Entertainment

Celebrate Read Across America Week with CCS

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Tuesday, 25 February 2025

Written by Dr. Shanessa Fenner

Reading is fundamental. Roughly, 781 million adults worldwide are illiterate and this crucial, essential skill can be detrimental to an individual’s life and impact the way they live, work and function in society.
The Cumberland County School System will celebrate Read Across America Sunday, March 2 – Saturday, March 8.
“Read Across America started in 1998 and the National Education Association (NEA) began the celebration with a focus on Dr. Seuss and the joy of reading that his books brought us,” said Donna White, K-5 ELA Curriculum Specialist for Cumberland County Schools. “His literature served as the impetus for setting the stage for the Read Across America celebration.”
Read Across America is the nation’s largest celebration of reading. “In more recent years, Read Across America has expanded to include not only a celebration of Dr. Seuss, but also to celebrate a plethora of author’s books,” said White. “The reason that we celebrate Read Across America is because we want to instill the love of reading, inspire kids and adults to read, spark kids’ imagination and teach them empathy as they step into the shoes of other characters,” said White. “We want to strengthen their reading skills through things like improving their vocabulary, comprehension and critical thinking which sets the children up for success in school and beyond.”
Literacy is an important skill and it is never too early to expose children or a baby in utero to the reading of a book.
“We know that reading opens doors and early exposure to reading has been shown to improve the cognitive development of kids, to boost their academic performance and to spark their creativity,” said White.
This year, the National Education Association’s celebration resources entail opportunities to incorporate music into the reading as well. A plethora of events are planned for Read Across America for Cumberland County students. “Each school and teacher classrooms have found fabulous ways to celebrate Read Across America,” said White. “Kids will get to dress up as their favorite character or their favorite book and parade around the school or around the classroom.”
She added, “Other schools and other classrooms may decide to have a spirit week where they might have a hat day, a favorite book Friday, family reading nights, invite guest readers such as county and city leaders to read a book to the students or a reading challenge where they are challenging students to read a certain number of books or pages during the week.”
Motivating students to read can be an arduous task.
“What helps to motivate students to read is when they see adults and other students around them getting excited about reading and that rubs off on them,” said White. “It is important that we always ensure that our kids see reading as a fun activity that they want to do rather than something that they have to do in order to do something fun.”
White added, “Even with the most reluctant readers that I have encountered during my years of working with young students, finding out what interests them the most can motivate them to read.”
The goal at home and school is to have a literacy rich environment for students.
“We want to make sure that our students have access to lots and lots of books,” said White. “Fortunately, our schools have wonderful libraries and Cumberland County is particularly blessed to have many public libraries that have programs for the students after school, on the weekends and during the summer that can help provide students with that literacy rich environment.”
White’s goal for Read Across America week is for every Cumberland County student to be inspired in some way by literature whether it is hearing a special guest read to them or experience a book tasting.
“It is important that our children see their families reading and for parents to have that conversation with their child about what their favorite books were as a child,” said White. “It is even more important now to show our children how to put those digital devices away and interact with a good old-fashioned book.”
For more information visit www.ccs.k12.nc.us.

A Taste of West Africa celebrates reopening anniversary

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Tuesday, 18 February 2025

Written by Amber Little

The success of a business is marked by its longevity and loyal customer base. After closing its previous Hay Street location in 2017 and hitting some roadblocks that delayed the new location opening by a staggering seven years, A Taste of West Africa is back, much to the delight of city residents and those afar.
In honor of being back in business for a year and succeeding even after the hiatus, A Taste of West Africa is hosting a formal on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the new location, 116 Person Street. Guests will enjoy a night filled with music, including a special Motown Tribute, specialty cocktails, a variety of wines and beers from the newly opened bar and lounge area in the restaurant, and of course, a bite of the delicious and aromatic foods that have made this restaurant a downtown favorite and cultural hub.
Of the brick buildings that line the historic downtown area, one in particular stands out, in all the best ways. Yellow marks the spot, with its brightly painted brick exterior and exquisite window murals celebrating the pride of the Motherland, A Taste of West Africa’s new location is everything that owner Dr. Isabella Effon has dreamed of when she first brought the rich and savory foods of her homeland, Ghana.
The vision was not to just be a restaurant to grab fufu or fried plantains, but a place to be immersed in the diverse cultures that make up Africa. From the newly hung paintings and statues to the framed history of the vast African nations, every part of A Taste of West Africa is a piece of history and tells the story of the people of the land.
Dr. Effon has made a conscious effort to provide a space that teaches and unifies, saying “Culture is my biggest [passion]. I’m an advocate for the African culture and we have a lot of information to give out. I see my space as a place of that infamy, not only that but sharing the arts, the beautiful pieces. So [you] don’t have to go to a museum all the time to read and see some [African culture]. Each country is unique, South, Northeast, West and Central. I tell people all the time, Ghana is a country, but you still have south, east, and west [Ghanaian culture].”
She also hopes to be a hub for other cultures here in Cumberland County. The restaurant plays host to a local Latin dance group and AfroBeats yoga class in the event space, Volta, located in the back. Even this space is dripped in culture and meaning, as Dr. Effon is from Lake Volta, Ghana. There is no detail spared in this space, even down to the food.
For those who have never tried African food, there is no better introduction than at the capable hands of Dr. Effon and her beautiful mother, saying, “I don’t cook anything spicy (you can request it on the side). I know I’ve always had family, little children, the parents say they don’t eat at home, but they eat my food. I take that dearly to my heart. [It's] well-seasoned. It’s delicious. [I] put a little spin on it to make it pleasing to all of us, [I] add vegetables to all my soups, which a lot of Africans don’t do… My food is made to order. I don’t have soups sitting in the back here or anything. I cook for each and every individual.”
For more information on menu items, cultural events, classes, and all things A Taste of West Africa, visit the website at https://www.tasteofwestafrica.net/ and follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TasteOfWestAfrica. Tickets for the formal on Saturday, Feb. 22 can be purchased at https://bit.ly/4hSExo7
Group and individual tickets are available.

Get ready for Trojan Twist Pickleball Spring 2025 Classic

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Tuesday, 18 February 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Get ready for an exciting day of pickleball at the Fayetteville Technical Community College Trojan Twist Pickleball Spring Classic. This highly anticipated event will occur on Saturday, April 5, at the state-of-the-art outdoor courts of Fayetteville Technical Community College.
Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting, this event promises a day of friendly competition, community spirit, and lots of fun. With brand new, lighted courts featuring permanent lines and nets that FTCC unveiled in November 2023, players can enjoy a hassle-free game without the need to set up and take down equipment constantly.
The tournament is split into two sessions to accommodate different skill levels. The morning session, starting at 9 a.m., is designed for beginners with a skill level of 2.5-3.0. This is the perfect opportunity for new players to shine and gain experience.
The afternoon session, starting at approximately 1 p.m., is geared towards intermediate players with a skill level of 3.5-4.0. Players will be notified of their specific start times. Each session is structured to provide a fun and competitive environment for all participants.
This year marks the exciting debut of the innovative Rapid Rally Pickleball format, an energetic new approach to the sport that promises non-stop excitement and fast-paced gameplay. This dynamic format is specifically crafted to keep players engaged while fostering a vibrant social atmosphere. Participants will have numerous opportunities to connect with fellow pickleball enthusiasts, rotate through different playing partners, and experience varied matchups throughout the event, creating an inclusive and entertaining environment for all skill levels.
Each player will be assigned to one of five courts, where they’ll compete in 8-minute games using rally scoring. This format ensures that players get to experience a variety of opponents and partners, keeping the games dynamic and engaging.
After each game concludes, players will rotate to a new court for fresh matchups. With small breaks in between games, players can expect to play for a total of 1.5 to 2 hours. This format not only keeps the competition lively but also fosters a sense of community among participants.
The top 8 players with the highest cumulative individual scores will advance to the exciting medal matches. This is where the competition heats up, as players vie for a spot on the podium.
Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each bracket. Be sure to bring your A-game and compete for the honor of being crowned a champion at the FTCC Trojan Twist Pickleball Spring Classic!
Don’t miss out on this unique and fun-filled pickleball event! Registration is $35 per person, and spots are filling up quickly. Sign up early to secure your place in this exciting tournament. You can register online at https://www.faytechcc.edu/foundation-events/ftcc-foundation-pickleball-registration/.
With FTCC's new pickleball courts, the sport is set to become even more accessible to the local community. Whether you're looking for some friendly competition or eager to learn the ropes, this event is the perfect setting for honing your skills and making new friends. Join others for a day of pickleball, community, and fun!

Popular Mardi Gras traditions, their origins

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Tuesday, 18 February 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is a vibrant celebration held the day before Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent in the Christian calendar. This tradition is steeped in history and cultural significance, dating back to ancient Roman festivals that celebrated the arrival of spring. As Christianity spread, these pagan traditions were incorporated into the religious observance of Lent.
Today, Mardi Gras is celebrated with grand parades, elaborate costumes, and various festivities. New Orleans, Louisiana, is renowned for its extravagant Mardi Gras celebrations, attracting countless visitors each year. The festival serves as a time for people to indulge and enjoy before the solemn period of Lent begins.
The Mystery Behind Mardi Gras Masks
One of the most iconic aspects of Mardi Gras is the tradition of wearing masks. This practice originated during early Carnivals when people wore masks to mingle freely outside their social classes and keep their identities hidden. The anonymity provided by the masks allowed individuals to partake in the festivities without fear of damaging their reputations.
Today, the tradition continues, with float riders legally required to wear masks to maintain the sense of mystery and tradition. Many krewes, the organizations that plan and participate in the parades, never reveal the identities of their kings or queens, adding to the allure and intrigue of the celebration.
The Story of Mardi Gras Beads
The tradition of throwing beads during Mardi Gras parades began in the late 19th century. Carnival kings would toss fake jewels and trinkets to the crowd as a symbol of their generosity and to engage the spectators. Over time, this practice evolved, and today, the beads are primarily made of plastic and are highly coveted souvenirs for parade-goers who eagerly try to catch them.
The beads often feature the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold, representing justice, faith, and power, respectively. This vibrant tradition adds a splash of color and excitement to the festivities, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved.

 The Delicious Tradition of Mardi Gras King Cake
The King Cake is a delicious and symbolic tradition that honors the Three Wise Men and celebrates the coming of the baby Jesus. This tradition includes hiding a small plastic baby inside the cake, and whoever finds it is said to have good fortune in the coming year. The practice of baking a baby into the cake became popular in the 1800s.
The origins of this tradition can be traced back to ancient Roman festivals celebrating the solstice. As Christianity spread, the tradition was adopted and adapted to commemorate the Twelfth Night, marking the end of the Christmas season and the beginning of Epiphany. Today, King Cakes are enjoyed throughout the Mardi Gras season, adding a sweet and festive touch to the celebrations.
Modern Mardi Gras celebrations are a vibrant blend of historical traditions and contemporary festivities. While the core elements of masks, beads, and King Cakes remain, today's celebrations also feature elaborate parades, live music, and street parties. Each year, krewes compete to create the most impressive floats and costumes, adding a competitive and creative spirit to the event.
Celebrate Mardi Gras at one of these great local events
Saturday, Feb. 22 at 6 p.m.
• Kick-Off To Mardi Gras
Enjoy live music from Book Unit Bass Band, face painting, Creole food, dessert and Hurricane Sangria. This is for 18+ only. For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/mswdas39
Friday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m.
• Mardi Gras On The Trolley
Join a lively Mardi Gras celebration featuring games, music, and fun. Dress to impress in your finest Mardi Gras attire. For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/298ekapv
Saturday, March 1 at 9 a.m.
• 1st Annual Mardi Gras Challenge Golf Tournament
This 18-hole, four-person golf tournament will be challenging and fun. Entry fee is $55 for members, and $65 for non-members and includes a green fee, cart fee, balls, prizes, and a meal. For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/ykfye24y
Saturday, March 1 at 7 p.m.
• Mardi Gras Masquerade
Immerse yourself in a New Orleans-themed event with music, dancing, signature cocktails, gourmet bites, and more. General Admission is $25 and Reserved Seating is $45. For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/yxa4ha8b