Fayetteville Area Operation Inasmuch invites the local community to their annual Bread ‘N Bowls event March 30. The fundraising effort includes a meal and offers a raffle to win a new car.

The event raises funds for the nonprofit which provides meals and services to people who are homeless or struggling.
Bread ‘N Bowls will take place from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church at 701 Westmont Drive in Fayetteville.

What is FAOIAM?

In 1995, several churches in the city came together to serve the community for Blitz Days. Blitz Days happened two times a year to help folks re-roof houses, build wheelchair ramps all over the city and more.

Blitz Days still occur, but after years of doing it, churches wanted this on a regular basis — not just a few times a year. This is the part of FAOIAM which is for men, women and children.

In 2006, more than 60 churches, civic groups and businesses in the area started serving breakfast to the homeless Mondays through Fridays. These organizations formed the Fayetteville Area Operation Inasmuch. In 2022 they served their 300,000th breakfast.

After forming, they noticed the growing need to serve the homeless and hungry. The organization purchased land and housing to provide housing for the homeless. They started offering case management services as well.

The Able-Life Program

This is a program within FAO IAM where homeless men who may have dealt with job loss, health issues, divorce, mental illness, substance abuse or a felony record get resources to transform their lives.

In 2017, the 40-bed Lodge became available. The Lodge is integral to the Able-Life Program.

According to Craig Morrison, executive director of the organization, the Lodge is a safe space for homeless men to get training and treatment to get back on their feet. It’s housing that’s available for more than 90 days.

That is a rarity when it comes to emergency housing.

“Folks don’t get into difficult situations overnight,” Morrison said. “It’s really hard to get out of a situation overnight. Emergency shelters typically do 90 days. How do you climb out? A year in the Lodge gets folks connected to resources usually in that year.”

He added that the Lodge is the space for the men to get stability, coping skills, life skills, certifications, get a job and save their own money for their own transportation. That’s year one.

From there they may transition to one of the homes on Frink Street that the organization owns. They can stay there for two years for a total of three years of housing. Residency requirements include employment, sobriety and upholding a code of conduct.

The Main Event

FAOIAM has two fundraisers each year and the Bread ‘N Bowls event on March 30 is their main fundraiser.

“We love serving folks. We want to give the opportunity to meet the community,” Morrison said.
At Bread ‘N Bowls, people get a bread bowl meal with a choice of chili or cheesy potato soup with a brownie and a drink for $15. For $25, you can get a ceramic, hand-painted bowl with your meal.

There will be a drive-through option for food. Free delivery is available for individuals (or companies) who place an order for 10 or more bowls.
Morrison said the bowls are painted by people who come to the free breakfast meals offered at FAOIAM.

The Brand New Car

During Bread ‘N Bowls, Valley Auto World is teaming up with FAOIAM on a raffle for a brand new car. Valley Auto World is known for their inventory of Volkswagens and BMWs.

The raffle is part of the fundraising effort for the nonprofit. A single entry ticket is $125. Individuals can buy as many tickets as they want; however, only 1,500 tickets will be sold in total.

The winner picks a car with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of up to $50,000. If it is over that cost, the winner pays the difference. For example, if the car is $25,000 they receive the car for free. If they choose a car that is $51,000, the winner has to pay $1,000 for the car.

The winner is responsible for all taxes, delivery costs, dealer fees, and any options he or she may choose above the vehicle’s manufacturer’s suggested retail price greater than $50,000.

View the website for the official raffle rules at www.faoiam.org/car-raffle-2023/ and to purchase your ticket.
For more information about Bread ‘N Bowls, services available at Operation Inasmuch or to volunteer, visit https://www.faoiam.org/.

Operation Inasmuch is a Christian nonprofit organization. Since 2007, they have served homeless and struggling people a hot, nourishing breakfast each week-day morning. After breakfast, they provide a variety of human, health and educational services tailored to the needs of the homeless community. (Photos courtesy Fayetteville Area Operation Inasmuch)

Are you troubled? Confused? Drinking too much? Your Magic Eight Ball lost its Mojo? No worries. You have come to the right page. Today we explore the wonderful world of country music wherein one can find the answers to life’s mysteries.

I have been listening to country music so you don’t have to. Our country station has a rotation of about 15 songs that repeat endlessly. Within those songs, lies the wisdom of the ages.

The songs focus on economics, lost and found love, pickup trucks, and drinking. Ponder the immortal lyrics of Merle Haggard who sang: “It’s a big job just getting by with nine kids and a wife/ But I’ve been a working man dang near all my life.” Merle is not complaining. He gets up and goes to work. He is not concerned about his feelings. He just wants to feed his family.

A current song examines money troubles with the lines: “If the Devil danced in empty pockets/ He’d have a ball in mine.” Another song combines the Protestant work ethic with parental love, pointing out that “Hard work won’t kill you but her Daddy will.” A chronologically gifted worker sings: “I ain’t old/ I’ve just been used rough.”

Country music offers sound advice regarding love. Lost love is a most favored topic: “In the corner of my mind stands a juke box/ It’s playing all my favorite memories.” Another ditty goes: “It’s a little too late/ She’s a little too gone/ She’s a little too right/ I’m a little too wrong.”

Another poor fellow: “Lost my wife and my girlfriend somewhere along the way/ Amarillo by morning.” A footloose lovelorn dude sings: “There’s just one place I haven’t gone/ I’ve moved everywhere but on.”

Country singers are resilient, a fellow who lost his wife sings: “I ain’t got to see my ex-future Mother-in-Law anymore.” A gent who is fed up with the ladies and romantic issues sings: “The only BS I need is Beer and Sunshine.” Hit the beach!

It’s not just men who lose love. Ladies feel heartache too. One lady person sings: “I got a heart like a truck/ It’s been dragged through the muck/ Runs on dreams and gasoline.” The lady has been knocked down but she pops back up. Another gal reminds her errant boyfriend that: “I’m every thing she is and every thing she ain’t.”

Truck references abound. One guy sings: “Got your picture up in my new pickup truck.”
Another fellow has to sell his pickup because it housed too many memories of his lost baby doll. He sings: “I need a new truck/ I need one she ain’t climbed up in/ That ain’t played her favorite song/ Need some glass we ain’t fogged up/ That her bare feet ain’t been on.”

A vigilante truck song is “Wait in the Truck.” A driver picks up a battered woman hitch hiking in the rain. He finds out where the old boyfriend lives and drives there to shoot him. He tells her to “Wait in the truck/ Well, I knocked and knocked and no one came/ So I kicked in his double wide door/ I let the hammer drop before he got/ To that 12 gauge he was reaching for.” She comes to visit him in prison from time to time so it’s a happy ending for everyone except the dead guy.

New found love brings happier days: “Last night you took my breath away/ And I ain’t found it yet.” Another song deals with lust delicately: “Your body makes me weak/ You are a Mozart between the sheets.” A gentleman swaddled in the coils of new love sings: ‘I thought of love as a prison/ A place I did not want to be/ I’m guilty of love in the first degree.” Touching.

A guy with a new gal sings: “Every time you kiss me/ It’s like sunshine and whiskey.”

Another guy uses a great pickup line: “I can take the blue out of your brown eyes.” A one-night stand is saluted: “By the dark of the moon/ There’s a fire in the night.” Occasionally love reaches the point he wants to get married so he sings: “You name the babies/ I’ll name the dogs.” Touching romanticism.

Alcohol is big in country music. One fellow sings about his gal when she gets a snootful: “Tequila makes her clothes fall off.” Another guy who is a dumpee sings: “Here I go again/ I’m drinking one/ I’m drinking two/ I got my heartache medication/ Tear drops turn into bubbles.”

A wife whose husband has a drinking problem sings: “Whiskey, if you were a woman/ I’d drive you from his tangled mind for good.” Unfortunately, whiskey wins out.

It is generally acknowledged that the perfect country song was written by Steve Goodman and sung by the Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy, David Allen Coe with the immortal lyrics: “I was drunk the day my Mama got out of prison/ And I went to pick her up in the rain/ But before I could get to the station in my pickup truck/ She got ran over by a damned old train.”

Sadder words have never been warbled. Mr. Goodman, I salute you.

Country music lyrics share the wisdom of the ages: love, loss, trucks, dogs, and evidently, inebriation. (Hand-drawn illustration by Pitt Dickey)

As part of the Cape Fear Valley Health System, downtown Fayetteville’s Medical Arts Center is best-known as Highsmith Rainey’s physical therapy department.

However, on Mar. 11, it’ll be remembered as the first building in this area to host the United Way of Cumberland County’s inaugural Over the Edge fundraiser, in which participants rappel one of its 50-foot-walls.

“This is the first year that United Way has had this event,” said United Way of Cumberland County Fundraiser Chairwoman Carolyn Justice-Hinson. And it’s the only fundraiser of “its kind in Fayetteville [and] Cumberland County.”

Over the Edge is a peer-to-peer fundraiser where participants raise $1,000 to rappel or have somebody else rappel the Medical Arts Center.
The United Way of Cumberland County intends to raise $140,000 during the event “to improve the quality of lives in Cumberland County by addressing basic human needs,” per UWCC’s mission statement.

Historically, United Way has raised money via workplace campaigns and other types of donations. Over the Edge is a new fundraising avenue for the organization.

“United Way is a term that people have probably heard their entire life, but not everybody may understand [it],” Justice-Hinson said. “[United Way] is an umbrella program that raises money to support community programs.”

In fact, United Way is currently supporting 14 programs in Fayetteville and Cumberland County with partner agencies that impact 300,000 people a year, she added.

Donor contributions go to making sure children (K-12) succeed in school; supporting adult financial self-sufficiency and employment preparedness; access to welfare and awareness education; and providing emergency food, shelter and other needs.
United Way has served Fayetteville and Cumberland County for approximately 80 years.

“While United Way is a national brand, every United Way is local to their own community,” Justice-Hinson said. “We have our own board, and we’re funding programs and addressing issues that matter to our community.”

Even though it may be too late to enter the fundraiser, it’s still worth the trip downtown to see 50 people and local celebrities such as local officials and entrepreneurs Fizzy Friends and 2022 NC Governors Volunteer Medallion Award winner Stacey Buckner go over the edge.

You can donate money to the UWCC during the event. If you can’t make it, you can donate online at www.unitedway-cc.networkforgood.com.

“People might say [the Medical Arts Center] isn’t a very tall building,” Justice-Hinson said. “It’s tall for us, because it’s our first time, and it’s been a challenge finding a building that meets the criteria to be able to do this.”

Remember that some businesses are raising money for the bosses to rappel the Medical Arts Center. You can learn more about the Over the Edge fundraiser at unitedway-cc.org/over-the-edge-fundraiser.

“We are so grateful to Cape Fear Valley, who owns the Medical Arts Building... and, we’re happy they’ve partnered with us and allowed us to use the building for this event,” Justice-Hinson said

Aside from rappelling, there will be cornhole and food and vendors’ tents, not to mention all of the interesting restaurants and entertainment venues that downtown Fayetteville has to offer within walking distance of the Medical Arts Center.

“[The UWCC] thought this was the perfect fit for Fayetteville [and] Cumberland County,” Justice-Hinson said. “You know, being the home of Fort Bragg, this [fundraiser] is adventurous [and] tied” in to the area’s airborne tradition.

Over the Edge is a Canadian “adventure experience company with a passion for positive impact” that’s been operating in the United States since 2008.

“Over the Edge continues its commitment to help non-profits and charities meet their fundraising goals with our unique adventure experience,” said Over the Edge founder and CEO Paul Griffith.

Over the Edge “is one of these events [that] when you look at who’s participating, who it’s supporting, it’s another example of how Fayetteville comes together for a great cause,” Justice-Hinson said

The Medical Arts Center is located on the corner at 101 Robeson Street, directly from Highsmith Rainey Hospital and across Hay Street from the Airborne and Special Operations Museum.

Over the Edge begins at 9 a.m. and lasts until 4 p.m. Ten to 15 people will rappel per hour starting at 10 a.m.

Some of the participants who are signed up for the Over the Edge challenge took part in practice rappel sessions at Triangle Rock Club on Raeford Road. (Photo by Linda McAlister)

Methodist University and Cape Fear Valley Health are partnering to open a four-year medical school that will welcome students in July 2026.

The Center for Medical Education and Neuroscience at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center will house the new medical school with a focus on providing better medical care for rural and underserved populations and diversifying the physician workforce in the area, officials said Feb. 27 at a news conference to announce the initiative.

Methodist University President Stanley T. Wearden said the partnership fits perfectly with the university’s service-oriented mission and Cape Fear Valley Health’s long-standing history of health care.

“A medical school will be a tremendous asset to Fayetteville, Cumberland County and the region,” said Wearden.

He said Fayetteville is positioned to attract health care professionals in new areas of specialization.

“While we have many excellent health care professionals in this community, we nonetheless have a shortage, which is a microcosm of a national shortage.

There's a tremendous need, and we are in the prime spot to meet it,” said Wearden.
Wearden said a national shortage of health care workers is predicted by 2034 and that to meet the need, 30 to 40 medical schools would need to open.

“This partnership is a tremendous opportunity for our institution to engage with Cape Fear Valley Health to address the shortage of health care professionals, particularly in rural areas, and to improve the quality of health care delivery, which will enrich the local community and beyond,” said Wearden.

In addition, he said, a new medical school will attract businesses, taxpayers and homebuyers to the region.

“It will elevate the economic well-being of this region,” said Wearden.

He said a study commissioned by the hospital found that a new medical school could bring more than $750 million in economic impact to the community in the first 10 years.

“If you add that to the $88.5 million annual economic impact that Methodist University already brings, that will be a powerful economic stimulus. We are the right partners,” said Wearden.

Cape Fear Valley CEO Michael Nagowski said the health system could not be prouder than to partner with Methodist University.
Nagowski said the university educates nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists and others who take jobs at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.

With this partnership, that long-standing history will not only continue but expand.
Nagowski said the medical school also is important to the wellness of the community, addressing the physician shortage and providing an economic engine to make the region a better place to live.

“The data is very clear. Wherever there are academic medical centers partnering with universities, the overall health of the population continues to improve,” said Nagowski. “This will also make Cape Fear Valley a better hospital than it is today, whether it be with our 350 residents, our almost 120 students already completing their third- and fourth-year programs, and now a full-fledged four-year medical school right here in Fayetteville. We will provide an outstanding medical school.”

Nagowski recognized Dr. Rakesh Gupta as a link between the two organizations. Gupta is chairman of the Methodist University board of trustees and a former chairman of the Cape Fear Valley Hospital board.

Gupta said the new medical school will be transformational.

“This will be a change of trajectory for all students in all spheres of education at Methodist, for students who at large come to this community from all over the country. We will remember this day for a long time to come,” said Gupta. “This will truly put us on the map.”

Several city and county elected officials at the news conference said they are excited about what this means to the community.
City Councilwoman Kathy Jensen, who represents the district in North Fayetteville that includes Methodist University, said she is ready to see green and gold — the university’s colors — spread throughout the city.

“It’s going to be great to see green and gold not just on the north side of town but expanded. The regional collaboration is great for not just Methodist University but [a] transformation for our city and county,” said Jensen.

Cumberland County Commissioner Marshall Faircloth, who served as chairman of the medical school subcommittee, said the plan is an economic boost.

“This will be the game changer we have been looking for over the next seven to eight years as it builds out. It will have great implications for our future. In one of the communities I visited, when the medical school came in, the economy took off,” said Faircloth.

Dr. Hershey Bell, vice president of the medical education program at Cape Fear Valley Health, agreed.
Bell said before the news conference that he has been working to get the pieces of the puzzle together and get the medical school ready for accreditation.

“When a medical school comes to town, it transforms the community in a way that you can never go back to before and it’s only for the better for everyone. Economically, for patient care, for the quality of education, it’s an amazing way for us to make a statement to the people of this community that great things are coming,” said Bell.

The medical school hopes to enroll 80 students in the first class and expand to 120 students over time. Classes will begin in 2026 pending approval by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Dr. Stanley T. Wearden, president of Methodist University (right) and Mike Nagowski, CEO of Cape Fear Valley Health, spoke at a press conference in the McLean Health Sciences Building at Methodist University to announce a partnership to open a new medical school. (Photo courtesy Methodist University Marketing & Communications)

Eighteen Cumberland County high school students, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Fayetteville, participated in Rotary International’s District 7730’s annual Rotary Youth Leadership Conference Jan. 27-29 at the Trinity Center in Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts where high school students develop skills as a leader while having fun and making connections.

The Fayetteville students joined 53 other students from Rotary District 7730, to connect with Rotary and community leaders, build communication and problem-solving skills, and learn strategies for becoming a dynamic leader in their school and community.

Students also participated in a food packing service project with Rise Against Hunger.

“In a world that’s ever changing at a moment's notice, we are proud to sponsor 18 students’ admission to the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards program,” said Brandon Price, President of the Fayetteville Rotary.

“These students learn real life skills that will enable them to become the future leaders our communities desperately need. Learning how to communicate and the ability to problem solve are under appreciated skills students are taught, along with helping them to discover strategies for becoming a dynamic leader in their schools and communities.”

Fayetteville students represented Cross Creek Early College High School, Cumberland International Early College, E.E. Smith High School, Gray’s Creek High School, Jack Britt High School and Massey Hill Classical High School.

“RYLA gave me the opportunity to meet several other like-minded individuals,” said Stella Martyak, a Junior at Massey Hill Classical High School and RYLA attendee.

“This experience will help me greatly in the future. I learned new leadership skills that I can now bring back to my school and share with other leaders. The skills I learned will help me be a better leader and person wherever life may take me.”

Léora Desgranges, a French exchange student, was also one of the Fayetteville students who attended. Desgranges attends Jack Britt High School and is living in Fayetteville as part of the Rotary International's Exchange Student program.

“I chose to attend RYLA because as the exchange student of the District 7730, it’s another opportunity offered by Rotary,” said Desgranges.

“What’s more I wanted to meet new people and to know more about leadership skills.”

The Fayetteville Rotary Club annually coordinates the selection of local students for RYLA and pays the full expense for the students to attend.
Following RYLA, the students attend weekly Fayetteville Rotary meetings, and share their experience with Rotary Club members.
Mary Ledford, a Senior at Gray’s Creek High School and two-time RYLA participant, shared her experience at the Feb. 23 Rotary Club meeting.

“This experience was one that has left a great impression on my leadership skills, my community awareness and my network of like-minded, service-oriented students,” she said.

“RYLA rejuvenates students who already have service-oriented minds to be inventive and brave in their endeavors in their community,” said Ledford.
Rotary Club of Fayetteville

“We are very proud of this initiative and the work done by those to make it happen,” said Price.

“The Fayetteville Rotary Club has been a group of community and business leaders for more than 100 years. Supporting initiatives like RYLA ensures our club, our schools, and our communities continue to thrive with well-rounded talented leaders.”

The Fayetteville Rotary Club, established in 1920, is a member of Rotary International District 7730. The district includes 50 clubs from 15 counties in Southeastern North Carolina dedicated to providing Service Above Self.

Rotary District 7730 is a member of Rotary International, an organization of over 1.4 million business and professional folks worldwide who are collectively committed to doing good in the world with its pressing humanitarian challenges.

For more information visit https://fayettevillerotaryclub.org/.

Fayetteville Rotary Club sponsored 18 Youth Leadership Awards delegates to attend the annual leadership conference in Pine Knolls Shores. The conference helps build communication and problem-solving skills and teaches strategies for becoming dynamic leaders in the community. (Photo courtesy Fayetteville Rotary Club)

It’s been a busy start to the year under a new Republican majority in the U.S. House. Yet last week, it sure was good to be home.

It’s so important to travel across this district and hear from you about issues facing our community and nation. One thing is for sure — Washington needs more common sense and less government bureaucracy. Each week, I try to bring some of that North Carolina wisdom back to our nation’s capital.

In order to best address the challenges you and our communities are facing, I stayed busy over the work period and held roundtable discussions with elected officials and folks across our district.

In Asheboro, I met with the Mayor, County Manager, members of the Randolph County Board of Commissioners, and the Randolph County Chamber of Commerce. We discussed economic development in the area, needs of our towns and county, and projects I can fight for in Washington.

These discussions included water and sewer issues impacting portions of Randolph and Chatham County, and the necessary funding needed to further expand the Asheboro Regional Airport. We also discussed the recent substation attacks in Moore and Randolph Counties and the need to increase security and resiliency measures for our energy infrastructure. My family lost power like so many others in Moore County and I want to stop similar attacks from happening again.

In our discussion, I listened to our local leaders and shared my ideas.

In addition, I visited with our local 9-1-1 telecommunicators at Randolph County Emergency Services Center to learn first-hand about the critical role they play as lifelines between you and first responders when an emergency strikes. As the co-chair of the Congressional NextGen 9-1-1 Caucus, I am actively working on bipartisan legislation to update our nation’s 9-1-1 infrastructure.

I was honored to recently receive the Leadership in Legislative Service Award from the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International for leading these efforts. It is a privilege to be the voice in Congress supporting our dedicated telecommunicators, medical professionals and law enforcement. I will continue working to provide them the resources and tools they need to keep you and your family safe.

In Sanford, I met with members of the Sanford Area Growth Alliance to discuss the recent economic growth in Sanford and Lee County and future economic opportunities for the region. In order to sustain and increase economic growth in our community — we must ensure a strong labor force with the tools and training they need to get a good job. Good news: We’re ahead of the game.

The Growth Alliance shared with me the great work Central Carolina Community College has done to partner with Caterpillar to establish the Caterpillar Clayton Apprenticeship Program designed to continue developing a talented pipeline of skilled employees.

This highly competitive program provides high school students the opportunity to take classes while also working as a part-time Caterpillar employee, developing skills for a career immediately after graduation.

We also discussed major infrastructure projects that would increase accessibility across Lee County, including the potential expansion of current Highway 421 to Interstate-685 that would run from Greensboro all the way to Wilmington.

Finally in Moore County, I’m excited to share that we opened our new flagship district office in Southern Pines.
I am happy to now call Southern Pines home for both this new office and my family. Thank you to all the local elected officials, community leaders, members of local law enforcement and residents from across Moore County who helped us celebrate our grand opening. Renee, Lane, and I are thankful for the warm welcome from the community and are excited to be here for a very long time.

The dedicated staff in our new district office in Southern Pines is here to serve you. Whether it’s requesting a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol, providing assistance with federal agencies such as the Social Security Administration or the VA, making service academy nominations, or even helping with federal grants. I am committed to helping you cut through government bureaucracy.

My goal is to continue to provide you with high quality constituent service and be accessible to hear your needs, thoughts and concerns on key issues facing our community and nation.

As Fort Bragg’s Congressman, helping our active duty military, their families and veterans deal with the Department of Defense and the VA is especially important, as many military families call Moore County and our district home.

In addition to the new office in Southern Pines, my office in Fayetteville will remain open and available to serve folks across the region. To find out our exact office locations and office hours, please visit Hudson.house.gov or call us at 910-910-1924.

Responsive constituent services, accessibility and a focus on policies that give you and your family a better tomorrow is my mission. Stop by our new office to say hello, we would love to see you. Now as I head back to Washington this week, rest assured I’ll be bringing your wisdom, and some Cheerwine back with me.

Congressman Richard Hudson cuts the ribbon on his new district office in Southern Pines. Rep. Hudson's office in Fayetteville will remain open.
(Photo courtesy Rep. Richard Hudson)

The cloud is ubiquitous. It is pervasive. It is everywhere. It is here. And it is staying. If you have ever used a computer connected to the internet, you’ve used the cloud.

Once a novel term used as a metaphor for the internet, it is now a household term used by the seasoned and the young. It is often used to describe where your data lives, where you work, where you play, and/or where you study. With such a large-scale adoption comes extensive employment opportunities in the cloud space.

If you have ever used the storage services provided by Apple, you’ve enjoyed the benefits of the cloud by having your pictures off loaded from your phone to free up space and back them up online, in the cloud.

But, what is the cloud? It is a collection of computers working together to store your data on remote servers or offer apps, services and resources online for pretty much any project or activity you can conceive of. Examples of cloud services include Yahoo mail, office productivity tools available via Microsoft 365 and Adobe products for your creative self.

Some benefits of using the cloud for both small and large organizations include data security, ability to access your data and apps from anywhere, data analysis capabilities, backups, scalability, flexibility, and resiliency, along with reduced IT, business and operating expenses. Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure are the top two cloud service providers. They each offer over 200 services to help you build, run and manage applications across a variety of boundaries including on-premises, in the cloud, or a hybrid environment.

Opportunities abound in the cloud space. But to take advantage of them, you need the proper training and/or industry certifications — you need two out of three things to get a job in information technology: education, experience and industry certifications.

A four-year college degree is not essential; a certificate in cloud computing, networking or security will suffice.

Alternatively, an associate degree from a two-year college, such as FTCC, is a sound option as you will pick up some academic certificates along the way and get a lot of valuable hands-on exposure.

Industry certifications are credentials you earn by passing an exam that is typically administered by a third party such as Pearson VUE. The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C01) and Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) are examples of cloud certifications sponsored by AWS and Microsoft respectively.

FTCC has a Pearson VUE testing center at the Fayetteville campus that proctors a vast and wide variety of industry certification exams.

If you only have one of the three (education, experience or industry certification), it may be a bit more difficult to land an opportunity, but not impossible.
Having two out of three dramatically improves your chances and will certainly help you earn an excellent salary (averaging between $50 and 65,000) for an entry-level position.

Having all three means there’s a very good chance you’ll land an opportunity that pays an excellent salary (six figures not uncommon).

If you are looking for a career change or want to turbo-charge your earning potential in the exciting field of cloud computing, FTCC is your smart choice.
To learn more, visit www.faytechcc.edu/.

Ready, set, read!

It’s that time again for kids, grades K-5, to get lost in a great book as the Woodpeckers return for their second annual “Bunker’s All Star Reading Program.”

The challenge is on for children in Cumberland and surrounding counties, beginning Monday, March 13. Participants are encouraged to read for at least 20 minutes daily, five times weekly for four weeks, to win big prizes for themselves and their school.

Using a special bookmark to keep track of their progress, once students reach a “home run,” they can exchange their tracker at the Truist Box Office at Segra Stadium for a free ticket to one of two home games: Friday, April 28 or Sunday, April 30.

Additionally, students can bring up to ten family members to purchase a $9 discounted ticket for that day’s game.

Students who complete the challenge will be invited to walk around the field in a Pre-Grame Parade before each of the two designated games to celebrate their awesome reading achievement.

“This is our way to promote reading and academic success in children K-5,” Landrey Young, the Woodpeckers’ Community and Media Relations Manager, told Up & Coming Weekly.

New to the program this year is the addition of home-schooled families, a change the Woodpeckers are “really excited” to implement.
According to North Carolinians For Home Education, as of the 2021-22 school year, there are over 5,000 registered home-schools between Cumberland and Harnett counties, with numbers growing steadily every year. A move to include this largely overlooked population ensures that outreach initiatives truly serve everyone in the community.

In addition to rewarding students for their hard work, the Woodpeckers have also included an incentive for participating schools this year. Students must include the name of their school in addition to their name and grade when turning in their bookmarks.

The top three schools with the highest redemption rate will receive a cash donation to their library courtesy of the Woodpeckers Foundation.

Several schools have already signed up for the program. Of the 20,000 bookmarks reserved for the event, fewer than 1000 remain as the calendar inches closer to the official start date. Students who already have their trackers are encouraged to start their reading adventure now — no need to wait.

The “Bunker’s All Start Reading Program” aligns with the community presence the Woodpeckers have built since they arrived in Fayetteville. School drives, family fun days and a calendar full of activities geared toward the children of Cumberland County gives insight into what the sports organization truly values outside of winning games.

“We are really dedicated to the youth and youth sports in our area,” Young said. “We want kids to be excited about reading, help support their schools, and it gives us an opportunity to become more connected to schools in the area.”

For more information about the program or to sign up, email Landrey Young at lyoung@astros.com by Friday, March 10.

As a business owner, you have likely spent hours, days, months or even longer agonizing over whether to sell your business.

While in a perfect world the hard part would be over, the reality is that making the decision to sell is simply the first step in a complicated process.
Fortunately, there are ways to simplify the experience. To start, it’s a good idea to have a checklist of what steps to expect.

While each business may be different, when it comes to selling a business, the basic preparation will be the same.

It can also be helpful to have a seasoned business broker or advisor to aid and support you in the sale. Business advisors have the experience and know-how to navigate the sale of your business, making the experience easier on you and maximizing your return.

Step 1 — Determine your reason for selling

People decide to sell their businesses for a variety of reasons. Some may do so because they are ready to retire and leave the working world. A serious illness or death may require someone to step away from their business. Others may need a way to extricate themselves from a partnership dispute. Some simply become bored and decide to seek out new opportunities and challenges in their work life.

Whether you are considering selling for these reasons or others, the decision to sell a business is personal but should be acknowledged.

Step 2 — Confer with experienced professionals

Perhaps the single most important step of all, in terms of making the sale of your business easier, is selecting an experienced business advisor to guide you through the sale process.

A business broker or advisor can help you get everything in order while screening qualified buyers and ensuring you get the highest possible price for your company, all while keeping the sale as quiet as possible to avoid upsetting your employees, vendors, and clients.
Best of all, an advisor frees up your time so you can continue to keep your business up and running.

Step 3 — Organize your finances and properly package your business for sale

Part of the assistance provided by an experienced advisor is connecting you to other professionals who can help you organize your business’ financials for the upcoming sale.

It’s important for you to understand the financial position of your business, which requires knowledge of financial statements, projections, and key metrics for your industry, such as:

• What’s the company’s relative growth in gross sales and net income?
• What adjustments need to be made to normalize earnings?
• Do you own or lease the property where your business is located?
• What is the customer base and do you have any concentration issues?
• What about the value of the tangible and intangible property?
• What equipment and inventory will be included in the sale?
• Are there any outstanding liabilities or legal issues?
• Who are your key suppliers and vendors?

Answers to these questions are needed, as well as ensuring your books are in order. Do you have your latest tax documents? You may want to consider an independent audit of your financials just to be certain.

Step 4 — Understand the value of your business

To sell your business, you need to understand how much it is worth. Remember valuation is an art, not a science.
Multiple factors will come into play as you determine what your company is worth such as the business’s financial health, industry trends, the current market demand, and the location of your company.

Step 5 – Confidently market your business

The final step in selling your business is to get the word out albeit confidentially. But successfully marketing a company for sale has many nuances.
Business advisors are experts at creating competition for your business thanks to our ability to advertise your business to our worldwide network.
They have access to thousands of buyers, and we spend more money on advertising than anyone in our industry.
Selling a business can be an exciting but long and stressful time. Seek out a business advisor who can help you navigate the challenge.

Editor’s note: Ashley Kelsey is a Business Broker at Transworld Business Advisors of Eastern North Carolina. For more information call 910-302-6447 or visit www.transworldeast.com.

Photo: Deciding to sell a business is only the first step in a complicated process. Seek out a business advisor who can help navigate the process and maximize your return.

The town board will consider changing the format for electing a mayor and town commissioners to provide for staggered four-year terms when it meets Monday, March 6.

Currently, those officials are elected every two years. The board will vote on whether to alter the town charter to have elections for four-year, staggered terms with elections held in odd-numbered years.

The board will meet at 7 p.m. in City Hall.

At its last meeting, the board opened the floor to allow anyone to speak for or against the proposed change. No one spoke in favor of staggered terms; two residents voiced opposition to the new term structure as well as allowing the commissioners to approve changing the charter themselves.

The matter could be put to a vote of town residents if enough of them sign a petition to call a referendum. At least 10% of the town’s registered voters must sign the petition to force a vote.
The last time the town considered changing terms, voters decided to keep terms at two years.

Annexation decision

The board of commissioners also will hold a hearing on a contiguous annexation of 1.2 acres at 3808 Park Garden court.
Residents are invited to speak for or against the annexation during the public-comment period. Speakers must register with the town clerk at least 15 minutes before the start of the meeting and are asked to limit their comments to three minutes.

The board also will consider the Sales Tax Interlocal Agreement.

The Cumberland County Commissioners announced the county’s intention to change the way sales tax revenue is distributed from per-capita, or per person, to ad-valorem, or according to property value, according to the agenda set by Chancer McLaughlin, the interim town manager.

The Cumberland County Mayors Coalition, which includes Hope Mills Mayor Jackie Warner as vice chair, asked the county to grant a five-year extension of the current agreement, but the plan was rejected.

According to a new proposal presented by the county, the agreement has been extended once in 2019.

According to Cumberland County’s website, the mayors of Eastover, Falcon, Fayetteville, Godwin, Hope Mills, Linden, Spring Lake, Stedman and Wade and the chairman of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners make up the Cumberland County Mayors Coalition. The coalition meets quarterly.

The current sales tax agreement, which was signed in 2003, expires on June 30. That could result in a loss of about $1.9 million in sales tax revenue for the town in the first fiscal year, according to the memo. That would likely increase taxes for Hope Mills residents.

The county has offered an agreement that delays the change to ad-valorem taxation until June 2025, but Cumberland County would receive 100% of any growth.
The agreement must be approved by all municipalities before March 15 or the county will proceed with the move to ad-valorem taxation.

The interlocal agreement extension must be signed by people representing the municipalities of Fayetteville, Hope Mills, Stedman, Spring Lake, Wade, Falcon, Godwin, Linden, and Eastover and the county.

The Hope Mills Board of Commissioners is expected to discuss Cumberland County’s proposal at Monday’s board meeting.

Branches of the Cumberland County Public Library will be closed on select Wednesdays in March and April for one-day staff training, according to a news release.

Library users will still be able to access materials online, renew book checkouts and drop off returned books.

The dates and locations of staff training closings are:

• March 8: Cliffdale Regional Library, 6882 Cliffdale Road, and West Regional Library, 7469 Century Circle.
• March 15: Headquarters Library, 300 Maiden Lane.
• March 22: North Regional Library, 855 McArthur Road, and Bordeaux Branch, 3711 Village Drive.
• March 29: East Regional Library, 4809 Clinton Road, and Hope Mills Branch, 3411 Golfview Road, Hope Mills.
• April 12: Spring Lake Branch, 101 Laketree Blvd., Spring Lake.

All other locations will remain open. Book drops at closed locations will be available for return of library materials, the release said.
For more information call 910-483-7727 or visit www.cumberlandcountync.gov/library.