Syndicated columnist Leonard Pitts Jr. published a column earlier this month in the Raleigh News and Observer with the arresting headline, “What will we do when there are no newspapers?”

What, indeed?

Friends have told me that they do not use electronic readers because they prefer the physical feel of actual books, and others say the same about reading newspapers instead of online editions. It is the same sentiment regarding two different forms of communication, and the difference is, of course, that books are static. They do not change unless their authors issue updated editions. Newspapers, by nature, are different every day and require daily — now hourly, even second-to-second updates. As do broadcast and electronic media, they require massive volumes of information, hard news and many other kinds of stories, that require large staffs and vast amounts of money to churn out regularly.

That is one of the main reasons the newspaper — as we have known it since the inception of the United States and even before — is endangered. Newspaper readers fret about their shrinking size, both physically and in terms of content. Another big reason for their decline is that newspapers appear once a day, and much of what they tell us we already know from the internet, television and radio. The internet, CNN and other media tell us in seconds what we used to find out the next morning in our daily paper.

If — maybe when — newspapers as we know them do disappear, there will still be news, of course. The internet, CNN and other media will surely keep us informed about what the president is up to, which aspect of climate change is currently scaring us to death and what Prince Harry, Meghan and baby Archie are doing over the weekend. What we will have a much harder time learning is what our local legislative delegation is doing for — or to — us in Raleigh or when the governor is coming to town. If no one is reporting on our city council or county commissioners, it is more convenient for us to attend those meetings ourselves than it is to take a road trip to the General Assembly in Raleigh. Realistically, though, most of us are not going to make the effort.

Hence, Leonard Pitts’ scary column, which points out a 2018 University of North Carolina School of Media and Journalism report that we have lost nearly 1,800 newspapers across our nation since 2004. The future is upon us, and it looks devoid of newspapers and local and regional journalism.

Here is how Pitts describes our situation.

“The passing of newspapers would have a devastating impact on the coverage of local events. The hole they leave would not be filled by CNN, whose original reporting tends to center on national — usually political — news. It would not be filled by local TV, whose original reporting tends to begin and end with street crime, weather and sports. And it would not be filled by social media, whose original reporting tends to be nonexistent.

“Bottom line, it would not be filled. If you’re living in a news desert and the mayor is crooked, the cops corrupt or the businessmen pervy, how would you know? Chances are, you would not.”

The demise of newspapers is a clear case of not appreciating what we have until we lose it. We newspaper readers have taken it for granted that local and regional reporters will keep us informed about actions that affect us, especially governmental actions. We have taken it for granted that local newspaper editorial staffs will help interpret the world around us and what it means for us and our families.

It is increasingly our own responsibility to find outlets we can trust not just to feed us their points of view but to give us concrete and truthful information. It is increasingly our own responsibility to interpret what we learn and what it means for our communities.

It is all we can do until new local and regional media emerge in whatever forms they take.

Meetings

For details about all meetings and activities, including location where not listed, call Town Clerk Jane Starling at 910-426-4113.

• Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Monday, July 22, 6:30 p.m., Parks and Recreation Center

• Appearance Commission Tuesday, July 23, 6:30 p.m., Parks and Recreation

• Veterans Affairs Commission Thursday, July 25, 6 p.m., Parks and Recreation Center

Activities

• Good2Grow Farmers Market Saturday, Aug. 3, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., between Town Hall and Parks and Recreation Building.

• Hope Mills Area Kiwanis Club at Sammio’s, second Tuesdays at noon and fourth Tuesdays at 6 p.m. For details, call 910-237-1240.

• Hope Mills Parks and Recreation Senior programs at Parks and Recreation Building. Senior programs are for those ages 55 and up who are residents of Cumberland County. Various activities, especially Zumba classes, are scheduled Monday through Sunday throughout the day. For details on times and days, check the schedule at townofhopemills.com. You can call the recreation center at 910-426-4109 or e-mail Kasey Ivey at kivey@townofhopemills.com.

• Hope Mills Parks and Recreation is currently accepting registration for men’s and coed adult softball for the fall 2019 season. Registration will end Aug. 3 or when all leagues are filled, and the season will begin Aug. 12. The cost is $500 per team. For additional information, call 910-308-7651.

Promote yourself: Email hopemills@upandcomingweekly.com.

It’s been 14 years since the first National Day of the Cowboy. Once a year, on the fourth Saturday of July, cowboys and cowgirls all over the country strap on their boots in memory of the Wild West and the simple yet strong values that came with it. The folks at 7 Branch Farm in Lumber Bridge, North Carolina, celebrate and embody these values, including good stewardship, honesty and hard work, in their everyday lives.

The public is invited to celebrate 7 Branch’s sixth annual National Day of the Cowboy on Friday night, July 26, and Saturday night, July 27.

The rodeo includes all the favorite pastimes of the Old West, including cowboy mounted-shooting. This attraction consists of horsemen shooting .45 caliber pistols at targets while riding horses, according to Buddy Blackman, general manager of 7 Branch Farm.

Professional entertainer Cowpaty the Rodeo Clown will be back as will the Carolina Stars Trick Riders. Carolina Stars Leslie Reed and Lori Graham are the original trick riders from the Dixie Stampede, and they’ve worked with 7 Branch Farm since its first National Day of the Cowboy, according to Blackman.

The duo is trained in adrenaline-spiking stunts: “Trick riders stand on top of (the horses), ride on the side of them, ride them backwards,” Blackman said. Perhaps because of Carolina Stars, 7 Branch’s National Day of the Cowboy rodeo just keeps growing and growing. “Every year, we have to add more bleachers,” Blackman said. For the same reason, he also encourages attendees to arrive early with lawn chairs in hand.

There will be plenty for the kids to do, too, including bounce houses, face painting, free pony rides and a bucking machine, which both kids and adults can ride. Raging Rooster Catering, along with taco trucks and ice cream venders, will provide refreshments. Snow cones, funnel cakes and other concession foods will also be available, Blackman said. In the spirit of family-friendliness, there will be no alcohol at the event.

The fun continues with a few highenergy competitions. According to Blackman, 64 competitors from all along the East Coast will perform in bareback horse riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, calf roping, team roping, steer wrestling, cowgirls breakaway roping and barrel racing.

There’s a reason this event draws so many competitors to 7 Branch — 14 more this year than last year. “We were the first one in North Carolina,” Blackman said, speaking about the rodeo. When the National Day of the Cowboy Organization reached out to 7 Branch to start a North Carolina-based rodeo, the farm stepped up to the plate. To this day, 7 Branch is the only sanctioned venue in North Carolina that hosts National Day of the Cowboy.

National Day of the Cowboy began in 2005 when Wyoming’s late U.S. Sen. Craig Thomas sponsored the event as a day to celebrate the contribution of the cowboy and cowgirl to America’s heritage and culture. The event has been growing ever since. In fact, North Dakota passed the National Day of the Cowboy bill into law in April of this year, the 14th state to do so since 2005.

A piece of the culture celebrated at this event is the lifestyle exemplified by America’s cowboys. The Wild West didn’t have a written law for frontiersmen and frontierswomen to live by. In fact, these people took pride in following their own unwritten rules rather than those set by the federal government. Today, cowboys are remembered for the principled way of life outlined in the following Code of Conduct.

The National Day of the Cowboy Code of Conduct for Cowboys & Cowgirls:

1. Live each day with honesty and courage.

2. Take pride in your work. Always do your best.

3. Stay curious. Study hard and learn all you can.

4. Do what has to be done and finish what you start.

5. Be tough, but fair.

6. When you make a promise, keep it.

7. Be clean in thought, word, deed and dress.

8. Practice tolerance and understanding of others.

9. Be willing to stand up for what’s right.

10. Be an excellent steward of the land and its animals.

Like the cowboys of the frontier, the people at 7 Branch know something about hard work. Blackman’s father, Ron Payne, started the family-run farm 10 years ago with only eight acres. Today, 7 Branch boasts 30-plus acres and hosts several rodeos and training events every year.

The family also gives back to the community. Part of the rodeo’s proceeds benefit Cape Fear Valley’s Friends of the Cancer Center, which 7 Branch has supported for several years.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.dayofthecowboync.com or at the gate. Tickets are $15 per person, and kids 3 years old and under get in free. Active-duty military receives one free child pass with a paying adult. Gates open at 5 p.m., and the event begins at 8 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday night. 7 Branch Arena is located just outside Hope Mills at 62 McGougan Rd., Lumber Bridge. For more information, call 910-813-7881.

Former coworkers at South View High School and friends from the education community remember McKinley “Macky” Hall Jr. as a devoted supporter of education who had a strong loyalty to his many friends in the South View school district. Hall, a former football coach, Hope Mills political leader and longtime school board member, died earlier this month at the age of 85.

Bobby Poss was head football coach at South View during Hall’s final years as the school’s athletic director. He had a special nickname for Hall no one else used, calling him Tiger One.

“He was so encouraging and supportive,’’ said Poss, who guided the Tigers to their only state 4-A football championship in the fall of 1991. “He was a great administrator but also a very good friend. That’s all he tried to do, be a helper. He was thinking and the wheels were turning.’’

When Poss arrived at South View in 1989, the school had never made the North Carolina High School Athletic Association football playoffs in its previous 17 years.

Poss was placing his first equipment order with Hall, and Hall asked if there was anything missing. Poss told Hall that at his previous job at Seventy-First, he always ordered new socks for his team to wear in the state playoffs.

“South View had never been to the playoffs, but Macky said we better order playoff socks,’’ Poss recalled. South View finished the 1989 season 9-4 and won the first two state football playoff games in school history.

“We ordered playoff socks and we got to wear them,’’ Poss said. “That was an example of the kind of encouraging he can do for a guy.’’

Poss said Hall did the same for other South View coaching legends like Randy Ledford, Ron Miller and Eddie Dees.

“I don’t think a coach ever felt slighted by Macky,’’ Poss said. “He was the first all-in guy before it became a popular term.’’

Greg West served with Hall on the Cumberland County Board of Education. He called Hall a pleasure to work with and someone who cared deeply about schools, both the buildings and the people in them.

“He didn’t raise his voice, and he spoke to the point and spoke his mind,’’ West said. “He wasn’t confrontational. He worked with people to try to talk you into seeing it his way.’’

Current South View athletic director Chad Barbour first got to know Hall five years ago when Barbour took over the position. Though retired, Barbour said Hall continued to show support for the schools, and especially South View.

“Anything you look at as far as South View athletics and the success we’ve had in the past is basically a direct reflection of his efforts here as athletic director,’’ Barbour said. “He was the engineer behind that great state championship run.’’

Over a period of about a half-dozen years just before and after Hall stepped down as South View athletic director, the Tigers won state championships in baseball, football, boys golf, boys basketball and softball.

“He got the right coaches in place, gave them what they needed, and they built somewhat of a dynasty through his leadership,’’ Barbour said. “That carried over for many years.’’

Even after his health began to fail, Barbour said, Hall was a regular at South View home football games and was instrumental in getting the school a larger, modernized press box. Unsuccessful attempts have been made to have the press box named in Hall’s honor.

“He held South View very near and dear to his heart,’’ Barbour said.

Former Cumberland County Schools student activities director Fred McDaniel coached with Hall when the latter was head football coach at Terry Sanford in the mid-1970s.

“He was really an advocate for kids,’’ McDaniel said. “As a board member, he was concerned with athletes, not so much winning and losing, but our integrity, making kids do the right thing. He worked hard for kids and their well-being, giving them the best opportunity.’’

Hope Mills Mayor Jackie Warner followed Hall's work as athletic director at South View and recalled he was a familiar fixture at town events, athletic fields and restaurants.

“He was involved in the community beyond being on the school board,’’ Warner said. “He was always very active until the last few months.’’ 

Warner said Hall was part of a special time when South View was the only school in Hope Mills, before Jack Britt and Gray’s Creek opened.

“It was the height of school spirt in Hope Mills,’’ she said. “That was when they decorated the town orange and black.’’ This was something that Tiger One certainly appreciated.

Photo: McKinley "Macky" Hall

My apologies to the two or three of you who had the misfortune to read my recent column about our Alaska trip. That column was written under the influence of jet lag and the king of all sinus infections, which I obtained in the 49th state. Being cranky and ill, I was unfair to Alaska. Mea culpa Alaska, you are wonderful. My fourth-grade teacher, Ms. Delgrande, would have probably given me a B on that column. Her daughter Susan Delgrande, out of kindness, gave me an A. Let us look back in gratitude to the great state of Alaska.

We flew out of RDU. The lengthy line for TSA review resembles Walt Disney World’s queue for Space Mountain. The TSA has added something new, a starter’s line for fliers to stand behind until their row is called. You walk down a 30-foot strip as a drug-sniffing dog weaves in and out of the tourists. The lady next to me said, “I’m sure glad I left my brownies at home.”

After the usual soothing air travel experience, we arrived in Fairbanks in early afternoon. Our tour kept pushing something called the Alaskan Salmon Bake for only $99 for two. Being gullible, we went. A school bus picked up a flock of tourists at the hotel. We were hauled off like so much Soylent Green to the tourist shearing. Truth in advertising would demand it be called the Alaskan Tourist Bake. It was the Alaskan equivalent of Dillon S.C.’s South of the Border, or a Myrtle Beach all-you-can-stomach fried seafood buffet. All the salmon you could eat — along with a salad bar featuring brown lettuce. Wine and beer cost extra. The next day, after applying the rule that Tragedy + Time = Comedy, I realized the tourist food scam was funny.

There is a four-hour time difference between North Carolina and Alaska. Who knew there was a time zone beyond Pacific time? Alaska time, like the cheese, stands alone. The University of Alaska at Fairbanks has an excellent museum in which I slept through a highly educational movie about the aurora borealis. Fairbanks also has the first Moldovian restaurant I have ever seen featuring a specialty apparently called Placenta Primavera. Yum.

The rumors about Alaska being the land of the midnight sun are true. The sun does not disappear at night. It drops into a low crawl across the horizon moving from west to east and then starts back up into the sky in the morning. Watching the sun refuse to set was worth the price of admission. A side trip took us to a giant Alaskan Gold Dredge, which can scoop out entire mountains looking for gold. We got to pan for gold. We came up with $26 worth of gold, according to the proprietors. They did not offer to buy it back from us. However, the gift shop had necklaces for sale for $76 into which you could put your gold flakes to preserve your precious memories of your Klondike gold strike. They did give us a free cookie and coffee to go along with our gold. We took a picture next to the Alaskan pipeline to scare environmentalists.

The next overnight stop was near the mountain called Denali, which formerly was known as Mount McKinley. That is one large mountain. The restaurant there sold wine in a can. This allowed you to sit on the deck, drink canned wine and admire America’s tallest mountain while thinking profound thoughts. One thought was that there are very few fat tourists in Alaska. You have to be in reasonably good shape just to get there.

There is very little access to actual printed newspapers in Alaska. I read the same Wall Street Journal I brought from home for a week until I found a New York Times in Anchorage. You can get excellent shrimp and grits with a fried egg on top in Anchorage. Who knew low-country cooking would turn up in the north country? While we were in Anchorage, Trump got into a twitter war with Bette Midler, calling her a washed-up psycho. Kind of made me nostalgic for daily news.

Once on the cruise ship, I was pleased to learn they showed a different episode of “The Love Boat” TV show every day. There is nothing finer than a 1970’s TV show with faded stars from yesteryear finding love on the Love Boat. Captain Stubing, Dr. Bricker, Gopher, and Isaac the Bar Tender remain on board. I still can’t get the theme song out of my head: “Love, exciting and new/ Come aboard/ We’re expecting you/ Love, the sweetest reward/ Let it flow/ It flows back to you.”

Have you learned anything from this waste of your reading time? Probably not. However, I now strongly recommend going to Alaska. Once the jet lag and the sinus cooties disappeared, I was able to appreciate the wonders that comprise the Last Frontier. One last note, Alaska delights in selling T-shirts and hats that compare the size of Alaska to Texas. Size matters. Alaska is 2.5 times bigger than Texas.

Alaskan people are among the friendliest and most self-sufficient folks I have ever met. If you can smile where it gets 60 degrees below zero in the winter, you are America’s finest.

Fort Bragg is probably best known as headquarters of the famed 82nd Airborne Division. But it’s one of several major combat commands on post. They include U.S. Army Forces Command, Army Reserve Command, 18th Airborne Corps, Army Special Forces Command, the Army Special Operations Command, Joint Special Operations Command, John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, 95th Civil Affairs Brigade, 528th Sustainment Brigade (Airborne) and the 4th Military Information Support Group (Airborne). An estimated three dozen general officers, including a four-star and half a dozen three-star generals, are stationed at Pentagon South, as Fort Bragg is colloquially known.

A veteran of the 75th Ranger Regiment is on his way to Fort Bragg to become senior NCO of the secretive Joint Special Operations Command. Command Sgt. Maj. Craig Bishop is currently the senior non-commissioned officer of the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas. He was named to replace JSOC Command Sgt. Maj. David Blake, according to a Pentagon press release.

JSOC oversees elite special operations strike forces, including the Navy’s SEAL Team six, the Air Force’s 24th Special Tactics Squadron and the Army’s Delta Force, officially designated the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment. JSOC is also responsible for studying special operations requirements, ensuring equipment standardization and developing joint tactics among special operations forces.

Bishop enlisted in the Army in September 1992 from Sweetwater, Tennessee. Over the course of his Army career, he has performed all NCO leadership positions, from team leader to command sergeant major for the 75th Ranger Regiment. Bishop has been through all levels of the NCO education system, including Special Operations Command Summit course and the Joint Special Operations Forces Senior Enlisted Academy.

Bishop will serve under Air Force Lt. Gen. Scott Howell, JSOC commander and the first Air Force general to lead the legendary unit that was born out of the Iran hostage crisis in 1980.

Since 9/11, few elements of the U.S. military have been more involved in the fight against terrorism than soldiers of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, or USASOC. Established at Fort Bragg on Dec. 1, 1989, to enhance the readiness of Army Special Operations Forces, USASOC also functions as the Army component of the U.S. Special Operations Command, which is located at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. In Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and numerous other hotspots around the world, USASOC soldiers have been among the first forces to deploy in support of U.S. and coalition force objectives.

Many of these soldiers, most of them having served in numerous combat rotations, remain deployed to those locations along with conventional forces and multinational partners to help ensure the success of all GWOT operations, whether in a frontline combat role or a humanitarian assistance function. Green berets ordinarily serve shorter deployments than traditional forces but are sent into combat more often.

Photo: Command Sgt. Maj. Craig Bishop

Publisher’s note: I am yielding this space to Rep. John Szoka, R-N.C. I have the highest respect for John and all our elected public servants, regardless of political affiliation. Up & Coming Weekly is proud to be the local community newspaper, and we welcome contributions without regard to race, religion or political affiliation. This unbiased diversity is what makes Up & Coming Weekly successful and uniquely appealing to our readers. The only mandatory requirement we have is that the writers own their words. This is why we require photos and bios to run with all content features. Our readers want to know who is speaking to them. It’s also the reason many politicians will not contribute. Our policy: “You say it! You own it!” — Bill Bowman, Publisher

In the aftermath of the governor’s veto of the budget, Democrats in the House who agreed to vote to override the veto have been labeled as disloyal to their governor and disloyal to the Democratic Party. How dare a Democrat step out of line? It’s “My party, right or wrong.”

These Democrat House members are being portrayed as disloyal traitors and are threatened with being primaried by their own party. In fact, some were called to the governor’s mansion and introduced face-to-face to their next Democratic primary election opponent if they don’t toe the line. Raw political threats by elected and appointed people in positions of great civic responsibility is disappointing and so very wrong, to say the least. But remember, it’s “My party, right or wrong.”

Equally disappointing are left-leaning organizations like Progress North Carolina. This organization is on social media claiming that Democrat Representative X is trading healthcare for pork, depicting a picture of a hog’s head and a stack of money right next to an unflattering photo of Representative X. Add to that the executive director of the North Carolina Justice Center, who was a guest on a local radio station last Thursday morning, echoing the same sentiments. Pork? Really? Funding the residency program at Cape Fear Valley Hospital is pork? Helping the town of Falcon repair its town hall when insurance came in about $60,000 short is pork? $20 million for capital improvements at Fayetteville Technical Community College, $16 million for capital improvements at Fayetteville State University and $28 million for new schools in Cumberland County is pork? Seriously? But remember, it’s “My party, right or wrong.”

North Carolina’s economy has been booming for the last several years. Because of prudent fiscal policy and controlled spending over the last four budget cycles, we have seen a dramatic increase in job creation and increasing wages. North Carolina’s unemployment rate is at a record low, and tax collections have outpaced budget estimates for the last four years because of our booming economy. These are the reasons we can fund these important and necessary projects across the state that might not otherwise be funded. Pork? Politically speaking, pork can be defined as spending money you don’t have for projects you don’t need. What this budget does is return the “good economy dividend” to its rightful owners, the taxpayers, for projects benefiting taxpayers.

House Democrats who’ve reached out across the aisle to work with Republicans — who have reached out to them in-kind — are being villainized and portrayed as party traitors. I thought this was called compromise. If I can believe even a small portion of what I see on TV, and read about in countless editorials, that’s exactly what everyone wants, compromise. And now everyone can see who is truly interested in compromise and who isn’t.

Working for our constituents by working together for the common good is, after all, why we were all sent to Raleigh. So, instead of recognizing and acknowledging these House Democrats for what they have been able to achieve in spite of their own party, they are subjected to disdain, criticism and disrespect from their party peers and leftleaning organizations. Reps. Billy Richardson and Elmer Floyd are two such public servants who don’t deserve the contempt and disdain being heaped upon them.

Actually, these two public servants deserve grateful appreciation, respect, support and thanks from their constituents and community. They understand that it’s not “My party, right or wrong,” but it’s about honoring their duty as public servants and doing the right thing for the right reasons for their constituents, community and state.

For this, gentlemen, I thank you — even if no one else will.

Photo: Democrat Reps. Elmer Floyd

The apprenticeship is over for Jarrod Britt at Pine Forest High School. Now he’s ready for the spotlight at Cape Fear.

After 10 years helping Tom Willoughby with the Trojan baseball team and another four guiding girls tennis to success, Britt has been named the head baseball coach at Cape Fear. He replaces longtime Colt head coach Wendell Smith.

Britt said that when he began his coaching career a decade ago, his ultimate goal was to become a head baseball coach. When the Cape Fear job came open, he conferred with Willoughby and then applied for the position.

Cape Fear’s tradition in baseball, which includes a state 3-A championship in 1994, had a lot to do with his decision. “There’s a lot of excellence (there) when it comes to baseball,’’ Britt said. “I have a lot of friends that teach there, too, so I knew it was a really good place to work.’’

Cape Fear is in a transition phase with its administration. Former South View and Scotland High School Principal Brian Edkins will be coming aboard to replace current Cape Fear Principal Lee Spruill.

“It was a plus when I found out Brian Edkins is going to be the principal,’’ Britt said. “He’s just a good guy, (a) really down to earth, honest person that I think I’m really going to enjoy working for.’’

The only bad thing about the timing of Britt’s hire is it won’t allow him to get in any summer work with his new team. The week of July 15-20 is the final dead period for high school coaches in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association to work with athletes this summer. By the time they return from that, the official start of football practice on Aug. 1 is looming.

“You don’t want to run into football season," Britt said. "You’ve got guys that want to play football, and they want them to be able to throw their full attention to that.

“Once the school year gets started and the first dead period is over, you get started with workouts. I want to make sure I have a chance to meet all the guys and kind of figure out what the program is going to look like.’’

Britt said he has high expectations for his first season at Cape Fear. “I’ve heard really good things from the people that were in the program and from the Mac Williams (Middle School) coach that had a pretty good class last year,’’ Britt said. “I’m excited about some of the guys coming up.’’

Britt said his first job will be to make his players understand they need to dedicate themselves to the game, while reminding them that it is a game and they shouldn’t let baseball alone define them.

“You play the game because you enjoy playing the game,’’ he said. “When you don’t enjoy playing the game anymore, you get off the field. If you don’t have fun, you’re not going to be successful.’’

Britt said he hopes to build relationships with his players and let them see how hard he works so they’ll be motivated to give him everything they have as well.

“Players want to play for guys that they enjoy being around and that they respect,’’ he said. “It’s building a foundation with them so right off the bat they know what I’m all about.’’

Photo: Jarrod Britt, pictured, replaces longtime Colt head coach Wendell Smith.

Cape Fear Valley Medical Center has been designated one of America’s safest hospitals by a national organization that monitors institutional patient safety. In 1999, the Institute of Medicine reported that nearly 98,000 Americans were dying annually because of medical errors. In response, a group of large employers formed The Leapfrog Group. Their goal was to collect data that ensures they are providing the best health benefits for their employees and to drive giant leaps forward in hospital safety. Thus, the name The Leapfrog Group was chosen.

The group developed the Leapfrog Hospital Survey, which assigns recognizable letter grades assessing the safety of general hospitals across the country: A, B, C, D and F.

Cape Fear Valley Medical Center was awarded an “A” rating this spring, acknowledging its efforts to protect patients from harm. The hospital survey system used 28 performance measures of patient safety. Details on those measures are available at hospitalsafetygrade.org. Across the country, 2,600 hospitals participated. The Leapfrog Group found that if hospitals with a grade lower than A are able to achieve the safety performance of A hospitals, an estimated 50,000 patient lives could be saved.

The 2017 American Hospital Association’s Annual Survey of patient admissions found that the number of avoidable deaths ranged from 3.24 lives per 1,000 admissions in A hospitals to 6.21 lives per 1,000 admissions in D and F hospitals. Overall results reflect average hospital performance in each grade category.

The information about hospital performance collected through the Leapfrog Hospital Survey is unique. “When they look into it, (you) realize how many things can go wrong in a hospital, and that makes a big difference,” said Leapfrog President and CEO Leah Binder. “That’s why I think it’s … important for us to highlight this in a way that’s easily accessible to laypeople.”

In addition to Leapfrog Group’s findings, Healthgrades has conferred three specialty clinical quality awards on Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, which include evaluation of patient safety.

The local hospital was ranked among America’s 100 Best Hospitals for the 2019 Cardiac Care Award. It also earned America’s 100 Best Hospitals’ Coronary Intervention Award for superior clinical outcomes in heart bypass surgery, coronary interventional procedures, heart attack treatment, heart failure treatment and heart valve surgery; and the 2018 superior clinical outcomes in coronary intervention procedures, which involve angioplasty with stent. Healthgrades evaluates hospital performance using objective quality measures, including patient safety, clinical outcomes and patient experience.

Cape Fear Valley Health System’s most recent honors included Get with the Guidelines — AFIB Gold Quality Achievement Award from the American Heart Association — for helping patients suffering from atrial fibrillation. Methods to aggressively reduce risks to prevent stroke and stabilize heart function were established. The American Heart Association estimates 2.7 million adults have AFIB, which is associated with a significant increased risk of stroke.

Cape Fear Valley is a private, not-for-profit health system governed by a 22-member board of trustees. The board includes the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners as well as physicians, registered nurses and various members of the community.

This fall will mark the 50th anniversary of the victory of the "Amazin'" New York Mets over a talented Baltimore Orioles team in the World Series. A veteran bullpen pitcher from Hope Mills named Calvin Koonce played a key role in that title, winning six games down the stretch for the Mets and earning seven saves.

Late last month, friends and family of Koonce, who died in 1993 at the age of 52, traveled back to New York to take part in a 50th anniversary celebration held at the Mets’ current home stadium, CitiField. 

Peggy Koonce, wife of the late Mets reliever, had a hard time believing it’s been 50 years. It was shortly after her husband’s death that she attended the 25th anniversary reunion.

Many of the former Mets stars have since died, players like Tommie Agee, Don Cardwell, Don Clendenon and manager Gil Hodges.

Hall of Famer Tom Seaver, the biggest pitching star for the 1969 Mets, was also absent. His family recently announced he is no longer making public appearances as he’s suffering from dementia.

One of Koonce’s closest friends on the team, Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan, was unable to attend the 50th anniversary. Mrs. Koonce said her husband was a mentor to the younger Ryan, helping the flamethrower deal with control issues taming his lethal fastball. Ryan ended his career with the most no-hitters in major league history: seven.

The Mets treated the Koonces and the other families there for the 50th anniversary weekend firstclass, putting them up at the Plaza Athenee, which has hosted guests like actress Elizabeth Taylor and Princess Diana.

The ceremony held before New York’s Saturday, June 29, game with the Atlanta Braves took about 30 minutes. The deceased Mets were introduced first, with their pictures individually flashed on the giant video screen, followed by a live camera shot of the family member or members there representing them.

The living players were driven via golf cart to a platform in the infield. Lifetime Met Ed Kranepool spoke on behalf of the entire group.

“It was bittersweet because the health of so many of them has failed,’’ Mrs. Koonce said.

But the memories of the victory over the Orioles were still fond ones for her. “I think the thing that was so important was knowing we were playing the Orioles and they were so good,’’ she said. “We were a team not chosen to win it. We were holding our own, and the young pitchers were doing their job.

“When you’ve got Nolan Ryan and Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman and a bullpen consisting of Calvin and Ron Taylor and all those guys, it looks pretty good.’’

Mrs. Koonce said she felt pretty special just sitting in the stands for that World Series, looking around and seeing the late Jacqueline Kennedy just a couple of rows behind her, and the entertainer Pearl Bailey not far away.

“Just seeing the look on Calvin’s face after it was all over,’’ she said. “It was just wonderful. The expressions of love they had for each other.’’

Also along for the 50th anniversary observance was Timmy Smith, who played baseball for Koonce when Koonce was first head coach at South View High School and later at Campbell University.

“Most anybody you talked with about Mr. Koonce talked about how he was a positive influence (on his teammates) and took them under his wing,’’ Smith said.

Smith added that Koonce had a similar effect on him. “He was like my second father,’’ Smith said. “He could tell you more by not saying things than he could with words. Just his looks and his motions.

“One player told me (Koonce) sold him a couple of sport coats, took him under his wing and took care of him and his reputation. Another person said it was great to have (Koonce) there to talk with because he could have made a lot of wrong choices along the way. Mr. Koonce helped

him make the right ones.’’

Fellow Fayettevillians,

For those who know me, they know that I am first and foremost a husband and father who puts his family above all else. I have balanced my personal responsibilities in addition to my professional responsibilities, along with the civic responsibilities of holding the District 2 City Council seat, and I have no regrets.

However, I believe it’s important to listen. So, when (I was) discussing the upcoming election with my family and my daughter innocently asked, as only a 6-year-old can, “Dadda — if you don’t get elected, does that mean you’ll have more time to spend with me?” I had to listen to what that question was really saying.

I have always placed a demanding schedule on myself, but very recently, we had a physician at our practice relocate out of the state. Due to this, I had to take on even more professional responsibility to ensure continuity of care within our practice, which also employs a very dedicated and loyal staff. I have a responsibility to those people and their families as well as the patient base we care for. I have always been a man of my word and live up to my responsibilities to the best of my ability.

I am proud that I have been able to serve the people of District 2 and this city honorably and effectively. I have worked tirelessly to ensure that my constituents have had a strong voice on the council that could be heard out of the other nine I had the honor to sit amongst. I am but one vote of 10; however, I have tried to make sure that vote was the people’s vote and not my own.

During my representation, I, along with the rest of the council and city staff, have made great strides in moving our city forward. We have accomplished much in a short time and at a very critical juncture in our city’s growth. I look forward to continuing that service until the end of my term and will remain steadfast in ensuring other projects and initiatives I am involved with progress on schedule.

However, as I said in my last campaign, actions speak louder than words. And upon much reflection, I must take action for what my heart is telling me. Therefore, I will not be running for another term at this time, so that I may better balance my time with my family and my professional responsibilities. I am hopeful to be able to offer my time and dedication to our city in the future should that path open again, and I will continue to remain engaged in our local community organization.

It truly has been an honor to serve under such an overwhelmingly broad base of support that has come from all sides of the community. Fayetteville, we truly are one. And although there will always be those who wish to divide, do not let them. I have faith that my district will choose wisely in a replacement. I will work with that choice to ensure a smooth transition so that District 2 and our great city continue towards its immense potential that I believe has yet to be reached.

     Cumberland Tractor Kubota of Fayetteville presents Downtown Summer Nights Concert Series every Thursday evening through August 22 in the Cool Spring Downtown District from 5:30-9 p.m. on the 100 block of Person Street. Attendees enjoy free live music from 5:30-9 p.m. on the 100 block of Person Street.

“The purpose of the event is the title, which is ‘Downtown Summer Nights’ in Fayetteville with local and national acts,” said Kelly West, promotions and marketing director of Cumulus Broadcasting, LLC. “There is a lot happening in Fayetteville all of the time … you walk around Hay Street, Gillespie Street, Green Street and Person Street and see the culture and how amazing it is.”

West explained that whenever there is a large local event, it almost always involves one of those streets. For this reason, the event organizers looked at Person Street and felt it would be the perfect place to have the Downtown Summer Nights Concert Series. That’s partly why they created the series — to build even more excitement around something happening downtown.

The event features live music, various food, clothing and business vendors, a beer and wine garden, a kids’ activity area and a misting tent known as the chill zone.

The concert series lineup includes Sherman Neckties and Sidewinder, July 18; the Eastline Band and the Breakfast Club, July 25; Lee Jean Jr. and That Nation Band, August 1; Tyrek and Lotus Sun and Sail On, Aug. 8; 80’s Unplugged and Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute Band, Aug. 15; and Dead City Symphony and Heartbreaker Aug. 22.

“We would love to see 500-600 people at this event, so bring your kids and your dogs on a leash,” said West. “There is no heavy metal or rap music. We will have country/rock, soul, ’80s rock and ’80s tribute bands.

“We would not be able to do this if it wasn’t for our lovely sponsors, who are the Cool Spring Downtown District, Healy Wholesale, Rimtyme, Karma Culture, Dirtbag Ales, Fascinate- U Children’s Museum, Sugar’s, Isabella Effon, Five Star Entertainment, our radio stations and more,” said West. “We invite everyone to come out and enjoy this familyfriendly event on Person Street.”

The event is free for all ages and open to the public. For more information, call 509-901-3467.

The Hope Mills Nationals 8U baseball team will carry the North Carolina Dixie Youth Baseball state title banner to Ruston, Louisiana, in search of a championship. But to get there, they'll need a lot of financial support.

Jesse Cox, one of the coaches of the Hope Mills team, said a fundraiser has been started to try and cover the numerous expenses involved with getting the squad of 12 players and four coaches to their destination.

“We are looking at having to reuniform our team in North Carolina attire,’’ Cox said. “We’ll have some expense in that.’’

But that’s only the tip of this expensive iceberg. The distance by road from Hope Mills to Ruston is just under 1,000 miles and will take just over 13 hours by car. The tournament is scheduled to run July 26-30, and the Hope Mills team is hoping to rent as many as 20 rooms for the players and coaches. Those rooms will cost from $120-$150 per night.

Figuring out how to handle transportation is also a challenge. Cox doesn’t want to rent a full-sized bus. The team hopes to be in Louisiana for more than a couple of days, and a bus would not be a convenient way to make repeated trips to the ballpark and other places.

“We want to be more mobile,’’ he said, considering possibilities like passenger vans or carpooling in SUVs because of the large amount of baseball equipment they’ll need to transport.

Flying wouldn’t be cost effective, he said, unless someone out there wants to offer the team use of an airplane.

“They are a special team and group, and you do want to make it fun,’’ Cox said. But, he also noted, “I’m going down there to win that thing, to compete.

“The town and community should realize this is not only for Hope Mills but the state of North Carolina,’’ he said. “It gives us the opportunity to represent this town in a broad spectrum. We want to do everything possible to get these boys down there, to get them there and enjoy themselves.’’

Sponsorships are available for larger donors from $250 to $1,000. All major donors get their name or business logo on the team banner.

The team is also selling 50/50 tickets for cash only. A date for the 50/50 drawing had not been established at press time.

The GoFundMe web address for the team is www.gofundme.com/state-championship-bound. The page was originally created to raise money for the trip to the state finals in Brunswick County.

Editor's note: The Hope Mills 10U softball team came out of the losers bracket last Wednesday afternoon and defeated Lumberton 2-1 to win the 10U Dixie Softball state championship. In doing so, it become the second Hope Mills team advancing to a Dixie Youth World Series.

Cumberland County’s collective graduating class of 2019 has racked up more than $92 million in college scholarships. Local high school graduates earned $74.7 million in academic scholarships and $5.5 million in athletic scholarships, a Cumberland County Schools news release said.

Military scholarships, including those awarded by West Point Military Academy, Virginia Military Institute and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, totaled $10.2 million. Other awards of community and civic scholarships amounted to nearly $2 million.

This year’s scholarship dollar totals surpassed the class of 2018 by more than $800,000. The class of 2019 graduates will also be financing their higher education at Methodist University, Fayetteville State University, Duke University, the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Morehouse College, Ohio State University, Livingstone College and dozens of others.

Department of Social Services helps fund those in need during the summer heat

The Cumberland County Department of Social Services is accepting Crisis Intervention Program applications from individuals and families who are in danger of experiencing cooling-related crises. Households are being served on a first-come, first served basis. The CIP fund will be in effect until all funds are exhausted.

Eligible families may receive more than one payment during the year. Benefits will vary based on the amount needed to alleviate the crisis, but will not exceed $600. Funds are paid directly to the utility provider.

A household is considered in a crisis if there is a person experiencing or in danger of experiencing a life-threatening or health-related emergency when assistance is not available from other sources.

Applications are accepted Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at reception desk 23 on the second floor of the DSS building, 1225 Ramsey St. For information regarding eligibility criteria, call the Department of Social Services at 910-323-1540.

Register of Deeds staffers may beat their own school supply drive record

The Cumberland County Register of Deeds office is holding its 10th annual school supply fundraiser for homeless school children through Aug. 1. Individuals, businesses, civic groups and churches are encouraged to give. The Register of Deeds office hopes to collect supplies to fill 850 book bags, which will be donated to the estimated 650 homeless children in county schools. Some of the book bags will be set aside for relief events and the American Red Cross to help families that have experienced disasters.

The following school supplies are needed: pencils, pens, notebooks, rulers, composition books, folders, notebook paper, pencil sharpeners, erasers, glue sticks, crayons, toothbrushes, toothbrush cases, toothpaste and hand sanitizer. In addition to school supplies, gift cards or cash donations will be accepted. No checks, please.

Donated items can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Register of Deeds office in Room 114 of the Cumberland County Courthouse, 117 Dick St. For more information, call 910- 678-7775.

Vacation time at City Hall

It’s July, which means local government bodies are taking time off. Fayetteville City Council and Cumberland County Commissioners won’t be conducting regularly scheduled meetings until August. Fayetteville City Manager Doug Hewett took some time off last month so he can be on hand in the event something comes up.

National Airborne day

The 79th anniversary of U.S. Army airborne forces coincides with the 19th anniversary of the opening of downtown Fayetteville’s Airborne & Special Operations Museum. It opened Aug. 16, 2000.

The ASOM Foundation chose to celebrate National Airborne Day on Saturday, Aug.17, to maximize the opportunity for the public to visit and celebrate the museum’s anniversary. Visitors will see iconic static displays of the XVIII Airborne Corps, United States Army Special Operations Command, and 82nd Airborne Division, as well as period reenactors in the world-class museum.

ASOM is owned by the U.S. Army but operated by a local foundation. Local military and civilian officials decided to construct the facility in downtown Fayetteville rather than on Fort Bragg. They said at the time it was the most significant Army edifice in the civilian domain.

Editor’s note: This is part of a series on Cumberland County high school spring football workouts.

The hashtag on the most recent tweets from the E.E. Smith High School football Twitter account succinctly state the focus of the Golden Bulls' 2019 season: #RevengeTour19.

Smith endured a 0-11 season in 2018, closing the year with an agonizing 70-20 defeat to Cumberland County rival Westover. After that kind of year, head coach Deron Donald said it would have been no surprise if some players wanted to get off the boat. He said he’s not seen any signs of that.

“I can honestly say these guys have done a great job staying together and wanting this program to get back where it needs to be,’’ he said. “That’s a big thing for us now.

"When you get knocked down, it’s how you get back up and respond. This is not only a challenge for the players but for myself, the coaching staff and the E.E. Smith community.’’

Donald said the Golden Bulls are working hard to fix things and rebuild. He’s counting heavily on the incoming senior class to buy into the guidance of the coaches, get stronger in the weight room and realize they have a chance to be special.

“When you go 0-11, you’ll be the group that turned it around,’’ he said. “You’ll always be remembered in the history of E.E. Smith. We’re trying to stay positive, letting our guys know they learn from what happened last year. How you learn and grow and build from it, that’s how a man is measured.’’

Donald spent the bulk of spring practice getting everything installed offensively and defensively. “We’re still going to have to teach during the summertime, but that way we’ll have things already installed,’’ he said. “We can get a lot more things implemented going forward.’’

Getting the team in shape has also been a focus and will continue to be one. Donald said being healthy is critical for his team.

“We’re probably the smallest high school in Cumberland County from a numbers perspective,’’ he said. “One of the main things is being in shape and staying strong. I believe we have a group that can compete with anybody inside or outside Cumberland County, but we have to stay healthy because of lack of numbers.’’

Two big losses Smith has to replace this season are leading rusher Jaylyn Locklear and leading receiver Toshiro Spivey, who both graduated.

Donald said the whole senior class must step up for Smith this season. “Everybody will have a role to play and a part to play,’’ he said. “It’s their team, and we’re expecting those guys to lead this team and do what they’re supposed to do to get us back in position to compete for a conference title and make the playoffs.’’

Top returners for Smith include Marquel Samuel at linebacker and defensive end and Randy Franklin at defensive back and running back.

Donald said both players are being recruited by colleges and have offers on the table. “When you have that type of publicity, I definitely expect you to make plays and be great leaders for the program,’’ Donald said.

Franklin, who recently got an offer from Alabama A&M University, said he feels the Golden Bulls need to get more leadership from the seniors this season.

“We have to set an example for everyone,’’ he said. “That was something we really lacked last year. We have to be stronger, get more disciplined, and everyone has to come together as a team.’’

He said players are trying to learn positions on both sides of the ball so lineups can be more flexible and give starters a chance to rest.

He expects the Patriot Athletic Conference race to be challenging again. “There are some great teams out there,’’ he said. “South View, Pine Forest, great teams. We’re going to give them some competition this year.’’

Photo: Randy Franklin

School is out. The kids can sleep late, swim in the pool, play video games and hang out with their friends. But that doesn’t mean they should stop learning. Here is a list of recommendations to ensure your child has a summer full of meaningful learning experiences.

Reading

Summertime reading is a must. Take your child to the library as often as possible during the summer months. They should read daily and answer questions for comprehension. Create a word wall and have them practice the words on a consistent basis. Make sure your child reads both fiction and nonfiction literature. You can browse the internet for free nonfiction reading websites. Children can also watch educational videos and listen to audiobooks.

Math

It is crucial to build both reading and math into everyday activities. For example, a trip to the grocery store can be fun and educational. Make a list of items that are needed, and give your child a calculator to calculate the cost of the items. Read and follow a recipe with your child. Cooking or baking is a wonderful math lesson on measurement and following directions in sequential order. Practice math flashcards for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

Summer programs

Research various summer programs and select the one that best suits your child. You want to find camps that will create an opportunity for the growth of independence in your child. Your child will learn how to interact with other children, which is an important social skill.

Educational trips

Some examples of educational trips to take with your children include the zoo, museums, a planetarium, local exhibits, a state or national park, a farm, the botanical garden, historical sites, local events, camping trips and concerts.

Vacation activities

Quality family time during summer vacation is important, too. This is the perfect opportunity to spend time together doing the things you love the most. When you return from your vacation, encourage your child to write in his or her journal about their favorite things that happened during the trip.

Healthy conversations

Learning begins at home. It is important for parents to have healthy conversations with their children. Teach them to say good morning when they wake up in the morning and enter the classroom and/or front office. Teach them to say please and thank you. Consistent conversation is the key to promoting children’s language development. We want our future leaders to know how to effectively communicate with others.

Playtime

Children learn through play. Limit their screen time this summer, and allow them to do the things we did as kids — like ride their bicycle, play hideand- seek, make mud pies, play dodgeball and kickball, set up a tent in the backyard, and run and get wet in the water sprinkler.

Have a safe and happy summer!

North Carolina law says that any member of the armed services qualifying for admission to an institution of higher education but not qualifying as a resident for tuition purposes shall be charged the in-state tuition rate for enrollments while a member of armed services. Dependents and spouses of active-duty service members using Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits are eligible to be reclassified under the in-state tuition rate without meeting the state’s 12-month residency requirement.

The North Carolina General Assembly passed Senate Bill 257 in 2017 to comply with federal law under Section 702 of the Choice Act. It provides a waiver of 12-month residency requirements for certain veterans and other individuals entitled to federal education benefits. In North Carolina, to qualify for in-state residency, a veteran must show that he or she established legal residence, or domicile, in North Carolina and has maintained that domicile for at least 12 consecutive months before the beginning of the term. They also must demonstrate that they intend to make North Carolina a permanent home indefinitely.

Active-duty members of the armed forces are charged in-state tuition while living in North Carolina because of their active-duty assignment in the state. This also applies to reservists, even those who are not intending to make the state their permanent home. If subsequently reassigned outside North Carolina, the members continue to qualify for instate tuition so long as they remain continuously enrolled in the program they were in before reassignment. Dependent relatives — spouses, children and siblings who share the abode of a service member who is in North Carolina on active duty — also qualify for in-state tuition rates.

Many service members seeking higher education have historically preferred community colleges. Fayetteville Technical Community College has been rated one of the best two-year institutions for service members, and it’s one of the largest in the state. FTCC is a public, two- to four-year school. Its highest level of offering is associate degrees. Tuition and fees for 2019 at FTCC are $2,544 for North Carolina residents and $8,688 for out-of-state students. The school has a total enrollment of 11,660. The studentto- faculty ratio is 19-to-1.

In October 1963, two years after the fledgling school opened, the board of trustees requested that the status technical institute be granted to the institution. The North Carolina State Board of Education did so in January 1964, and the name Fayetteville Technical Institute was adopted. The board of trustees was granted authority to award the associate in applied science degree in addition to diplomas offered in numerous programs. In January 1988, FTI became Fayetteville Technical Community College when the North Carolina Department of Community Colleges changed the name. The change was in name only though, as the purpose of FTCC remained intact.

The North Carolina Coaches Association East-West All-Star games are scheduled July 15-16 in Greensboro in conjunction with the annual North Carolina Coaches Association Clinic.

Following are capsule biographies of the Cumberland County coaches and athletes who were selected to compete in this year’s game. This list was current as of press time, but players can be added or dropped up to the week of the games, depending on availability.

Basketball: Girls

Monday, July 15, 6 p.m., Greensboro Coliseum

• Coach: David May, Pine Forest 

East girls head coach.  This will be May’s final game as head coach. Stepping down after coaching both girls and boys at his high school alma mater, Pine Forest. Career record of 298-199 in 19 seasons. Teams won two regular-season conference titles, two conference tournament titles and made 11 trips to state playoffs. Three-time conference Coach of Year. Also Cape Fear Region and District Coach of the Year. Played college basketball at University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

• Players:

Kendal Moore, Pine Forest: 5-6, guard Named Associated Press All-State. Second team North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association All- State. All-Conference, Conference All-Tournament, All-District. Played in the North Carolina-South Carolina All-Star game. Averaged 24.6 points, 4.5 assists. Headed to North Carolina State on scholarship, where she will major in biology.

Alexandria Scruggs, E.E. Smith: 6-0, forward Associated Press All-State and North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association All-State. District Player of the Year. Led team in scoring with 26.2 points per game and rebounding with 12.8 per game. Member of E.E. Smith Academy of Scholars. Will attend Wake Forest on scholarship and major in health and exercise science.

Basketball: Boys

Monday, July 15, after girls game, Greensboro Coliseum

• Players: 

Brion McLaurin, Seventy-First: 6-7, forward All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year, All-District, District Player of the Year, Ike Walker Holiday Classic MVP. Averaged 17.7 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. Earned scholarship to Chowan University, where he will major in sports and fitness management.

Football

July 17, 8 p.m. at Grimsley High School’s Jamieson Stadium

• Coach: Duran McLaurin, Seventy-First

East assistant coach. In six seasons at his alma mater Seventy-First, McLaurin is 56-18. His career record is 82-44. Teams have won two conference titles with nine state playoff appearances in 11 seasons. Played college football and basketball at North Carolina Central. Has also been a head coach at E.E. Smith and assistant coach at Westover, South View and Seventy-First.

• Players:

Dante Bowlding, Terry Sanford: 5-10, 180, defensive back Named All-Region and All-Eastern. Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Had 172 tackles, 80 solos, five tackles for loss and five interceptions. Alltime school leader in tackles with 419. Will attend University of North Carolina at Pembroke on scholarship and major in exercise science and physiology. 

Kyler Davis, Seventy-First: 6-1, 208, quarterback All-Conference and team Offensive Player of the Year. Passed for 5,829 yards, 55 touchdowns and rushed for 2,262 yards and 24 touchdowns for his career. Volunteer at McNair Foundation. Active member of Spring Branch Missionary Baptist Church. Undecided on college choice.

Photo: David May

Rock’n on the River, presented by Healy Wholesale Company, Inc., is set for Friday, Aug. 16, at 6 p.m. The music event will take place at 1122 Person St., behind Deep Creek Outfitters.

“Rock’n on the River is Fayetteville’s newest free music venue where adults can take kids, be safe, have police protection, have beer and food and listen to free music,” said Greg Adair, founder of Rock’n on the River. Adair compared the event to a small-scale Fayetteville After Five, noting that Rock’n on the River is usually on the third Friday of the month.

The August concert features Adair’s band, Rivermist, and a Leonard Skynyrd tribute band. “Rivermist is a great group of guys,” said Adair. “We have been together since 2014 as a band.

“The direction changed at the end of 2016. We were limiting ourselves to classic rock, and you cannot limit yourself to one genre and succeed there unless you are a tribute band.”

Adair added that some of the biggest things that have contributed to Rivermist’s success locally are being humble, approachable and kind to people. The band has a Christian background. Its members believe their success and anything they do is a blessing, and they know where it comes from. 

“Two of the band members, who are another guy and I, had open-heart surgery years ago, and both of us are walking testimonies,” Adair said. “It has been 10 years now, and I feel better now than when I was in my 30s.”

“My purpose of the event is to have another family-friendly event that all families can go to that does not cost an arm and a leg,” said Adair. “It has been my vision to do this. Plus, it is right by the river, and nobody has really done anything with the Cape Fear River in years.”

Adair added that the first Rock’n on the River show hosted approximately 440 people. At the last show, there were 580 people, which keeps it intimate. The audience is not far from the stage and can hear the music easily.

“I want people to come to the event and be relaxed and drawn to it,” said Adair. “I want to thank Healy Wholesale. I appreciate their friendship and support because we could not do this without them.”

The event is free and open to the public. Food, beer and drinks will be available for purchase. Parking begins at 5 p.m. and costs $5 per car. Coolers and containers are not allowed. Bring chairs, umbrellas and blankets. For more information or to become a sponsor, follow the event on Facebook or email rocknontheriver@gmail.com.

Editor’s note: This is part of a series on Cumberland County high school spring football workouts.

Ernest King took over as Westover head football coach late in the offseason development period last year, making his challenge to field a competitive football team even more difficult.

He responded by guiding the Wolverines to a 4-7 record. Now, with more than a year working on the program behind him, he’s optimistic about this fall’s outlook.

“The biggest thing is we’ve got the majority of our offensive line back,’’ he said. “We’ve got our running backs back, and our receiving corps is back.’’

There is one big hole to fill on offense with talented quarterback Xavier Marsh departed.

“Our receiver corps has to make our quarterback look good this year,’’ King said. “When the ball is in the air, we’ve got to attack it.’’

Most of the defense returns, highlighted by linebacker Taurienne Freeman. 

“He’s our leader on defense,’’ King said. “He finished last year with 169 tackles. We expect him to do the same thing this year, lead us even more and hopefully get us to the playoffs.’’

Freeman said the focus for Westover this season is being more disciplined and knowing assignments on the field along with getting in the weight room every day.

He said things are already ahead of last year. “Everybody is finally developing as a team,’’ he said. “Everything is starting to fit in. We’re building a brotherhood and building a bond with the coaches, too, so we’re pretty good with that.’’

When it comes to returning the Wolverines to winning football, Freeman said the job for the team is obvious. “Playing hard football,’’ he said. “That’s the only way we’re going to get it back. We’ve got to come out here, play everybody hard and win. That’s how we are going to get our respect back.’’

King is expecting another tight battle for the Patriot Athletic Conference title and hopes the Wolverines will have a chance to be in the picture.

“Everybody is learning the system so when we go into summer all we are doing is getting repetitions instead of doing a lot of teaching,’’ he said. “We’ve got our coaching staff, and a majority of the kids have shown up for spring ball. We won’t lack experience.’’

Photo: Taurienne Freeman

The quality I most admire in artists is their ability to see possibility in what many would overlook. This concept is clearly evidenced through the current exhibition held at the Arts Council through Aug. 17. “Reclaimed!” is sponsored by Waste Management and the city of Fayetteville’s Environmental Services Department. It highlights art that is made primarily with recycled, repurposed and found materials. This exhibition and the Arts Council of Fayetteville/ Cumberland County’s partnership with its generous sponsor has been in existence for many years. However, each year the results are radically different. This year, the organizers went national and put out a call for art to creatives from around the country.

Juried by Bryant Holsenbeck, an environmental artist from Durham, the Arts Council received more than 100 entries from artists across the nation, and just over half were selected for inclusion in this exhibition. Holsenbeck also chose first-, secondand third-place awards. First place went to Rebecca Siemering for “Tuft Enough.” Siemering, an artist from Pawtucket, Rhode Island, created what looks like a onesie for a child — made of dental floss and betting slips. From a distance, this work looks to be made from tufted wool or knitted material. Only a close examination reveals the unique materials used to create this work.

Second place went to Bill Sieber from Carbondale, Illinois, for “Ocean Sweep.” This work is remarkable in its simplicity, yet it reflects environmental concerns that are incredibly current. The artist strung together plastic drinking straws with fishing line to create a representation of a fishing net.

The third-place award went to Michael Weddington, an artist from Matthews, North Carolina, for “Piano Lessons: Old School, New Didactic.” The work is crafted from reclaimed piano keys and other hardware combined with wood and metal.

There are many other notable works in this exhibition, including several from local and regional artists. Sherry Young, from Fayetteville, has two works in “Reclaimed!” — including a fish made from Styrofoam cups and a seahorse made from zip ties. Raul Rubiera, also from Fayetteville, has a piece that is striking in its minimalism and balance. It is made from two saw blades connected by a branch and mounted on a slice of a tree trunk.

Many works, like Rubiera’s, are not just works of beauty created with recycled, reclaimed and found materials; they also state something more profound. Rubiera describes his work as “a mixture of natural materials and the tools that transform that material into a tamed object.” While the description and the work itself does not place judgment on the materials or usage thereof, it does make the viewer think more critically about what we toss aside to make our lives more comfortable and more convenient.

Art has the power to make us think critically about our lives. This exhibition does just that while also showcasing the transformative nature of objects and the art that can be created from what is normally discarded.

This exhibition is on display at the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, 301 Hay St., until Aug. 17. For gallery hours and more information, visit www.theartscouncil.com.

Meetings

For details about all meetings and activities, including location where not listed, call Town Clerk Jane Starling at 910-426-4113.

• Historic Preservation Commission Wednesday, July 10, 5 p.m., Parks and Recreation Building

• Board of Commissioners Monday, July 15, 7 p.m., Luther Board Room, Town Hall

• Lake Advisory Committee Tuesday, July 16, 6 p.m., Parks and Recreation Center

• Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Monday, July 22, 6:30 p.m., Parks and Recreation Center

• Appearance Commission Tuesday, July 23, 6:30 p.m., Parks and Recreation

• Veterans Affairs Commission Thursday, July 25, 6 p.m., Parks and Recreation Center

Activities

• Good2Grow Farmers Market Saturday, Aug. 3, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., between Town Hall and Parks and Recreation Building.

• Hope Mills Area Kiwanis Club at Sammio’s, second Tuesdays at noon and fourth Tuesdays at 6 p.m. For details, call 910-237-1240.

• Hope Mills Parks and Recreation Senior programs at Parks and Recreation Building. Senior programs are for those ages 55 and up who are residents of Cumberland County. Various activities, especially Zumba classes, are scheduled Monday through Sunday throughout the day. For details on times and days, check the schedule at townofhopemills.com. You can call the recreation center at 910-426-4109 or e-mail Kasey Ivey at kivey@townofhopemills.com.

• Hope Mills Parks and Recreation is currently accepting registration for men’s and coed adult softball for the fall 2019 season. Registration will end Aug. 3 or when all leagues are filled, and the season will begin Aug. 12. The cost is $500 per team. For additional information, call 910-308-7651.

Promote yourself: Email hopemills@upandcomingweekly.com.

Recently, U.S. Sen. Richard Burr wrote a newspaper column criticizing the Eastern Band of the Cherokee for opposing the South Carolina-based Catawba Tribe’s efforts to acquire land near Kings Mountain to build a casino. Burr also criticized the Cherokees for lobbying against full recognition for the Lumbee tribe because they view it as a threat to their federal benefits and gaming business.

In a response published in the June 23 News & Observer, Richard Sneed, principal chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, stated, “Actually, the Eastern Band has opposed Lumbee recognition legislation for literally a century, long before tribal gaming. The Lumbees have claimed to be a Cherokee tribe and at least three other historic tribes over the years, and their identity as an historic tribe and as individual descendants of an historic tribe has been questioned for many, many years.”

So, what are the facts? Where did the Lumbee people come from? How are they different from other Native Americans, and how are they alike?

Malinda Maynor Lowery, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill associate professor of history and director of the Center for the Study of the American South, takes on this challenge in her new book, “The Lumbee Indians: An American Struggle.”

As a member of the Lumbee tribe with deep family roots in the Lumbee community, Lowery brings more than scholarship to her explanation of her people’s origins and history. She weaves her family’s experience with the defining events in Lumbee history. The main characters in Lumbee and family history turn out to be a fascinating blend of characters, heroes and scoundrels, preachers and bootleggers, lawyers and lawbreakers, and farmers, all deeply attached to the swampy lands along the Lumber River in Robeson County.

In the early 1700s, as early American Indian tribes were decimated by disease and the relentless pressure from European settlement, remnants from these groups made their way to the Lumber River (then called Downing Creek). By the 1750s, Lowery writes, “the people of Downing Creek and its swamps knit together families and places. They traced belonging through kinship, spoke English and farmed.”

Lowery cites reports of violent action in 1773 at Downing Creek that included the names of “Chavis, Locklear, Grooms, Ivey, Sweat, Kearsey, and Dial families, all ancestors of today’s Lumbees.”

During and after the Civil War, Henry Berry Lowry and his gang made war on the white establishment. Though Lowry escaped punishment, a cohort, Henderson Oxendine, was captured and hanged in 1871. For his last words, he sang “Amazing Grace" and “And Can I Yet Delay,” an old Methodist hymn. Oxendine is Malinda Lowery’s great-great-grandfather. Henry Berry Lowry is remembered and revered in the community as the Lumbee Robin Hood.

In the post-Civil War and Jim Crow times, Lumbees fought for Indian schools, state recognition and a tribal name, finally settling on the Lumbee name in the 1950s.

One defining event in Lumbee history occurred in 1958 when a large group of Lumbees disrupted a Ku Klux Klan rally near Maxton and chased its leaders away, gaining positive national attention for the Lumbee.

The Lumbee effort for federal recognition gained partial success in 1956 with the passage of the Lumbee Act. It recognized the tribe as Indian but did not make its people eligible for the benefits accorded other recognized tribes.

As for the future, Lowery closes her book with a strong argument for full recognition of the Lumbee. “Under pressure of European settlement, our ancestors abandoned many of our oldest homeplaces, but having existed for nearly 300 years along the Lumber River, we will not forsake this place.”

Lowery may not persuade everyone that the Lumbee tribe should gain full recognition. But what she has shown conclusively is that the Lumbee people are entitled to respect, admiration and appreciation for their 300-plus years struggle to build and hold their community together.

Photo: Malinda Maynor Lowery