Entertainment

CCCOA to host Scam Jam Prevention event for seniors

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Tuesday, 10 March 2026

Written by Staff Report

The Cumberland County Council on Older Adults is inviting senior residents and caregivers across Fayetteville and Cumberland County to attend the upcoming Scam Jam Prevention Program, a community event designed to strengthen awareness, confidence, and protection against financial fraud.
Scams: A Growing Threat to Older Adults
Financial scams targeting older adults have become a growing national concern. The Federal Trade Commission reports that Americans age 60 and older lose billions of dollars each year to fraud schemes that often exploit trust, isolation, or unfamiliarity with new technology.
Programs like Scam Jam aim to help reverse that trend by giving seniors the knowledge and tools they need to recognize and avoid common scams.
CCCOA also encourages caregivers to attend. Caregivers are often the first to notice unusual financial activity, making them essential partners in early detection and prevention.
Hear Directly From Leading Agency Experts
One of the highlights of the Scam Jam Prevention Program is the opportunity to hear from multiple agencies working together to protect consumers. Representatives from state and local organizations will share practical advice on how scams work and what residents can do to protect themselves.
Participating agencies include:
• North Carolina Department of Insurance (SHIIP) — Specialists in Medicare fraud prevention and insurance-related scams.
• North Carolina Secretary of State — Experts in identifying investment scams, charity fraud, and deceptive business practices.
• Fayetteville Police Department — Law enforcement officers who often respond when scams escalate into identity theft or financial loss.
Together, these organizations will provide a comprehensive look at the latest fraud tactics and how to avoid them.
A Welcoming, Judgment-Free Environment
Organizers understand that some seniors may feel embarrassed or hesitant to attend fraud prevention events, especially if they have previously been targeted by scammers. Scam Jam is designed to be a welcoming, supportive, and judgment-free environment where residents can learn and ask questions comfortably.
To make the afternoon even more enjoyable, the event will also feature refreshments and door prizes.
The mission of the Cumberland County Council on Older Adults is simple: help make the senior community smarter, safer, and more confident when it comes to recognizing and avoiding scams.
The CCCOA Trusted Community Connection
The Scam Jam will be held on March 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Senior Center East at 917 Washington Dr.
Seating is limited. To RSVP, contact Ellouise Garvin at the Cumberland County Council on Older Adults at 910-484-0111. The event offers seniors and caregivers a chance to learn, connect, and gain practical tools to protect themselves in an increasingly complex world.

Vision Resource Center fashion show cultivates confidence among visually impaired

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Tuesday, 03 March 2026

Written by Anna White

A model steps into the spotlight and confidently walks the runway. This is their moment. Training, preparation, styling—classic fashion show precursors—but one thing is different. The models here are blind or visually impaired. This is the Vision Resource Center’s second annual fashion show for the blind and visually impaired. In a world often void of accommodations, Vision Resource Center is rolling out the red carpet to support independence and essential services for the visually impaired in Cumberland County. In the process, models find support and empowerment, blossoming to their greatest potential.
Vision Resource Center, which began in 1939 as the Cumberland County Association of the Blind, serves the special needs population of Cumberland County by providing a centralized place for education, vocational training, civic engagement, health programs, and recreational activities. They seek to address the social, economic, and vocational isolation that many visually impaired individuals face by offering accessible, comprehensive services in one place. They are one of the first four agencies of the United Way of Cumberland County and operate in conjunction with the Cumberland County Department of Social Services.
Last year, their inaugural fashion show, Blind to Boundaries: Eyes Closed, Style Open, was initiated by VRC member D. Wayne Gille, supported by volunteer Patty Nusbaum, Katherine Gill, and Shona Philips. The show sold out.
This year, a new theme is taking shape, inspired by springtime.
“After seeing the confidence and creativity that emerged during the 2025 debut, we felt drawn to a theme that celebrates personal growth, resilience, and the inner strength within our visually impaired community,” said Maureen Pacheco, community outreach and engagement specialist for Vision Resource Center. “The theme Full Bloom: Cultivating Confidence was inspired by the beginning of spring, a time when everything starts to open up, grow, and reveal new possibilities. That sense of renewal felt like the perfect reflection of what we want this show to represent.”
Pacheco says that behind the scenes, the concept developed through conversations exploring what confidence looks like for each individual.
“We were inspired by the life of a flower, from seed to bloom, and how that journey mirrors our own paths toward self-assurance,” she explained. “This imagery shaped our styling choices, visual design, and the atmosphere we set out to create. Our goal was for every model to feel supported and empowered to step into their own full bloom, much like the world coming alive at the start of spring.”
She shared two models’ stories that exemplify what this theme means on a personal level. Latasha Smith, who lost her sight nearly a decade ago due to a surgical complication, has chosen not to let the challenge define her. Instead, she has embraced joy, music, dance, and living fully.
“For Latasha, participating in the fashion show is a celebration of that resilience. When she steps onto the runway, she isn’t defined by her blindness. The event allows her to showcase her personality and strength, reminding herself and everyone watching that life doesn’t stop after loss,” shared Pacheco.
The second model, Tina Jacobs, is a proud Native American. She works as a childcare director, living with low vision due to diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.
Pacheco explained, “Tina sees the show as a platform to share her journey, advocate for inclusion, and demonstrate that her abilities and leadership extend far beyond her visual impairment.”
The fashion show changes its participants in lasting ways. Pacheco says that last year, they saw powerful shifts in the way models carried themselves once they were styled, supported and guided onto the runway.
“Their posture changed, their presence strengthened, and the way they expressed themselves radiated a new sense of pride,” she said. “Even after the event, many shared how their self-esteem had grown and how empowering the experience was.”
In addition to the show’s impact on models, Pacheco says they learned a lot from the wider community’s response. The 2025 show was held in a small venue and Pacheco says the turnout exceeded all expectations, an outcome she calls “remarkable.” This year, they’ve expanded both their venue and volunteer team, making it possible to “welcome everyone who wants to enjoy the show with us,“ according to Pacheco.
When community members attend, Pacheco says they leave with a deeper appreciation for the talent, creativity and confidence within the visually impaired community.
“Many people may not realize the range of abilities our models have or the incredible things they are capable of. This show is a chance to see them not defined by their disability, but by their courage, self-expression, and artistry,” she explained. “We want attendees to understand that the visually impaired community is fully present, active, and part of the same community they live in. They are capable of wonderful and beautiful things, and this event is a celebration of that.”
Attend Full Bloom: Cultivating Confidence, Saturday, March 21, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 614 Oakridge Ave. Tickets start at $26 and can be purchased online at visionresourcecentercc.org

Little Land: Big Play for Families comes to Crown

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Tuesday, 03 March 2026

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Families across Cumberland County are invited to step into a world built just for kids at Little Land: BIG Play for Families, hosted by Partnership for Children of Cumberland County. Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Crown Expo Center. And the best part? This high-energy, memory-making day is completely free for families.
From the moment guests arrive, Little Land lives up to its name — where tiny humans have BIG fun. The first 300 children through the doors will receive a free superhero cape, setting the tone for a day filled with imagination, adventure, and plenty of photo-worthy moments. Families can strut their stuff down the event’s Red Carpet, with photos later shared on Facebook, or capture a keepsake at the on-site photo booth to take home the same day.
Inside, the Expo Center transforms into an ultimate kid-powered adventure zone. “Jumbo Land” features oversized obstacle courses and larger-than-life activities that let children climb, jump, and explore in a safe, energetic environment. For younger participants, a separate Tot-Sized Jumbo Land ensures little explorers can play comfortably at their own pace. Free train rides, pickleball fun, face painting, hands-on creativity stations, story time, and playgroups with Kaleidoscope Play & Learn round out the action-packed lineup.
Families can also head over to Safety Land, where local safety experts make learning interactive and engaging. The Fayetteville Police Department will be on site with an impressive array of hands-on experiences, including meet-and-greets with law enforcement officers, a visit from Buster the mascot, drone demonstrations, forensics activities, crime prevention tips, and the chance to meet Archie the K-9. Children can even explore a police motorcycle up close — an experience sure to spark curiosity and excitement.
Character Land brings beloved characters to life for unforgettable photo opportunities, while hourly scavenger hunts add an extra layer of adventure. At 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1:30 p.m., families can join age-appropriate hunts for a chance to win one of four exciting prizes. Participants who find the “picture of the hour” and race back to the rainbow arch could take home giveaways designed to keep kids active all year long.
And yes — there are giveaways galore. From books to games and other treasures, many children will leave with something special in hand. Organizers promise mess-free creativity for parents, big-energy play for kids, and the kind of happy-tired smiles that only come after a day well spent.
Beyond the fun, Little Land supports an important mission. One hundred percent of proceeds from the event benefit the Partnership for Children of Cumberland County, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization funded through Smart Start, NC Pre-K, grants, tax-deductible donations, and community support. The organization works to ensure every child in Cumberland County has the opportunity for a strong start in life.
Bring your little explorer, embrace the extreme cuteness, and come play the Little Land way — where fun is kind of a BIG deal. The Crown Expo Center is located at 1960 Coliseum Dr. For more information on the Partnership for Children, visit their website at https://ccpfc.org/.

Vietnam Veterans, Gold Star Families to be honored

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Tuesday, 03 March 2026

Written by Jamie Bishop

Vietnam veterans and Gold Star families will gather March 26 for a special luncheon hosted by VFW Post 670 and the Cumberland County Veterans Council, an event designed to honor service, sacrifice and lasting impact.
The Vietnam Veteran & Gold Star Family Lunch will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at VFW Post 670 at 3928 Doc Bennett Rd. Organizers are inviting all Vietnam-era veterans and families who have lost loved ones in military service to attend the annual gathering, which has become a meaningful tradition in Cumberland County’s military community.
The luncheon coincides with National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29, a day set aside to recognize the nearly 2.7 million Americans who served in Vietnam between 1955 and 1975. Many of those service members returned home without the public appreciation extended to veterans of other wars. In recent years, communities across the country have worked to ensure that their service is acknowledged and remembered.
In Fayetteville, home to Fort Bragg and one of the nation’s largest military populations, the recognition carries particular weight. Generations of soldiers and their families live in the region, creating a strong network of veterans' organizations and support groups dedicated to serving those who served.
This year’s luncheon will also feature a representative from the Orange Heart Foundation, who will provide information about resources available to veterans and families affected by Agent Orange exposure. Agent Orange, a tactical herbicide used during the Vietnam War, has been linked to a range of serious health conditions. Decades after the conflict ended, many veterans continue to face medical challenges associated with that exposure.
The Orange Heart Foundation works to raise awareness about the long-term effects of Agent Orange and to connect individuals with educational materials, advocacy efforts and available benefits. Organizers say the presentation will help ensure attendees are informed about support systems and programs designed to assist those navigating health or benefits concerns tied to their service.
For Gold Star families, the luncheon offers a space of remembrance and community. The term “Gold Star” refers to families who have lost a loved one in military service. Events like this provide an opportunity to honor those sacrifices while fostering connection among families who share similar experiences.
Beyond the formal program, the luncheon is intended to create an atmosphere of fellowship. Attendees will share a meal, reconnect with fellow veterans and families, and reflect on the legacy of those who served during one of the most complex chapters in American military history.
VFW Post 670 is asking guests to RSVP by March 13. Reservations can be made in person at the post, by emailing ccvcssecretary@yahoo.com or by texting 910-709-8306. Early responses will help organizers prepare seating and meals.
Community leaders say the annual event serves as both a gesture of gratitude and a reminder that the effects of war extend far beyond the battlefield. While decades have passed since the end of the Vietnam War, the stories, sacrifices and health challenges associated with that era remain present in many families.
As Cumberland County prepares to observe Vietnam War Commemoration Day later this month, the luncheon stands as a local expression of appreciation, ensuring that Vietnam veterans and Gold Star families know their service and sacrifice are neither forgotten nor overlooked.

(Photo: Vietnam Veterans visit the VFW Post 670 during a luncheon. The VFW Post is holding their annual Vietnam Veterans and Gold Star Families Luncheon on March 26. Photo courtesy of Amelia Smith)