Entertainment

VFW Luncheon held to honor Vietnam War veterans

12a The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 670 is hosting the Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Luncheon Thursday, March 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will be held at VFW Post 670 on Doc Bennett Road.

“This year marks the 50th anniversary of American combat troops withdrawing from Vietnam on March 30, 1973,” said Amelia Smith, VFW Post 670 quartermaster and point of contact for the event.

“I am the daughter of a Vietnam veteran and I can remember the bitterness my father sometimes expressed about the treatment that he and others in his community received upon their return from Vietnam.”

She added, “A few years ago, Charlotte Motor Speedway hosted a huge Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans event and it was overwhelming to watch the guys who did not know one another act as if they had known each other for years. I have not seen any event like that before nor have I seen or heard of one happening since.”

“I realized that nothing was happening in Fayetteville for Vietnam Veterans, so last year we put together a luncheon and about 75 people attended,” said Smith.

“We did not have an official guest speaker, but we did have some awesome support from the local community.”

Smith added, “The one thing that I noticed during last year’s luncheon is there were not any females that claimed to have been in Vietnam during the war.”

This year’s goal is to have women who were in Vietnam during the war attend the luncheon so they can be recognized and appreciated.

“These ladies suffer from the same health problems as the men, have similar or the same mental health concerns and deserve to be recognized,” said Smith. 12b

“For this year’s event, we have the support of Methodist University’s ROTC, The Fayetteville Sound, Rolling Thunder and a special guest speaker.”

Sponsors for the event include the Cumberland County Veterans Council, BluSky Restoration and Tom Biggerstaff.

“The sponsors and groups have definitely made it a lot easier to pull this event together,” said Smith. “I am so excited to see the Vietnam Veterans, both men and women, come out and have a couple of hours to feel appreciated on the 50th anniversary of the withdrawal from Vietnam.”

The event is free and space is limited. The deadline to RSVP is Wednesday, March 8.
According to the national website, the mission of the VFW is to foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans.

The VFW vision is to ensure that veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of this great country.

For more information or to RSVP, call or text 910-709-8306, email 670vfw@gmail.com or stop by VFW Post 670 to let the bartender know your name and that you want to RSVP for the event.
For more information about VFW Post 670 membership and events visit https://vfw670.org/di/vfw/v2/default.asp?nid=1.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a nonprofit veterans service organization comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, Guard and Reserve forces. There are three qualifiers for membership in the VFW, as set out in the National Bylaws. An individual must meet all three in order to become a member.

  • 1: Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. National.
  • 2: Must have served honorably in the Armed Forces of the United States and either received a discharge of Honorable or General (Under Honorable Conditions) or be currently serving.
  • 3: Service in a war, campaign or expedition on foreign soil or in hostile waters*. This can be proven by any of the following:
    • An authorized campaign medal
    • Receipt of Hostile Fire Pay or Imminent Danger Pay (verified by a military pay statement)
    • Service in Korea for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days

This information is usually available through a veteran’s DD-214. If other information is needed or if a veteran’s DD-214 is not complete, they can contact the National Personnel Records Center online or at 314.801.0800 to request more information.

More detailed information on VFW eligibility can be accessed at https://www.vfw.org/join/eligibility.
If you are not eligible for membership in the VFW but you have a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling or spouse who would be eligible then you may apply for membership in the VFW Auxiliary. You can learn more at www.vfwauxiliary.org.

FTCC film reenacts key moments of arrest that led to landmark Miranda case; panel open to public

18a You have the right to remain silent.

Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. You can decide to exercise these rights and stop answering questions at any time. Do you understand each of these rights as I have explained them to you?

Many of us have heard those statements, but few of us fully understand them.

On March 13, 1963, police arrested Ernesto Miranda on charges of rape and kidnapping after a witness identified him in Phoenix, Arizona. Following his arrest, the police brought Miranda in for questioning on a larceny charge.

During his two-hour interrogation, police did not advise Miranda of his constitutional rights to an attorney or to remain silent. Nonetheless, Miranda signed a written confession affirming knowledge of these rights and admitting to the crimes.

On June 27, 1963, Miranda was convicted of rape, kidnapping and robbery.

Miranda appealed his conviction to the U.S. Supreme Court, which reviewed the case in 1966. The Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision written by Chief Justice Earl Warren, ruled that the prosecution should not have introduced Miranda's confession as evidence because the police failed to first inform Miranda of his right to an attorney and his right against self-incrimination.

Today, the Miranda Rights remain, in the words of Chief Justice Earl Warren, “the essential mainstay” of our legal system.
To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the arrest of Ernesto Miranda and the start of a three-year saga that culminated in the Supreme Court case of Miranda v. Arizona, Fayetteville Technical Community College filmed a historical reenactment of the key moments in the Miranda ordeal.

Please join us at Cumberland Hall Auditorium, located at 2211 Hull Road, on the FTCC campus on March 7 from noon to 3 p.m. for “Making Noise About Silence,” the world premiere of FTCC’s educational film about the Miranda decision.

After playing the short film, legal and law enforcement experts from our community will share their thoughts on the Miranda case. Members of the panel will then answer audience questions.

Why is this educational event significant? What you learn at this event might be the only thing that keeps you — or someone you love — out of jail.

The event is open and free to the public. Guest speakers include:

  • Hon. James F. Ammons, Jr., Resident Superior Court Judge, 12th Judicial District
  • Chief Deputy Casper “Jack” Broadus, III, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office
  • Billy West, Cumberland County District Attorney •Cynthia P. Black, Esq., Cumberland County Public Defender
  • Larry Vick, Esq. Col (Ret.), U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps
  • Chief Kimberle Braden, Fayetteville City Police Department

For more information about this event or to reserve a seat, call 910-678-0043.

 

Cape Fear Kiwanis Club hosts 49th Annual Pancake Breakfast

15 The Cape Fear Kiwanis Club is once again bringing breakfast to locals for a good cause. From 7 a.m. to noon on March 3 and 4, guests can enjoy some tasty pancakes and sausage. Guests will be able to either eat in at the Greek Orthodox Church and Hellenic Center, located at 611 Oakridge Avenue in Fayetteville or take their food to go.

Tickets are $7 per person and all proceeds benefit our children and community! The Kiwanis Club of Cape Fear’s annual Pancake Breakfast was started by John S. Poulos.
Poulos is also the founder of Superior Bakery, located in Hope Mills, which is now run by his son, Nicko.

Since the first pancake breakfast, the turnout gets bigger and bigger every year, according to Steve Goodson, this year’s chairman of the Pancake Breakfast.

“It’s just a fun thing for everybody to socialize, eat, meet and greet each other, and have a good time, ” says Goodson.

Goodson is responsible for making sure that everyone eats well and has an enjoyable experience at the pancake breakfast. Participants that would like to order for a large group can call ahead and the order will be ready for pick-up the days of the event. There are also sponsorship opportunities for local businesses and organizations. If you would like to promote your business on the days of the event, banner spots are available for $100.

Kiwanis Club
Kiwanis is a worldwide service organization appealing to people with a desire to be personally involved in making their community a better place to live.
The Kiwanis Club of Cape Fear was organized in 1960 and is one of more than 7,000 clubs in over 80 countries.
The Kiwanis Club is focused on serving the children and youth of Cumberland County. They do this through service projects, fundraising events, sponsoring school-based service leadership programs, grants to nonprofit organizations, and scholarships for college-bound students.
For more info visit the Kiwanis Club of Cape Fear’s Facebook Page at https://m.facebook.com/people/Kiwanis-Club-of-Cape-Fear/100057491266577 or call 910-624-4949.

 

Enclave Stress Recovery Center offers holistic solutions for managing stress

17 The Greater Sandhills Chamber announced the opening of the Enclave Stress Recovery Center in Southwind Plaza in Spring Lake. The center provides a restorative environment for individuals seeking to manage stress and improve their mental health.

The Enclave features a Himalayan salt suite, an indoor garden, a beach room and an open floor for co-working and group sessions.

“Stress is a growing problem that affects everyone at some point, so we are thrilled to bring our unique services to Cumberland County,” said Executive Director Taneshia Kerr. “At The Enclave, we believe that wellness is a holistic journey, and we are committed to providing quality care, while helping our members achieve their best selves.”

The Enclave Stress Recovery Center offers a variety of immersive therapy suites, and other evidence-based therapies, including Christian counseling, aromatherapy, mindfulness practices, art therapy and stress management events.

“Each suite gives you the chance to immerse your senses,” Kerr said. “You can experience a relaxing time away, minus the road trip.” Enclave members can move from suite to suite at their own pace, alone or with friends. Members can enjoy a chair massage, do yoga, use meditation to refocus, have a complimentary drink with a book, or lay back and actively do nothing.

Speaking on behalf of the Greater Sandhills Chamber, Executive Treasurer Nisla Love described Kerr (who serves as President of the Chamber) as a giver. “It is an honor that you’re able to share and pour in to [the community] in this way,” Love said.

Mayor of Spring Lake Kia Anthony expressed gratitude for being at the site of the first location of the stress recovery center. “Mental health is very often overlooked so our town needs this place,” Anthony said. “I am so excited as the mayor of this community to see us growing and bringing in new businesses. I am excited to see such a need being filled with access to a safe place.”

The Enclave is also home to Fayetteville Christian Counseling. The Center is now accepting new members and they are available for private events and use by other wellness instructors and therapists.

The Enclave hosted a Galentine’s event earlier this month and plan a variety of events in the future, typically aimed at de-stressing and self-care. Up next on March 12 is Take Care Sis: A Day of Rest! The event, hosted by Ki and Kiki of Take Care Sis will include yoga, massages, sound bowl healing, self-care tips and more fun surprises. Each participant will also receive a swag bag.

Take Care Sis will be Sunday, March 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/take-care-sis-podcast-presents-a-day-of-rest-tickets-541979704887
For more information about Enclave Stress Recovery Center, call 910-339-0437 or visit www.EnclaveStressRecovery.com.

The Enclave is located at 1169 N. Bragg Blvd. in Spring Lake.

Shelton brings Honky Tonk Tour to Greensboro

14 Blake Shelton is back on the road this year and is bringing his Back to the Honky Tonk Tour to Greensboro Coliseum Thursday, Feb. 23. Joining the superstar on the tour will be Carly Pearce and Jackson Dean.

Blake Shelton

Shelton has ranked among Pollstar’s Top 200 North American Tours nearly every year for the past decade. The beloved recording artist is indeed going back to the honky tonk with his latest single “No Body,” which became the most added song at country radio when released. The song is “soaked in ‘90s country vibes,” according to Billboard, and its official music video features line-dancing at a country bar — complete with Shelton sporting his signature mullet.

This latest single continues to add to his impressive resume of music. The song comes on the heels of his album “Body Language Deluxe,” which features his Platinum-selling 28th country radio chart-topper, “Happy Anywhere” featuring Gwen Stefani.

As a coach for the Emmy Award-winning television show “The Voice,” Shelton is an eight-time champion. He and Carson Daly teamed up to executive produce and star in a new celebrity game show,

“Barmageddon,” which finished its first season on USA Network in January.

Carly Pearce

Rooted in the classics, Carly Pearce left her Kentucky home and high school at 16 to take a job at Dollywood. She has grown into an artist who embraces the genre’s forward progression. Confident in what she wants to say, the committed songwriter has resonated with fans and caught the attention of music critics from Billboard, NPR, Rolling Stone.

The New York Times included “29: Written In Stone” on their 2021 year-end Best of Lists. Pearce performed the collection in its entirety throughout her sold-out The 29 Tour. She also appeared on Kenny Chesney’s Here And Now Tour 2022.

Lighting a fire with her debut album “Every Little Thing” and the Platinum-certified history making title track, Carly’s 2X Platinum- certified “I Hope You’re Happy Now” with Lee Brice won both the CMA Musical Event and ACM Music Event, plus ACM Single of the Year.

Returning to host ACM Honors, the reigning ACM/CMA Awards Female Artist/Vocalist of the Year and Grand Ole Opry member (fittingly invited by Dolly Parton) is clearly living out her childhood dream. For more information, visit carlypearce.com.

Jackson Dean

Odenton, Maryland native Jackson Dean is a singer/songwriter known for his old school, gritty style of country. Jackson has a daring and carefree spirit, having moved out at 18 years old to live in a cinderblock, concrete floor, one-room shack on the back of his grandfather’s property with no heat and no plumbing. Bringing that same sense of adventure to his songwriting, Jackson writes both independently and alongside the likes of Luke Dick and Casey Beathard.

Following the release of his debut collection “Jackson Dean,” Jackson continues to show people how real music can be with atmospheric, musically forward album “Greenbroke” out now. Featured on the soundtrack for Netflix’s “The Ice Road” and in an episode of Paramount Network’s “Yellowstone,” the stomping “Don’t Come Lookin’” made its mark as his first single at country radio.

Following an early career of local performances in his hometown, Jackson has joined bills with superstar acts like Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Brantley Gilbert, Kane Brown, Jake Owen and Brothers Osborne. For more information, visit www.jacksondeanmusic.com.

More information and tickets to the Back to the Honky Tonk Tour, visit www.blakeshelton.com.

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