economic impact of the alternative use? There has been no discussion of this that I am aware of specifically. Again, I think an accurate transparency of these funds needs to be shown and a real world evaluation of return on investment (ROI) given.

     5. Have you made a public statement regarding the “Build it so we can burn it down” sign that was held up by one attendee during the public hearing on this matter? No, I have not personally. However, I think it is disturbing, reckless and unbecoming that folks, especially a former elected councilperson, would support or promote violence such as this, that in my opinion, borders on the threat of domestic terrorism and seeks to cause such divisiveness within our community.

     6. Specifically, what actions have the organizers failed to fulfill that would justify rescinding the $7.5 million commitment? (Be reminded, reporting indicates the County is still onboard.)There is some debate on what constitutes “qualifying” funds.

     7. Are you, at all, concerned that Council’s revisiting of this matter will cause the General Assembly to disapprove the funding currently in the budget that is moving through that body? Absolutely and this would be an incredible loss to our local economy that will negatively impact it for decades to come.

     8. What is your level of concern that there are certainly white citizens who support this project, but will not speak up for fear of being called racist and supportive black citizens who fear retribution from other blacks? I find it very concerning that we are in a political climate where anyone feels threatened to voice their opinion politically or otherwise, as protected by our constitution. It is beholden upon us as public servants to make every assurance that citizens feel safe to express their opinions and give input and that they do not suffer any type of retaliation or retribution for doing so. In fact, that is the basis of our democracy.
     
  • 06 01 Christina DiGaudioDr. Christine DiGaudio, principal of Ireland Drive Middle School, is Cumberland County Schools’ 2020 Principal of the Year, and Dr. Natasha Brown, an assistant principal at Lewis Chapel Middle School, was named the CCS 2020 Assistant Principal of the Year. The winners were made public Oct. 14 at the 2020 Administrators Dinner to honor educators for their leadership and commitment to student success.

    DiGaudio, a 21-year veteran educator, began her career as a middle school teacher in 1998 after graduating from the State University of New York’s Buffalo State College. She later obtained a master’s degree from Ashland University, an Education Specialist Degree from East Carolina University and a Doctor of Education Degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

    DiGaudio has served as principal of Ireland Middle School since 2013. “Leaders cannot and should not be trusted or respected solely due to their position or title; leaders must earn trust and respect,” said DiGaudio. She now moves on to compete against other local award recipients from the Region IV Sandhills/South Central Region of the state.

    Brown has served as an assistant principal for six years. She began her career as an English-language arts teacher at Spring Lake Middle School after graduating from Fayetteville State University. She has since received a master’s degree from Fayetteville State University and an Education Specialist Degree as well as a doctorate from Liberty University. “As an instructional leader, it is my responsibility to ensure that every student has the opportunity to engage in a quality educational experience,” said Brown.

    As the CCS Principal of the Year winner, DiGaudio received the Principal of the Year Award from the Cumberland County Board of Education, a cash award, an iPad mini and floral arrangement from CCS, an engraved desk clock from Herff Jones, a commemorative Principal of the Year ring from Jostens, two season tickets to the Fayetteville Marksmen Hockey games, a weekend stay at the Embassy Suites 06 02 Natasha BrownFayetteville/Fort Bragg, a $5,000 check for school use and a $1,000 check for personal use from Lafayette Ford Lincoln.

    As CCS Assistant Principal of the Year winner, Brown received the Assistant Principal of the Year Award from the Cumberland County Board of Education, a cash award, an iPad mini and floral arrangement from CCS, two season tickets to the Fayetteville Marksmen Hockey games and a $500 check for personal use from Olde Fayetteville Insurance.

    Other Principal of the Year finalists were recognized at the event and received cash awards and iPads from CCS. They were Dr. Michele Cain from Cumberland Road Elementary, Christina Tucker from Ponderosa Elementary, Erica Fenner-McAdoo from Howard Hall Elementary, Stephanie Wall Rivers from Montclair Elementary, Shannon Booth from Cumberland Mills Elementary and Reggie Pinkney from Ramsey Street High.

    Assistant Principal of the Year finalists were also recognized and received cash awards from CCS. The finalists were Kelly McKoy from Cumberland Road Elementary, Eric McLaurin from W.T. Brown Elementary, Ricky Tucker from John Griffin Middle, Niesha Witherspoon from Jack Britt High and Royvell Godbolt from Terry Sanford High.

    Pictured from top to bottom: Dr. Christine Di GaudioDr. Natasha Brown

  • 08 N1809P59007CThe VFW Post 670 presents its 2nd Annual Veteran’s Day 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Walk of Honor to honor America’s Veterans Sunday, Nov. 10, at 11 a.m., at Festival Park in downtown Fayetteville. 

    “We started this run last year, and last year was the 100th anniversary of the origination of Armistice Day,” said Thomas Dosier, chairman of the 5K Veteran’s Day Run Committee of  the VFW Post 670. “The purpose of Armistice Day was to honor the 116,000 people that we lost during World War I. They signed the armistice to go into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.”

    Dosier added that after World War II and the Korean War, Congress changed Armistice Day to Veteran’s Day and made it a national holiday to honor all veterans of all wars.   
     
    BJ’s Wholesale Club will supply water for the participants. All participants will receive a finisher’s coin.

    Participants who registered by Oct. 18 will receive a T-shirt. There will be awards given to the different age categories for first, second and third place winners and top overall male and female winners.

    The VFW Post 670 started in 1933. “Our mission has always been to assist veterans, and all funds that we raise will be used in that purpose,” said Dosier. “We pay a lot of electrical bills and rent for young soldiers and veterans during difficult months.”

    Dosier added that the name of the post was changed in July. It is now called the Corporal Rodolfo P. Hernandez Post 670.

    “This event is going to be an annual thing from now on,” said Dosier. “We look forward to everyone participating in this event to honor our veterans.”     
     
    The event is open to the public. Ticket cost is $35. Pricing will be $40 Nov. 9-10.  Ticket cost for the 1 Mile Walk of Honor is $20. You can register for the run at http://it’s-go-time.com/veterans-day-run/. Sponsorship packages are available for purchase.

    For more information call 910-922-2809.  

    The 2nd Annual Veteran’s Day 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Walk of Honor to honor America’s Veterans is set for Nov. 10 at Festival Park.

  • With four weeks left in the regular season let’s take a look at the standings in the Patriot Athletic Conference and Sandhills Athletic Conference and consider what’s in store as far as championships are concerned.
    The Patriot title is likely to hinge on the outcome of a huge game on Nov. 1 when Terry Sanford visits South View.

    The Tigers have the longest win streak in the county at six in a row, but they have another key game at Cape Fear on Oct. 25 before that meeting with Terry Sanford.

    Regardless of how that Nov. 1 meeting between Terry Sanford and South View goes, both teams are in an excellent position to take the No. 1 state playoff berths for the 3-A and 4-A brackets because of the split conference rules that govern the Sandhills.

    Cape Fear is going to need some help to get back in the title picture. They lost to Terry Sanford the fifth week of the season, but the Colts are still likely to finish in the upper half of the standings with little trouble.

    In the Sandhills it looks like it’s all about Richmond Senior and Scotland for the championship. Jack Britt and Seventy-First are already two games back of the co-leaders and one back of Hoke and Pinecrest.
     
    The record: 47-14
     
    It took eight weeks but I finally managed a perfect record, 7-0. That pushed the season total to 47-14, 77 percent, inching closer to that desired 80 percent mark.

    Let’s see if this week’s schedule will be as kind. 
     
    • Cape Fear at Westover - Two teams headed in opposite directions. Cape Fear needs to keep peaking heading into next week’s game with South View.
    Cape Fear 29, Westover 12.
     
    • Terry Sanford at Douglas Byrd - Terry Sanford is unbeaten where it counts, in Patriot Athletic Conference play, and should stay that way after Friday night.
    Terry Sanford 30, Douglas Byrd 8.
     
    • E.E. Smith at South View - I think Smith’s three-game win streak will come to an end as South View seeks to earn its seventh straight victory.
    South View 26, E.E. Smith 12.
     
    • Overhills at Gray’s Creek - This is a matchup of two teams that have had their problems. The Bears have really hit a rut of difficulty with some injuries to key players. I’ll take Gray’s Creek because of home field advantage. 
    Gray’s Creek 14, Overhills 13.
     
    • Jack Britt at Purnell Swett - Britt needs to regroup quickly after the loss to Richmond Senior. I think they’ll do that Friday night.
    Jack Britt 30, Purnell Swett 14.
     
    • Seventy-First at Scotland - It’s back into the fire for Seventy-First, and I don’t think the result will be pleasant.
    Scotland 24, Seventy-First 18.
     
    Open date: Pine Forest.
     
    Other games: Arendell Parrott Academy 29, Fayetteville Christian 14; Trinity Christian 20, Providence Day 18.
     
  • 20 Daryl SmithlingDaryl Smithling

    Westover•Football•Senior

    Smithling has a 3.7 grade point average. He is a member of the Superintendent’s Student Voices organization. He is president of the Westover Student 2 Student Program. He is also in the National Honor Society and the Academy of Schools.

    Kadyn Staab
    Westover•Soccer/bowling•Senior

    Staab has a 3.75 grade point average. His activities include participating in Science Olympiad, National English Honor Society, robotics and Westover Academy of Engineering and being the girls’ soccer manager.
     
     
    20 02 KadynPictured from top to bottom: Daryl Smithling, Kadyn Staab
     
  • 05 01opioid abuseThe U.S. Department of Justice has given $900,000 to Cumberland County’s health department for a comprehensive opioid abuse site-based program. It’s a three-year project. The award for fiscal year 2020 is $289,131. Interim Health Director Duane Holder said the grant provides for a full-time project coordinator position at the health department, implementation of a post-overdose response team, enhanced pre-arrest diversion programming, a community education campaign and establishment of an overdose fatality review team. Data collected for Cumberland County since 1999 indicated an average of eight to 14 deaths annually related to opioids. By 2014, opiate-related deaths spiked to 34 and continued to increase with 79 unintentional opioid overdose deaths verified in 2017. Cape Fear Valley Medical Center was ranked in the top five in the state for opioid-related overdose emergency department visits. A community meeting for interested residents will be held Oct. 24, at 2 p.m., at the Department of Social Services, 1225 Ramsey St. 

    FTCC Foundation annual gala and tribute

    The Fayetteville Technical Community College Foundation will hold its annual Foundation Chair’s Gala Thursday, Oct. 24, at Gates Four Golf and Country Club. The theme for this year’s event is Gatsby Casino Night. The Foundation will honor FTCC board of trustees member Charles Koonce and FTCC Foundation Board Member Dan Dederick at the event. Koonce’s 05 02 FTCC Foundation Logo copyhistory with FTCC dates back to 1964 when he first joined FTCC as a teacher. He served in several leadership positions at FTCC during his 34-year career and has been a member of the board of trustees since July 2006.

     Dederick is a retired Marine Corps officer with 29 years of service. He has served as a member of the FTCC Foundation Board of Directors since 1996, and until his recent retirement, he was general manager of the Hendrick Chrysler-Jeep dealership. The FTCC Foundation exists to raise money from private sources to build up the FTCC Foundation financial base and to provide meaningful programs and services to alumni and friends. Tickets for the Chair’s Gala are $100. Online registration is available at www.faytechcc.edu/giving/gatsby-casino-night.

    Fort Bragg change of command

    U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Paul LaCamera arrived home at Fort Bragg last month following a one-year combat deployment. He served as commanding general of 18th Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg for 05 03 Change of Commandthe last two years. LaCamera and 400 Corps Headquarters troops returned to Fort Bragg Sept. 15. He was commander of the Combined Joint Task Force of Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq, Syria and Kuwait. LaCamera is on the move again, having been reassigned to lead U.S. Army Pacific at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, which is a four-star command. His successor, Lt. Gen. Michael Kurilla, was promoted just before the change of command Oct. 7. As is often the case, Kurilla formerly served as commander of Fort Bragg’s 82nd Airborne Division.

    Veterans Affairs health information expansion

    The Department of Veterans Affairs is notifying veterans that the agency is now sharing health information with doctors outside the VA without notifying vets first. Under the 2018 VA Mission Act, the department is working to ensure that VA physicians and non-VA medical personnel can access health care information to treat them without delay. “The Mission Act gives veterans greater access to care, whether at VA facilities or in the community,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie in a news release. The VA will give providers access to laboratory results, medications, health history and illnesses, allergies and occupational health information. Veterans are receiving notifications of the change in letters from the VA. The agency says it will not sell any veteran’s health information.

    05 04 VA Health Care 2Military spouse employment data

    Are military spouses being hired by federal agencies under a special hiring authority that’s been in effect for more than a decade? The Office of Personnel Management wants to know and has sent memos to human resources directors of all federal agencies. The agencies must submit detailed information by Dec. 31 about how many spouses have been hired in fiscal year 2019. The hiring authority gives agencies the ability to appoint military spouses to jobs without using traditional competitive examining procedures. Military spouses often face challenges finding meaningful employment because of frequent relocations to new duty stations.

    “We’re very encouraged they’re following up to get this data,” said Jen Davis, government relations deputy director for the National Military Family Association. The law was enhanced in August 2018, to temporarily expand eligibility for the hiring authority to include all spouses of service members on active duty.

    05 05 Resources For Military Spouse JobsFayetteville baseball team honored

    The Fayetteville Woodpeckers are Ballpark Digest’s 2019 Best New Logo/Branding minor league team. “To see us win the award is very humbling,” said Woodpeckers President Mark Zarthar. “It’s a testament to our staff here and in Houston to put together a fantastic product for our community.”

    The name carries a strong connection to the local community and nearby Fort Bragg, where the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker is now plentiful. Fort Bragg changes were extensive, as nesting habitats were marked to diminish impacts on the red-cockaded woodpecker. Since its rollout, the Fayetteville Woodpeckers brand has caught on. According to Zarthar, the Woodpeckers ended their initial Fayetteville season with more than $1.2 million in merchandise sales. 
     
     
    05 06 fayetteville woodpeckers copy
     
     
     
  • 06 Vote HereThe voter turnout in this month’s Fayetteville primary election was so small that absentee ballots had a substantial influence in the city council District 2 race. Fewer than 3% of the 31,000 registered voters in two primary districts went to the polls. Twenty-seven primary election day ballots initially separated Shakeyla M. Ingram, 28, and Janene M. Ackles, 49. A third challenger, Arnita Bristol, was a distant third in the District 2 voting and was eliminated. Next month, Ingram or Ackles will succeed Dan Culliton, who was appointed to the council to replace former councilman Tyrone Williams who resigned under pressure amid allegations of misconduct. District 2 includes East Fayetteville, portions of Haymount and much of downtown Fayetteville.

    District 6 Councilman Bill Crisp, 79, decided to retire. He has served sections of West Fayetteville since the 2005 big bang annexation that brought him into office. Three candidates vied for his seat. When one more candidate than twice the number of seats available runs, all but two are eliminated in a primary election. Chris Davis and Carlos Swinger placed first and second, eliminating Mary Johnson Ferguson. Davis was endorsed by Crisp and won more than twice the number of votes Swinger received. 

    Unlike the county board of commissioners and the local board of education, city council races are nonpartisan. The nine city council districts were established in 2000, following a citizen task force recommendation that resulted in a reorganization of the governing body. The only member of council elected citywide is the mayor. Mitch Colvin is unopposed and seeking his second term.

    Three other incumbent council members are opposed in the November general election. District 1 member Kathy Jensen is being challenged by Valencia Handy, who has no elective office experience. Jensen is seeking a fourth term. Five-term Mayor Pro Tem Ted Mohn is opposed by Courtney Banks McLaughlin, who is also seeking elective office for the first time. District 9 Councilman Jim Arp is opposed by Yvonne Kinston, who has a leadership background in organized labor.

    The city of Fayetteville is geographically the second largest city in North Carolina, encompassing 148 square miles requiring 36 polling places from fire station 17 on Bailey Lake Road on the westside to fire station 19 off Andrews Road on the northside. The North Carolina State Board of Elections provides an easy online website for a resident to locate his/her polling place.

    Early voting for the general election is underway and will continue through Fri., Nov. 1. One-stop early voting is being held at the Cumberland County Board of Elections Office, located in the E. Newton Smith Center at 227 Fountainhead Lane, downtown Fayetteville. Dates and times are:

    Oct. 19-20, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
    Oct. 23-27, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
    Oct. 30-Nov. 1, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

    Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. The polls will open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m.

     

  • 08 Heroes vs villainsThere will be a battle of massive proportion when the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra performs Heroes vs. Villains at Methodist University in Fayetteville Saturday, Oct. 19, at 7:30 p.m. Up  & Coming Weekly spoke with Deborah Teasley, FSO interim president/CEO.

    UCW: Is this the first time the FSO has performed something like this?

    FSO: The symphony does a variety of genres of music from many eras each season. Each season we try to offer something that appeals to everyone, whether they are looking for classical music from the baroque period (or) contemporary styles. This includes a concert of contemporary music that is readily recognized by a large number of people. Last year, it was a concert of John Williams’ music. I think everyone recognizes his movie themes. This year, we decided to have some fun with a Heroes versus Villains theme.

    UCW: Who chooses the songs?

    FSO: The primary responsibility for music selection is that of the music director Stefan Sanders but he takes suggestions and ideas from a number of sources. The season selections and concert themes are done by a committee led by Stefan Sanders.

    UCS: Can you share the songs being performed?

    FSO: The songs being performed at the Heroes versus Villains concert Oct. 18 at Methodist University are songs from Pirates of the Caribbean, “Themes from 007” (James Bond) “Wonder Woman,” “Armed Forces Salute,” “Godzilla Eats Las Vegas,” “Zarathustra,” “Star Trek through the Ages,” “The Dark Knight Rises,” “Spider Man,” “Mulan,” “Incredits” from the Incredibles, “William Tell Overture” and a tribute to John Williams.

    UCW: What is the best way to describe what the audience can expect from coming to this performance?

    FSO: The audience can first expect excellent music. The FSO is comprised of professional musicians. Then they can expect a good time.  There will be characters in costume, a preconcert discussion of the music by “the music nerd,” and a musical battle between the heroes and the villains. You have to be there to find out who wins.

    UCW: Is there anything else you’d like the readers to know about the FSO and the Heroes vs. Villains performance?

    FSO: Attendees are free to dress as their favorite character if they wish.  This concert is the same weekend as the Fayetteville Comic Con, so we are hoping that some of the people attending Comic Con will come to the concert in their costumes.

    Get your tickets today for your opportunity to experience the battle of these phenomenal heroes and vicious villains firsthand. Tickets range from $10-$26 and can be purchased in advance at the FSO website: http://www.fayettevillesymphony.org/2019-2020-season-concerts/

  • 11 Trick or Treat at the Poe House 2018 Joy the Clown The Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex presents Hallowe’en Night Tours of the 1897 Poe House Wednesday, Oct. 23-Friday, Oct. 25, from 6-10 p.m.

    “The Hallowe’en Revels Night Tours is our annual Halloween night program that we do with the Gilbert Theater,” said Megan Maxwell, 1897 Poe House education coordinator  of the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex. “We have actors come in, and they portray members of the Poe Family and their friends.”

     Maxwell added this is not like a typical Poe House tour that you get during regular hours because you are seeing a short Halloween play. “We have a different theme every year, and this year’s theme is ‘Invoking the Spirit,’ so we want people to join us for a spirited visit to the 1897 Poe House,” said Maxwell.

    “We are going to have a few ghosts in the house this year, so it will be a little bit different from what we have done in past years. Our event is family-friendly, so it won’t be a spooky scary haunted house.

     “All of our fall events are paid for by a grant from The Arts Council. Our foundation has to match that grant,” said Maxwell. “This is part of that grant match, and it pays for programming that we do in the fall, which includes both of these Halloween events coming up.”

     Trick or Treat at the Poe House will be held Saturday, Oct. 26, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

    “Trick or Treat is our fun event that we do for the little kids, and we encourage families and kids to come out in their costumes,” said Maxwell. “We do have a costume contest that we run as part of that event. There is a $1 entry fee to enter the costume contest.”

    Creative, historical and handmade costumes are encouraged. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place. The event is free and open to the public.

     The event also features the Sandbox Band from the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area.  “They are a kid’s band, and they play a lot of fun music for kids. They will play some Halloween songs as well,” said Maxwell. “They will have three performances that day at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.”

     Maxwell added the event includes Joy the Clown, who will be doing balloon-twisting and magic tricks. Cumberland County Library will have Halloween stories, and there will be old-fashioned carnival games in the backyard. Concessions will be sold.

     Tickets for the Hallowe’en Night Tours can be purchased online for $5 plus processing fees at www.museumofthecapefear.yapsody.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the museum.
    For more information call 910-500-4240.

  • 03 MargaretIn 2008 voters across America shouted in great numbers, and they did so again in 2016 for entirely different reasons.

    In 2019 across North Carolina and in Cumberland County, voters barely even whispered. So softly did the small number of voters speak that it was hard to tell there were elections at all. The few voters who made the effort, an embarrassing 3% in Cumberland County, will have an impact on all of us much larger than their pitiful numbers would indicate. Their choices are now everyone else’s choices, whether we agree or not.

    Voters of 2008 and 2016 turned out in record numbers to vote for Barack Obama and Donald Trump, vastly different presidents for sure. As impactful as each of them has been, though, chances are their actions and decisions have had far less impact on our daily lives than the decisions made by local and state elected officials.

    All presidents, including Obama and Trump, have testy relationships with Congress at times, and sometimes partisan bickering is so intense there are few relationships at all. We all watch and read about Washington shenanigans, but rarely do they affect our daily lives directly and clearly. No matter what happens with the Trump impeachment effort, most of our lives are going on routinely. Ditto the terror occurring in Syria, ongoing gun control initiatives, even who gets elected to Congress. All of that occurs far from us among people most of us are unlikely ever to meet.

    Our local elected officials and state legislators, on the other hand, are people we may well know — or at least have an opportunity to reach if we choose to do so.

    They are our neighbors, our fellow faith members whose children may go to school with our children and individuals whom we might encounter and chat with in the produce aisle. They are people who do make decisions that directly affect our families and us and impact our daily lives regularly.

    Generally speaking, legislators adopt a state budget that pays teachers, oversees schools, funds roads and oversees highway planning, funds our courts and passes criminal laws, and provides for elections at all levels. Legislators create local governments and oversee some of their functions. They license and regulate various professions, including physicians, attorneys, realtors and all sorts of personal care services.

    County commissioners also provide schools, human services, public health services, law enforcement, fire and rescue services, public records such as deeds and court proceedings. Local school boards draw district lines that determine which schools our children attend, hire the people who administer our schools and teach our children, and advocate for public education.

    Municipal officials are also responsible for police, fire and other public safety services. They maintain city roads, provide water and sewer services, make zoning decisions that determine where we might want to live and work and often provide mass transit, like buses.

    We Americans love our politics, especially a presidential race, but where the rubber hits the road is at home, not in Washington. D.C. No matter what Obama, Trump, or any other president is up to, it is more immediate and more important to us where our children go to school and how well that school is funded, whether our water is flowing and our sewer working, whether a strip club has been zoned next door and whether 911 will show up when we need them.
    Neither Obama nor Trump — or even our member of congress — is making any of those decisions. Those decisions are being made by people from our community, people we have the opportunity to talk to and share our perspectives with. The 97% of eligible voters who chose not to participate in last week’s municipal contests should ponder why they abdicated their voting privilege and responsibility when municipal decisions play a significant role in all our lives.

    Our communities are successful only if citizens participate, both by considering running for political office and by voting for those who do.

    In 2019 across North Carolina and in Cumberland County, voters barely even whispered.

  • 09 Zombie WalkIt’s October and Spooky Season activities abound. Feeling festive? Are you a fan of “The Walking Dead”? Now you can be one of them. No, not the show. The Fayetteville Zombie Walk & Prom is returning to downtown Fayetteville on Oct. 25.

    The fun starts at the Headquarters library at 4 p.m., where people participating the walk can take part in do-it-yourself zombie makeup preparations and zombie games. Headquarters library will also host the Black, White and Red Masquerade party at the same time. Dress in those colors and join the fun, which will also feature a spooky story performance and a costume contest.

    At 5 p.m., the library will have a Haunted Tale. The Zombie Walk preparty begins at 6 p.m.

    Once you’ve dedicated some time to perfecting your zombie look, meander down to Ray Avenue, where the walk will begin. Three local bands, The Answers, KEYSE and The Sherman Neckties, will perform this year.  Live music will go till 10 p.m. Then the fun will move to the Drunk Horse Pub for the Zombie Prom, where there will be more live music and a zombie king and queen costume contest. The winners get $100 cash and A $50 Back-A-Round Records gift card.

    Aside from the zombie fun, other businesses and organizations downtown have events planned, too. The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County will provide a variety of activities for attendees of 4th Friday. “We’re going to have a laser zombie shooting activity, but there will also be some kid-friendly alternatives as well,” said Bob Pinson, the operations director for the Arts Council. “We’re going to have the 82nd Airborne Division Band, Riser Burn, from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.” Other activities from the Arts Council will run from 6-9 p.m.

    “In the back, we’re still doing our beer garden,” Pinson said. The Arts Council will also open a new exhibit on 4th Friday in partnership with Cape Fear Studios called “Cooperation.” The first part of the exhibit is at Cape Fear Studios and the second will be at the Arts Council.

    Oct. 25 is the opening night of the inaugural All-American City Jazz Festival at Segra Stadium. Friday night will feature beach and shag music with the Blackwater Band, Starring the Embers, and Craig Woolard. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m.  The event will feature more musicians through Oct. 27. Visit https://www.sandhillsjazz.com/events for details.

    At Fascinate-U Kids Museum, children can create no-sew felt monsters. Fascinate-U has free museum play every 4th Friday.

    For more information about 4th Friday events, call The Cool Spring Downtown District at 910-223-1089.

  • 19 knightsWhen high school football officials prepare to call a game, traditionally the whole crew holds a pre-game meeting to go over any important details before the contest begins.

    Sgt. 1st. Class Ryan Reis had to miss the meeting held with the rest of his crew prior to the recent Pine Forest at Westover contest, but he had a good excuse.

    He arrived at the field via parachute, jumping in during a pregame exhibition by the famed United States Army’s Golden Knights parachute team.

    Reis, who is a native of Tacoma, Washington, is in his third year with the Golden Knights and his second as a football official with the Southeastern Athletic Officials Association.

    He got the idea to arrive at the Westover game via parachute when he first learned the Golden Knights were scheduled to jump at Westover’s homecoming game.

    He was not originally assigned to the Westover game as an official, so he called Neil Buie, regional supervisor of football officials for the SAOA.

    “I had refereed one of the Westover games earlier this year and knew they were in our scheduling district,’’ Reis said. He said he always thought if he ever had the opportunity, arriving via parachute at a game he was going to be officiating would be something special.

    Aware that Buie sometimes has challenges scheduling officials to call games because of a current shortage in available crews, he called to see if there was any way it could be done.

    “Obviously, my Army job comes first,’’ Reis said. “There’s no way around that.’’

    Reis had cleared the idea with his Army superiors and Buie supported the suggestion 100%, so Reis was added to the officiating crew for the game.

    Reis works any of three positions when he’s a football official, either the line judge, head linesman or back judge. For the Westover game, he was the head linesman.

    The original plan for the Westover jump was for Westover principal Dr. Vernon Lowery to accompany the Golden Knights in a tandem jump.

    They had done the same thing last season when Terry Sanford principal Tom Hatch jumped in to a Bulldog home game.

    Unfortunately, the Golden Knights have specific criteria that must be met during a tandem jump, and conditions for Friday night prevented them from allowing Dr. Lowery to jump with the team.

    But the Golden Knights themselves jumped with no problem Reis said.

    Reis hoped the jump sent a message about both high school football officials and soldiers. “I understand it’s not for everybody,’’ he said. “Officiating football isn’t for everybody, and being in the Army isn’t for everybody.
    “We do the things we do because we like them. Also it’s a great opportunity to show it’s an avenue of something that you can do.’’

    Reis said people don’t have to be pigeonholed into doing things a certain way because of their background or certain pressures they are dealing with in life.

    “There are multiple things you can do in your life that don’t necessarily have to be the standard operating way for everybody else,’’ he said.

    Back row pictured from left to right: Football officials Jeremy Hall, Charles Davenport, Todd Hewlett, Greg Rooks.
    Front row pictured from left to right: Golden Knights, SFC Mike Koch, SFC Ryan Reis, SSG Blake Gaynor, SGT Jason Bauder, SPC Skyler Romberg, SGT Adam Munoz.


  • 04 shakirThe American Cancer Society challenges us to imagine a world free from cancer. In 2019, there will be an estimated 1,762,450 new cancer cases diagnosed and 606,880 cancer deaths in the United States. More than 20,000 of those deaths will be in North Carolina. The Mayo Clinic defines cancer as any one of a large number of diseases characterized by the development of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably and have the ability to infiltrate and destroy normal body tissue. Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the world. But survival rates are improving for many types of cancer, thanks to improvements in cancer screening and cancer treatment.

    Locally, the Shakir Family and Friends have had several members impacted by breast cancer, and as a result, they wanted to give back to an organization supporting people in that situation. “They were led to Cape Fear Valley Health System’s Friends of the Cancer Center because of the impact we have with local cancer patients in this community,” said Sabrina Brooks, executive director of Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation. “The Shakir Family and Friends felt our work lined up with the impact they hoped to make through their events.”

    These are people who want to raise money to help cancer patients.

    “We brainstormed about what to do and how to get other people involved,” the Shakir Family and Friends said. “That way, we could donate more money to the foundation.”

    The month of October is breast cancer awareness month and a time of year that the Shakir Family and Friends hold an annual fund-raising dinner. They hold a fish fry and raffle each spring. The Shakirs have donated more than $20,000 over the past five years, according to Brooks.

    Marge Betley, with Cape Fear Valley Health, conducted interviews with the six men and women who identify as the Shakir Family and Friends. “We chose Friends of the Cancer Center because we wanted the money to directly help a family or individual in need during their battle with cancer,” they said.

    “After all the hard work is done, handing Cape Fear Valley Friends of the Cancer Center the check of the money we raised … is our most favorite part of the work that we do,” family members said. Shakir family members and friends involved in the project include Charles Smith, Jeanetta Smith, Trena Shakir, Shaheed Shakir, Esther Ligon and Bernard Ligon. The Shakir Family and Friends have learned firsthand that “those that you are helping really need the help and appreciate everything that you do.”

    The Shakir Family and Friends (left to right) Charles Smith, Jenetta  Smith, Trenna Shakir, Shaheed Shakir, Esther Ligon and Bernard Ligon have had several members impacted by breast cancer, and as a result, they wanted to give back to an organization supporting people in that situation.

  • 37 powOn Oct. 19 and 20, the Crown Complex in Fayetteville will become the center of the geek universe with the Fayetteville Comic Con. Creators Michael Chaudhuri and Keith Gibbs are serious about living up to the theme, “If It’s Geek, We Got It!” This will be the fifth year of Fayetteville’s Comic Con. It will be a weekend full of all things geek, and all you need to do is show up. Everything from food to collectibles will make this weekend one worth spending at the Fayetteville Comic Con.

    UCW: What made you guys decide to do this in Fayetteville?

    FCC: We started this five years ago, and it was a one-day event. That first Comic Con, we had 8,500 people. We just knew then that Fayetteville really needed something like this, and we felt like they deserve it.
    Plus, for anyone visiting from out of town, we are giving them a reason to stay overnight in Fayetteville. One of our guests, Jack Stauffer — a veteran of TV and musical theater and a star in Battlestar Galactica — will perform an 80-minute cabaret show on the 19th from 9-11 p.m. at the Holiday Inn West Fort Bragg in Fayetteville. People can purchase tickets in advance for that, or at the door.

    UCW: For those that maybe don’t know, what’s the fascination with Comic Con?

    FCC: Comic books are the seed to all things pop-culture. They all tie into a graphic representation of an idea, which often led to an illustrated nonfiction book or other written works. And, as we know today, even television shows and movies are based on comic books. In fact, we have a great line-up of sci-fi fantasy writers that come to our show every year that have panels where people can talk to them. There are topics about exploring paranormal fiction, how to write good, believable military fiction. The list goes on.

    UCW: What can people look forward to if they’re coming to Comic Con this year?

    FCC: We have 140 vendors, 80 craftspeople, DJ Clash from Winston Salem, GEEK Speed dating, aerialists and sword fighting. And of course, we will have Cosplay contests and Cosplay lip sync battles. But wait, we also have belly dancing, comedy with Tyler Wood, Game of Throne Tribute Band, tabletop gaming, video games and motion capture demonstrations. Plus, we have numerous panels of different celebrities and writers. And if that’s still not enough, we will have live tattooing.

    We also have some great guests. For example, if you’re a “Star Wars” fan, you’ll be glad to know we have Colin Cantwell, who designed the Tie Fighter, x-wing fighter and co-designed the Death Star, here. There’s also Eric “Butterbean” Esch, a major icon of boxing during the 1990s, plus wrestling, kickboxing, MMA, and even his own geek style of writing. Plus, any “Harry Potter” fans will remember this name — Gregory Goyle. That’s right, Josh Herdman is all grown up and is now an MMA fighter, plus he is in the “Robin Hood” movie that came out last year. Josh is flying in just to attend our Comic Con.

    Maybe you’re a “Stranger Things” or “Guardians of the Galaxy” fan. Actor John Jacob Anderson, who was in both, will be here to chat with our guests, and he’ll be moderating the G.I. Joe panel. If you’re interested in voice-over artists, we have them, too. Dameon Clarke is returning for his second time to our Comic Con. You’ll recognize Dameon’s voice from “Dragon Ball Z” as Cell. He’s also been a live actor in shows such as “Supernatural” and “Castle.” But he’s not our only “Dragon Ball Z” voice-over artist; we also have Stephanie Nadolny, who does the voices of Young Goku and Young Gohan. Plus, she provides the voices for several other well-known animated series. This will be her first year in Fayetteville.

    We also have Power Rangers, such as Tracy Lynn Cruz and Michael Copon. Comic book creators, such as Larry Hama, Al Milgrom, Troy Little, Paris Cullins, Gary Cohn, Brian Shearer, Louis Small, Jr., Dan Johnson, Rodney Bennett, Budd Root. We will have a “Walking Dead” reunion with actors William Bell and Gregory French. We have cosplay actors Mick Grimes and Rocky Melvin. And finally, authors such as Chris Kennedy, Alex Rath and Frank Bennett. We literally have something for everyone!

    We don’t run your usual type of Comic Con. We break that wall that make our guests accessible. Our guests, celebrities included, love to come to our shows so they can interact with the fans. We make a point to not just put everyone behind a table and try to make you buy an autograph or get your picture taken, every one of our guests has at least one panel or curated interview on the main stage.

    We will also have raffles and door prizes. In fact, Sunday, we will have a grand raffle. The price is only $15 for one day or $25 for the whole weekend. And next year, we’ll be hosting it in April and October. We hope everyone comes out to our fan-run, family-friendly, two-day, comic book and pop-culture based extravaganza.

    Find out more at http://www.fayettevillecomiccon.com/.

  • 10 jazz Editor's note: After the publication of this article, the Sandhills Jazz Society announced that, due to circumstances beyond their control, the venuefor the All-American City Jazz Festival will be changing to Festival Park, located behind Segra Stadium. The dates and times of the performances and artists performing have not changed.

    What could be more All-American than a celebration of America’s unique contribution to music in one of America’s foremost patriotic cities? Welcome to Fayetteville’s first annual All-American City Jazz Festival debuting Oct. 25-27 at Festival Park. 


     “All That Jazz” is more than a catchy show tune. Dubbed “America’s classical music,” it is an accurate description of an ever-evolving musical genre that is a many-nuanced wonder. Originating in New Orleans during the late 19th century and subsequently flavored by West African, Caribbean, Latin, Afro-Cuban and European influences, jazz became the multicultural musical stew in America’s melting pot. In each decade, from the 1900s on, talented and innovative musicians improvised and expanded the genre, serving up the varied menu we can choose from today. “All That Jazz” encompasses ragtime, blues, Dixieland, swing, bebop, cool jazz, free jazz, hard bop, modal jazz, jazz-rock and jazz fusion.

     Great jazz musicians include the famous and forgotten. Among the legends are W.C. Handy, Scott Joplin, Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Stan Getz, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonius Monk, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock and Miles Davis. Among jazz vocalists, Billie Holliday, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington, Ethel Waters and Louis Armstrong stand out. Carrying on today, we have the likes of Wynton and Branford Marsalis, Diana Krall and crossover artists like Harry Connick, Jr. and Norah Jones.

     Here in Fayetteville, the Sandhills Jazz Society might just be incubating the next great jazz innovator. According to its website, SJS “…encompasses a wide spectrum of jazz, blues, world, creative and improvised music including evolving forms of jazz and the technologies and media that influence jazz as an art form.” Presented by SJS, the Fayetteville-Cumberland Youth Council, and Cumberland County Tourism Development Authority and supported by a grant from the Fayetteville/Cumberland County Arts Council, the All-American Jazz Festival will be held at Festival Park.

    “The Arts Council is pleased to partner with the city of Fayetteville in support of the All-American Jazz Festival,” said Greg Weber, Arts Council CEO. “Project Support Grants for 2019-2020 will help fund 26 projects. … These projects help strengthen our communities through festivals and concerts, youth education programs, art exhibitions, workshops and more.”

     The festival lineup promises something for everyone. Friday, Oct. 25, will be a night of beach and shag music with the Blackwater Band and the Embers, featuring Craig Woolard, performing. Saturday, Oct. 26, jazz stars Willie Bradley, Avery Sunshine, Julian Vaughn, Eric Darius and Brain Culbertson will perform. Sunday, Oct. 27, local high school and college jazz students will honor the legends of jazz by performing some of the standards for which they are noted.

    Friday’s concert begins at 7 p.m., while the concerts Saturday and Sunday begin at 4 p.m. For more information, including ticket purchases and prices, visit www.sandhillsjazz.com.
     

  • 07 Myeshia Johnson LaDavid Johnsons widowThe U.S. is offering a $5 million reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the militants who committed or aided in the deadly Oct. 4, 2017, attack on a joint U.S.-Nigerien military patrol that left four Fort Bragg soldiers dead. The U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice Program is offering an additional $5 million reward for information on the whereabouts of Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahrawi, the leader of the ISIS offshoot known as Islamic State in the Greater Sahara, according to a news release.

    The ISIS affiliate in West Africa claimed responsibility for the deadly attack that overwhelmed an American special operations team and roughly 30 Nigerien soldiers who accompanied the patrol near the village of Tongo Tongo, Niger. The patrol was pursuing an ISIS commander named Doundoun Cheffou when it was ambushed, resulting in the deaths of Sgt. 1st Class Jeremiah Johnson, Staff Sgt. Bryan Black, Staff Sgt. Dustin Wright and Sgt. La David Johnson. They were assigned to Army Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha 3212.

    An investigation into the deadly firefight uncovered several things that went wrong with mission planning before the patrol. The team was not authorized to conduct capture or kill missions. Team leaders were not clear in its concept of operations paperwork that they were to pursue Cheffou. However, the investigation noted that the officers who filed the paperwork were not deceptive. A few people, mostly enlisted Green Berets, were reprimanded following the ambush, including Maj. Gen. Marcus Hicks. He was the commanding officer of Special Operations forces in Africa.

    Family members expressed their unhappiness in interviews with ABC News with the Pentagon’s decision not to punish other senior commanders for their role in the circumstances that led to the deadly attack. The decision that two officers in the Green Berets’ former chain of command — Col. Brad Moses and Lt. Col. David Painter — would not receive administrative punishments means that they will be eligible for future promotions and commands. Painter, according to multiple sources, received a reprimand, but it wasn’t a career-ending punishment, and he is reportedly up for a promotion.

    Family members complained that Painter, as well as Moses, commander of Fort Bragg’s 3rd Special Forces Group, should be accountable for placing the team near ISIS fighters. Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., who advocated for the families, called the decision to not punish higher-ranking officers “a shirking of responsibility to the memory and families of the deceased.”

    The fallen soldiers in the ambush were posthumously awarded medals for valor. Wright’s family was presented with the Silver Star in August. Wright’s father said he was told his son had been nominated for the Medal of Honor, but that it “was downgraded twice” and that he would receive a posthumous Silver Star. Sgt. La David Johnson’s family was also presented with a Silver Star. He was a mechanic assigned to the special operations team. Sgt. 1st Class Jeremiah Johnson and Staff Sgt. Bryan Black were posthumously awarded Bronze Stars.

    Pictured: Sgt. 1st Class Jeremiah Johnson’s widow, Myeshia

  • 16 01 hair stuff

     

    Due to the threat of severe weather Saturday from Tropical Storm Nestor, the Fall Family Festival at Harmony at Hope Mills has been postponed to a later date.

    Harmony at Hope Mills, an assisted living facility, is still somewhat new to the Hope Mills community. It’s located at 7051 Rockfish Road, a short distance from Jack Britt High School.

    To help introduce itself and to give back to the town it hopes to serve, Harmony is holding a Fall Family Festival on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

    “We want to say thank you and bring the community together as well, as with our families that are currently residents,’’ said Taneshia Morris, the move-in coordinator at Harmony.

    Harmony is partnering with the group that sponsors the annual Cut My City event to offer a variety of activities and services to anyone who would like to take part, especially members of the senior citizens community.

    One of the big features of the festival will be free haircuts and some makeovers.

    Hair dressers and professional makeup artists will be on-hand to help with the makeovers.

    Morris said Harmony has reached out to local churches to ask them to nominate deserving members as candidates for the makeovers.

    Around 2 p.m., Harmony will hold a seniors fashion show for anyone ages 60 and up. Morris said the fashion show will be complete with a catwalk for the participants.

    16 02 harmonyThere will also be senior games, carnival style, with prizes for the participants.

    Other events will include a photo booth, an antique car show, a cornhole competition and a variety of food trucks.

    Anyone who would like to find out additional information about the event or RSVP for the makeovers or the fashion show is asked to call by Wednesday, Oct. 16, at the latest.

    The number is 910-635-0555.

    “We just want people to know we are here,’’ Morris said.

  • 15 01 goatsThe popular Gallberry Corn Maze is back for a sixth season of weekend fun for families, with a special added attraction this year.

    “We are doing pig racing,’’ said Jeanette McLean, spokesperson for the corn maze.

    They try to get in at least two pig races during Friday’s hours for the corn maze and as many as three or four during their longer hours on Saturday.

    This year’s hours are 5-10 p.m. on Friday, noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The last tickets are sold each day one hour before closing.

    The pigs have their own track at the corn maze, the Gallberry Nas-Hawg Speedway.

    The four competing critters are named Earnhawg Jr., Danica Porkchop, Stinkerbelle (a Southern pig, of course) and Spongehawg Spampants.

    The pigs are Gloucestershire old spots and were originally bred as orchard pigs. “They are actually leaner, longer pigs and aren’t messy,’’ McLean said. “They don’t root as much as a farm pig does.’’

    Each pig is assigned a number and a color prior to the race and children that come to the corn maze are encouraged to cheer for the 15 02 Corn Maze signpig of their choice to win.

    In addition to the racing pigs, Galberry continues with many of its traditional attractions that have made the corn maze a fall hit.

    There is the jumping pillow along with a wide assortment of farm animals. They include Hee Haw the Donkey, baby goats and baby peacocks, Tom Tom the Turkey and rabbits.

    Other attractions include a giant corn shack with 6,000 pounds of corn, various slides, a climbing wall, cornhole games, tic tac toe played with Styrofoam pumpkins, a barrel train and a hayride.

    Of course, the main attractions are the two mazes, a one-acre children’s maze and the five-acre main maze. McLean estimates it takes about 45 minutes to walk through both mazes.

    Flashlights are required in the maze after dark. They are available for sale at the concession stand but McLean said most customers use the light on their cellphones.

    Tickets are $11 for everyone ages 3-65. Children under three are free. Cumberland County school teachers, seniors 66 and over and military can get a $1 discount with proper identification.

    The hay ride stops at dusk for safety reasons.

    All sales are cash only and there is an ATM at the main ticket gate.

    The only thing a ticket doesn’t include is the popular air cannons which are three shots for $1.

    Pumpkins and all food from the concession stand cost extra.

    Concession items include water, soft drinks, juice boxes, funnel cakes, fried Oreos, honey buns, corn dogs, hot dogs, nachos with chili and cheese and fried corn on the cob. There are also S’Mores kits available. Fire pits are also provided.

    The Gallberry Corn Maze, located on 5991 Braxton Rd., is open through Nov. 3. For more information, visit the Facebook page, Gallberry Corn Maze, the website, gallberrycornmaze.com, or call McLean at 910-309-7582.

     

     

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