Entertainment

Wellness in Bloom at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden

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Wednesday, 14 May 2025

Written by Ana White

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.
“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

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Wednesday, 14 May 2025

Written by Lena Simmons

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.
United 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/

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

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Wednesday, 14 May 2025

Written by Jamie Bishop

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.
“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

Cumberland Choral Arts’ season finale marks turning point

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Wednesday, 14 May 2025

Written by Katie Herring

Cumberland Choral Arts, Fayetteville’s local community choir, will wrap up their 2024-25 season with a concert on Saturday, May 17, at 7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students.
While all Cumberland Choral Arts concerts showcase the talent of vocalists in our community and share the beauty of choral music, this concert is special for two additional reasons. First, this concert will be a preview of the work that members of CCA will perform in June at Carnegie Hall. At that time, some members of the choir, under the direction of Artistic Director Michael Martin, will perform “Lux Aeterna” at the famed concert hall in New York City. The second reason that this concert is such a pivotal one is that it is the final concert under the direction of Dr. Martin.
Lux Aeterna-Eternal Light
This final concert under Martin’s direction promises to be a memorable one. The centerpiece of the evening will be Morten Lauridsen’s ethereal “Lux Aeterna,” a work of profound beauty that holds special significance for Dr. Martin.
“Lux Aeterna,” Latin for “eternal light,” is a Requiem Mass, yet its essence leans towards hope and serenity rather than somber reflection. Lauridsen’s compositional style, often described as neo-Renaissance with echoes of Gregorian chant, allows the music to flow seamlessly, creating a rich tapestry of sound. Martin eloquently describes the powerful impact of the work, noting how audiences are drawn to its “rich chords” and how it stands as “singularly different” from many other orchestral and choral arrangements. He also highlights how the music resonates deeply with the performers.
“This is one of those pieces that is challenging; the musicality that is needed requires a lot of monitoring and effort from the conductor,” Michael shared. This performance will mark the second time he has conducted this deeply personal piece.
Adding to the richness of the program, the concert will also feature two other pieces by Morten Lauridsen, which will be conducted by the incoming Artistic Director, Maj. Curt Kinsey, and performed by the Cross Creek Chorale. This seamless transition within the program itself symbolizes the passing of the baton and the exciting future that lies ahead for Cumberland Choral Arts.
Dr. Michael Martin-Artistic Director
For fifteen years, with a brief hiatus between 2017 and 2020, Martin has been the guiding force behind the Cumberland Choral Arts, nurturing its growth and artistic vision. His journey with the ensemble began in 2008, continuing until 2017 when personal reasons led him to step away. However, his commitment to the organization remained strong, and in 2020, when the Artistic Director who had succeeded him resigned, he returned to provide crucial interim leadership. His return coincided with an unprecedented global challenge. Just days after his first rehearsal back on Monday, March 9, 2020, the burgeoning COVID-19 pandemic forced the world into lockdown, sending the choir home by the end of the week.
Despite the immense obstacles, Martin’s dedication shone through. He skillfully navigated the uncharted territory of virtual rehearsals and productions, ensuring the choir remained connected and artistically engaged through online videos. When the ensemble was finally able to reconvene in person, the response was heartening, with membership numbers reflecting the deep appreciation for the continuity and artistic direction Martin provided. Reflecting on his tenure with the organization, Martin expressed immense satisfaction with the organization’s growth and the supportive role of its board, which he credits with making his job as Artistic Director fulfilling.
Martin, who serves as the choir director at Pinecrest High School and at Sandhills Community College, expressed his gratitude for his time with the Cumberland Choral Arts. With family commitments becoming a greater focus, he feels now is the time to step away from leadership of CCA.
Reflecting on his tenure at his various positions in this area, which included time as a choral director at Methodist University, Dr. Martin shared that he is grateful for the ability to contribute to the growth of the music community in Fayetteville. He assured the membership that while he is stepping away from the Artistic Directorship, he intends to lend his other talents to the organization in the background, assisting with the transition to Kinsey’s leadership. He emphasized his willingness to help as needed, while also respecting the space required for Kinsey to establish his own vision. Notably, Martin has no plans to become involved with another community choir, indicating that his focus remains on supporting the Cumberland Choral Arts in this new phase.
He poignantly described his time with CCA as a significant part of his life’s work in fostering a vibrant musical community in Fayetteville, especially after the elimination of the arts programs at Methodist University.
“CCA has always been the constant, the support system and opportunity-maker for me,” he shared. “When I look back on 15 years with this group, the only word I can come up with is grateful.”
He expressed his satisfaction in leaving the organization in capable hands, stating, “It’s nice to be able to leave something better than you found it, and know that it is in good hands.”
The announcement of Michael’s retirement in February was met with quiet sadness, a testament to the deep respect and affection the choir and community hold for him. However, the subsequent announcement of Maj. Curt Kinsey’s appointment as his successor was met with enthusiastic cheers, signaling the excitement and optimism surrounding the next chapter of Cumberland Choral Arts.
A New Era for CCA
Kinsey brings a wealth of musical experience to the position. A Major in the Army, he has conducted bands and choirs for the military across the nation. His background in leading diverse musical ensembles promises a dynamic and engaging future for CCA.
Looking ahead, Cumberland Choral Arts, under Kinsey’s leadership, will undoubtedly continue to enrich the cultural landscape of Fayetteville. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, the Choral’s role in celebrating and preserving American musical heritage will be more important than ever.
The events of May 17 will extend beyond the final note, with a reception planned following the concert. All attendees are invited to the reception. This will provide an opportunity for the audience to meet and greet the performers, offer their heartfelt farewells to Dr. Martin, and warmly welcome Kinsey into his new role.
Tickets for this significant concert are priced at $15 for adults and $5 for students. They can be purchased in advance through the Cumberland Choral Arts website or at the door starting at 6:30 p.m. on May 17, with doors for seating opening at 7 p.m. This promises to be an evening of exceptional music, heartfelt farewells, and enthusiastic anticipation for the future – a fitting culmination to a remarkable season and the beginning of an exciting new era for Cumberland Choral Arts.

(Photos: Above: Members of Cumberland Choral Arts pose for a photo after performing in Prague. Above left: Dr. Michael Martin will be stepping down as artistic director following the performance of Lux Aeterna at Carnegie Hall. Bottom left: Maj. Curtis Kinsey will be stepping in as the new artistic director. Photos courtesy of CCA)