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Tuesday, 20 May 2025
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Written by Sheila D. Barker
Shop Cursive, formally known as White Trash & Colorful Accessories, is thrilled to mark its 20th anniversary, a milestone that speaks volumes about its commitment to creativity and community. Over the past two decades, this unique gift shop has carved out a niche for itself in downtown Fayetteville by offering goods that encourage personal expression and bring a sense of fun and connection.
The owners, Molly and Bruce Arnold, have been instrumental in the revitalization of downtown Fayetteville, making significant contributions not just through Shop Cursive but also by owning the building in which it is located and the popular Rude Awakening Coffee House on Hay Street. Their dedication to the community is evident in the shop's longstanding success and loyal customer base.
“After buying 227 Hay St., saving it from demolition, and opening Rude Awakening, Elinor Luse of the Fayetteville Partnership convinced me to buy the condemned building at 223-231 Franklin Street and save it from demolition,” Molly said. “She reminded me of my firm, and often stated, belief that Fayetteville would never have a successful downtown if all we had was Hay Street. In May of 2005, Bruce fell off a ladder while removing some old telephone lines dangling from the front of the building and was out of work, and we had our first lease tenant at the far end. We opened up a Pop-Up Shop that I named White Trash & Colorful Accessories to attract more tenants and for Bruce to sell my inventory of shabby chic style furniture, outdoor metal furniture, and art, and collect unique decor and gift items. I added some greeting cards because cards are a love of mine, and I enjoy mailing them. After we gained other tenants and he went back to work, the store remained.”
Molly talked about the reasons behind the store’s name change, offering a thoughtful explanation of what prompted the decision and how it reflected the evolving vision of the business. She also delved into the factors that have contributed to the store’s remarkable longevity, sharing insights into the values, strategies, and community support that have enabled it to thrive and remain successful for over 20 years.
“A few years ago, we renamed it to Cursive. The original name (White Trash) was tongue-in-cheek for the original peeling paint and rusty metal shabby look that we started selling. Later, it was not as relevant to what we were selling. I chose Cursive because so many of our products have words on them, allowing artistic expressions in your home decor, accessories, and garden/porch/patio. And although the word has no association with cursing, we do shed caution that we feature ‘Vibrant Language,’ and it was my play on words. Our products all make a statement about who the person is- Being Yourself. Unapologetically, Authentically, YOU. It's the authenticity of our store that resonates. I still bring in things curated from my personal collection and unusual finds.”
To thank their customers for two decades of support, Shop Cursive is rolling out exclusive promotions and daily discounts throughout the month-long celebration. Each day will feature special deals on some of their favorite artists and products, making it the perfect time to find unique gifts and treasures.
As part of the anniversary festivities, Shop Cursive will be holding weekly giveaways, providing customers with a chance to win exciting prizes. With every purchase of $20 or more, customers will be entered into a drawing to win a 'Tote of Goodies’, featuring a different prize each week.
Winners will be drawn on Sundays, adding an extra layer of excitement to the shopping experience. The month-long celebration will culminate in a grand finale on May 31. This special event will feature a celebration with snacks and drinks, providing a festive atmosphere for customers to enjoy as they shop and mingle.
Shop Cursive invites everyone to join them for this memorable occasion, which will be a fitting end to a month of fun and rewards. It's the perfect opportunity to celebrate the shop's 20 years of success and look forward to many more years of creativity and community.
Molly is hoping that the block on Franklin Street offers a home to small businesses and their customers for 20 more years.
“Cursive is one of five stores on Franklin Street fulfilling my vision of offering a small business the affordable opportunity to bring their vision to life. The stores occasionally change, but the synergy and fabulousness of the block stays intact. Cursive's current neighbors are Years Gone By Antiques, The Promise, a retail space available for rent, and, opening soon, a bookstore. We have convenient parking and invite you to visit and explore the specialness of Franklin Street Place.”
(Photo courtesy of Shop Cursive's Facebook Page)
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Tuesday, 20 May 2025
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Written by Lisa Stevens
Fayetteville Young Life is thrilled to bring you a fresh take on America’s newest and favorite sport: pickleball! Join them on May 31 at 10 a.m., at Rowan Park on 725 W Rowan St. Registration begins at 9 a.m.
This isn’t just any ordinary tournament; Fayetteville Young Life is turning up the excitement with music, delicious food, giveaways, and incredible prizes for the winners! Their mission is to raise funds that support Young Life in the Fayetteville and Fort Bragg area while creating a fun-filled day for everyone in the community.
This tournament is designed for all ages and skill levels, from those looking for a friendly game to those who aim to dominate the competition. The goal of the day is to have fun!
Since its inception in 1947, Young Life has been a beacon of hope and support for youths navigating the complexities of today’s world. The organization has trained compassionate leaders dedicated to mentoring young people, walking alongside them to navigate through life’s challenges. Young Life creates welcoming spaces where high school and college students can come as they are.
At the heart of Young Life is a commitment to sharing the teachings of Jesus, instilling hope in these teens about who they can become. Through meaningful relationships and genuine mentorship, they help young individuals understand that life is lived abundantly through a relationship with God. It isn’t merely about establishing programs; it’s about fostering deep connections and building a robust network of support throughout Fayetteville.
Preston Griffin, Founder and Area Director of Fayetteville Young Life, is a testament to the power of faith and community, rooted deeply in his childhood experiences. Fayetteville Young Life began with a simple prayer, one that echoed the desires of a fourth grader who had no idea how significant that moment would become. Growing up as an Army brat with a chaplain father, Preston was accustomed to change and relocation. Yet, as he left Fayetteville for Leavenworth, Kansas, he felt an inexplicable pull toward the city he was leaving behind.
Fast forward seven years and multiple moves later, Preston found himself back in Fayetteville and ready to graduate high school. God had instilled a longing for this city within him long before he could articulate it.
Upon returning, however, Preston faced a bittersweet reality: while he was thrilled to reconnect with old friends, he mourned the vibrant Young Life community he'd left behind in West Point, New York. Instead of succumbing to disappointment, he channeled his energy into creating something new at his high school—a “wannabe Young Life” culture where faith flourished among peers during spirit week festivities.
His leadership blossomed as student body president; through this role and newfound friendships steeped in faith, incredible transformations began to unfold within their high school community. This foundation laid the groundwork for what would come next—attending Messiah University, where Preston received formal training as a Young Life leader.
After marrying Bailey—the love of his life—they dove headfirst into ministry together in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Their work, intertwined with the U.S. Army War College, allowed them to connect military families with local resources and support systems while fostering relationships that would eventually lead many back to Fayetteville.
The leaders who came alongside Preston offered invaluable truth and mentorship that shaped his future aspirations. Inspired by this experience, he pursued a degree in Marketing and Business Strategy, eager to give back to the community that had given him so much.
After establishing a successful program in Carlisle, Preston felt a calling to return home to Fayetteville, as his heart was set on creating an environment where every high school student could experience the same support he did. Since then, it has been nothing short of amazing to see the community rally around Young Life’s mission. His vision is clear: reach every kid in the city.
Young Life is devoted to reaching out to every corner of our city because every child deserves hope and guidance amidst life's challenges. By investing in the lives of our youth today, Young Life is not only shaping their futures but also enriching our community as a whole.
It isn’t just about establishing programs; it’s about fostering relationships and building a network of support throughout Fayetteville.
“As the Founder and Area Director of Fayetteville Young Life, my journey has been deeply personal and profoundly transformative. Having spent eight years on staff with Young Life, including the past five leading this initiative, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of mentorship and community engagement,” Preston shared.
Join in for an incredible day of pickleball where participation helps Fayetteville Young Life reach more teenagers in our area with love and hope. Team entry costs $70 per team ($35 per person), and sponsorship opportunities range from $250 to $2,500.
Let’s rally for a cause and have an unforgettable day doing it. Your participation helps connect teens with caring mentors and life-changing experiences. To register or get more information, visit their website at www.younglife.org and grab a paddle and a teammate.
Fayetteville Young Life would like to thank their incredible sponsors for their support - Chick-Fil-A (Skibo Rd Location), Dream Finders Homes, Hubbard Supply, Immanuel Baptist Church, A-Bomb Energy, Dogwood Bank, Hill Top Family Dentistry. Sponsorship is still available. Contact Preston Griffin at 719-761-4866 or email: pgriffinyl@gmail.com.
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