Entertainment

Building Hope: Fayetteville Habitat honors local veteran through 2025 Veterans Build

11The Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity’s annual Veterans Build is a heartfelt community tradition that brings together veterans, active-duty military personnel, students, civic organizations, and local businesses to support those who have served our country. Each year, this initiative focuses on building or repairing homes for local veterans in need, ensuring they have safe, affordable, and dignified places to live. The 2025 Veterans Build is particularly special, as it honors one of Habitat’s own—Army veteran and longtime volunteer, Ms. Phyllis McCroskey.
Ms. McCroskey served proudly in the U.S. Army from 1981 to 1993, achieving the rank of Sergeant (E-5). Her military career included two tours in Honduras during the 1980s, as well as assignments in Hanau, Germany, and right here at Fort Bragg. In addition to her military service, Phyllis represented the Army as a basketball player, merging her lifelong passion for the sport with her dedication to service. She fondly describes herself as a “career student,” having studied at both Fayetteville State University and Fayetteville Technical Community College, and she continues to nurture her love of learning through gardening, volunteerism, and community engagement.
For more than two years, Phyllis has been a faithful volunteer with the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity, lending her time and skills to numerous Veteran and Women Build events, as well as general construction and painting projects. She’s also a familiar face at the Habitat ReStore, where her support continues to make a difference. After lending countless hours to help other veterans, Phyllis was encouraged by fellow volunteers during the 2024 Veterans Build to apply for home repair assistance through Habitat. Nearly two years later, that encouragement has come full circle—she is now the deserving recipient of the 2025 Veterans Build.
The project focuses on much-needed repairs and improvements to Ms. McCroskey’s home, including replacing rotted trim boards and fascia, upgrading electrical fixtures, performing yard work, painting, and repairing her deck. Work began on Oct. 24–25, with teams completing chimney reframing, installing new light fixtures, upgrading outdoor electrical outlets and security lights, repairing deck boards, and repainting key areas. The final phase, scheduled for Nov. 14–15, will include finishing the chimney with new cement and siding, rebuilding the back deck railing, completing the painting, and replacing the remaining light fixtures.
This labor of love is made possible by the generous contributions of local volunteer groups and businesses. Among this year’s participants are the Liberty Point Rotary Club, Delta Sigma Theta FAC, Habitat Partner Families, Fort Bragg soldiers, Fayetteville State University’s Agents of Unity community club, and the Cape Fear Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, along with many Army veterans and their spouses. Volunteer vendors include Swatt Electric, All In One Repairs and Renovations, and Karcher Roofing & Construction.
Volunteers are the heartbeat of Habitat’s mission, and the organization welcomes additional help for the November build dates. Two shifts are available each day—8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Interested volunteers can contact Kelly at 910-593-1618 or email fcr@fayettevillenchabitat.org. Businesses or organizations wishing to sponsor the event can reach out to Ashley at 910-593-1971 or marketing@fayettevillenchabitat.org.
The Veterans Build not only transforms homes but also strengthens community connections. With nearly 2.5 million veteran-headed households aged 55 or older—and nearly a quarter facing housing cost burdens—initiatives like this are crucial. Female veterans and single mothers are particularly vulnerable, with nearly half spending more than 30% of their income on housing. For veterans of all eras, safe, affordable housing remains essential to stability and well-being.
Through Veterans Build, Habitat for Humanity aims to bridge those gaps—by repairing homes, renewing hope, and building bonds between those who serve and those who support them. As Ms. McCroskey’s story shows, giving back often comes full circle. This year, the hands that once lifted hammers for others are now surrounded by a grateful community returning the favor.
 
(Photo: Volunteers from the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity help with repairs on Ms. Phyllis McCroskey's house in Oct. McCroskey, a veteran, has been a long time volunteer with the organization, and is the recipient of the 2025 Veterans Build. Photo courtesy of the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity) 

Anchor Allie's hosts "Bushels and Bubbles" Oyster roast

16Imagine a Sunday morning brunch of chilled champagne, fresh shucked oysters and coastal bites. Anchor Allie’s is presenting an alternative to shrimps and grits- Bushels and Bubbles Oyster Brunch. The brunch will take place on Nov. 9, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The serving times are 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Anchor Allie’s is located at 1204 Bragg Boulevard. The age limit for this event is twenty-one and older, and come dressed to impress. General Admission tickets are $57.92. Ticket reservations are available at https://bit.ly/49s2OQN. For more information about the event, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/819342530565279/.
The Bushels and Bubbles menu features raw oysters on the half-shell, steamed oysters, Oysters Rockefeller, bacon and brie-baked oysters, lemon garlic oysters and jalapeno oysters. The kitchen menu is seafood chowder, home fries, scrambled eggs, homemade sour cream and cheddar biscuits, and charcuterie and salmon lox spread. The bubbles available at the event will be spirits. Champagne, sauvignon blanc, gin gimlets, vodka martinis and bloody marys will all be served. Oyster shooters are also available, with flavors such as champagne jalapeno, beer and tequila. Caviar Bumps are available for purchase as a luxury add on to elevate the oyster and champagne experience.
Anchor Allie’s offers a regular, diverse menu of items such as the Bangor Bowl, Allie’s Favorite French Toast, Green Beret Burger, the Top Gun, the Crew’s Chicken and Waffles, and Frigate Shrimp and Grits. The Frigate Shrimp and Grits consist of eight blackened shrimp, sauteed with garlic, spinach, red pepper and mushrooms over cheese grits. The Crew’s Chicken and Waffles dish is fried chicken paired with a Belgian waffle dusted with powdered sugar and two eggs. The Bangor Bowl consists of scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, and cheddar cheese over tater tots, topped with sour cream, green onions and cilantro.
Sip champagne and savor oysters at the Bushels and Bubbles Oyster Brunch at Anchor Allie’s on Nov. 9. Adults 21 years and older are asked to come dressed to impress for the event.

You Glow Girl! Promises day of radiance, renewal, sisterhood

17“You Glow Girl!” is more than just a catchy phrase; it’s a movement designed to uplift, inspire and celebrate women from all walks of life. This one day purpose-driven wellness and empowerment experience will take place Sunday, Nov. 9, at Studio 215 in Fayetteville. The event promises to recharge, grow and help attendees glow from the inside out through a thoughtfully curated lineup of experiences.
Doors open at 1 p.m. for VIP guests and 1:45 p.m. for general admission, with the main event running from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Every element, from the décor to the music to the menu, has been carefully crafted to create an atmosphere of unity and renewal.
A Full-Scale Empowerment Experience
Attendees can expect a range of sessions designed to nurture mind, body and spirit. The Wellness and Self Care Workshops will offer practical tools for physical and emotional well-being, while the Empowerment Panel Discussions will feature inspiring speakers and thought leaders sharing candid conversations on resilience and growth.
For those looking to level up their financial confidence, Financial Wellness Sessions will provide tangible strategies to build wealth and financial security. A Curated Shopping Experience will highlight women-owned businesses offering beauty, lifestyle, and wellness products, giving guests the chance to support local entrepreneurs while indulging in a bit of self-care.
Guests will also enjoy a Brunch and Bar experience, complete with delicious bites and signature drinks, creating the perfect setting for authentic connection and conversation. The ambiance will be elevated by live music, setting the tone for celebration, reflection, and sisterhood.
Adding to the excitement, the event will feature interactive activations and a photo booth to capture memorable moments with friends. Swag bags, giveaways and thoughtful touches will surprise guests throughout the day, making every detail feel intentional and heartfelt.
VIP Perks and Glamorous Details
Those opting for the VIP experience will enjoy exclusive early access, premium seating and special gifts designed to elevate their afternoon. “You Glow Girl!” is also a visual celebration; guests are encouraged to arrive in chic orange and purple attire. The coordinated color palette ensures the event will be as stunning to the eye as it is enriching to the soul. This will definitely be a photo opportunity for influencers and tastemakers.
The venue, Studio 215, located at 215 Williams Street in downtown Fayetteville, will transform into a glowing haven of sisterhood and celebration. Known for its elegant, modern atmosphere, the venue perfectly complements the event’s mission of beauty, empowerment, and connection.
The Vision Behind the Glow
The woman bringing this vision to life is Daishae’, a Fayetteville-based event curator and founder of Exquisite Soirée. A self-described “military brat” raised in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, Daishae’ has been creating unforgettable events for more than seven years. Her passion for crafting immersive experiences stems from her belief that every woman deserves to be celebrated, seen, and poured into.
“I offer experiences,” she said. “I wanted to create a space where women could show up fully as themselves, unfiltered, celebrated, and seen.”
Purple, her favorite color, represents royalty and transformation, while orange signifies vibrance and creativity. Together, these colors embody the spirit of "You Glow Girl!" a day dedicated to joy, sisterhood, and shared radiance.
Her past productions include an extravagant Beyoncé-inspired party in Charlotte, N.C., that drew acclaim for its creativity and attention to detail. But for Daishae’, "You Glow Girl!" is about more than aesthetics; it’s about emotional restoration and community connection.
“The goal of this event is for women to feel appreciated and enjoy a guilt-free day of pouring into each other’s cups,” she says. “You Glow Girl! is about sisterhood, healing, and the beauty of glowing together.”
A Movement, Not Just a Moment
In an age where many women juggle careers, family, and personal growth, "You Glow Girl!" serves as a reminder to pause, reconnect, and recharge. It’s an invitation to celebrate accomplishments, release burdens, and step into a new season of empowerment.
Each workshop, panel, and activation is designed to spark transformation from learning self-care rituals and financial strategies to forming connections that last beyond the event itself. Guests can expect an afternoon filled with laughter, learning, and light, a true embodiment of what it means to “glow.”
As the music plays and conversations flow, "You Glow Girl!" aims to leave every woman walking away renewed, inspired, and ready to shine brighter than ever.
For those seeking inspiration, empowerment, and a touch of glam, this is one event that promises to deliver all three and then some.
Follow @exquisitesoiree on Instagram for updates, tickets, and sneak peeks into what promises to be one of Fayetteville’s most radiant celebrations of women this year.

(Photo courtesy of Exquisite Soirees' Facebook page)

“Run for the Fallen” Rolls Through Fayetteville

19The engines will rumble to life at Legends Pub on Saturday, Nov. 8, as riders, veterans, and supporters gather for Run for the Fallen, a community motorcycle poker run honoring the men and women who served and sacrificed. The event, hosted by the U.S. Military Vets Motorcycle Club North Carolina Chapter 1, begins at noon at 4624 Bragg Boulevard and culminates in an afternoon of music, food, and remembrance.
What started years ago as a modest charity ride has evolved into one of Fayetteville’s most heartfelt veteran-centered gatherings. Proceeds from the event fund the placement of holiday wreaths on the graves of fallen service members this December — a small but powerful gesture that speaks to enduring gratitude.
“This is more than just a ride,” said Holly Whitley, owner of Legends Pub, the host venue. “It’s a reminder that every name, every story, and every sacrifice deserves to be remembered.”
The Run for the Fallen follows a poker run format, a favorite among motorcycle clubs for its blend of camaraderie and competition. Riders will make several designated stops throughout Cumberland County, collecting a card at each before returning to Legends Pub. The participant with the best poker hand at the end of the ride wins a prize, but organizers say the real reward is knowing that every mile ridden helps preserve the memory of veterans who can no longer join the road themselves.
For those who don’t ride, the event still offers plenty to experience. Legends Pub will host a silent auction, raffle prizes, and a post-ride social, where supporters can gather, bid on donated items, and share stories with veterans and their families.
While the motorcycles are a focal point, the day is designed to include everyone. Families often line the route to wave flags, and even non-riders stop by the pub to contribute. The air hums with energy exhaust mingling with the sounds of laughter, music, and connection.
The proceeds from Run for the Fallen directly support the annual wreath-laying ceremony scheduled for Dec. 13, when volunteers will place hundreds of evergreen wreaths on veterans’ graves across the region. Each wreath represents a promise kept — that those who served will not fade into history.
The motorcycle club behind the event, composed largely of veterans, views it as a personal calling. Many members have stories etched into their service, brothers and sisters lost in battle, or friends whose memories live on through these rides. The act of fundraising and remembrance brings them a sense of purpose that extends beyond the open road.

“Every wreath we place tells a story,” Whitley said. “It says to that veteran, and to their family, that Fayetteville remembers you. We see you.”
Organizing the event takes months of coordination, from securing routes to gathering volunteers. Local businesses have stepped forward with donations, offering everything from gift baskets to gift cards for the auction. The turnout has steadily grown in recent years, reflecting Fayetteville’s deep connection to its military identity.
The ride has also become a space for reflection and fellowship. Veterans often find themselves swapping stories with younger riders or civilians eager to listen. For many, the conversation is as healing as the ride itself. The combination of noise and nostalgia — engines roaring alongside quiet gratitude-- creates an atmosphere that feels sacred in its own way.
At the end of the day, as the last bike rolls in and the raffle winners are announced, there’s an unmistakable sense of community accomplishment. Flags flutter in the cooling air, the crowd thins, and volunteers begin packing up. What remains is a shared pride, the kind that binds a town to its veterans in more than words.
Fayetteville, known as “America’s Hometown” for its close ties to Fort Bragg and the U.S. Army, has long celebrated its military legacy. But events like Run for the Fallen take that legacy beyond ceremony; they put gratitude into motion. The roar of each motorcycle becomes a tribute, the wreaths a message of remembrance, and the faces of the volunteers a reflection of the community’s enduring respect.
As one of Fayetteville’s most veteran-friendly establishments, Legends Pub has become a natural hub for events like this. Its walls are lined with service memorabilia, and on any given weekend, the crowd includes both active-duty soldiers and retirees swapping stories. Whitley says the goal is to keep that spirit alive, one event at a time.
“We’re just proud to be part of something that brings people together,” she said. “Whether you ride or not, everyone can take part in honoring those who gave everything.”
Registration for Run for the Fallen begins at noon on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Legends Pub, 4624 Bragg Blvd. Riders can register on-site, and non-riders are encouraged to attend the auction and festivities. Proceeds will fund local Wreaths Across America for veterans’ graves to be placed in December.
The event is open to the public. For more information or to donate, participants can contact Legends Pub or visit the U.S. Military Vets Motorcycle Club North Carolina Chapter 1 social media page for updates.
In a city built around service, gratitude still rides loud.
Visit https://facebook.com/events/s/run-for-the-fallen/787109897548965/ for more information

Cumberland County Veterans Council expands tradition of service

12Downtown Fayetteville will come alive on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 10 a.m., when the Cumberland County Veterans Council presents its 29th annual Veterans Day Parade, a celebration honoring past, present, and future generations of military service.
This year’s parade marks the largest in recent memory, featuring 95 entries and a renewed partnership with Fort Bragg’s XVIII Airborne Corps and Pope Army Airfield. The 2025 theme, “In Honor of Our Veterans,” reflects the Council’s enduring mission to unify the military community and the civilians who support it.
“This is our biggest year yet,” said Dr. Toshiba Narcisse, U.S. Army Retired, CCVC senior vice president and parade director. “We have 95 entries, 36 volunteers, and some exciting new additions, including our first-ever veterans’ horse unit from the Horsemen of Colors right here in Cumberland County. It’s going to be a beautiful sight.”
Now in its 29th year, the Veterans Day Parade has become one of the most anticipated community gatherings in Fayetteville. The event serves as a reflection of the city’s deep military roots and an opportunity for residents to express gratitude for the men and women who have served.
Dr. Narcisse has been part of the parade’s planning for more than a decade and is now in her third year as director. Each year presents new challenges and new reasons to celebrate.
“This parade brings together the past, the present, and the future,” she said. “You have retired veterans walking side-by-side with active-duty soldiers and JROTC students who represent the next generation of service. It’s a living timeline of military heritage right in our streets.”
Among the parade’s most touching traditions is the participation of Mr. Bud, one of the area’s oldest veterans and a member of Rolling Thunder. His appearance each year reminds spectators why the parade exists to honor those whose service spans generations and whose stories continue to inspire.
Coordinating nearly 100 entries from bands and color guards to float crews and honor escorts requires months of work and dozens of dedicated volunteers. This year, 36 volunteers helped with permits, registrations, and route logistics to ensure the parade runs smoothly.
“It’s a lot of coordination, but we have a great team inside the Veterans Council,” Dr. Narcisse explained. “Most of us are veterans ourselves, so we treat this as a mission. We plan early, stay disciplined, and make sure everything is ready well before the first marching band steps off.”
The parade will again begin on Hay Street in downtown Fayetteville and follow a modified route introduced several years ago to accommodate crowds and city inspections. While the adjustment has required some fine-tuning, Narcisse said this year’s team has perfected the flow.
“This new route has become part of our story,” she said. “Each turn represents how we’ve adapted as a community. We’ve had to learn and relearn our space, but that’s what resilience looks like.”
For 2025, spectators can expect to see the 82nd Airborne Division Band and Chorus, local JROTC units, and numerous veterans’ organizations marching in formation. The addition of the Horsemen of Colors marks the first appearance of a mounted unit in the parade’s history.
“The horses symbolize discipline and strength,” Narcisse said. “They bring a visual element that connects to the history of service and ceremonial tradition. It’s something we’ve wanted to do for a long time, and now it’s finally happening.”
In addition to the parade itself, Narcisse and the CCVC are working to build a larger community celebration for the organization’s 30th anniversary next year. Her vision includes a post-parade “Family Day” event at Segra Stadium featuring information booths, music, and activities for children as a way to keep the spirit of service alive beyond the morning march.
“When veterans and their families come together outside uniform, you see the human side of service,” she said. “It’s joyful and restorative. That’s the energy we want to carry forward.”
For Dr. Narcisse, a veteran and the daughter and mother of service members, the parade is deeply personal.
“This is a family reunion for me,” she said warmly. “I served, my parents served, and now my sons serve. Every time I stand on that review stand and see those flags pass by, I remember why we do this. It’s to honor every sacrifice and to love our veterans loudly.”
Her message to the community is simple: “Be kind, be nice — and love a veteran.”
Spectators are encouraged to arrive early for the 10 a.m. start and line the streets with flags and signs of support. The Cumberland County Veterans Council continues to welcome organizations, bands, and civic groups interested in joining future events.
Inquiries may be emailed to ccvcveteransparade@gmail.com.

(Photo: Community supporters cheer as U.S. Army Paratroopers from 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, march in the Cumberland County Council’s Veterans Day Parade in Fayetteville, Nov. 2, 2024. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Elvis Umanzor)

Latest Articles

  • Fayetteville's cherished tradition continues: FSO, CCA present Handel's "Messiah"
  • Publisher's Pen: Senator Tom McInnis on Fuquay-Varina’s interbasin Transfer Request
  • Molly the Warrior Princess and the $400 cup of coffee
  • Government Watch: City Council sworn in; NC Delegates named Job Champions
  • Chamber opposes interbasin transfer certificate request
  • Chamber launches health insurance option for small businesses
Up & Coming Weekly Calendar
  

Login/Subscribe