Entertainment

Beats And Brushes, a free youth mental health event

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Tuesday, 30 September 2025

Written by Anna White

Trap music, guided painting, free food, and conversations about mental health and self-expression—sounds like a fusion of the popular “paint & sip” and “trap karaoke” phenomena, doesn’t it? That’s exactly what it is! But it’s kid-friendly.
Picture a space where youth can spend the evening dabbling in grounding activities like freestyle painting, talking about what’s important to them, and participating in giveaways, all while live DJ vibes fill the room. That’s exactly what Molding Young Moguls, the youth services department of Community Outreach Advocates Resource and Referral Agency, has planned for youth who attend Beats & Brushes on Oct. 14.
“Our young people have real thoughts, feelings, and opinions about the things that affect them, and they deserve to be heard,” said program manager Brandy McGirt. “By giving them tools, resources, and safe spaces to express themselves, we can prevent crises and build a healthier, safer community for everyone. By building strong minds, we build strong future leaders.”
McGirt says she wants the community to know that strong mental health is just as important as physical health, and should never be seen as taboo. Instead of lecturing kids about their well-being or waiting for a crisis, Beats & Brushes keeps things accessible and fun with mental health and wellness tools “strategically embedded throughout the night.” She says their goal for the event is to “create a safe space where young people feel empowered to let down their walls, have fun and express themselves.” They’ll even have a licensed mental health professional present, providing resources and sharing a brief presentation.
Co-hosting the third annual Beats & Brushes are Alcohol & Drug Services and the Tia Hart Foundation. Molding Young Moguls often partners with a variety of organizations to host events, including their Community Easter Egg Hunt, Youth Talent Expo, and Freedom Day community cookout. Some youth members have even created recurring events such as Teen Talk Circle, an event formulated around the evidence-based Restorative Circles model. McGirt describes it as “an opportunity to address topics and events that affect their social and mental wellbeing in a judgement-free, positively affirming environment.”
With so many youth-centered events to choose from, why choose Beats & Brushes over any other? McGirt says attendees have so much fun, they don’t want to leave.
“Participants are always surprised at how much fun they have at these events! We have the toughest time getting people OUT the door at the end so we can clean up. Folks want to hang around to talk, recap and just continue to enjoy the atmosphere.”
Youth who attend wish they’d had resources like this sooner, according to McGirt.
“One of the most memorable comments I remember receiving was from a young adult who’d gone through the system who said, ‘I wish I had somebody like you 5 years ago. I know that would’ve helped me a lot,’” she shared.
Many youth want tools to deal with their mental health, but don’t know where to begin. Beats & Brushes brings them those tools.
It’s also about people who care for youth.
“This event is designed for everyone — whether you’re a parent, a teen, or a community member who cares about youth,” McGirt explained. “You’ll leave feeling uplifted, inspired, and connected. Plus, your presence shows our young people that their voices and well-being truly matter.”
“Come on out!” She encouraged attendees, “Our team can’t wait to meet you!”
Beats and Brushes will be held Monday, Oct. 14, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 270 New Freedom Church Road. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/47VNxHj

Cumberland County’s premier golf event returns for 57th year

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Tuesday, 30 September 2025

Written by Jamie Bishop

The Cumberland County Golf Championship has long been a highlight on the local amateur golf calendar. It remains the county’s premier amateur golfing event, and the tradition continues for the 57th consecutive year as the area’s most talented golfers gather at Gates Four Golf & Country Club, October 10 through 12.
This tournament brings together men, women, and youth competitors for three days of challenging golf played under official USGA rules—the same standards that have defined the event since its inception in 1968.
The CCGC format includes 54 holes of stroke play for the men’s divisions and 36 holes for the women’s division. For the first time, the minimum age for tournament participation has been lowered from 16 to 15 to accommodate the growing number of talented young golfers in Cumberland County. The tournament committee made this decision after discontinuing the youth division, but wanted to provide younger players with the experience, challenge, and opportunity to compete alongside adults.
Tournament Director Bill Bowman noted the Championship Flight is determined after the first 36 holes, meaning younger players could very well be included—giving seasoned competitors a run for their money. Their participation adds another exciting dimension to this year’s tournament and reflects a commitment to both tradition and progress. Bowman refers to these rising athletes as “the future of the CCGC.”
Tournament Format
The structure of the championship mirrors the rules and standards of the USGA. The men’s division, seniors, and super seniors will play 18 holes each day, totaling 54 holes of competition. The women’s division will play 36 holes on Saturday and Sunday. Each division will be flighted after 36 holes.
On Sunday, the Championship Flight will play from the Black Tees—the most challenging test Gates Four has to offer. This flight determines the 2025 Cumberland County Champion.
A Week of Tradition
The CCGC begins with a Welcome Champions’ Reception in the ballroom of Gates Four Golf & Country Club. Hosted by Gates Four, Healy Wholesale, Up & Coming Weekly, and tournament sponsors—with last year’s champion Chip Collins as the honored guest—this gathering welcomes past winners and renews old friendships as players share stories, recall triumphs, and prepare for the competition ahead.
It’s a fun and social reminder of how important this 57-year-old tradition is to the Cumberland County community.
On Sunday afternoon, following the final round, the new CCGC champion will be honored with a Winners’ Reception and Awards Presentation at the Gates Four Pavilion. This closing event celebrates the spirit of competition and camaraderie and is also hosted by tournament sponsors, with food and beverages provided by Gates Four and Healy Wholesale.
Defending Champion
Last year’s championship was one of the most exciting ever, with Cumberland County District Attorney Billy West—a talented golfer and ten-time CCGC champion—vying for his 11th title against top challengers John Masotti, Chris Holland, and Chip Collins. The 2024 title ultimately went to Collins, who shot an impressive score of 216, edging out Masotti (217) and Holland (218) by just one stroke. Now that’s exciting golf.
Collins’ win marked his third CCGC title, with previous victories in 2002 and 2008. Bowman anticipates all four competitors will be targeting the 2025 title come the final day.
The Course and Community
All rounds will be played at Gates Four Golf & Country Club, a course known for its beauty and challenge. Originally designed by Willard Byrd, it was redesigned in 2011 by Kris Spence and fully renovated in 1999 by Pinehurst native Dan Maples. The Maples layout demands precision and consistency across 6,895 yards—qualities that will determine the next Cumberland County Champion.
Kevin Lavertu has served as the club’s general manager since 2010 and works closely with the tournament committee to ensure the course is in championship condition and that the three-day event runs smoothly and professionally.
Bowman designated Gates Four as the official home of the championship in 2017, citing the course’s competitiveness, excellent condition, and the professionalism and hospitality of its management team.
Everyone Is Invited
One message both Bowman and Lavertu want to share with the golfing community: Everyone is invited. The CCGC tournament is the best golfing value in the county. The entry fee is only $125 for three days (54 holes) of great golf on an outstanding course. Women golfers pay $95 for their two days. All golfers get a free practice round before the tournament, free range balls, Vicky’s famous breakfast biscuits each morning, and on-course beverages and snacks provided by Healy Wholesale all three days.
Participants also enjoy a Champions’ Welcome Reception before the tournament, the Winners’ Reception and trophy presentation after the tournament, gift bags, and door prizes. That’s unbeatable value. The CCGC and Gates Four welcome all golfing enthusiasts.
Supporting Literacy and Education
The CCGC also supports a vital community cause: literacy and education in Cumberland County.
The tournament benefits the Kidsville News! Literacy and Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides free reading and educational resources to children, teachers, and parents throughout Cumberland County municipalities and Fort Bragg.
Both Up & Coming Weekly and the Kidsville News! Foundation proudly support the Cumberland County Literacy Council. This partnership bridges the connection between golf competition and community service.
Registration and Information
Players interested in competing in the 57th Annual Cumberland County Golf Championship can register online at www.cumberlandcountygolfclassic.com. For questions regarding eligibility, divisions, or logistics, contact Bill Bowman directly at (910) 391-3859.
With the tournament only days away, Bowman is focused on final details—confident that this year’s event will be just as exciting as last year’s while upholding the honor and legacy of North Carolina’s oldest and most continuously running golf tournament.

(Photo: Chip Collins was the winner of the 2024 Cumberland County Golf Championship, becoming a three time winner of the event.)

Step into Shadows at Poe House this Halloween

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Tuesday, 30 September 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

This October, history and the supernatural collide in Hallowe’en Revels: Séance and Secrets at the 1897 Poe House. Hosted in partnership with Sweet Tea Shakespeare, the immersive theatrical event promises an unforgettable evening of mystery, suspense, and Victorian-era intrigue. Performances will run Oct. 10 and 11 and 17 to 19, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The story unfolds in the elegant but eerie rooms of the historic Poe House, where audiences will meet Mrs. Poe, a grieving widow desperate to reconnect with her departed husband. To bridge the gap between the living and the dead, she seeks the help of Madame Graham, a celebrated medium whose talents—and tricks—have captivated the county. Guests are invited to step into a world of flickering candlelight, hushed whispers, and spiritual suspense as they participate in a séance that blurs the line between history and haunting.
More than just a ghost story, the production offers audiences a glimpse into the fascinating world of 19th-century spiritualism. In the Victorian era, séances, mediums, and supernatural investigations were popular social entertainments, rooted in both genuine grief and a cultural obsession with the afterlife. Hallowe’en Revels explores not only the allure of these practices but also the skepticism that arose as debunkers and scientists sought to expose fraudulent mediums. This rich historical context adds depth and authenticity to the chilling, interactive experience.
Each 45-minute performance takes place inside the 1897 Poe House itself, offering a rare chance to enjoy live theater within the walls of one of Fayetteville’s most iconic landmarks. With groups limited to just 15 people per show, the setting is intimate and atmospheric, ensuring that every creak of the floorboards and flicker of the lights adds to the tension.
Due to the space restrictions and the immersive nature of the performance, tickets must be purchased in advance for a specific time slot. Tickets are $12.51 and can be purchased online at https://tinyurl.com/42a8dnhh.
Guests are encouraged to arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the séance, as late arrivals will not be admitted once it begins. Visitors should also be prepared to walk, stand, and navigate stairs during the 45-minute experience.
For those seeking even more history, regular daytime tours of the Poe House are available, offering a detailed look at the home and the family who once lived there. For more information on tours, visit the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex website at https://museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov/.
This Halloween season, dare to cross the threshold of the Poe House—if you’re brave enough to discover what secrets the spirits may reveal.

Beardtoberfest 2025: Where beards, costumes, community come together

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Tuesday, 30 September 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

When most people think of Oktoberfest, images of lederhosen, beer steins, and German folk music might come to mind. However, in Hope Mills, Oktoberfest takes on a uniquely creative twist with Beardtoberfest. Hosted by Cape Beard, it is a facial hair competition that blends the festive spirit of Oktoberfest with the flair of Comic-Con and the artistry of competitive bearding.
This year’s event will take place on Oct. 18, at Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom in Hope Mills. Admission is $15, and competition entry is free; all proceeds benefit the Karen Chandler Trust, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting cancer patients in Cumberland County.
A Festival with Heart
Beardtoberfest is more than just an entertaining evening of quirky competitions—it’s a celebration of creativity, camaraderie, and community impact. Since its founding, the event has raised over $68,000 for this charity, directly supporting local families in their fight against cancer. Beyond the dollars, Beardtoberfest introduces many attendees to the Karen Chandler Trust for the first time, spreading awareness about the organization’s mission and the services it provides.
“Beardtoberfest brings people from all walks of life together,” says Steve Brack, Vice President of Cape Beard. “At its core, it’s about raising money for a cause that means so much to our community, while having fun in the process.”
Origins and Evolution
Beardtoberfest wasn’t always the Comic-Con meets Oktoberfest extravaganza it is today. Brack explains that the event began over a decade ago when members of Cape Beard were inspired by other beard and moustache clubs hosting competitions. The name “Beardtoberfest” was gifted to them by the Beard and Moustache Club of North Carolina, which had stopped holding its winter competition. Originally, the event had a Star Wars theme, making it the first of its kind in the world.
“After 10 years, we decided to switch it up and embrace a Comic-Con theme,” Brack says. “That way we could feature a wider range of characters on our posters, merchandise, and decorations.”
This year’s theme puts a playful spin on Gotham City with a Batman and Robin twist.
One tradition, however, has remained unchanged: the event’s introductory music.
“It’s been the same since the beginning,” Brack says with a laugh. “People expect it, and it sets the tone for the night.”
Categories for Everyone
Beardtoberfest prides itself on inclusivity, offering 13 categories to ensure that everyone—from children in costumes to freestyle beard stylists—has a chance to shine. Categories range from “Children’s Costume Contest” and “Lady: Creative” to meticulously judged divisions like “Full Beard: Natural 12 inches and more” and “Freestyle.”
“We wanted to cover all the facial hair possibilities,” Brack explains. “But we also had to keep the number manageable, so the event doesn’t run into the early hours of the morning.”
Judging and Community Spirit
Judges are carefully selected to ensure fairness and expertise.
“We look for three judges who understand the finer points of facial hair—style, color, texture, personality—and two more who are typically local supporters of the event,” Brack says. “Everyone is always excited to take part.”
Be sure to stay tuned to Cape Beard’s Facebook page to see their announcement of the judges this year for Beardtoberfest at https://www.facebook.com/cape.beard.9.
The real magic of Beardtoberfest is in the audience. For many first-time attendees, what starts as a curious outing quickly becomes a night of cheering, laughter, and amazement.
“It may sound a little odd at first,” Brack admits, “but once you’re there, you get swept up in the fun.”
Looking Ahead
With steady growth over the years, Cape Beard envisions Beardtoberfest expanding even further.
“In the next 5–10 years, we see it continuing to grow, pun intended,” Brack jokes. “The club hopes to bring in high-profile guest judges and perhaps even introduce new categories or themed partnerships.”
For newcomers considering stepping onto the stage, Brack has simple advice: “Do it! It’s free to compete, it’s a great time, and you might just walk away with a trophy.”
Don’t miss Beardtoberfest happening on Oct. 18. It will be held at Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom, 5435 Corporation Dr, Hope Mills, starting at 7 p.m. Whether you’re sporting a perfectly groomed moustache, a wild freestyle beard, or just want to enjoy a night of fun, food, and philanthropy, Beardtoberfest promises an experience like no other.

(Photo courtesy of Cape Beard’s Facebook page)