Entertainment

Family dance in Hope Mills brings together community

The Hope Mills Prime Movers presents Ties & Tiaras, Capes & Crowns Spring Celebration on May 24, at the Hope Mills Recreation Center, 5766 Rockfish Road. The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This is a mother/son and father/daughter dance. The ticket prices are $15 for residents of Hope Mills and $20 for non-residents. Ticket prices include a meal, dessert, and refreshments. The policy is one parent-one child per ticket. Each additional child has a ticket fee of $3. Registration and ticket information is available by contacting the Town of Hope Mills Parks and Recreation Operations and Programs Supervisor at 910-759-4133 or email at twilkins@townofhopemills.
19The Hope Mills Prime Movers Committee is a group established to advise the Hope Mills Board of Commissioners on issues relevant to attracting, retaining, and engaging Hope Mills residents between the ages of 18 and 39 years old as outlined in the Town ordinance. The committee is dedicated to improving the quality of life for young adults by providing recommendations related to programs and actions that affect this group. The current members are Jevon Thomas, Tiffany Brisson, Kenny Rogers, and Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Kenjuana McCray.
“The Hope Mills Prime Movers was founded in 2020 by me,” said Dr. McCray. “The dynamic committee was created to engage millennial residents of Hope Mills and build meaningful connections across generations-including youth, military, veterans, and senior citizens. Prime Movers have led and participated in a wide range of impactful community initiatives such as the Thanksgiving Food Drive, support for the FTCC Food Pantry, Hope Mills Prime Movers Christmas Drive,-providing gifts to over 250 children, Valentines for Seniors, delivering cards to every resident in Hope Mills nursing homes, free COVID community testing, and a Hope Mills Blood Drive.”
“Many of the founding members have moved on, and the new generation of Prime Movers is ready to carry the torch forward, starting with an exciting new signature event: Ties & Tiaras and Capes & Crowns. Ties & Tiaras and Cape & Crowns is a modern take on the Daddy-Daughter dance that Hope Mills once loved- and it is a look back with a fresh twist! It is not just for dads and daughters, but a celebration for families of all kinds,” Dr. McCray said.
“Ties & Tiaras and Capes & Crowns is designed to empower families, strengthen bonds, and create cherished memories. In a time when youth face so many challenges, we wanted a joyful experience that emphasizes connection, fun, and love. This event will feature a 360-degree photo booth, games, prizes, light refreshments, and plenty of tiaras, ties, capes, and crowns. The ticket proceeds will fund future Hope Mills Prime Movers programs and events. Hope Mills families join us for this special night. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, guardian, or mentor, this is your chance to show up, dress up, and enjoy quality time with your favorite young ones. We are also currently recruiting members for the Hope Mills Prime Movers.”

Clue’ville: A downtown mystery in Fayetteville

Fayetteville, ready to step back in time and be part of a vintage-style whodunit? Clueville: A Downtown Mystery transforms the charming streets of Downtown Fayetteville into the setting of an old black-and-white detective drama. From the cobblestones to the shopfronts, every corner of downtown will feel like a classic mystery film.
This two-day event, presented by the Downtown Alliance, will immerse the community in a world of intrigue and suspense. It's a unique experience that combines the charm of Fayetteville with the excitement of a vintage whodunit, making it a must-attend for mystery lovers and curious minds alike.
How to Play
Participating in Clueville: A Downtown Mystery is simple and fun. Start by picking up a case file at The Clue’ville Times Bureau Desk outside 242 Hay Street. Inside, participants will find a list of suspects, shady 'crime tools,' and a collection of possible motives. This is their guide to cracking the case.
To uncover the truth, visit participating shops, cafes, and cultural spots around downtown. Each location holds a clue that will help amateur sleuths piece together the mystery. It's a self-guided investigation full of twists, turns, and surprises, designed to engage detectives of all ages.
Meet the Suspects and Explore the Crime Tools
The case file contains everything needed to start the investigation, including details about the suspects and the possible crime tools. As participants visit each clue location, they’ll gather more information and begin to narrow down their list of suspects.
18The thrill of the hunt lies in piecing together these clues to determine who committed the crime, what tool they used, and what their motive was. Each discovery brings attendees closer to solving the mystery and experiencing the satisfaction of cracking the case.
As participants follow the clues through Downtown Fayetteville, they’ll have the opportunity to explore and appreciate the unique charm of the area. From art galleries to gift shops, each stop on the investigation route offers a glimpse into the vibrant local culture.
This event is not just about solving a mystery; it's also about discovering Fayetteville's hidden gems. Whether as a local or a visitor, participants find themselves enchanted by the delightful surprises that each location has to offer.
“Yes—though the mystery takes center stage, there’s plenty to enjoy along the way. The event encourages visitors to slow down, look closer, and engage with the character of downtown in a new way. Even longtime locals might see familiar streets with fresh eyes when there’s a secret to uncover,” assures the Downtown Alliance.
Everyone who solves the case and submits a completed clue sheet by 6 p.m. on Saturday will receive a small, clue-themed keepsake as a token of appreciation. It's a fun and memorable reward that makes for a perfect souvenir of the detective adventure.
Additionally, all correct entries will be entered into a drawing for a larger prize bundle, courtesy of downtown businesses. It's a fantastic opportunity to win exciting prizes while enjoying a weekend of mystery and exploration in Downtown Fayetteville.
Clue’ville will occur on Friday, May 16, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Participants can begin their investigation anytime during those hours, but all completed clue sheets must be submitted by 6 p.m. on Saturday to be eligible for the prize drawing.
Can you uncover the culprit, the crime tool, and the dastardly motive?

Team River Runner hosts inaugural “Build-A-Boat” race at Hope Mills Lake

Creativity and community are set to collide in an exciting splash of color, cardboard, and camaraderie at the inaugural “Build-A-Boat” race hosted by Team River Runner Fayetteville on Saturday, May 31. This unique and family-friendly event will take place at Hope Mills Lake from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is open to all ages and abilities.
Designed to bring people together through fun and purposeful recreation, the race invites participants to construct their own boats from non-toxic, lake-safe materials and compete in a spirited paddle across the lake. In its first year, the event is already stirring buzz across Cumberland County, with participants ranging from adventurous individuals to local organizations and fire departments ready to test their building and boating skills.
Behind this event is Cheryl Johnson, Chapter Coordinator of Team River Runner Fayetteville, a nonprofit that provides adaptive paddling opportunities for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. Johnson hopes this creative endeavor will not only entertain but also raise awareness and support for the veteran community.
16“This is our first time doing this event for our organization,” Johnson said.. “I run the Team River Runner chapter for Fayetteville and Hope Mills, and we’ve been looking for something that could bring awareness to our mission in a fun and inclusive way. This boat race felt like the perfect fit.”
Johnson emphasized that the event is for “everyone and anyone,” with no restrictions on who can participate. Boats must be made from safe, environmentally friendly materials, think cardboard, duct tape, and waterproofing sprays like Flex Seal. Originality is highly encouraged.
“We’ve seen some wild designs out there,” Johnson said. “One of my favorites was a toilet-boat someone paddled in another race. I posted it on our website for inspiration. The Charlotte Whitewater Center even had a Bojangles box boat. So, the more creative, the better!”
To guide newcomers, Johnson recommends looking up examples on YouTube and tapping into online communities that have embraced DIY boatbuilding.
“There’s a prize for the most creative boat, and we’ll have a voting system in place for the crowd to pick their favorite,” she added. “I really hope people go all out with their ideas.”
In addition to the build-a-boat portion, Team River Runner will also be offering kayak races throughout the day, with different heats for youth, adults, and even those paddling whitewater kayaks, which Johnson jokingly noted are “notorious for not tracking straight.”
With this being an inaugural event, Johnson shared her goals and vision for the future: “I’m hoping we get a lot of people participating. If it’s a success, we’ll definitely do it again next year. The ultimate goal is to bring our community together while helping our veterans heal and thrive.”
Johnson noted that interest is building rapidly.
“A lot of people I’ve talked to think it’s totally awesome. We’ve got some great food vendors lined up, a bunch of raffles, we’re even raffling off kayaks. We’re expecting a good turnout,” she said. “We don’t really have a cap on the number of participants either, and we can always add more heats if needed.”
Team River Runner is also in the process of raising funds and awareness for another key project: installing a wheelchair-accessible kayak ramp at Hope Mills Lake.
“That’s something we’re working on—getting quotes, writing grants, and presenting to the town. This event also helps bring attention to that cause,” Johnson said.
The event will feature a mix of competitive and fun elements, all aimed at celebrating resilience, creativity, and community. With the participation of local fire departments, scouts, and area businesses, the Build-A-Boat race is shaping up to be more than just an event, it’s becoming a movement.
Another benefit Johnson hopes to gain from the event is stronger community engagement and partnership for future initiatives.
“We’ve gotten a few sponsors already, and we’ve connected with some of the local scouting groups. I think this will open even more doors,” she said.
“Registration will be open throughout the day. If someone wants to volunteer, they can reach out via Facebook or send me an email, it’s on all the flyers,” Johnson explained. “We’ll find a way to plug people in.”
The event’s admission is $25, and T-shirts will be available for $20 on-site, with proceeds going directly toward Team River Runner’s programming. “All of this helps us keep supporting local veterans,” Johnson said. “That’s really what it’s all about.”
“We’re going to have some awesome prizes for the most creative boats, great food, and raffles,” Johnson said. “And more importantly, it’s about helping our local veterans and having a blast doing it. So come on out and build a boat—you won’t regret it!”
For more information or to register, visit Team River Runner Fayetteville’s Facebook page at facebook.com/TRRFayetteville or email cheryl.johnson@teamriverrunner.org

Wellness in Bloom at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden

Are you ready to revamp your health? The “Wellness in Bloom” event at Cape Fear Botanical Gardens offers a chance to relax, recharge, and reevaluate lifestyle choices, all while having fun in the great outdoors.
The event is a collaboration between FirstHealth of the Carolinas and Cape Fear Botanical Gardens and will integrate opportunities for wellness education and free health evaluations with the slow-paced and nurturing environment of the Botanical Gardens. Yoga, cooking inspiration with a registered dietician, lung screenings, and nature walks are among several of the scheduled events attendees can participate in.
Ellen Cooper, Strategic Relationship Manager at First Health of the Carolinas, says FirstHealth seeks to reach underserved populations with health resources.
17“FirstHealth’s mission is to care for people, and that is simply what we do,” she explained. She said the not-for-profit healthcare network serves 15 counties, including Cumberland County, “We strive to provide the best quality care however we can and through whatever means that may be—so if that's through a community event or a lung cancer screening bus or visits at a primary care or convenient care clinic, our focus and mission is to care for people.”
The event is designed so that attendees can attend whatever portion they choose. If guests want to explore fitness and mindfulness, they can try adult yoga, Tai Chi, or a guided nature walk. Fitness professionals will be on hand to offer personalized health tips. For kids, check out the kids' activities or crafting and painting stations. If guests are interested in reimagining their diet, they can attend an interactive session with a Registered Dietitian where they can smell, touch, and taste fresh spring herbs and learn about their health benefits. They’ll even receive recipe cards for use at home if they feel adventurous!
FirstHealth’s Lung Bus, a mobile CT unit, will be on-site offering free lung cancer screenings. Staffed with professionals who can guide you through your CT scan results and next steps, it’s a great opportunity for anyone who fits the following criteria:
• Being between 50 and 80 years of age
• Being a current smoker or having quit smoking in the past 15 years
• Having a 20-pack-year smoking history
FirstHealth describes these lung cancer screenings as “potentially lifesaving” and requires pre-registration to ensure a spot at the screening.
Visitors can expect a full schedule from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with what Cooper describes as “something for everyone.”
Schedule:
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Lung Bus Screenings (Registration is required)
9 a.m. - Noon
Concurrent Activities
- Herb sachets, kids' activities, crafting and painting stations
- Health screenings, including blood pressure and blood glucose
9:30 a.m. – Adult yoga
10 a.m. – Guided Nature Walk
10:15 a.m. – Kids' fitness activity
11 a.m.– Guided Nature Walk
11:15 a.m. – Tai Chi
Noon – 1:30 p.m.: Interactive Session with FirstHealth Registered Dietitian – Utilizing Fresh Herbs in Spring Dishes
1:30 – Yoga session
1:30 – Guided Nature Walks
The event is free with the purchase of general admission to the garden. Cooper shared this message with the community: “We invite community members to attend and experience health and wellness-building activities in a beautiful outdoor environment.”
Find more information at capefearbg.org or contact Ellen Cooper at ECooper@firsthealth.org. The event will be held on May 17 at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, located at 536 N. Eastern Blvd.

United Way invites community to Speak Out

The United Way of Cumberland County is soliciting public participation, experiences, and ideas concerning health, education, basic needs, and financial stability policies. The public forums will be held in public libraries, recreation centers and senior centers throughout Cumberland County, Hope Mills, and Spring Lake. The citizens of each community will influence policy and priorities of the United Way of Cumberland County. The scheduled dates for the Community Conversation are from May 12 to June 12. For more information and registration, contact Crystal Moore Williams, Impact Director, United Way of Cumberland County, by phone, 910 483 1179 Ext 29, email, crystalmmcnair@unitedway-cc.org, or visit the website https://www.unitedway-cc.org/
Mutual aid provides help for those in need. Specifically, mutual aid is people helping people, the primary institution of social welfare. United Way of Cumberland County is a primary institution of social welfare.
14United Way of Cumberland County represents the Mutual Aid Institution of Cumberland County. The programs and initiatives are literacy, early childhood, education, youth mentorship, youth growth stock trust, teen volunteer movement, financial literacy, job placement, career placement, emergency food, shelter placement, a diabetes education program, mental health and substance misuse, food pantries, transportation assistance, Leadership Development Program and partner programs. The United Way of Cumberland County prioritizes addressing the root causes of problems to create lasting change and improve lives in the community.
Scott Embry, United Way of Cumberland County’s executive director, shares his perspective. “United Way of Cumberland County is more than an organization, it is a catalyst for real, lasting change. What makes it so impactful is its ability to unite people from all social classes to meet the unique needs of our community. It is an honor to stand in the gap, to advocate, and to serve those walking through a tough season. It is not just about meeting immediate needs, but about investing in long-term solutions. Every voice matters, every gift counts, and together, we are building a stronger Cumberland County for all.”
Moore-Williams shares her thoughts about the needs of the whole person and the unique needs of the community. “United Way programming is built on the belief that people are more than their circumstances. That is why we do not take a one-size-fits-all approach. Every community has unique challenges and unique strengths. We engage directly with our partners, listen to local voices, and assess real-time data to develop initiatives that serve the whole person-physically, emotionally, and economically. Whether providing healthcare, education, critical needs, or financial stability programs, we strive to create wraparound support systems that honor the dignity and potential of every individual.”
She continues to share about the definition of social welfare programs beyond basic necessities, such as youth programs and the importance of community and one voice.
“Social welfare programs extend far beyond food and shelter. They include opportunities to build stronger futures, like after-school enrichment, early childhood literacy programs, mental health services, and youth mentoring. These types of programs do not just meet today’s need-they invest in tomorrow’s future leaders, strengthen family units, and create pathways out of poverty. At the United Way, we believe social welfare helps people thrive, not just survive. The community voice is not just important, it is essential. Lasting change does not happen from the top down; it starts with individuals raising their voices, sharing their experiences, and contributing their ideas. At United Way, we believe in the power of one voice-because every person matters. When one person speaks up, volunteers, gives, or advocates, they set off a ripple effect that touches the lives of others. That is how movements are built and how communities become stronger-everyone feels seen, heard, empowered to make a difference.’
She continued the conversation with thoughts about the eligibility guidelines and access to services.
“Eligibility guidelines are typically established in collaboration with our funded partner agencies based on program goals, community needs assessments, available resources, and funding requirements,” she said. “These guidelines ensure that services are directed toward individuals who need them most, while maintaining accountability and equitable access. Our goals are to remove barriers-not create them-so we continually evaluate these guidelines to ensure they are fair, inclusive, and responsive to changing community dynamics.”
Moore Williams shares her passion about her experience as impact director at the United Way of Cumberland County.
“I am passionate about community impact because I have seen firsthand how lives change when people come together for a common cause. United Way is not just a funding organization, it is a convener, a connector, and a catalyst for lasting change. We stand in the gap for people who need help, and we partner with those who want to help. Whether through a backpack full of school supplies, a ride to a doctor’s appointment, or a job readiness class, our work touches lives in big and small ways. It is deeply rewarding to be part of something bigger than myself-an organization that believes in dignity, compassion, and collective power. This is more than work; it is a calling.”
The Speak Out -Community Conversations locations and dates are May 14, Tokay Senior Fitness Center, from 11:30 a.m.to 1 p.m.; May 15, FTCC General Classroom Building, Room 118/114 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.; May 20, East Regional Public Library, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.; May 21 Senior Center East, from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.; May 22, College Lake Recreation Center, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.; May 27, Cliffdale Recreation Center from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.; May 29, Westhaven Recreation Center, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.; June 5, Hope Mills Recreation Center, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.; June 12, Smith Recreation Center, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
All persons of Cumberland County are encouraged to attend the Speak-Out-Community Conversation. For more information regarding registration, contact Crystal Moore Williams by phone at 910-483-1179 Ext 29, by email at crystalmmcnair@unitedway-cc.org, or visit the website https://www.unitedway-cc.org/

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