Today we shall ponder a Swiss referendum on whether cows should keep their horns. This important issue was brought to my attention by an excellent series of articles by Brian Blackstone in The Wall Street Journal. I shall make every effort to avoid using any of Blackstone’s puns, which will not be easy. But then, nothing in life worth attaining is ever easy. Let us begin by explaining what the Horned Cow Initiative is. Once upon a time, way back in 2014, there lived an aging Swiss farmer named Armin Capaul. Old Armin had an organic farm, E-I-E-I-O. And on this farm, he had some cows, E-I-E-I-O. And on those cows, he had some horns, E-I-E-I-O.

That song kind of takes you back, doesn’t it? You are welcome to sing it in your head the rest of the day. Unfortunately, that song doesn’t get sung much anymore, but I digress.

Armin was described by a cheesemaker friend as “just kind of an old hippie.” That description is redundant as there are no hippies who aren’t old in 2018. Again, I digress. Sorry.

Armin decided that it was cruel to Swiss cows to have their horns burned off. The reason Swiss cows have their horns burned off is financial. A horned cow is more likely to poke another cow with her horns, creating veterinary bills and troubled inter-cow relations. As Carnation Milk used to advertise, contented cows give the best condensed milk. A cow anxious about being stabbed by another cow’s horns could be experiencing a winter of discontent and produce hard cheese.

Armin didn’t buy the economic dehorning argument. He was quoted by Blackstone as saying: “A cow and a goat have horns because God made them that way. We humans have no right to remove their dignity and functions, neither with a branding iron nor genetically.” He estimated that only 10 percent of Swiss cows still had their horns.

Armin was not a man to just sit back and complain about hornless cows. No Sirree, Bob. He was a man of action. He got the idea that the Swiss government should pay farmers to not cut off the horns of their cows, like the U.S. government pays farmers not to grow certain crops. Like Mr. Smith going to Washington, Armin took his cow horn subsidy plan to Bern, to the Swiss Parliament. Rebuffed by the government but not discouraged, Armin began a petition to save the horns.

Switzerland has a procedure that requires the holding of a national referendum on any petition that has 100,000 signatures. Armin spent more than $50,000 of his own money to hire his buddies to help get the signatures. The plan was that the Swiss government would pay farmers 190 francs a year for any cow or goat that had its horns. Armin ran a sophisticated social media campaign in support of the referendum, complete with videos.

Blackstone reported the videos had “cows with items on their horns, including clown noses, lamps and even bikinis. Each starts with Armin asking why the cows need horns and ends with his response: ‘Such a stupid question.’”

The Swiss government pushed back against Armin’s campaign to save the horns. Their objection was that horned cows could endanger their cow mates and would create an expensive new set of government agents in charge of counting cow horns and doling out horn subsidy payments.

The Deep State also contended that dehorning cows by burning off their horns as calves wasn’t that painful. No cows were produced to confirm that having their horns burned off was not painful. This part of the government’s position remains unproven. Maybe burning off a cow’s horns is painful, maybe it is not. We will never know because cows can’t talk. Maybe Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed ordered the killing of Jamal Khashoggi or maybe he didn’t. Khashoggi, like the cows, can’t talk either. My guess is that burning off cows’ horns is almost as painful to the cows as being murdered was to Khashoggi.

Undeterred by government resistance, after two years of getting signatures, Armin reached his goal of 100,000 signatures in 2016. Cowabunga! The referendum was on. Would the cows get to keep their horns? The voters waited with Swiss-cheese-bated breath.

Unfortunately for the cows, the referendum was defeated two weeks ago by 54 percent to 45 percent. Armin’s response to the defeat was, “What can I say? It’s sad. I did everything I could for the cows. I will now go into my stable and apologize to my cows.”

So, what have we learned today? How now, Brown Cow? Got chocolate milk? Does chocolate milk come from brown Swiss cows? The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy reported in 2017 that 7 percent of Americans believe chocolate milk comes from brown cows. America’s population is about 325 million, which means about 2.2 million Americans think chocolate milk comes from brown cows. Does this belief in the origin of the species of chocolate milk mean we are inevitably doomed, or is it just another sign of a coming Apocalypse that could be avoided? There is still time. As the cows at Chick-fil-A urge: “Eat Mor Chikin.”

Make America smarter: Thinking is fundamental. Tell your friends that chocolate milk does not come from brown cows.

Joshua Daffin

Jack Britt • Senior • Golf, cross country

Daffin has an unweighted grade point average of 4.0. He is a member of the Science Olympiad and Laser Photonics. He will attend either the U.S. Military Academy at West Point or the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.

Kelzie Wilburn

Jack Britt • Senior •Volleyball, basketball, unified track and field

Wilburn has an unweighted grade point average of 4.0. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Health Occupations Students of America. She plans to attend UNC-Charlotte next year.

 The annual celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ through the presentation of the Singing Christmas Tree at Highland Baptist Church in Hope Mills will have a dual meaning this season. This year’s performance is scheduled for Dec. 7, 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. each evening.

The choir members, and the congregation as well, will celebrate the memory and ministry of their late choir director, Nancy Brady, who died last May after a second battle with cancer.

It is fitting that Dawn Seegars, a pupil of Brady’s years ago at Hope Mills Junior High School, who later sang under her direction at Highland Baptist, is taking time from her regular job of leading the music ministry at Temple Baptist Church in Eastover to lead the Singing Christmas Tree at Highland. This will be the first Singing Christmas Tree since Brady died.

“She was my junior high chorus teacher at Hope Mills,’’ Seegars said, “and I was a member at Highland under her ministry.”

Seegars said Brady had a way of making anyone who wanted to be a part of the music ministry at Highland feel welcome, whether they had any background in music or not.

Brady was in poor health last year when the Singing Christmas Tree practices began, and Seegars was actually on standby to come in at the last minute if Brady wasn’t able to lead the choir.

When Brady died earlier this year, Seegars said church members reached out to her and asked if she would be able to direct the choir this Christmas season. “I have a large group of friends at Highland,’’ Seegars said. “I love the people at that church. They are precious, sweet people. I’ve always kept in touch, especially with Nancy, trying to help her.’’

Rehearsals have been a challenge for Seegars, dividing time between her full-time job as a nurse at a local gastrointestinal practice and her regular duties with the music ministry at Temple Baptist.

“The choir has been fantastic,’’ she said of the people at Highland. “They have worked so hard on their own, and we’ve had lengthy practices instead of multiple practices.’’

Brady traditionally picked the music for the Singing Christmas Tree each year, mixing traditional tunes with contemporary selections. Seegars has tried to follow in that tradition but insisted on getting input from the Highland singers. “I don’t mind being a leader and helping with the music, but I felt like — and some of the people I spoke with felt like — we really needed everybody to come together and say, yes, we wanted to do this,’’ Seegars said.

The biggest challenge for Seegars was dealing with her personal emotions and those of the choir members as rehearsals began, being exposed to tangible memories of Brady’s presence and influence on the church’s music.

“It was a hurting place,’’ Seegars said. “To walk in the choir room and to sit at the piano where she played parts for all of us to learn choir music from for so many years. To see the notes she had written: The last few practices where they took prayer requests, and it’s sitting there in her handwriting.

“It’s all been quite an emotional journey.’’ The same is true for longtime choir members like Dede Mabe, who has been around since Highland started the Singing Christmas Tree in the mid-1980s.

“Nancy was one of the strongest women I’ve ever known,’’ Mabe said of Brady. The Singing Christmas Tree wasn’t a performance of music for Brady, Mabe said. It was a ministry, the biggest outreach that the church does. “It takes about 100 people to put it all together,’’ Mabe said. “It’s an outreach because you are telling the story of Jesus Christ being born. You are just spreading the word.’’

For Mabe, the most powerful memories of Brady leading the singing of the Singing Christmas Tree every year are yet to come. They will happen during the actual presentation.

When the singers were actually in place, Brady would stand in the back of the church on a scaffold, out of view of the congregation.

Brady wore oversized Mickey Mouse hands that glowed in the dark while directing. “Sometimes she would do little things to make us smile,’’ Mabe said. “She would clap or give you a thumbs-up. If she was really feeling the spirit, she’d throw her hands up in the air, praising the Lord. I’ll miss seeing that.’’

Highland’s pastor, Rev. Zach Kennedy, agreed with Mabe that for Brady, the Singing Christmas Tree was a ministry of the church, not a mere performance of music.

“She wanted people to understand what Christmas was really about,’’ he said. “She wanted them to understand God literally sent his son to become a man. Christmas is all about the beginning of how all people can be saved and brought to aright relationship with God.’’

Kennedy said the Singing Christmas Tree gives the church an opportunity to connect with people who might not come to a regular Sunday morning worship service.

He said the perfect tribute to Brady at this year’s Singing Christmas Tree would be for even one person to attend the event and come to a real relationship with Jesus.

“That’s exactly what Nancy would want and what every one of us should want out of that,’’ he said.

Seating for the Singing Christmas Tree is on a first come, first served basis, and there is no charge. The church has a food pantry and is partnering with the Balm In Gilead Family Counseling Ministries to accept donations of non-perishable food, clothing and hygiene items.

For more information on making donations or on the event, contact the church during regular business hours at 910-425-5305.

 Future discussions drew more attention than current action at last week’s meeting of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Board of Directors.

Discussion continued on two major topics the board has been considering for some time, the status of transgender athletes in the state’s high school programs and the possibility of allowing home-schooled students to be members of NCHSAA athletic teams.

“Those are huge topics that were discussed,’’ said board member Patty Evers, who is athletic director and girls basketball coach at East Bladen High School.

“There will be more discussion in May (at the board’s spring meeting),’’ Evers said. “Those things are real. They are important issues around our state.’’

Evers said the central point in the home school debate is making sure those students will compete at the school in the district where they reside. “You want them to be involved with other kids on your campus,’’ she said. “I don’t know how it’s all going to come out, but I know something has to be done.’’

The biggest news for Fayetteville to come out of the meeting was the Eastern Regional basketball tournament finals will continue to be held at Fayetteville State’s Capel Arena, with the possibility of East Carolina University holding the other half of the regional finals.

In other action that was taken by the board, a proposal from the N.C. Wrestling Coaches Association was approved to hold a tournament for female wrestlers on a one-year trial basis in Winston-Salem.

“I think that’s a move in the right direction,’’ Evers said. “Hopefully it will bring about other things in the future, like offering the sport in our public schools as a female sport.’’

In a move promoting safety, baseball and softball coaches who are coaching from the box on the field will be required to wear a skull cap or helmet.

Evers coached softball for 13 years at East Bladen and supports the decision. “I think it’s a very smart move that we put that in play,’’ she said.

Because of travel costs, fees for officials assigned to third-round games in the state playoffs with neutral crews will be increased.

Evers, who used to officiate volleyball, once traveled from Elizabethtown to Charlotte for a third-round game.

There will be no limitations placed on seven-on-seven competitions during the summer months. The Sports Medicine Advisory Committee withdrew a tabled proposal that if approved would have put limits on them.

• The N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association recently announced its all-state football teams. The following athletes from NCISAA schools in Cumberland County were selected to the 11-man team.

First team: Cha’von McEachern, RB, Trinity Christian; Zovon Lindsay, OL, Trinity Christian; Jeffrey Woods, DL, Trinity Christian.

Second team: Deumbre Ginyard, WR, Trinity Christian; Jhamal Jackson, DL, Village Christian; Que’won Hilliard, LB, Trinity Christian; Chris Herbert, DB, Trinity Christian.

Honorable mention: Eric Henderson, OL, Village Christian; JaRae King, OL, Trinity Christian; Isaiah Christian, LB, Village Christian; Orlando Flowers, ATH, Village Christian.

 Kaylee Barriage

Gray’s Creek • Senior •

Volleyball

Barriage has a 3.70 grade point average. She played on a Bears team that was 17-5 and made the second round of the state 3-A playoffs. This season, she had 68 service points, an 85 percent service percentage, 38 digs, 15 assists, 20 blocks and 45 kills.

 Benjamin Lovette

Gray’s Creek • Junior •

Football

Lovette has a grade point average of 4.0. He led the Bears to a 7-5 record and a berth in the state 3-AA football playoffs. This season, he completed 43 of 94 passes for 673 yards and six touchdowns.

Here is the Sandhills Athletic All-Conference soccer team as chosen by the league’s head coaches.

Coach of the Year: Colin McDavid, Hoke County

Player of the Year: Jasper Ardinger, Pinecrest

Pinecrest: Jair Ballesteros, Peyton Williamson, Braydon Peery, Gray Smith, Nick Vences, Jack Hildebrand.

Hoke county: David Williams, Nakya Davila, Xavier Hernandez, Pedro Davila, Isaiah Plessner.

Richmond Senior: Evan Hudson, Alexis Gonzales, Noah Jordan, Luke Hawks, Carlos Alcocer.

Jack Britt: Joseph Knoel, Kevin Wanovich.

Lumberton: Quinton Frederick, Josh Britt, Joan Carrillo. 

Purnell Swett: Jafet Robles, Pacy Brooks, Nick Ramirez.

Seventy-First: Raymond Grates, Josiah Boyd.

Scotland: Hunter Edkins.

 Here’s the Patriot Athletic All-Conference soccer team as chosen by the league’s head coaches.

Offensive player of the year: Jared Miller, Terry Sanford

Defensive player of the year: Andrew Troutman, Terry Sanford

Goalkeeper of the year: Tyler Britt, Cape Fear

Coach of the year: Karl Molnar, Terry Sanford

First team

Cape Fear: Ben Elliott, Marvens St. Felix, Tanner Hix

Gray’s Creek: Drake Camire, Hayden Diaz

Overhills: Iann Morales

Pine Forest: Walker Sherin, Kyle Dickerson, Connor Sykes, Brett Frazee

South View: Alex Dipaolo, Davin Schmidt

Terry Sanford: Cam Davis, Fabian Macias

Second team

Cape Fear: Nick Aime, Grant McCorquodale.

Douglas Byrd: Shaver Dick

Gray’s Creek: Eric Chavez

Overhills: Ethan Arney, Chase Thompson, Noah Maynor

Pine Forest: Carlos Villarreal, Alex Hinton, Tanner Hendricks, Christian Qually

Terry Sanford: Grant Risk, Davis Molnar

Honorable mention

Douglas Byrd: Bryan Lopez

Gray’s Creek: Garrett Hoyt

Overhills: Marvin Villarces, Zachary Richard

Terry Sanford: Bailey Morrison, Hunter Wiggins Westover: Delsin Burkhart

Photo:  Jared Miller

 At a school rich with wrestling tradition, Cape Fear’s Dallas Wilson found a way to make history of his own last year.

He faces an even bigger challenge this season: finding a way to top it.

Last winter, Wilson, son of Cape Fear head coach Heath Wilson, became the first sophomore in school history to win a state wrestling championship, taking home the title in the 132-pound weight class in the 3-A state tournament.

Wilson is the lone returning state champion among Cumberland County wrestlers this fall, and having been around wrestling at Cape Fear with his dad, also a former state champ, he knows well the challenges involved in repeating.

“That’s the first thing he told me after last year was over,’’ the elder Wilson said of his son. “I’m not going to be a one and done. That’s their biggest fear. He knows he’s got a target on his back.’’

In addition to the target, the younger Wilson will be looking at new challenges this season. He’s gotten taller and gained weight, which means he’ll be moving into a different weight class.

His father said the two will likely wait until the WRAL tournament Dec. 21 to make a final decision on what weight Dallas will be wrestling at for the remainder of the season.

The key to the choice will be how comfortable Dallas is with the final weight he chooses, Heath said.

Dallas has prepared for his upcoming wrestling season with a tough summer of competition that included competing in the Super 32 about a month ago.

“He’s not overconfident, and he’s not looking beyond anybody,’’ Heath said.

Dallas gets challenged regularly in practice by his mat partner Jared Barbour, who weighs in at around 160 to 170 and is among the top three wrestlers in the state in his weight class.

Dallas looks at last year’s state title as just the beginning of a journey in wrestling that will continue for another two years at the high school level.

“Defending it and winning two more (titles) is next,’’ Dallas said. “My biggest concern would be my health more than anything. I need to stay healthy.’’

He battled problems with a gimpy ankle last year and still has concerns about it as this season begins. He’s focused on taking better angles of attack when he makes his shots, something he said multiple state champions do. “They understand angles and how to get on legs and how to hit moves that a kid that’s average wouldn’t even think about,’’ Dallas said.

“Hard work is the main aspect going into this year and next year.’’ 

Dallas Wilson won’t be the only solid returner on the mat for Cape Fear this season.

Tristan Chapman, 126 pounds, placed fifth in the state last year. A conference champion, 120-pound Jack Culbreth, also returns, along with 145-pound Jeremiah Smith, who came close to beating the state champion a year ago.

Now that the season is over for the Cape Fear football team, Wilson said 220-pound Nick Minacapelli will be joining the team soon.

“We’ve got some sleepers this year,’’ Coach Wilson said. “The newcomers are learning quickly.’’

Photo: Dallas (left) and Heath (right) Wilson

 When Emerson Martin took over as head football coach at Village Christian two years ago, he had eight players returning from a team that lost in the 2016 state championship game.

Two years later, after three trips in a row to the state finals, the Knights are finally state champions, following a 39-8 rout of Asheville School in the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association 11-man Division III football title game.

Martin, who teaches weightlifting classes, said the first challenge was getting students in his classes to join the football program.

“That let us have the first winning season in school history,’’ he said of the 2017 campaign.

When the 2018 season began, Martin felt all the pieces were finally in place to bring home a state championship.

“We had senior leadership from the year before,’’ he said. “That was the biggest part of everything in the turnaround. The strongest point was the way the kids came together, the way they became friends on and off the field, just their commitment to the offseason in working together.

No one was more important to the process than versatile senior Asa Barnes, whose 50-yard run for the first touchdown against Asheville helped set the tone for the championship game. “He is the best all-around player I have on my team,’’ Martin said of Barnes, who played multiple positions on both sides of the football for the Knights and rarely came off the field.

“From the starting point of the championship game, he ran harder than I’ve ever seen him run,’’ Martin continued. “He ran with a passion I’ve never seen him run with.’’

Barnes still had a bitter taste in his mouth from the disappointing loss in the 2017 championship game, a game the Knights felt they should have won.

“There never was a time when we were able to forget about it,’’ Barnes said of the 2017 defeat. “We really drilled it into peoples’ heads that we wouldn’t forget it, and it drove us to be better.’’

Barnes said he worked on improving his speed and stamina in the offseason, preparing himself for the grind of being a two-way performer for the Knights.

One of the biggest parts of this year’s win was taking the early lead, and Barnes said that was something the Knights tried to do all season. “When we win the coin toss, we want to get the ball and put up points quickly,’’ he said, “try to take their hope away.

“I felt like from the jump we were the more talented team and had to listen to what our coaches wanted us to do, execute and play together as a team.’’

Junior quarterback Tim Grate said Village avoided the mistake of getting overconfident. “The words of the week were stay humble, s tay level and don’t underestimate your opponent,’’ he said.

Grate said his goal was to make his reads and finish with no turnovers, which he accomplished.

“The offensive mindset was to score every possession,’’ he said. “If you score every possession, you’re more than likely going to win the game.’’

Now that the Knights have finally earned the championship, the next goal is to start the process for chasing the title in 2019.

“I have a lot of big expectations for them,’’ Barnes said. “I expect them to exceed what we did this year. They just have to not be complacent and always work hard.’’

Grate said the team needs to prepare for the offseason grind and just pick up where it left off. “For most people, it’s getting faster, getting stronger and getting smarter,’’ he said.

 The World Series is coming to the Fayetteville SwampDogs J.P. Riddle Stadium.

It’s not the fall classic of Major League Baseball fame, but there will be a trophy and prizes as the SwampDogs host the inaguaral 2018 Kickball World Series starting at 9 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 15.

Clint Narramore, the new assistant general manager and playby-play voice for the SwampDogs, said the tournament is part of a promotion on the part of the SwampDogs to offer family fun opportunities the whole year round, not just during baseball season.

An entry fee of $25 will get your team entered into the tournament, with an entry deadline of this Saturday, Dec. 1, two weeks prior to the tournament.

The rules on how people can put their team together are flexible, Narramore said. He is looking for a minimum of nine players per team with a maximum of 12. Standard kickball rules will apply, and the field will be laid out on the infield at Riddle Stadium.

The format will be single-elimination, bracketstyle play. Each game will last five innings with a 50-minute time limit. The tournament will conclude at 5 p.m.

Teams can be composed of players of mixed ages, Narramore said, meaning they can include both children and adults. 

“We want the kids to be able to participate, too, and we want to make sure we can include everyone in the family,’’ he said.

In addition to presenting a trophy to the winning team, the prizes will include gif cards from various local businesses.

To enter or to find out more information about the tournament, call 910-426-5900 or come by the SwampDogs office prior to the entry deadline.

Information is also available on the Facebook page, Fayetteville SwampDogs 2018 Kickball World Series.

Photo:  Clint Narramore

  Residents of the Hope Mills area who suffered longterm damage as a result of both Hurricane Florence and Hurricane Matthew have been granted additional time to get assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Following a request from North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, FEMA extended the deadline to apply for assistance in Cumberland County to Thursday, Dec. 13.

“The deadline is usually 60 days,’’ said John Mills, a representative with FEMA in Washington, D.C. “That’s just the initial registration. People can stay in touch to get assistance after the deadline.’’

Mills said those who qualify for basic FEMA assistance include anyone who suffered serious hurricane damage from either storm to their primary residence and those who have damage or other needs not specifically covered by insurance.

“FEMA by law cannot duplicate insurance payments,’’ Mills said.

Mills was in the Fayetteville and Fort Bragg area just before the storms arrived. He noted there was a lot of flooding locally.

According to the most recent statistics provided by FEMA, $869 million in disaster aid has been paid to the state of North Carolina.

Cumberland County is one of 34 North Carolina counties designated to receive financial relief from the federal government.

The county has received $13.8 million in state and federal funds, with $4.2 million going to 1,700 homeowners and renters.

There have been 180 flood insurance claims filed with $3.3 million in claims paid.

As of Nov. 13, more than $6.3 million in U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans have been approved for 280 homeowners and 20 businesses.

FEMA has a disaster recovery center open six days a week in the Social Services Building at 1225 Ramsey St. in Fayetteville. Mills said the center will remain open based on community need. So far it has had 3,000 visits, and will likely remain open until around the time the deadline for registering on Dec. 13 approaches.

Mills said those in need of financial help can contact both FEMA and the Small Business Administration at the center.

“In a big disaster like this, the (Small Business Administration) makes disaster loans to homeowners and renters, not just businesses,’’ Mills said.  “The FEMA money is grants and flood insurance payments. SBA does loans, FEMA doesn’t.’’

FEMA provides you with a grant for temporary rental assistance if your primary residence was made uninhabitable by the hurricane. Homeowners may also be able to get money from FEMA for basic home repairs or to help survivors replace personal property that was destroyed.

In some cases, FEMA coordinates with charitable, nonprofit and faith-based organizations that are working with people in the affected areas.

“In some cases, people will receive money from FEMA,’’ Mills said. “Some people may receive money and assistance from a charitable organization.

“You’ve seen a lot of what’s been going on, neighbors helping each other out, church groups doing good work. This is an excellent opportunity for young people that want to volunteer with local organizations to give of their time to help folks who are still struggling.’’

To reach FEMA directly, Mills said the best number to call is 800-621-3362. There is also information on the internet at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Photo:John Mills, FEMA representative

Meetings

For details about all meetings and activities, including location where not listed, call Town Clerk Jane Starling at 910-426-4113. Until the Parks and Recreation building has been repaired following damage from Hurricane Florence, some meetings may be moved to Luther Meeting Room at Town Hall at regular dates and times. Those meetings are noted with an asterisk below.

• Festival Committee Monday, Dec. 3, 5:30 p.m., Town Hall reception area.

• Board of Commissioners Monday, Dec. 3, 7 p.m., Town Hall.

• Historic Preservation Commission Wednesday, Dec. 12, 5 p.m., Parks and Recreation Building*

Activities

For more information on these activities, contact Meghan Hawkins at 910-426-4109.

• Christmas at the Lake Friday, Nov. 30, 6-7:30, p.m. An old-fashioned Christmas in the mill village returns with singing of Christmas carols, lighting of the Christmas tree, burning of the Yule log and hot chocolate and cookies for everyone.

• Hope Mills Christmas Parade Saturday, Dec. 1, 3 p.m. Enjoy bands, floats, hot cars and a visitor from the North Pole.

• Breakfast with Santa Saturday, Dec. 15, 8:30 a.m., at Hope Mills Fire Station. Jolly Old Saint Nick will be on hand to enjoy a breakfast catered by Grandson’s. Tickets are limited. Children 3 years old and under are free but must have a ticket to attend.

Promote yourself

Email hopemills@upandcomingweekly.com.

 To look at Mark Pezzella, you’d think he was in excellent health, but that’s not unusual for many veterans of the military, he said.

“Don’t be misled or confused by the fact somebody looks normal,’’ he said. “It doesn’t mean they’re not disabled. There’s a lot of disability you can’t see.’’

It took Pezzella some time to realize he had an assortment of physical and emotional ailments related to his service as a military policeman in the U.S. Army. It took longer still for him to get the benefits that were available to him from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Now he’s speaking out on behalf of other veterans who need the same benefits he’s been getting.

Pezzella, who runs his own event production company, recently drew attention to the problem some veterans have getting the benefits they are owed when he spoke during a luncheon meeting for veterans hosted by the Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce.

After serving as a military policeman that included a stint in Operation Desert Storm, Pezzella left the Army on Oct. 27, 1991.

He spent the first 20 years out of the Army thinking he was just getting old and dealing with the normal problems of aging, never realizing that his various ailments were related to his military service and that there was help available to him he hadn’t pursued.

“When I found out this stuff was related to my military career, I said, ‘Wow, I’ve been paying for this stuff all this time,’” he said. “Nobody said anything to me. I didn’t have anybody championing the thought process of actually filing with the VA.’’

Pezzella was a classic case of a veteran with no visible signs of his various disabilities. Both his knees were practically bone on bone, with no cartilage left in either of them. He also had arthritis in both knees.

The arches of both of his feet had been torn out twice. He had stomach issues as a result of the food he ate while serving in Desert Storm. And there were also lingering mental issues left from the kinds of things people see while in a war zone.

It took time working with the VA, but Pezzella was eventually classified as 140 percent disabled. He only got that status within the last two years.

“A lot of soldiers think they have to hire an attorney to get the VA to give them what’s rightfully theirs,’’ Pezzella said.

Pezzella didn’t do it that way. He found an organization based in Durham called Veterans Pavilion. The organization can be researched online at veteranspavilion.com.

“They do all the paperwork, all the organizational stuff for the soldier for free,’’ Pezzella said. “They even put the stamp on the envelope.’’

Pezzella said the paperwork alone involved in getting military benefits can be daunting, especially for someone who may be suffering from mental issues related to their years in service.

“For them to expect someone with a mental disability to understand the paperwork is silly,’’ Pezzella said. “The paperwork is so complex and legalized, it’s hard for anyone to understand.’’

That’s why Pezzella is happy to tell his story and encourage those in the same position he was in. “I’m happy to explain the process I took, which was very successful, very cost effective to get me where I am now,’’ he said.

“The bottom line is people don’t know they can get help. I want them to know they can and it doesn’t cost any money. I can point them in the right direction.’’ 

While Pezzella encourages veterans in need to reach out to Veterans Pavilion for assistance, he is also willing to talk with veterans on a limited basis to share his experience getting benefits. If you would like to contact Pezzella, his number is 910- 322-4200.

Photo: Mark Pezzella

 In late September of 2013, the Hope Mills Board of Commissioners voted to remove Commissioner Tonzie Collins from his elected position by way of an amotion hearing. It was a politically charged decision, and detractors were quick to point out the exorbitant expense ($33,000) and poor timing. Collins was already a registered candidate and the election was five weeks away. If the board didn’t vote him out of office, they’d have wasted a great deal of tax-payers’ money, and if he won re-election, the process and the expense were wasted.

If we’d had a recall ordinance in place prior to the amotion hearing, it could have been used to remove Collins with far less expense.

Immediately following the election, the people of Hope Mills waited patiently for the board to address the gap in accountability. But instead of addressing the issue, they ignored it, as if elected officials misbehaving were an anomaly.

Today, we find ourselves in a similar situation. Commissioners on this board have taken advantage of that gap in several ways.

Malfeasance is intentional conduct that is wrongful or unlawful, especially by officials or public employees. Misfeasance is conduct that is lawful but inappropriate. Nonfeasance is failure to act where there was a duty to act.

Here is a timeline of events involving the Hope Mills Board of Commissioners from the past year.

June 2018

1. Commissioner Meg Larson shared outdated water surveys with board members, which swayed their decision in the question of whether to sell land to Lone Survivor Foundation.

2. Larson contacted staff at PWC to clarify the outdated surveys, without permission from the board.

3. Larson received an email from PWC staff informing her the surveys were irrelevant — and she withheld it from the public.

July 2018

1. Commissioners Mike Mitchell and Larson pressured Rachel Cotter of McAdams Group to include the surveys in the $87,000 comprehensive parks and recreation survey commissioned by the town.

2. Larson and Mitchell wouldn’t let Rachel Cotter attend the Special Meeting scheduled to discuss a Public Hearing about Lone Survivor Foundation. They then canceled the Public Hearing because they had no information from Rachel Cotter regarding the parks and recreation survey.

August 2018

1. Most of the commissioners refused to attend ethics training provided by Cumberland County and the North Carolina League of Municipalities.

2. Mitchell used social media to announce that McAdams Group told the board they needed to purchase more land for parks and recreation development. McAdams Group briefed the board in October there was enough land for a further 10 years of development and an additional 65 acres.

3. Legge accused citizens supporting Lone Survivor Foundation of illegally protesting to disrupt a town-sponsored event.

4. Mitchell sent an email to town staff indicating he felt it was inappropriate for the staff members to support a candidate. N.C.G.S. 160A-169 clearly states employees cannot be restricted from attending political meetings or advocating for candidates. Days later, Mitchell announced he had attended the very meeting he discouraged the staff from attending.

5. Commissioners Mitchell, Larson and Jerry Legge refused to let Mayor Jackie Warner attend a ceremony in Seattle, Washington, to receive the National Rehabilitation Project of the Year Award from the Annual Association of State Dams Safety Officials. Warner offered to pay for her expenses, and the Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce lobbied the board to reconsider. The board members did not.

6. Larson and Mitchell began investigating Warner and her involvement with Lone Survivor Foundation’s offer to purchase municipal land. They submitted a public records request for more than 450 emails to prove she colluded to bring the offer to Hope Mills.

The board never sanctioned an official investigation of Warner. It’s a violation of the laws governing closed sessions for the board to vote in closed session or to discuss other board members. And they’ve never voted on investigating Warner in open session.

In fact, until the Nov. 5 meeting, it was never even discussed in open session. At that meeting, Warner admonished the commissioners for harassing staff at the Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation with dozens of public records requests and insisted they cease and desist. She also accused them of using the town attorney to further their investigation by having him contact FCEDC with requests for emails, receipts and credit card statements. She also announced the most recent request from either a commissioner or the town attorney was Oct. 31.

Finally, though the board has a fiduciary responsibility to citizens, it has cancelled four meetings since August. The latest meeting was cancelled to accommodate Legge’s vacation. The schedule of meetings is set each November, so Legge had a full year to reschedule this trip. However, during the meeting at which board members voted to cancel, he bragged that he hadn’t missed a vacation in more than 20 years.

Because there is no form of oversight or consequence for the board’s bad behavior, it’s escalated. And we have every reason to believe 2019 will be a continuation of the same bad behavior we’ve seen in 2018.

The people of Hope Mills are left with one lingering question: If the Hope Mills Board of Commissioners can’t govern themselves, how can we expect them to govern our town?

Photo: L to R: Tonzie Collins, Meg Larson and Mike Mitchell. Photo by Elizabeth Blevins.

 Now that we’ve put the fall decorations away, I’ve got a confession to make.

Just a forewarning — I may get shunned or bullied for this confession. You may even stop reading this after I bare my soul in just a few sentences. This has been on my heart for a while, and I must get it off my chest ... right here, right now.

I am not a fan of pumpkin spice.

There. I said it.

I can hear you gasping, your neck creaking ever so quietly as you shake your head in disapproval — I know I’m in the minority. I’m so thankful we’re past that time of year where you can’t escape all the advertisements for this epitome of fall delicacies.

You’ve got the ever-popular Can’t- Wait-Until-Fall-It’s-July-But-I-Need- My-Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte (that’s the full title, it just won’t fit on the menu). Then there are the pumpkin spice cakes, cookies, coffee creamer, donuts — every brand having its own variation of this seasonal phenomenon.

There’s pumpkin spice Cheerios, Mini Wheats or Special K cereal; Triscuits, yogurt, marshmallows, bagels, Jell-O, milk, chocolates — the list goes on. Even Easter seasonal treats are jealous of all of this fallthemed attention — there’s now pumpkin spice Peeps available at a store near you.

It’s quite ridiculous.

But now? The Christmas season is when seasonally themed food actually shines. It’s peppermint season, and I’m gunning for that peppermint mocha creamer in my daily cup — er, cups — of coffee every morning. Peppermint in my diffuser, peppermint hand soaps and candles galore. Andes Mints no longer have to hide behind their green wrappers. We all know if the wise men had been in possession of Andes Mints, they would have brought the pepperminty chocolates to the manger for Baby Jesus that first Christmas.

Ho-ho-ho, y’all, a peppermint Christmas to all, and to all a good night. 

Somehow, peppermint echoes this time of year so perfectly. It’s invigorating, like the chill in the air on a winter’s day, yet cozy, complementing all the fresh greenery adorned with lights or mixing in nicely to a cup of hot cocoa. And it’s perfect alongside a hefty helping of Christmas music.

That’s where WCLN Christian 105.7 comes in. This Christmas season, WCLN is playing Christmas favorites 24/7 — but it might sound a little different than what you’re used to. Songs about snow and Santa might get old quickly, and this station does play a few of those, too, but WCLN’s staff believes the freshness of the sound of Christmas comes in the message. Hear the good news this Christmas season: How Jesus came to Earth, wrapped in skin — the best gift of all, the most needed gift of all, the most glorious, life-giving gift of all.

So, download the WCLN app, turn it on in the car, at home or wherever you can find a radio, and celebrate Jesus with us.

And, I must say — if WCLN had a flavor, it would most definitely be peppermint.

 Fayetteville Technical Community College offers the computer programming and software development degree as a concentration under the information technology major. This curriculum prepares individuals for employment in computer programming and related positions through study and application in computer concepts, logic, programming procedures, languages, generators, operating systems, networking, data management and business operations. Upon completion of the program, students receive an associate’s degree in computer programming and software development and will be well-equipped to enter the growing field of software development.

Alumni of this program have gone on to work for entities, including the city of Fayetteville, Cape Fear Valley Hospital, Cumberland County Schools and local defense contractors.

The computer programming and software development department will offer two new certificate programs beginning in 2019. The first certificate program, Data Analysis using SAS, will introduce students to the concepts and practices necessary to analyze big data sets and develop real-world applications.

The SAS Corporation is a world-leading business analytics software company located in Cary, North Carolina. SAS develops its own proprietary software and is consistently ranked as one of the top employers among technology and software development companies.

The second certificate program is Creating iOS Application using Swift. Swift is the primary mobile application development language of Apple, the developer of the iPhone and iPad. Students will learn concepts related to mobile application development needed to create basic applications for the iPhone and the iPad.

Fayetteville Tech offers a broad range of programs of study leading to the award of associate degrees, certificates and diplomas. Many educational choices are available in the field of computer and information technology, where graduates can seek employment as designers, developers, testers, support technicians, system administrators, and programmers. Specialty areas include business intelligence, database services, healthcare informatics, security and more.

Specific program areas to explore at FTCC include CISCO networking academy, computer programming and software development, cyber defense education center, database management, digital media technology, game and interactive programming, network management, PC support and services, systems security and analysis, and simulation and game development. Within each of these program areas are additional specialty programs of study, which allow students broad choices for expansion in becoming well-equipped for a great career in the computer technology field.

For students interested in pursuing an exciting career in a high-demand field, FTCC is a wise choice for education in computer and information technology. Spring semester begins Jan. 14, 2019.

Visit www.faytechcc.edu to apply now and begin the enrollment process.

For more information about the program, visit www.faytechcc.edu/academics/computer-information- technology-programs/computer-programming- development. Call 910-678-8571 or email camerona@faytechcc.edu with questions about pursuing computer programming and software development education at FTCC.

With over 250 curriculum-level programs of study to choose from leading to an associate’s degree, certificate, or diploma — plus a wide range of continuing education programs to choose from — FTCC is the smart choice for education.

 Christmastime is near, and to help bring in the spirit, Cape Fear Regional Theatre presents the play “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” The play has been a tradition of CFRT, bringing cheer to many, for 28 years. The show opens Dec. 6 and runs through the 22nd. It involves three casts of local children and plenty of hijinks, too.

According to the play director, Brian Adam Kline, the show is based on six “misfits” who help depict an unconventional version of the Christmas story. The transformation the children undergo in the process is both heartwarming and hilarious.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” was originally written as a book by Barbara Robinson in 1971. It focuses on the Herdman family, which includes six rebellious, obnoxious and hard-headed children ranging from 8-13 years old. They are known for their deviant and bullying behavior.

In the play, Grace Bradley is tasked with directing the church Christmas pageant. The Herdman children shock their peers by volunteering for the play. Accommodating the Herdman family proves to be more than Bradley, or the other children in the pageant, bargained for.

Imogene Herdman portrays Mary, and her brother Ralph is Joseph. It astonishes and dismays the others when they learn that the two leads have never heard of the Christmas story. The community members’ preconceived assumptions about the Herdman children exemplify our own prejudices and bias toward others.

The play sheds some light on faulty human thinking, like how people will often judge others based on their appearance, cultural background and more. In so doing this, we fail to look deeper into the heart of the individual and what motivates them. One important message the play depicts is to keep hope in humanity.

The play also serves as a reminder that redemption can be found in the most unexpected places and that often, the underdog has something positive to contribute to society. Although the Herdman children are rambunctious, deviant pranksters from a poverty-stricken home, they begin to learn comradeship and how to contribute to their community.

Kline has worked diligently on developing the performance according to what the local community enjoys, and it goes without saying that the entire show from beginning to end creates a sense of harmony and brings about an element of cheer.

Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for children under 18. The play is family-friendly, Christmas themed and appropriate for all ages. There are performances Dec. 6-9, Dec. 13-16 and Dec. 19-22. Military Appreciation Nights are Dec. 6-7 at the 7 p.m. performances. For tickets and information, call the box office at 910-323-4233 or visit www.cfrt.org.

 Each year, the Heritage Square Historical Society of Fayetteville presents A Christmas Tour of Homes. It is a one-day-only event showcasing some of Fayetteville’s finest, most decadently decorated homes. Sunday, Dec. 2, the society invites the public to enjoy this year’s tour and celebrate the beauty of the season.

Stops on the tour include the homes of Jesse Byrd, Nancy and Murray Duggins, Nicole and Brian Raynor and the Heritage Square Historical Society of Fayetteville. It’s a perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit or to enjoy a girls’ day out — or both. It’s become a tradition for many.

“We’ve done this for 17 years,” said Heritage Square Historical Society of Fayetteville President Elaine Kennebeck. “People come year after year and love it. We have big, beautiful homes in Fayetteville decorated to the nines.”

Even if decorating is not a priority, Kennebeck added that there are other reasons people go on the tour of  homes. “Some go for decoration ideas, and some go for architecture. We have seven to eight garden clubs involved, and they each decorate a room in fresh greens. This year’s theme is Santa Claus.”

Proceeds from the event benefit the historical society, which is the home of three unique historical homes located at 225 Dick St. The homes are The Sandford House, the Oval Ballroom and the Baker-Haigh-Nimocks House. With histories woven into Fayetteville’s earliest days, the historical society has taken on the task of preserving these structures and the stories that unfolded within their walls and on their properties.

The Sandford House dates to 1797 and is said to have housed Gen. Sherman’s troops when the Union forces occupied Fayetteville.

The Oval Ballroom was once home to a socialite accused of poisoning her husband. Her 1850 trial was dubbed the “trial of the century.”

Property for the Baker-Haigh-Nimocks House was secured in 1781 on a 24-acre plot of land. It was headquarters for Gen. Sherman’s troops during the Civil War.

Formerly known as the Fayetteville Woman’s Club, the history-focused group changed its name to better reflect its mission. “Our only mission in the club is to preserve and maintain these homes,” said Kennebeck. “There are so few historic homes left in Fayetteville. It is important with all the (historic) houses we are losing in this the city that we keep this property going.”

The society hosts a few fundraisers a year, but sharing the buildings with the public and helping people understand why the structures are important is a big part of what it does as well.

“We rent out the property for wedding showers and things like that,” said Kennebeck. “We have beautiful grounds. The property is for people to enjoy. Our rental fees are probably the cheapest in the area. If you are looking for an authentic Southern wedding, this is a great place. We have a full working kitchen, which caterers love. People can bring their own food. We are kind to the people who rent from us.”

Tickets for A Christmas Tour of Homes cost $20 and are available for purchase at Bell’s Seed Store, The Pilgrim, and Heritage Square. To learn more or to purchase tickets another way, call 910-483-6009 or visit www.heritagesquarefay.org.

 An American holiday staple, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has gone down in history as the highest rated Christmas television special of all time. Since 1964, the redeeming tale of the misfit reindeer who helped Santa Claus save Christmas has entertained people of all ages. Sunday, Dec. 2, fans of Rudolph will have a onenight- only opportunity to see the stopmotion classic spring from the T.V. screen to the stage in “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical” at the Givens Performing Arts Center, located on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

GPAC Marketing Director Chad Locklear said seeing the movie as a live performance is exhilarating and special for adults and kids alike. “The music is sung live, the props are colorful, and the bright costumes and puppetry all bring an exciting and unique experience,” he said.

The production boasts lots of action and movement. From dance numbers to high-flying elves, all the hard work put in behind the scenes is sure to keep every audience member amused, said Natalie Holt MacDonald, the actress who portrays Rudolph. “With the set movements, they all roll, and people roll them around, so it kind of looks like they’re ice skating the set pieces all over the stage. It’s all beautifully choreographed,” she said.

Raised as a homeschooled student in Simi Valley, California, MacDonald found it simple to connect with Rudolph’s story through what she said was a misfit experience of her own. “When I finally got around to … going to college, I definitely didn’t have all the inside jokes of everyone. I felt like I lived under a rock at some points,” she said.

While written for children, Rudolph’s narrative speaks to multiple generations. MacDonald said the show is close to the hearts of those who come to see it. “It really is a timeless piece that is great for everyone of all ages, and you have that really nostalgic feel for those who grew up with this story — our grandparents and our parents,” she said.

In addition to the magic of Christmas, MacDonald said she hopes the musical will illuminate the message of acceptance for audience members. “I think everyone feels (a little bit) like a misfit sometimes. … Everyone is different, and because of that, everyone has something to contribute to society,” she said. “No matter how different you are than everyone else, you matter and you’re important.”

MacDonald and the rest of the touring cast of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical” will perform Sunday, Dec. 2, at 4 p.m. at GPAC. The show is 90 minutes long, including a 20-minute intermission. Tickets range from $21 to $41. Visit uncp.edu/gpac to purchase tickets online. For more information, call 910-521-6361 or visit www.rudolphthemusical.com.

 Ever wonder what those homes up above the shops on Hay Street and at Park View on Bragg Boulevard look like inside and what drew people to live in the heart of downtown Fayetteville? An upcoming tour of these spaces will give community members the opportunity to find out. Gracious residents will once again open their lofts to host Cool Spring Downtown District’s annual Downtown Fayetteville Candlelight Loft Tour for one night only on Thursday, Dec. 6, from 6-9 p.m.

That evening, stop by the Cool Spring Downtown District office at 222 Hay St. to pick up an event program and a map for the self-guided tour and to get the official tour wrist band, which will give participants access to all the homes on the tour. Wander farther down Hay Street, toward the Market House, to begin the tour at the delightful City Center Gallery & Books. The loft above the shop is home to proprietors Hank and Diane Parfitt.

Stroll back up the sidewalk, following the printed guide, to visit the other fascinating loft homes along Hay Street. Catch the Majestic Mobility shuttle at the Cool Spring Downtown District office to be transported to Park View where, in addition to lofty condos warmly decorated for the holidays, there will be light refreshments and representatives on hand from the Prince Charles Hotel and the Fayetteville Woodpeckers.

Learn all about the new residential and commercial spaces that will be available once renovations at the Prince Charles are complete. Get updates on the construction of the new baseball stadium and peruse the team merchandise on hand for purchase.

As always, throughout the downtown tour there will be lots of interesting shopping opportunities, delicious dining experiences, street art and sidewalk entertainment provided by Cool Spring Downtown District’s Busker Program. The Wine Café will host jazz performances on the patio. Enjoy a film in the elegant ambience of the Cameo movie theater. Be sure to check out the Arts Council’s current gallery exhibition, “Touchstone: Images of Service.” Around the corner from the Arts Council and down the block on Maxwell Street, wander through the potters’ and painters’ studios and view the mixed media art on display and for sale.

Tickets for the Downtown Fayetteville Candlelight Tour are $10 each and may be purchased at the Pilgrim Gift Shop in Westwood Shopping Center; the Cool Spring Downtown District office; Rude Awakening coffee house; City Center Gallery & Books; The Shops at 123 Hay Street; Pressed-A Creative Space; Kinder Koalas; The Wine Café; The Coffee Cup; The Door- Belle; The Hemp Farmacy; and at A Bit of Carolina.

Check-in for the event will be at 222 Hay St. any time between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. the day of the event. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and to give directions. Parking is available at the city of Fayetteville’s municipal parking deck on Franklin Street and is free after 5 p.m.

 “Behold: A Folk Christmas Cantata” is Sweet Tea Shakespeare’s artistic contribution to Fayetteville’s Christmas season. “Behold” takes the familiar Christmas story and sets it to what STS describes as “glorious, mostly new music that quickly feels familiar.” It’s a Christmas concert that tells the nativity story from beginning to end through music, and it takes place Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6-15, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.

This is STS’ fourth year performing “Behold.” The performance is 100 percent music and features three acoustic guitars (played by one player), an electric guitar, mandolin and banjo (played by another person), a bass guitar, an accordion, a piano, two violins, one cello and a percussionist — and plenty of singers, too. And while it is a Christmas concert, don’t expect to hear songs like “Jingle Bells” or “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”

“We try to tell the real story of the nativity,” said Marie Lowe, STS associate director, and for this production, singer and cellist. “One of the songs begins, ‘It was not a silent night...’ and it goes on to remind us about how scared Mary and Joseph must have been. They were people, just like us. So, there are somber and reflective moments, but the overall mood is joyful — it’s Christmas, and we’re together, and we’re glad and grateful.”

Jacob French is Master of Note at Sweet Tea Shakespeare (think “resident music director”) as well as an assistant artistic director and board member for the company. For this production, he’s the music director and plays the guitar and sings as well. He’s excited that “Behold” is becoming a holiday staple for so many. “We want to be one of the things that folks around town think about and look forward to when Christmas rolls around,” he said.

“The piece is mainly based upon a show called ‘Behold the Lamb of God’ by Andrew Peterson. Our artistic director, Jeremy Fiebig, knew of the show and music from his days prior to Sweet Tea Shakespeare. Once the company reached a place where we could do it justice, we thought it would be a natural fit. We supplement the original show with a few other songs that we think fit the message and feel as well.”

French added, “I think ‘Behold’ is a niche that isn’t (or wasn’t) filled until now in town. The story of the virgin birth is one of the biggest stories every told, and (it) is cram-packed full of love — Mary, Joseph, Jesus, God himself — love coming out your ears. The music does a great job of telling the story, and when we play it, I can feel the love in the room. … There are funny moments, serious ones, contemplative ones, ones that could make you cry, and ones that will make you clap along and dance. If I had to choose one word to describe the feeling, I think I’d choose ‘reflective.’”

In addition to the concert, STS will have traditional front-of-house activities accompanying the show. There will be beverages (adult and non) for purchase, merchandise for sale, preconcert entertainment and, French promises, “a warm holiday spirit.” 

The show starts at 7 p.m. each night. Tickets are free but require a reservation. To purchase tickets, or to learn more, call 910-420-4383, visit www.sweetteashakespeare.com or search the group’s Facebook page.

 In a community filled with fun and meaningful Christmas traditions, Owen Chapel and Camp Ground Methodist Church shares a new experience unlike any others locally. The Festival of Trees takes place Nov. 30-Dec 1, and the public is invited.

The Festival of Trees is just that, a celebration of beautifully decorated trees. “I think the thing I love about this is the different themes, like the patriotic theme, Frosty the Snowman, and the Friendly Beast, just to name a few,” said Sandy Holland, the event organizer. “One of my favorites is the historical tree decorated by Edward Goins, floral designer, that has grapevine and church ornaments on it.”

On Friday night, Nov. 30, ticket holders can tour the trees and then enjoy homemade snacks and drinks in the church’s Fellowship Hall, where the children can visit with Santa and have their picture taken. “The older children from our daycare will begin the evening by caroling at 6 p.m. in front of the Chapel,” said Holland.

Saturday night, Dec. 1, the tour begins at 4 p.m. and lasts until 6 p.m. Afterward, there is a Moravian Love Feast, which starts at 6:15 p.m. in the main sanctuary. The Love Feast is open to the public and is part of the ticket price.

Holland explained that the Moravian Love Feast is a communal meal shared among Christians. It originated in the early church and was a time of fellowship for believers. She said it refers to a Christian ritual meal distinct from the Lord’s Supper. “The Love Feast seeks to strengthen bonds and a spirit of harmony and goodwill with one another,” she said. “The Moravian church celebrates the Love Feast, with the Methodist Churches continuing the practice.”

The Festival of Trees is “a vision we have had for several years, and we were able to bring it to fruition this year,” said Holland. “For those that love the Christmas season, it is a new experience to enjoy. What better venue for this event than our historical William H. Owen Chapel? It enables us to open our doors to the community to view the chapel while enjoying the different trees, all decorated with a musical song theme. We have a few … members that have volunteered to share some history about the chapel during the tour as well.”

The Owen Chapel dates to 1861, although the congregation has worshipped at this site since the 1840s. In 1961 the congregation built a larger, more modern building in which to worship.

Proceeds for this event will go to Camp Ground UMC projects and missions, with a portion going specifically to local churches and schools that were affected by Hurricanes Matthew and Florence.

“Last fall, our mission team took a trip to Beverly County, Kentucky, Red Bird Mission,” Holland said. “During our community service, our group saw the great need there. One of our trees is devoted solely to that area. Most of the ornaments on that tree are handmade by the craftsmen of that county. All of the money received from ornament sales from this tree will go back to them.”

The Festival of Tress takes place at Owen Chapel at Camp Ground Methodist Church, 4625 Campground Rd. Tickets cost $6 in advance and $7 at the door. Children under 11 get in free. Tickets are available for purchase at Cumberland Paint on Forsyth Street, the Camp Ground Methodist Church office on Campground Road, and Fredrick’s Hair Salon on Sycamore Dairy Road across from CarMax. Call Sandy Holland at 910-867-9436 or 910-308-6112 for additional information.

 The U.S. Army Special Operations Command wants to recruit the small number of soldiers who are qualified to join more high-intensity career fields like Green Berets, special operations aviation, civil affairs and psychological operations. Fort Bragg’s Special Operations Recruiting Battalion wants to hire more than 2,000 soldiers to fill these elite job slots.

“A lot of people, when they hear ‘special operations,’ immediately either go to the Ranger regiment or Special Forces, and all they think about is guys blowing stuff up and hunting people down — and we do a lot more,” said Maj. Adam Paxton, operations officer for the Special Operations Recruiting Battalion.

Paxton, himself a Special Forces officer, wants 469 soldiers each to join civil affairs and psychological operations units. The Army is looking for helicopter repair technicians for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. The Army also needs 1,400 Green Berets.

“Less than 1 percent of Americans actually can — and want — to serve in the military,” SORB recruiter Sgt. 1st Class Michael Harter told Army Times. “Then you’re asking 18 percent of that 1 percent to do something a little bit more tough.”

In spite of the pop culture mystique of special operations, it’s not easy to get people qualified. Conventional wisdom suggests that soldiers would be beating down a recruiter’s door for the chance to serve with Special Forces. Not so, according to Paxton. Recent research shows that despite the dangers, many soldiers also want to deploy overseas. That was a conclusion of a RAND Corp. study released earlier this year about new soldiers.

Army Special Operations Command units deploy and work behind the scenes in South America, Africa, Asia and beyond. There are a handful of things one might find in the special operations forces community that aren’t available elsewhere in the Army. There’s advanced schooling and special pay that go along with it. Demolition training, dive training, sniper school, airborne qualification, even languages can pay up to several hundred dollars extra a month.

There are also opportunities for rapid promotions, particularly in Special Forces.

There are also bonuses available across Special Operations Command, and big reenlistment bonuses are available across USASOC. Special Forces soldiers can receive between $4,400 and $72,000 to re-enlist, depending on rank, length of contract and special skills. For psy-ops, it’s between $6,300 and $72,000. If all that sounds appealing, the next step is to reach out to the SORB.

Though Special Forces has been open to women since early 2016, no women have completed the qualification course, until now. For the first time, a female soldier has completed the initial Special Forces assessment and selection process. Recruiters try to bring female officers and NCOs from the psy-ops or civil affairs communities to SOF. And they work with Army Recruiting Command to make sure the conventional Army recruiting machine is bringing in the high-quality recruits Special Operations Command will need.